Top Things to do in Tromsø
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If you’re planning a trip to Tromsø, Norway, get ready for an unforgettable mix of adventure and jaw-dropping landscapes. This dreamy Arctic city is famous for its Northern Lights displays, vibrant museum scene, and wealth of outdoor activities. We’ve been to Norway three times (and counting), and what keeps us coming back is how each visit offers a completely unique experience.
Over the years, we’ve tried countless excursions in and around Tromsø and we’ve found some clear favorites, as well as a few we probably wouldn’t recommend. So we’ve created this Top Things to do in Tromsø guide to help you decide what’s truly worth adding to your itinerary, and what you can skip. Whether you’re chasing the aurora, sailing beneath the stars, or mushing your way through the fjords on a dog sled, you are sure to have an epic getaway in this Arctic wonderland. Let’s dive in!
The Best Tours in Tromsø, Norway
Northern Lights Hot Tub + Dinner Cruise
This was actually an excursion we did in Lofoten during Midnight sun, and we loved it so much that we decided to book the Northern Lights version of the same tour when we visited Tromsø. To our surprise, we ended up on the exact same boat with the same captain, who even remembered us from the year before!
The crew was incredibly warm and welcoming, making sure we were well taken care of throughout the experience. The tour includes a delicious traditional meal served in a cozy saloon, access to two outdoor viewing decks, and up to an hour in a hot tub with your group, which was perfect for relaxing under the Arctic sky. With a maximum of just 12 guests on board, the experience feels intimate and exclusive, which we really appreciated.
While sightings of the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, we were lucky because just as we were pulling into the harbor, the Aurora made an appearance, and the crew generously extended the tour by half an hour so we could enjoy it!
You can book the exact Northern Lights Hot Tub + Dinner Cruise we did [here], and if you’re visiting Lofoten in summer, don’t miss the Midnight Sun Tour [here]!
Dog Sledding
We first tried dog sledding in the Arctic Circle during our winter trip to Rovaniemi, and it was so much fun. Tromsø is another huge hub for this adrenaline pumping arctic activity. Originally used by the indigenous Sámi people for transportation across snowy terrain, dog sledding has evolved into one of the most popular winter activities in Northern Norway. In Tromsø, you can learn how to mush your own team of Alaskan or Siberian huskies, guided by experienced local mushers who share fascinating insights into sled dog training, care, and culture.
Most dog sledding tours include a chance to meet the huskies up close, cuddle the pups, and warm up afterward with a hot cocoa or reindeer stew around the fire. It’s one of the most unforgettable ways to explore Tromsø’s winter wonderland, and one of the top-rated activities for a reason. If you’re planning a Tromsø winter itinerary, be sure to book a dog sledding tour early, as spots fill up quickly during peak Northern Lights season.
Whale Watching
We try to go whale watching whenever we get the chance and it never gets old. If you’re visiting Tromsø between November and January, you’re in luck, this is the peak season for the annual whale migration, when both orcas and humpback whales make their way to the nutrient-rich waters of northern Norway to feed.
What makes whale watching in Tromsø truly special is that it’s not just about spotting marine life, it’s also about the journey. Most tours take you deep into the Arctic fjords, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, icy blue waters, and remote fishing villages you’d never see otherwise. It’s a unique way to experience the raw beauty of northern Norway from a perspective few travelers get to enjoy.
Whether you’re an avid wildlife lover or just looking for a peaceful day on the water, this is one tour we think is absolutely worth the money.
Polaria Museum
If wildlife is your thing, but the timing isn’t right for whale watching, we recommend visiting the Polaria Museum! This is an Arctic Experience with interactive exhibits, arctic seals, and a small aquarium. They have guided tours that delve into the environmental impact of humans, as well as the synergies of Arctic wildlife. This museum is a great option for families with young children especially. You can check it out here!
Visit a Reindeer Farm
One of the most unique and meaningful activities you can do in Tromsø during winter is visiting a local Reindeer Farm. Most reindeer farm tours in Tromsø include a peaceful sled ride through snow-covered landscapes, guided by Sámi herders who share stories, songs, and traditions that have been passed down over centuries. You’ll have the opportunity to feed the reindeer, learn about their vital role in Sámi life, and even enjoy a warm traditional meal inside a lavvu (Sámi tent) by the fire.
Some tours even include Northern Lights viewing, making it the ultimate two-for-one Arctic experience. Check out the most popular reindeer tours in Tromsø here!
Visit a Sauna
We personally feel like it’s not a trip to Norway without a trip to a sauna! Saunas are extremely popular in Norwegian culture, serving as a place to relax and cleanse your body. Over time they have become a social practice as well and you can find them all over Norway.
We visited the Pust Sauna located in the harbor by the city center and loved it! You get great views of the city and the mountains directly from the sauna, and they even have a roped-off area where you can take a cold plunge into the arctic water if you are feeling extra adventurous. We opted to do the public sauna, but Pust also offers private sauna sessions for an additional higher cost. Just note, your 1 hour time slot in the sauna goes by quickly, so arrive early to check in and get changed efficiently to make the most of your time here. You’ll want to leave about 5-10 minutes toward the end of your session to get changed while it’s not chaotic during the transition times between sauna reservations as the changing rooms are pretty small.
There are also tours you can book to Spas with saunas and heated pools here!
Fjellheisen Cable Car
Fjellheisen is a gorgeous viewpoint that offers breathtaking views over Tromsø and is a must-do when visiting! The cable car will take you up to the top of the mountain in just a few minutes (they operate about every 5 minutes or so), and from there you can enjoy at your leisure. There is a cafe at the top so you can have some glögg while you take in the view!
We recommend going in the afternoon so you have time to snag a spot before the peak time during sunset. If you’re a photographer, the blue hour up here is truly stunning and we definitely recommend sticking around after sunset to watch all the city lights turn on.
Since this panoramic spot overlooks all of Tromsø, it also makes for a great Northern Lights viewing location! If you decide to come up to lookout for the aurora, make sure to bring lots of layers with you since it does get pretty cold up here.
Logistics wise, they don’t offer parking for your cars at the Fjellheisen cable car station, so you’ll either have to park in the city center and take the bus, a taxi, or walk over. You can also book a tour that includes transportation from the city center here!
Tours to Skip
While there truly aren’t any bad tours in Tromsø, we did find a few experiences that didn’t quite live up to their price tag. Of course, this is just our personal opinion based on what we value in a tour, and your preferences might be totally different.
We always encourage travelers to follow their interests and do what brings them joy. But if you’re trying to prioritize your time and budget, here are a few tours we’d probably skip next time.
Arctic Floating
There are some tours where you can put on a dry suit and float in the Arctic water with a small group. While it definitely sounds adventurous and makes for a cool photo, we found the experience to be more of a novelty than a truly memorable activity. You’re mostly just bobbing in place, and after the initial thrill wears off, there’s not much to see or do. It’s also a relatively short experience for the price, especially considering how many other tours offer more immersive encounters with nature or culture. We’d recommend saving $100 and doing a cold plunge at the Pust Sauna instead!
Northern Lights Tours
This might sound a little surprising, especially after we’ve said that Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, but hear us out. After trying several guided aurora tours, we found that most of them felt very similar and didn’t offer much value for the price. The biggest issue? Many tour providers won’t cancel the trip, even when the weather forecast clearly shows poor conditions or a very low chance of seeing the lights.
If the forecast calls for 100% cloud coverage or heavy snow, your odds of catching the aurora are basically zero, but you’ll still be out late in the cold, spending a good chunk of money on a night that’s almost guaranteed to disappoint. That’s why we recommend chasing the Northern lights without a tour group. We have a whole guide with tips and tricks for hunting and capturing the Northern Lights below!
Ice Fishing
As much as we love trying unique Arctic experiences, we just couldn’t justify the $200 price tag for an ice fishing tour in Tromsø. Don’t get us wrong, sitting in a snowy landscape is peaceful and beautiful, but you can do that for free! Overall we felt the experience doesn’t come with much excitement or payoff to justify the cost. Unless you’re a serious fishing enthusiast, we’d suggest putting that money toward something a bit more memorable.
Ready to Book Your Trip to Tromsø?
Tromsø is truly one of those rare destinations that blends natural beauty, rich culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all in one Arctic city. Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub under the Northern Lights, meeting reindeer, or simply gazing out over the fjords, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time (and money!) in Tromsø by choosing the tours and activities that are genuinely worth it.
Make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Tromsø blog and YouTube video for help planning your trip. Happy travels!