|  
Dog sledging in Tromsø, Norway Photo: Bård Løken

Winter in Tromsø

In winter, expect moderate temperatures, loads of snow, skies lit up by the northern lights and a hectic cultural scene.

Winter darkness

The polar nights from 21 November to 21 January offer stunning light conditions during the short dawn. Far from hibernating, the locals enjoy numerous festivals and cultural events, and appreciate the unstoppable nightlife even more than during the rest of the year. Dining is also a favourite pastime, as cod and shellfish are more succulent in winter.

Floodlit tracks enable cross-country and alpine skiing even in the winter darkness.

Winter sunlight

When the sun returns in late January, it is time to enjoy loads of snow. Cross-country skiing is a local favourite, nicely complemented by alpine skiing and snowboarding. 

Practice off-piste skiing inthe Lyngen Alps.  are among the best places on earth to practice off-piste skiing, and between March and April a variety of guided off-piste skiing trips are offered. Expect plenty of snow until May.

Northern lights

Most visitors in winter, however, come to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Tromsø is among the best places on earth to observe this phenomenon, although it is best to seek out a dark location out of town.

The highest northern lights frequency is between 6 pm and 1 am, and the best months are October, February and March. However, no guarantees can be given concerning the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, as the weather and solar winds are both highly unpredictable.

Northern lights safaris and nightly visits to northern light camps along with activities such as dog sledging, snowmobile rides and reindeer sledging are all good ways of being out beneath the northern lights.

Last updated:  2008-10-30
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, above Tromsø, Norway - Photo: Bjørnar G Hansen
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, above Tromsø, Norway
Snowshoeing in Tromsø, Norway - Photo: Bård Løken
Snowshoeing in Tromsø, Norway

Interest:  Nature attractions, Skiing, Arctic Norway

Share:
Close
Share with others
Close
Embed this article

Copy and paste this code into your blog/website

Preview

Dog sledging in Tromsø, Norway - Photo: Bård Løken

Winter in Tromsø

In winter, expect moderate temperatures, loads of snow, skies lit up by the northern lights and a hectic cultural scene.

Winter in Tromsø

Source: Visit Norway

Share your thoughts about this article

Tromsø

The capital of the Arctic is a lively, humorous and beautiful city packed with culture and history, and surrounded by mountains, fjords and islands.
Interest: City holiday, Arctic Norway

Experience the marvel: The northern lights

Watch nature's own theater unfold above you as the most spectacular light installation takes the stage: The northern lights with you on the front row.
Interest: Nature attractions, The northern lights, Arctic Norway

An absolutely fabulous trip to see the northern lights

Follow actress Joanna Lumley as she travels to Northern Norway to fulfil a childhood dream and see the northern lights.
Interest: Nature attractions, The northern lights, Arctic Norway

Tour suggestions in Tromsø

The stunning scenery around Tromsø is easy to discover by car. There is something new around every corner. Pick up a map at the tourist information.
Interest: Tour suggestions, Arctic Norway

About Tromsø

Tourist information in Tromsø

The Tromsø Tourist Information Office is the most visited tourist information in Northern Norway, and is knowledgeable and helpful all year round.
Interest: Tourist information

Key facts about Tromsø

The world’s northernmost university city, 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is a lively place, surrounded by fjords and mountains.

Campaigns

CAMPAIGN

My Norway Trip

Did you know that Norway has some of the World’s best skiing? Create your dream trip here and enter to win prizes.
Interest: Skiing

ADS

Tromsø

Morning
Rain, Fresh breeze
41°F

Related videos

Related

Nature attractions

Skiing

Arctic Norway

ADS

TEXT ADS