Tromsø is ideal if you want to see the northern lights, and offers a lovely mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and restaurants that serve Arctic delicacies.
The Arctic capital Tromsø is located 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March, many people come here to see the northern lights. From the end of May till the end of July, the midnight sun makes it possible to participate in various activities around the clock.
Tromsø offers superb opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whale safaris. Popular attractions include the Arctic Cathedral, the Polaria experience centre, and the Polar Museum.
The annual festivals Tromsø International Film Festival and the Northern Light Festival both attract visitors from all over the world. Moreover, Tromsø is known for a lively night scene and a range of restaurants that specialise in the fresh ingredients of the Arctic.
Tromsø has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Get more information on Tromsø’s official website.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
TromsøHusky Experience & Dog Sled Driving - Noon Tour
Driving your own team of huskies is an out of the ordinary experience and a must-do for anyone visiting Northern Norway. Even if outdoor winter adventures are not your thing, this tour offers you a chance to check this popular husky adventure off your bucket list and take lots of photos.
TromsøEntrance 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.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
TromsøThon 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.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Local travel
Tromsø has an extensive local bus and ferry network.
