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

TROMSØ

Arctic summer adventures

Tromsø in winter

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Look up to the skies

A person watching the midnight sun at Senja in Northern Norway
Midnight sun

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