• Direct flights from Oslo (around 2 hours)

• Seasonal direct flights from major European cities. We flew with Norwegian Airlines from Munich.

• Airport to city center: 10–15 minutes by bus or taxi

• Tromsø Airport Express Bus — 125 NOK one-way 200 NOK return

• Tromsø city bus no. 42, 40, or 24 — 44 NOK one-way

• Train to Narvik, then continue by bus or car (around 4 hours)

• Popular route for travelers seeking scenic Arctic landscapes

• Driving from northern Norway or Finland offers breathtaking views

• ⚠️ Winter driving requires caution due to snow and icy roads

🚡 Fjellheisen Cable Car (Mount Storsteinen)

The Fjellheisen Cable Car takes you high above Tromsø in just a few minutes, revealing one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region. From the top of Mount Storsteinen, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, fjords, and mountains, with excellent chances to see the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer.

Book tickets here or from the official website. You can also purchase on the spot.

⛪ Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

Tromsø’s most iconic architectural landmark, known for its striking triangular design inspired by ice and Arctic landscapes. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere and large stained-glass window create a memorable experience, especially during evening concerts and seasonal events.

🌉 Tromsø Bridge

Walking across Tromsø Bridge provides sweeping views of the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains. One of the best free experiences in Tromsø — particularly beautiful during sunset, the Midnight Sun, or when the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

🏛️ Polar Museum (Polarmuseet)

A fascinating introduction to Tromsø’s history as a base for Arctic expeditions. Through detailed exhibits and preserved artifacts, it tells stories of explorers, seal hunters, and daily life in extreme Arctic conditions — an ideal first stop to understand the region.

⚓ Tromsø Harbour & Waterfront

One of the most scenic parts of Tromsø, offering beautiful views of the harbour, mountains, and passing boats. It’s also where many fjord cruises begin, and the surrounding restaurants make it an excellent spot for an evening stroll.

🛍️ Storgata (Main Street)

Tromsø’s main street and the heart of city life. Lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants — the perfect place for relaxed wandering, souvenir shopping, and soaking in the local atmosphere.

📜 Polar Certificate

A fun and memorable way to mark your journey above the Arctic Circle. This official souvenir from the Tromsø Visitor Center certifies your visit to the Arctic region — a unique keepsake or gift.

🚪 Arctic Gate

The Arctic Gate (also known as “Porten til Ishavet” or “Gateway to the Arctic”) is a striking mosaic sculpture created by artist Marit Bockelie and inaugurated in September 2024. Located in the Vervet district near the Tromsø Bridge, this arch-shaped artwork beautifully frames the iconic Arctic Cathedral across the water. Its vibrant tiles capture the essence of the polar region — a popular photographic spot, especially under the northern lights.

A sauna session in Tromsø is more than relaxation — it’s a deeply rooted Nordic tradition. Popular spots include:

These offer modern, floating or waterfront saunas with panoramic views of the fjords and mountains. After warming up in the wood-fired sauna, many visitors take a refreshing dip in the icy Arctic waters — an invigorating and unforgettable part of Tromsø’s wellness culture.

💡 Tip: Book in advance — finding a slot that works for your schedule might be difficult if you leave it for last minute booking.

Whale watching is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Tromsø, especially during the winter months when humpback and orca whales migrate to the Arctic fjords. We chose a silent whale watching tour with Brim Explorer — they use electric or hybrid boats designed to minimize noise and disturbance.

Gliding quietly through the fjords while watching these majestic creatures surface in their natural habitat was truly surreal. The views along the way were equally mind-blowing. Our tour ran from 9 am to 3 pm.

What makes silent whale watching even more special is that it’s a responsible way to experience wildlife. The reduced noise helps avoid stressing the whales or disrupting their communication and feeding patterns, while lower emissions make the tours more environmentally friendly. It’s a perfect example of how tourism in the Arctic can be both meaningful and sustainable — an experience we’d highly recommend to anyone visiting Tromsø.

A reindeer feeding or sledding experience offers a rare chance to connect with Sami culture, the indigenous people of northern Norway. Operators such as Tromsø Arctic Reindeer welcome visitors to traditional Sami camps, where you can feed reindeer, learn about herding traditions, and enjoy short sledding rides.

The tour often includes storytelling around a fire and a traditional Sami meal, making it both educational and immersive.

We highly recommend this experience — the location is absolutely breathtaking, and being far from city lights means the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are very high.

The Sami people are incredibly warm, welcoming, and friendly, which makes the experience even more special.

Don’t miss signing up for an Aurora Hunting tour. A Northern Lights hunting tour greatly increases your chances of seeing the aurora, as experienced guides track weather conditions and solar activity in real time and drive to the best viewing spots away from city lights.

We chose the 4-hour Express Aurora Hunt by Wandering Owl since the visibility forecast was very strong that day. Our guide took us to a quiet beach outside the city, with no other groups around — it was one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives.

Best time: Oct–Nov & Mar–mid Apr

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