View of Tromsø city seen from the sherpa stairs in summer, Northern Norway

TROMSØ

Arctic summer adventures

Tromsø in winter
A map of Norway with Tromsø marked on the map.
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

The Arctic capital of Tromsø is located on a small island 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, and it is the largest city in Northern Norway.

The city is surrounded by mountains and fjords, and offers visitors both city break adventures and spectacular nature experiences.

Indulge in Arctic cuisine, play under the midnight sun, and explore the city's buzzing nightlife and cultural scene.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

People are standing at the rooftop of the cable car in Tromsø, Northern Norway, admiring the midnight sun.
A man kayaking with his dog in the midnight sun at Kvaløya, Tromsø
A woman is smiling outside the kiosk Raketten in Tromsø, Northern Norway
Ida Tolou in The Arctic Cathedral

The summer in Tromsø is quite unique, as the city is lit up by the midnight sun. You see, the sun never sets in summer above the Arctic Circle ...

... this makes Tromsø, also known as the Arctic Capital, your playground 24 hours a day. The perfect excuse to stay out all night!

Tromsø beckons for more exploration than just marvelling at the sky. As the world’s northernmost university town, it's also a vibrant city full of surprises.

Not only will you find a buzzing nightlife, you can enjoy concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals as well.

It's easy to spot the iconic Arctic Cathedral. It's one of artist Ida Tolou's favourite cultural spots in Tromsø. Enjoy midnight sun concerts here during the summer.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Family studying the exhibition at the Polar Museum in Tromso
    Tromsø

    The Polar Museum

    Expeditions, everyday life and adventures in the Arctic from the 17th century up to the present.
    Person climbing an indoor climbing wall with colourful holds, wearing a pink shirt and orange shorts.
    Tromsø

    Tromsø Klatresenter

    We give you climbing fun no matter what level you are on.
    Inside the Arctic Cathedral
    Tromsdalen

    The Arctic Cathedral

    Modern church architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a daring piece of architecture built in 1965, inspired by Arctic nature. The "Return of Christ" glass mosaic window dominates the interior. Summer concerts.
    View of the building from the outside
    Tromsø

    Northern Norway Art Museum

    Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum is an art museum that makes space for ideas.
    Nordnorsk Vitensenter
    Tromsø

    Science center of Northern Norway

    The science centre offers playful and fun learning experiences.
    Book now
    Entrance ticket Polaria
    Tromsø

    Entrance ticket Polaria

    Polaria is an Arctic experience centre and the world’s northernmost aquarium, located in the heart of Tromsø. The iconic building, inspired by ice floes pushed ashore by the Arctic Ocean, houses interactive exhibitions and aquarium habitats filled with life from the northern seas.
Find more attractions
Restaurant Skirri outside in Tromsø in the summer time

When you need to refuel, dive into Tromsø’s restaurant scene with its many eateries specialising in locally sourced ingredients from the Arctic.

Why not try local treats such as grilled stockfish or reindeer sirloin?

We think you’ll love them!

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • Bardus Bar
    Tromsø

    Bardus Bar

    Home of Tromsø’s famous Arctic Seaweed cocktail and traditional Northern traveler’s plate. Bardus Bar is at its heart a Northern Norwegian experience. A Nordic cocktail bar dedicated to combining the finest products in the region to produce the highest quality experience. For the visitors amongst us the locally harvested Actic seaweed cocktail and traditional Northern traveler’s plate are an experience not to be missed and offers an insight into the traditional Northern Norwegian lifestyle.
    Fiskekompaniet
    Tromsø

    Fiskekompaniet

    In a stressful society dominated by kiosks and fast-food chains, we would like to offer you some of the genuine and healthy food we harvest from the ocean.
    People sitting at outdoor tables.
    Tromsø

    Tromsø Mikrobryggeri

    Tromsø Mikrobryggeri is a small intimate Beer Bar coexisting with Balthazar Vinbar right in the heart of Tromsø Sentrum.
    Arctandria
    Tromsø

    Arctandria

    Arctandria seafood restaurant is located on the 2nd floor at Vertshuset Skarven.
    Mathallen Tromsø AS
    Tromsø

    Mathallen Tromsø AS

    Mathallen Tromsø is a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the finest ingredients from Northern Norway.
Find more restaurants
A group of friends is barbecuing at the Telegrafbukta bay in Tromsø, Northern Norway
A seal is kissing his caretaker on the cheek at Polaria, the world's northernmost aquarium, in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
Three people enjoying a ride with dog sledding on wheels in the autumn landscape in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
Cable car and view over Tromsø and the fjord
Two women are hiking up the Sherpa staircase to Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Northern Norway
Reindeer grazing in Nordkyn, Northern Norway
Many women fishing on a boat, one of them just caught a cod, Tromsø
A woman is admiring the fjord view on a hike in Tromsø, Northern Norway

In the spring and summertime, people head outdoors in droves. Check out the popular recreational area, Telegrafbukta bay. Enjoy the view and go for a swim at the beach.

Say hello to the seals at Polaria or explore the city's history as a starting point for countless Arctic expeditions at the Polar Museum.

Huskies are important teammates on any Arctic expedition!

They need exercise all year round. Experience them up close at activities such as husky hikes and husky cafés. Try dog sledding on wheels across the colourful autumn landscape from August to October.

For panoramic views of the city, ride the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen …

… or get there by climbing the 1,200 stone steps up the Sherpa staircase.

In this part of Norway, Sami culture plays a key role. The Arctic University Museum of Norway offers excellent exhibitions and guided tours where you can learn about Sámi history from ancient times to modern-day life.

Take the bus or bike to Kvaløya island if you want to see peaceful reindeer grazing– did you know that they are good swimmers too?

Buy fresh fish from the boats in the harbour. Fishing has always been an important way of life here. You may also catch your own fish on a guided fishing tour.

If you like hiking, you’re in for a treat, as Tromsø is the gateway to several wonderful nature experiences. Discover the islands of Kvaløya and Ringvassøy or head to the renowned Lyngenfjord region.

Choose from hundreds of summits, from family-friendly routes to more demanding hikes.

And enjoy the unique experience of hiking from summit to sea.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • Hamn i Senja
    Skaland

    Hamn i Senja

    Hamn in Senja - a fjord idyll along the National Scenic Route on the Senja island
    Two days Arctic Camp with kayaking
    Rebbenes

    Two days Arctic Camp with kayaking

    This tour is conducted by Elements Arctic Camp. Experience a spectacular Arctic Archipelago from our campsite on the island of Rebbenesøya.
    Smart Hotel Tromsø bed
    Tromsø

    Smart Hotel Tromsø

    Our budget hotel Smarthotel Tromsø is located in the heart of Tromsø city centre, within short walking distance to all the restaurants, cafes, and sights of Tromsø.
    Clear, turquoise water in the foreground, with a small beach and a jetty.
    Sommarøy

    Sommarøy Arctic Hotel

    The hotel itself comprises a variety of accommodation options. There are the standard hotel rooms, of course, but they also offer seaside cabins, fishermen’s cottages, and apartments. Amenities include a wine lounge, a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a seaside bath house
    Modern hotel room with a double bed, colourful decor, and a large window.
    Tromsø

    Thon Hotel Tromsø

    The hotel is situated in the middle of Tromsø city centre, and everything the "Paris of the North" is known for is only a stone's throw away. The hotel is a Thon City hotel which means extra focus on comfort and quality. All rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, extra pillows and a work desk. In the lobby you will find free coffee and newspapers.
    Scandic Ishavshotel
    Tromsø

    Scandic Ishavshotel

    Full service hotel in downtown Tromsø
    Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
    Tromsø

    Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø

    Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø is located in the heart of Tromsø’s city centre, just 4 km from Langnes International Airport, and provides an ideal base for exploring activities and adventures. The Airport Express bus stops right outside the hotel.
    Room at Clarion Hotel The Edge
    Tromsø

    Clarion Hotel The Edge

    Clarion Hotel The Edge is the largest conference hotel and a cultural hotspot in Tromso.
    Enter St. Elisabeth Suites
    Tromsø

    Enter St. Elisabeth Suites

    Enter St. Elisabeth Suites is situated in quiet and tranquil surroundings – still only 10 minutes walk from Tromsø's vibrant city life.
    Quality Hotel Saga fasade in Tromso in summer
    Tromsø

    Quality Hotel Saga

    Business, leisure and conference hotel in the city centre
More accommodation alternatives
A bird's view of the Sommarøy island in autumn outside Tromsø, Northern Norway
The Arctic Cathedral and the bridge in Tromsø covered in snow

If you like things to be more down to earth, head to Sommarøy island, an hour's drive from Tromsø, home to leisure activities such as sea safaris and kayaking.

Tromsø in winter

Thanks to the northern lights, plenty of snow, and a unique Arctic atmosphere, winter is peak season in Tromsø.

Visit Tromsø in winter

Tromsø has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. While this doesn't mean that Tromsø is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

Visit Tromsø logovisittromso.no

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Tromsø with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By plane

    There are many daily domestic flights to Tromsø Airport.

    Most international flights to Tromsø require changing planes at Oslo Airport.

    Tromsø Airport lies only 5 kilometres from the city centre, and the airport express coach stops at several hotels in central Tromsø.

    Ad: Norwegian – cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports

    By car

    A 1600-kilometre long highway, which remains open all year, connects Tromsø with Oslo. Driving time is approximately 30 hours.

    Read more about road conditions.

    Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience

    By bus

    Long-distance buses connect Tromsø with Alta, Narvik, Bodø, and Fauske all year around. If you’re going to the Lofoten Islands, transfer in Narvik.

    Ad: Vy Express – travel with bus throughout Norway

    By train

    There is no train service to Tromsø. You can take the train from Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim to Fauske, where you must transfer to a long-distance bus to Tromsø via Narvik.

    By boat

    Express boats connect Tromsø with the rest of the county.

    The Norwegian coastal express Hurtigruten calls at Tromsø twice a day on its way between Bergen and Kirkenes.

    Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage

    Local travel

    Tromsø has an extensive local bus and ferry network.

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Tourists wave at passing boat while sailing througha norwegian fjord
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.

Look up to the skies

The northern lights over the fishing village Reine in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Northern lights
A person watching the midnight sun at Senja in Northern Norway
Midnight sun

Get inspired

Woman looking at the midnightsun in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Northern Norway
A couple in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, held by a Sami man
Heart of the Sami – Kautokeino and Karasjok
An old fishingboat out at sea in Lofoten
Sea fishing in Northern Norway
  • Aurora borealis over Lyngenfjord, Northern Norway
    The Lyngenfjord region
    Panorama of Tromsø in Northern Norway
    The locals’ guide to Tromsø: top insider tips
    A couple overlooking Tromsø from a viewing point at a tall building
    One day in Tromsø by foot or on wheels
    Ida Tolou in The Arctic Cathedral
    Artist Ida Tolou's top cultural tips in Tromsø
    Johnny Trasti cooking over a bonfire
    Arctic cuisine