Almost all the way at the top of Norway is Tromso. Tucked into the artic circle, a fishing village and now winter tourism haven for the Northern Lights. The town was established around 1250 but by the end of the 19th century it had become a major center for trade. There is a reason Tromso is referred to as the “Gateway to the Artic”. It is the largest city in northern Norway.
It is dark in the winter. I mean dark. I went to Iceland in February and thought I was prepared for Tromso in December. I was wrong. My body did not want to adjust to the lack of light. I was tired and cold all day. It was harder than I thought it would be. However, it is well worth it to see the beauty of the artic.
Getting to Tromso is easy there a lot of flights from Oslo and other major European cities. The airport was small but when I went, they were in the middle of a big expansion, which according to their website should be finished by December of 2023.
Getting around Tromso is also quite easy. I stayed about 2 miles out of the city center at a lovely Airbnb right on the water with my own hot tub, sauna, and entrance to ocean. The local bus ran right in front and was only 2 dollars. It came in clutch for the weather. It was often snowing, and it was always icy.
What to pack?
If it isn’t obvious pack to be warm. I recommend layers.
I bought thermals and wore them under everything. I live in New York so I already had a lot of cold climate clothes. Wearing the thermals under my normal clothes with a good jacket made the trip.
My second recommendation is quick dry, insulated socks. Good winter boots and good socks will change your life.
Hats. I brought 2. One from NorthFace that is good for low temps and quick dry and then another is warm but a little more fashion forward.
Best Activities to do in Tromso
Northern Lights
The big draw of being in the Artic Circle is the optimal proximity to viewing the Norther Lights. You can book tours thru various companies, and it can be pricey. Over 200 dollars for 4 hours of chasing the lights. You could not see them as well. When I went in Iceland they let you go every night until you saw them. That didn’t seem to be the case with the companies in Norway. We were lucky and saw them one night from the path behind our Airbnb.
Snowshoeing
This was my favorite thing I did while in Norway. I thought it would be hard but it really did make it easier. It was a half day excursion. With 2 hours of hiking and then going to a local café for coffee and pasteries. It snowed almost the whole time. It looked like I was in a snow globe. Reindeer were everywhere which was really cool as well. The guide said that Reindeer are very chill and don’t mind being around people
Dog Sledding
I was on the fence about dog sledding because I am very against animal tourism. Combined with the price (200 dollars for 4 hours of sledding) and the fact that you have to stand the whole time I decided against going. My friends were supposed to go but it got cancelled due to lack of snow. However, this is a personal choice. If those things don’t bother you then it is a very popular experience.
Sami Experience
Sami’s are the local indigenous people to Northern Norway. This activity can include the reindeer sledding but when we went it wasn’t an option again for the lack of snow. The experience itself was fun anyway. You eat a traditional Sami meal in the lodge and then get to learn all about the tribe, their history and currently how they function. You also get the feed the reindeer. They don’t hold them captive they roam freely. They can be aggressive while eating and I didn’t realize they shed their antlers and when we were there it was quite a bloody scene. Dead skin hanging and bleeding antlers.
Whale Watching
This is a must. Tromso is the only place where 3 different species of whales can be spotted. The boat ride is a bit long to get out far enough but well worth it for the close encounters you can have with these whales.
Troll Museum
This museum is small but cute. It is an easy way to pass time before dinner or if the weather isn’t great outside. It’s in town, a good location to pop into.
You can find all of these excursions here!
Best Places to Eat/Drink
Restaurants are expensive in Tromso (and all of Norway) but since Tromso is fairly small it makes the choices harder. I am also not the biggest fan of fish. Don’t fear, there are plenty of ways to not break the bank or splurge if you want.
Cafes were the answer to saving money. Grabbing a quick sandwich or soup I was spending 20 dollars a meal. There are also a lot of pizza options in town which is a good low cost option as well.
Riso – this cute little café is perfect for quick serve soups and sandwiches. I ate a lot of soup on this trip to keep myself warm.
Smortorget – a quirky vibe. The tables and chairs are all mismatched. Great for a quick sit down lunch or early dinner.
Kaffebonna Stortorget – located right by the docks, you get a great view of the harbor. Lots of pastry and sandwich options.
7/11 – Now hear me out (especially if you are from the US) I would never eat any of their hot foods ordinarily but the 7/11’s in Norway are on another level. They essentially have a deli inside each one that makes to order food. Sandwiches, pizzas, hotdogs, you name it. If you want a quick, hot meal this is the place.
Fiskekompaniet – this is a splurgy restaurant. The dining room is beautiful, and it overlooks the water. The presentation is perfect and the food matches.
Art Café’ Bistro – wonderful little bistro with vegetarian options and local cuisine.
Best Bars
Misfit Tiki – a fun little bar that is a vast contrast from the outside. Tiki inspired glasses and tropical vibes
Olhallen – the oldest bar in Tromso (opened in 1928). They have 72 beers on tap. Unlike to the tiki bar the interior looks exactly like what you would expect from the winter town.
Have you been to Tromso? Do you have any favorites of your own?