Tromsø

Get a taste of the Arctic winter paradise by joining a journey into the wilderness. Choose from dog sledding, snowmobiling for the thrill-seekers, or perhaps whale watching, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

Tromsø offers a wide variety of sights to explore. The Arctic Cathedral is a monumental landmark, the cable car to Mount Storsteinen is always fascinating, and so is a visit to the Botanical Garden. You can also visit one of the many museums, Norway’s largest planetarium, or perhaps the world’s northernmost aquarium, Polaria.

Visit a Sami camp for a truly authentic experience, travel the old-fashioned way by reindeer sled, and get close to the herd as you feed them. During your stay, you will learn about the culture, traditional artifacts and treasures, and life in the Arctic.

Tromsø, located at 69° North, has everything you need to experience the northern lights. Arctic Guide Service has 12 years of experience in dedicated aurora chasing, and our team has one clear mission: to take you where the chances of witnessing this magnificent display are at their best at any given time.

Discover the city’s art scene as you wander through the streets of Tromsø. You will find a variety of venues showcasing a wide range of art forms—galleries featuring art and crafts, museums, architecture, sculptures, jewelry designers, and the northernmost glassblowing studio. You can also spot street art on buildings and hidden in back alleys.

Between May and June, the sun never sets in Tromsø, which means you can experience up to 24 hours of daylight each day. This gives you more time to explore and discover everything the city has to offer. The best way to chase the midnight sun is from a mountain peak or a white sandy beach with views to the north.

Get a taste of Northern Norway by trying some local and seasonal delicacies paired with a local beer. Fish is essential to Norwegian cuisine and cultural heritage, especially stockfish, which has become a world-class delicacy. Another traditional specialty worth trying is reindeer meat.

Throughout history, Tromsø has been the starting point for many hunting, research, and polar expeditions. Over the years, several important expeditions have left their mark on the city, and Tromsø was declared the “Gateway to the Arctic” in the late 19th century. The Polar Museum features exhibitions and presentations about the tradition of polar expeditions. At Tromsø Museum, you will find a variety of exhibitions offering insights into the culture and nature of Northern Norway. Other museums worth visiting include the Perspektivet Museum and the Tromsø War Museum.

Do as the locals do and enjoy a refreshing hike up one of the many mountains surrounding the city. Here you will find a wide range of trails suited for all levels, from short walks to full-day hikes. One of the most popular routes is the Sherpa Steps leading up to the cable car plateau on the mainland. On Kvaløya, you will also find endless hiking opportunities, ranging from easy one-hour walks to steep and challenging treks lasting several hours.

Tromsø hosts a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year. Here you can experience festivals such as Insomnia, Bukta, Rakettnatt, Tromsø Jazz Festival, the Northern Lights Festival, and the Tromsø International Film Festival. Other events worth noting include Sami Week and the Midnight Sun Marathon, along with concerts held year-round in the Arctic Cathedral.