TROMSØ

Arctic summer adventures

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:

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.

Find more attractions

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.

Find more restaurants

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.

Get the best offers from our partners Radisson Blu Hotels, Scandic Hotels, Strawberry, and Thon Hotels.

More accommodation alternatives

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.

visisttromso.no

Getting here and around

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

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 car

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

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

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 and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations

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.