Arctic Adventures: 12 Things to do in Tromso
Tromso, Norway, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Arctic," is a vibrant city nestled amidst some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. Known for its dramatic fjords, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant cultural scene, Tromso is a dream destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking a truly unique Arctic experience. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, embarking on a dog sledding expedition, or immersing yourself in Sami culture, there are plenty of fun things to do in Tromso that will leave you spellbound. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best Arctic activities in Tromso, ensuring your visit is as unforgettable as the destination itself.
1. Chase the Northern Lights
Why It’s Unmissable:
Tromsø is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Located well within the Arctic Circle, the city’s clear skies and minimal light pollution make it a prime location for this celestial spectacle. The dancing ribbons of green, pink, and purple light are a sight you’ll never forget.
How to Experience It:
Guided Tours: Join a Northern Lights chase with experienced guides who know the best spots and can explain the science behind the phenomenon. These tours often include transportation, warm clothing, and hot drinks to keep you comfortable as you wait for the lights to appear.
Aurora Camps: Spend the night in a cozy lavvu (Sami tent) or a glass igloo, where you can watch the lights from the warmth of your bed. These camps often include traditional Sami meals and storytelling, adding a cultural dimension to your experience.
Photography Tours: Capture the magic with the help of professional photographers who can teach you the best techniques for aurora photography. These tours often include tips on camera settings, composition, and post-processing.
Pro Tip: Visit between late September and early April for the best chances of seeing the lights. Dress warmly and be patient—nature’s light show is worth the wait!
2. Embark on a Dog Sledding Adventure
Why It’s Unmissable:
Dog sledding is a quintessential Arctic experience, and Tromsø offers some of the best opportunities to try it. Glide across snow-covered landscapes led by a team of enthusiastic huskies, and feel the thrill of this traditional mode of transportation.
What to Expect:
Day Tours: Enjoy a half-day or full-day dog sledding adventure, complete with instruction from experienced mushers. These tours often include a visit to a husky farm, where you can learn about the care and training of these amazing animals.
Overnight Expeditions: For a more immersive experience, embark on a multi-day dog sledding trip, complete with overnight stays in remote cabins. These expeditions offer a deeper connection to the Arctic wilderness and a chance to hone your mushing skills.
Meet the Dogs: Learn about the history of dog sledding and meet the friendly huskies who make it all possible. Many tours include time to interact with the dogs, giving you a chance to bond with these incredible animals.
Pro Tip: Dress in warm, layered clothing and don’t forget your camera—dog sledding offers incredible photo opportunities!
3. Explore the Arctic Wilderness on a Snowmobile
Why It’s Unmissable:
For those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventure, snowmobiling in Tromsø is a must. Zoom across frozen landscapes, through snowy forests, and over icy fjords, and experience the Arctic’s raw beauty at high speed.
What to Expect:
Guided Tours: Join a guided snowmobile tour, suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. These tours often include a safety briefing and instruction, ensuring you feel confident before hitting the trails.
Northern Lights Combo: Combine snowmobiling with a Northern Lights chase for an unforgettable evening. These tours often include a stop at a remote location, where you can enjoy a warm drink and wait for the lights to appear.
Scenic Routes: Explore remote areas of Tromsø’s wilderness, including the Lyngen Alps and the surrounding islands. These routes offer stunning views and a chance to experience the Arctic’s untouched beauty.
Pro Tip: No prior experience is necessary, as most tours include a safety briefing and instruction. Be sure to wear thermal clothing and follow your guide’s lead.
4. Immerse Yourself in Sami Culture
Why It’s Unmissable:
The Sami are the indigenous people of the Arctic, and Tromsø offers unique opportunities to learn about their rich culture and traditions. From reindeer herding to traditional storytelling, this is a chance to connect with one of the world’s oldest cultures.
What to Expect:
Reindeer Sledding: Experience the gentle pace of reindeer sledding, a traditional Sami mode of transport. These tours often include a visit to a reindeer farm, where you can learn about the care and training of these animals.
Lavvu Experience: Visit a traditional Sami tent, where you can enjoy a warm meal and listen to stories about Sami history and folklore. These experiences often include a joik performance, adding a musical dimension to your visit.
Joik Performances: Listen to joik, the traditional Sami form of song, which is deeply connected to nature and personal experiences. These performances offer a unique insight into Sami culture and spirituality.
Pro Tip: Respect the Sami culture by listening attentively and asking thoughtful questions. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a living heritage.
5. Take a Fjord Cruise
Why It’s Unmissable:
Tromsø is surrounded by stunning fjords, and a cruise is the perfect way to experience their beauty. Whether you choose a daytime excursion or a nighttime Northern Lights cruise, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and the chance to spot Arctic wildlife.
What to Expect:
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, and even whales, which are often seen in the fjords. These cruises often include commentary from knowledgeable guides, adding an educational dimension to your experience.
Scenic Views: Marvel at the dramatic landscapes, including towering mountains, icy cliffs, and serene waters. These cruises often include stops at remote locations, where you can disembark and explore on foot.
Northern Lights Cruises: Combine fjord exploration with a chance to see the Aurora Borealis from the water. These cruises often include warm drinks and snacks, ensuring you stay comfortable as you wait for the lights to appear.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly and bring binoculars for the best wildlife-spotting experience.
6. Visit the Arctic Cathedral
Why It’s Unmissable:
The Arctic Cathedral, with its striking triangular design, is one of Tromsø’s most iconic landmarks. This architectural masterpiece is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub, hosting concerts and events throughout the year.
What to Expect:
Guided Tours: Learn about the cathedral’s history, architecture, and significance to the local community. These tours often include access to areas not open to the general public, adding an exclusive dimension to your visit.
Midnight Sun Concerts: During the summer months, enjoy concerts held under the glow of the midnight sun. These events often feature local musicians and traditional Sami performances, adding a cultural dimension to your experience.
Stunning Views: Admire the cathedral’s beautiful stained-glass window, which depicts the return of Christ. This window is particularly stunning when illuminated by the midnight sun or the Northern Lights.
Pro Tip: Visit during the day to see the stained-glass window in all its glory, and return in the evening for a concert or event.
7. Go Whale Watching
Why It’s Unmissable:
Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. From humpbacks to orcas, these majestic creatures are a sight to behold.
What to Expect:
Boat Tours: Join a guided whale-watching tour, where you’ll have the chance to see whales up close. These tours often include commentary from knowledgeable guides, adding an educational dimension to your experience.
Marine Life: Learn about the Arctic’s marine ecosystem and the efforts to protect it. These tours often include information on the challenges facing Arctic wildlife, adding a conservation dimension to your visit.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning images of whales breaching and diving in the icy waters. These tours often include tips on wildlife photography, ensuring you get the best possible shots.
Pro Tip: The best time for whale watching in Tromsø is from November to January, when the whales migrate to the area to feed.
8. Experience the Midnight Sun or Polar Night
Why It’s Unmissable:
Tromsø’s location within the Arctic Circle means it experiences unique natural phenomena, including the midnight sun and the polar night. These events offer a chance to experience the Arctic’s extremes.
What to Expect:
Midnight Sun (May-July): Enjoy 24 hours of daylight, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring. These tours often include activities tailored to the unique conditions of the midnight sun, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Polar Night (November-January): Experience the magic of perpetual twilight, with the chance to see the Northern Lights at any time of day. These tours often include activities tailored to the unique conditions of the polar night, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Pro Tip: Embrace the unique rhythms of Arctic life by adjusting your schedule to make the most of these phenomena.
9. Explore the Polar Museum
Why It’s Unmissable:
The Polar Museum in Tromsø offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Arctic exploration. From the exploits of famous explorers to the daily lives of Arctic hunters, this museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
What to Expect:
Exhibits: Explore exhibits on famous Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. These exhibits often include artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, adding a human dimension to your visit.
Interactive Displays: Engage with interactive displays that bring the history of Arctic exploration to life. These displays often include hands-on activities, ensuring a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the museum’s collections and the history of Arctic exploration. These tours often include access to areas not open to the general public, adding an exclusive dimension to your visit.
Pro Tip: Allow plenty of time to explore the museum’s extensive collections, and don’t forget to visit the gift shop for unique Arctic souvenirs.
10. Try Ice Fishing
Why It’s Unmissable:
Ice fishing is a traditional Arctic activity that offers a unique way to connect with nature. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a complete beginner, this is a chance to experience the thrill of fishing in the icy waters of the Arctic.
What to Expect:
Guided Tours: Join a guided ice fishing tour, where you’ll learn the basics of this traditional activity. These tours often include all the necessary equipment, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful fishing trip.
Scenic Locations: Fish in some of Tromsø’s most beautiful locations, including frozen lakes and fjords. These locations offer stunning views and a chance to experience the Arctic’s untouched beauty.
Warm Refreshments: Enjoy warm drinks and snacks as you wait for the fish to bite. These tours often include a traditional Arctic meal, adding a culinary dimension to your experience.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly and be patient—ice fishing is as much about enjoying the experience as it is about catching fish.
11. Hike in the Lyngen Alps
Why It’s Unmissable:
The Lyngen Alps, located just a short drive from Tromsø, offer some of the most stunning hiking opportunities in the Arctic. With their towering peaks, glaciers, and fjords, these mountains are a hiker’s paradise.
What to Expect:
Guided Hikes: Join a guided hike to explore the best trails in the Lyngen Alps. These hikes often include commentary from knowledgeable guides, adding an educational dimension to your experience.
Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape, including glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped peaks. These hikes often include stops at scenic viewpoints, ensuring you get the best possible photos.
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, foxes, and eagles. These hikes often include information on the local wildlife, adding a conservation dimension to your visit.
Pro Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks. The weather in the Lyngen Alps can change quickly, so be prepared for all conditions.
12. Visit the Tromsø Museum
Why It’s Unmissable:
The Tromsø Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and natural environment of the Arctic. From exhibits on Sami culture to displays on Arctic wildlife, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region.
What to Expect:
Exhibits: Explore exhibits on Sami culture, Arctic wildlife, and the history of Tromsø. These exhibits often include artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, ensuring a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the museum’s collections and the history of the Arctic. These tours often include access to areas not open to the general public, adding an exclusive dimension to your visit.
Special Events: Attend special events, including lectures, workshops, and cultural performances. These events often feature local experts and artists, adding a unique dimension to your visit.
Pro Tip: Allow plenty of time to explore the museum’s extensive collections, and don’t forget to visit the gift shop for unique Arctic souvenirs.
Tromso, Norway, is a destination like no other, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring the Arctic wilderness, or immersing yourself in Sami culture, Tromso promises an unforgettable experience. Start planning your trip today and discover why this Arctic gem continues to captivate travelers from around the world.
