An arctic paradise surrounded by majestic fjords and towering mountains, Tromsø, Norway has earned its title of “Gateway to the Arctic.” A year-round playground for nature enthusiasts, summers encounter the midnight sun while winter polar nights bring dancing auroras. Home to over a dozen “northernmost” attractions in the world, discover the catalog of once-in-a-lifetime experiences Tromsø has to offer.
Things To Do
Book A Sauna Session & Cold Plunge
Floating in Tromsø’s Inner Harbor, Pust Sauna brings people together in wellness and serenity. Warm up, enjoy incredible views and become a part of this immersive community. Take advantage of health benefits including increased blood flow, stress reduction and detoxification as your body temperature reaches its limits. At your leisure, cool down with a cold plunge off the dock straight into the Arctic Ocean. One-hour sessions are $36 (kr 360) and should be reserved online in advance. Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel. Changing rooms are available onsite.
Feed Reindeer & Learn About the Sami Culture
Travel deep into the valley of the Norwegian Mountains for an indigenous history lesson. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by authentic Sami guides who will lead you to the farm to feed, pet and interact with a herd of 120 reindeer. Warm up in a cozy hut and enjoy the traditional meal of “Bidos,” or reindeer stew. After lunch, experience a crash course in Sami culture, listen to old wives’ tales and ask as many questions as you’d like.
Reindeer camp visits run seasonally from October to April. The Reindeer Feeding and Sami Culture experience costs $175 (1695 NOK). Reservations should be booked in advance on the Tromsø Lapland website to secure a spot.
Get the Best View of Tromsø on Fjellheisen Cable Car
Hitch a ride on the Fjellheisen Cable Car for a 4-minute journey to the best view in Tromsø. Witness the breathtaking panoramic landscapes at the 1,381 ft summit of Storsteinen Mountain. The city’s most popular attraction was built in 1961 and has since been accompanied by a cafe and viewing platform. Activities on the mountain include many hiking trails, snowshoeing, paragliding and Northern Lights chasing.
The cable cars run daily, every half hour from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. A round-trip ticket with transportation from Tromsø City Center can be purchased online for $73 (695 NOK). Tickets are valid any time of day for up to seven days from the selected date. Without included transportation, options include a 45-minute walk, 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute city bus commute. Unfortunately, I was unable to experience Fjellheisen due to renovations, but cannot wait to return one day and cross it off my bucket list.
Say “Hello” to the Seals at Polaria Aquarium
Experience the collaboration of research and community interaction at Polaria Aquarium. The non-profit foundation serves one very important purpose: “to share knowledge about the Arctic, the marine environment and climate change.” The aquarium’s many exhibits include a sound tunnel, interactive displays, a panoramic cinema and seal training sessions. This fun-filled arctic journey is suitable for all ages and education levels. Admission to the world’s northernmost aquarium is $41 (395 NOK), which can be purchased online or at the door.
Tour & Taste the Secrets of Mack Brewery
Founded in 1877, Mack became the world’s northernmost brewery. Uncover the secrets of the brewing process while making your way through the historic cellars and modern microbrewery. Enjoy a tasting of delicious Mack beer while a knowledgable guide provides information about the family-owned company. Cheers to our expert guide, Eugenie, who executed the tour with professionalism and grace! Guided tours are $28 (265 NOK) with a duration of one hour. Reservations can be made online in advance, but are not necessary. After the tour, visit Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub, for a round from one of their 72 taps.
Dine at the World’s Northernmost McDonald’s
Taking the title from Rovaniemi, Finland, the northernmost McDonald’s in the world opened in Tromsø in 2024. Try something new from the specialty menu like hot honey BBQ sandwiches, sour cream and onion burgers, salsa chicken snack wraps, cinnamon buns and sweet potato fries. Or, opt for traditional favorites like Big Macs and Happy Meals. After you’ve finished eating, be sure to purchase a souvenir postcard to send back home!
Sip Cocktails at Magic Ice Bar
Bundle up inside a warm winter poncho, slip on a pair of gloves and explore art below zero in an ice gallery unlike any other. Sip signature cocktails from icy goblets, play a match of frozen checkers and admire elaborate ice carvings inside the winter wonderland. The bar also serves non-alcoholic beverages to accommodate all ages. Magic Ice offers a variety of packages that all include a welcome beverage. Entry to the icy tundra begins at $34 (325 NOK). Reservations are recommended for peak times like evenings and weekends.
Pay Your Respects at the Arctic Cathedral
Recognized as a prominent sailing landmark and symbol of Tromsø, the Arctic Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. A vibrant glass mosaic on the east wall decorates the building’s interior with dazzling sunlight. The choir loft is home to a stunning 2,940-pipe organ made of solid pine and reindeer hide. It’s powerful sound can be heard at one of the many half-hour public organ concerts. This must-see attraction costs $9 (80 NOK) to enter – an affordable price that assists in preserving the beautiful structure and continuing its operation.
Discover Norwegian Fairy Tales
Discover a world of Norwegian legends and fairy tales in the country’s first Troll Museum. This quaint exhibition leads visitors down the road of trolls to the home of the sea troll. The use of modern Augmented Reality (AR) has assisted in bringing many displays to life. Take a guided or self-lead tour, play unusual games and become an expert of nordic folklore. Entry to the museum is $21 (200 NOK) and can be paid at the door.
Further Your Arctic Journey
The Arctic offers an abundance of activities to suit all ages and recreation levels. If you’re looking to expand your experience, I’d recommend Best Arctic for guaranteed exceptional adventures! With tours like aurora safaris, whale watching, fjord cruises, husky dogsledding and Norwegian tasting experiences, travelers can relax and endure Arctic serenity. For more physical entertainment, try fishing, arctic floating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, kayaking, fatbiking, or hiking. Acknowledgement to Elysa, one of the company’s most cheerful and insightful representatives!
Dining
Breakfast & Coffee
Risø Mat & Kaffebar offers a simplistic menu packed with bold flavors. Serving a small selection of top-tier coffee, pastries and light dishes, it’s impossible to skip this exclusive local spot. Choose from hand-roasted pour-overs, popular lattes or iced brews to savor the start of the day. The warm, inviting atmosphere provides an authentic Scandinavian vibe and welcomes guests with open arms.
Kaffebønna boasts three locations downtown Tromsø, making its delicious coffee and confectionaries easily accessible across town. The prominent café chain features quality Norwegian roasts paired with sweet cinnamon buns. Comfortable, spacious interior makes this a great spot for people watching or visiting with friends.
Tøllefsenhjørnet is a charming café and wine bar that offers an intimate guest experience. Stop in for a morning espresso or unwind in the evening with a glass of wine from their premium selection. A blend of friendly service and cozy vibes create an at-home feeling where visitors come to relax no matter the time of day.
Lunch & Dinner
Koseverden & Koselig Cafe is a delightful eatery in the heart of Tromsø. Enthusiastically endorsed by the locals, this top-rated establishment serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their Scandinavian and Europe-inspired menu highlights traditional dishes made with local and short-traveled ingredients. From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be treated like family by some of the kindest waitstaff in the city. Topped with fresh berries, sour cream and brown cheese, the traditional Norwegian waffle has earned my highest recommendation!
Raketten Bar & Pølse was established in 1911 and is well-known for its mouthwatering reindeer hotdogs. The iconic yellow kiosk remains as a historic reminder of old Tromsø. Visitors can place orders at the window and choose toppings like crispy fried onions, potato salad and traditional remoulade. This Norwegian staple is a must-visit attraction!
Størhus offers the best of both worlds – coffee and pizza! This friendly neighborhood café lives a double life. In the morning, pick up a freshly brewed cup of Joe and a sweet pastry. Starting at noon, the space transforms into a dining hotspot where guests can grab a seat and enjoy a variety of Italian classics. Selections from the full bar include refreshing cocktails, craft beer and elegant wines.
Pastafabrikken is an authentic Italian restaurant that encourages social gatherings and memorable meals. Specializing in pizzas and pastas, their locally-sourced ingredients create bold flavors that are truly unforgettable. In addition to the desirable favorites, the menu also features a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches that are sure to fulfill any craving.
Lodging
A prime location for navigating the city’s top attractions, shops and restaurants, the Radisson Blu Hotel is an ideal base for exploring. Featuring extravagant views of mountains and fjords, the enchanting backdrop sets the scene for a magical Northern Lights show from the comfort of your own hotel room. Enjoy a plethora of amenities including luggage storage, dry cleaning, a fitness center, sauna and complimentary Wi-Fi. The newly-renovated rooms range from cozy small to family suites. Modern Scandinavian design offers a blend of quality and functionality in every room. The property’s friendly staff are available 24/7 to assist with guest requests and local recommendations. A special shoutout to Amalie, she is a phenomenal concierge and the epitome of customer service!
Transportation
Download the Svipper App on your mobile device to purchase bus tickets around Troms County. Users can plan journeys, see real-time departures, follow route changes and cancel tickets with ease. Tickets are available for single use or unlimited use within a time period and must be activated before boarding. The find journey function assists with planning routes to and from specific locations.
The Airport Express Bus operated by Best Arctic connects Tromsø Airport to the city center. Tickets can be purchased online, or by using card or cash when boarding. City bus routes 40 and 42 also run between the airport and downtown. These will be the most affordable fares, but the routes are less direct.
The compact city is extremely walkable. Located on the eastern side of the island, most of the popular attractions are nestled within a one-mile radius. Be sure to wear comfortable, waterproof shoes for the high probability of precipitation.
Getting to Tromsø
Many major European cities offer service to Tromsø (TOS). Travelers can catch year-round flights from Frankfurt and Munich, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland and Zürich, Switzerland. During peak season from October to March, additional hubs including Barcelona, Spain; Paris, France; London, United Kingdom and Dublin, Ireland offer seasonal, direct routes to the arctic capital.
There’s something special about a journey to the Arctic Circle. Its scenic beauty evokes an indescribable level of tranquility and its native residents remind newcomers of a simplistic way of living. Far different from a tropical retreat or bustling city, Tromsø’s enchanting atmosphere delivers unforgettable adventures that are sure to leave a lifelong impression.
Love Always.
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