Tromso, Norway, is the perfect base to immerse yourself in picture-perfect Nordic vistas and even spot reindeer roaming the countryside. Pick summer to witness the magic of the Midnight Sun in Tromso and experience the joys of slow travel in the capital of the Arctic.
Pinch me. Are those Arctic snowcaps or gigantic brownies with white sugar streaks I strain to see from my oval peephole in the skies? Goosebumps deepen at the realisation that we are flying to the most significant urban centre in Norway’s far north and the third-largest in the Arctic Circle. The excitement of being 350 kilometres from the Arctic Circle and 2,200 kilometres south of the North Pole. It’s a surreal touchdown in Tromso, thanks to misty weather and grey skies.
Hello, Arctic world
Emerging from the depths of the 1,846-metre-long underwater Tromsøysund Tunnel is like stepping into a freshly painted oil canvas. Snow-capped mountains glimmer on the horizon, and the Arctic Ocean sparkles below. We check into the cosy room of our hotel and whip away the curtains. Across the waters, hundreds of red, blue, and green wooden houses with sloping roofs cling to the mountainside like a colourful Sami rug. The triangular shape of the Arctic Cathedral mirrors the city’s modernist aesthetic. I’m already addicted to the vibe of the city.
Minutes later, we’re in the historic centre, “Skansen”, one of the best-preserved wooden house areas in Northern Norway, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. What was once a vibrant fishing and trading hub is a bustling district filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. The colourful wooden houses of fishermen and traders are now lovingly restored as boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Time flies, browsing for Norwegian handicrafts, local artwork, and souvenirs. Tromso, Norway is said to be home to the most extensive collection of historic wooden houses north of Trondheim. I can see that now as we trail the quieter backstreets in search of picture-perfect frames.
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We explore the 19th-century Tromsø Cathedral, a neo-Gothic architectural gem famous as the northernmost Protestant church and Norway’s only wooden cathedral. For lunch, we choose an old restaurant by the harbour known for local Norwegian specialities like reindeer stew and Arctic char, fresh from the Arctic waters. Centuries ago, fishermen, traders, and explorers probably exchanged maritime stories and traded goods over a meal, which was precisely the same.
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Expeditions into the icy unknown
Later, we uncover the history of Arctic exploration at the Polar Museum, housed within a historic warehouse in Skansen. Fascinating exhibits unveil a tapestry of stories, the triumphs and tragedies of polar expeditions into one of the planet’s harshest and most unforgiving landscapes. Through artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays, we enter the world of the Arctic, where ice-capped mountains tower over vast, frozen expanses, and the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights illuminates the sky. Here, legendary explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen made history, charting new territories and pushing the boundaries of human exploration. Goosebump moments by the dozen. I come back with a new-found appreciation for the Arctic’s beauty and deep respect for those who have ventured into its icy depths.
Sami culture
At the Tromsø Museum, we take a deep dive into the culture of the indigenous Sami people. The permanent exhibition offers a glimpse into the roots of a hunting community around 200 AD to the nomadic way of life. A capsule course on Sami life, from the art of reindeer herding to the unique architecture of their dwellings, known as ‘Lavvu.’
At what point did we start discarding the richness of age-old craftsmanship, eyeing the exhibits of clothing and handicrafts? The haunting folk music (joik) reminds me of tribal music back home. Somewhere, all cultures do converge.
Music and midnight sun
We cross the 1000-metre-long Tromsø Bridge at night, just in time for a night concert at the Arctic Cathedral. The sky is painted in soft, ethereal hues of blue…it is the midnight sun. The cathedral’s iconic triangular window, designed to capture the essence of the Arctic light, frames this natural spectacle. Designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965, the building is Tromsø’s most recognisable landmark. Bathed in the warm glow of the kaleidoscopic light from the stained glass windows, we soak up the symphony of the melodic experience. Naturally, the acoustics are flawless.
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Day trip to Kvaløya
The next day, we meet our driver guide for a road trip through the island of Kvaløya. Grey skies give way to lashing rains as we spin through a mind-numbing spectacle of nature unbound. He informs us that Kvaløya is a microcosm of Norway as we cross rugged fjords, glassy lakes, snow-covered mountains, and gurgling waterfalls. Each bend in the road reveals a new wonder of Norway’s Arctic wilderness. He debates the lunch stop since the rain hasn’t stopped. We’re surrounded by the most melodramatic of monochromes, but it wouldn’t hurt to have blue skies. Suddenly, as if by magic, the clouds clear. I could have asked for anything today. At the island of Sommarøy, we perch on a rustic log bench, facing white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, gobbling hummus and lettuce sandwiches. My kind of idyll.
On the way back, we cruise along a winding coastal road, staring at looming fjords and the shimmering blues of the Arctic Ocean. The landscape has transformed into a patchwork of green, dotted with rolling hills and meandering streams. I study a bunch of “Gamme” (Sami huts with grass roofs) that stand huddled together, marvelling at the simple yet effective insulating mechanism that shields them against the harsh climate. A herd of reindeer graze on meadows, seabirds soar overhead. What a day it has been.
It can snow in Tromso summer!
That evening, our plan of doing nothing ends in high drama. As we step out for dinner, the overcast sky showers us with the fattest of drops, strangely spaced out from each other. Could it be hail? I hold out my red-gloved palms to find out and yell in joyful abandon. It is snow! Our first snowfall experience when we least expected it. Tromso can surprise you any time with its weather. The following day, we wake up to see a white wonderland with snow piled on window sills, rooftops and car hoods. The crunch of fresh snow underfoot is a delightful soundtrack to the city transformed overnight.
Choosing summer in Tromso, Norway, for the midnight sun over winter for the Northern Lights was an opportunity to soak up the vibrant city’s history, culture and architectural diversity… minus the crowds and cruise boats. Sunny-blue to cold grey skies and icy winds to the occasional snowfall, we tasted all the seasons in the Arctic Capital, minus the pressure of Aurora-hunting. Some trade-off!
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Visiting Tromso, Norway – Essential information
Places to visit
- Arctic Cathedral: A landmark known for its striking modern architecture, it is a popular concert spot due to its excellent acoustics.
- Polaria: An Arctic-themed experience centre offering interactive exhibits on Arctic nature and wildlife.
- Tromsø Bridge: Catch a sunset while walking or driving across this bridge.
- Tromsø Museum: Learn about the history, culture, and natural environment of Northern Norway, including exhibits on Sami culture and the Northern Lights.
- Fjellheisen Cable Car: Take a ride up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of the area.
Other things to do in Tromso, Norway
- Explore the University of Tromsø and Tromsø University Museum, the world’s northernmost university and its museum.
- Enjoy summer festivals, concerts, and outdoor events celebrating music, art, food, and literature in Tromso.
- Camp in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent) under the Northern Lights.
- Take a whale-watching tour to spot humpback and killer whales.
- Explore the stunning fjords and coastal landscapes on a cruise.
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What to buy in Tromso
Shopping in Tromso, Norway, is centred around local craftsmanship and Arctic culture. Look for Sami handicrafts like knives and jewellery, reindeer products, Northern Lights-inspired souvenirs, and local handicrafts, including pottery and glassware.
Best restaurants in Tromso
Pick Emma’s Drommekjokken for innovative dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients if you prefer seafood. Fiskekompaniet is a seafood lover’s paradise where fresh catch is transformed into delectable dishes. Risø Mat & Kaffebar is a local hotspot for excellent hotspot for coffee and homemade baked goods. Hit up Hildr Gastro Bar for creative cocktails and modern Scandinavian cuisine.
Best hotels in Tromso, Norway
Book your stay at Clarion Hotel The Edge via Booking.com
Book your stay at Clarion Hotel The Edge via Agoda.com
Clarion Hotel The Edge is a modern hotel in the city centre. The rooftop bar and restaurant are perfect to spot the Northern Lights. Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø, near the waterfront, has comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Both hotels have rooms facing the Arctic Cathedral and Tromsø Sound.
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø via Booking.com
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Tromso via Agoda.com
(Feature Image Credit: V. Belov/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What are the best things to do in Tromso, Norway, in winter?
Experience the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, the Northern Lights, and winter activities like dog sledging and skiing.
-What are the best things to do in Tromso, Norway, in summer?
During summer in Tromso, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun, vibrant cultural events, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing under the endless daylight.
-What is the best time to witness the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway?
Best seen from late September to late March, with peak visibility during the darkest months of December and January.
-What is the best time to visit Tromso, Norway?
For Northern Lights, visit from September to March; for Midnight Sun and outdoor activities, visit Tromso in the summer, from May to August.
-What is the budget required to visit Tromso, Norway?
Approximately USD 100-USD 200 per day for accommodation, meals, and activities, excluding flights.
-What are the visa requirements to visit Tromso, Norway?
Most visitors need a Schengen visa to enter Norway; check the specific requirements based on your nationality.
-How to reach Tromso, Norway?
Fly to Tromsø Airport from major European cities or take a scenic coastal voyage on the Hurtigruten cruise line.