Discover Tromso (Tromsø) in winter with the best things to do in the Artic Capital of Northern Norway. Find top Northern Lights Tromso tours, dog sledding activities, snowmobile trips, and more things to do in winter in Tromso!
Tromso in winter – is it worth it?
Visiting Tromso in winter is definitely a great idea. Winter in Norway is like a fairytale. Picture lots of snow, and ice, twinkling fairy lights, cozy interiors, and multiple winter Tromso attractions to choose from.
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There is no shortage of winter activities in Tromso that you can try! The most known are the northern lights tours, dog sledding, visiting a reindeer farm, and whale watching.
Tromso in winter is also not as cold as you could expect. It lies 350 km beyond the Arctic circle, but thanks to the Gulfstream, the temperatures are milder than inland.
Many people think that everywhere in Norway in winter is very cold, and that’s often not the case. Oslo in winter can be mild, Bergen in winter frequently doesn’t even have a lot of snow, and for other colder regions, if you have proper Norway winter clothes – you should be fine!
Tromso- the history
Tromso used to be a starting point for expeditions to the Arctic regions. That’s why it has the name “Gateway to the Arctic”.
It is also sometimes called the “Paris of the north”. Where that name came from is not fully certain, but one of the theories says that it is because Tromso inhabitants were more elegant than other Norwegians, and wore clothes in a Parisian way. Or maybe it was because Tromso in winter really feels like a romantic destination for couples in love, similar to Paris? Who knows.
| QUICK PLANNING TIPS FOR TROMSO IN WINTER Below are my top recommendations for things to do in Tromso in winter. *The best Tromso winter tours: – dog sledding adventure in Tromso – all-inclusive whale and bird-watching tour *Check Best Tromso hotels here *Other Norway travel tips: Find the best flights to Norway with Skyscanner.net Book your accommodation with Booking.com Find the best car rental deals on Rentalcars Check the best-rated activities in Norway on Get your Guide and Viator Read Norway on a budget travel guide |
Winter in Tromso – all you need to know
Temperatures in Tromso in winter (November-March):
Temperatures in Tromso in winter are not as low as you could expect and depends on the month. November is usually a bit warmer, and January and February are the coldest.
Temperatures in Tromso in November:
The average temperature in Tromso in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 32°F (-0°C) to a low of 25°F (-4°C).
Temperatures in Tromso in December:
The average temperature in Tromso in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 28°F (-2°C) to a low of 20°F (-7°C).
Temperatures in Tromso in January:
The average temperature in Tromso in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 23°F (-5°C) to a low of 15°F (-10°C).
Temperatures in Tromso in February:
The average temperature in Tromso in February for a typical day ranges from a high of 24°F (-4°C) to a low of 15°F (-10°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold and breezy.
Temperatures in Tromso in March:
The average temperature in Tromso in March for a typical day ranges from a high of 28°F (-2°C) to a low of 19°F (-7°C).
Does it snow in Tromso in winter?
Yes, it does snow in Tromso in winter! Sometimes it can snow a lot. It’s usually enough snow for all fun winter activities, such as skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and snowball fights!
When to see the Northern Lights in Tromso?
There is an excellent chance to see the northern lights in Tromsø between September and April. That’s when it’s dark enough outside to see the lights dance across the sky. You can find the Northern Lights on your own, or you can take the northern lights tour, where your guide will make sure to take you to the best spots, chase good weather and keep you warm.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromso in winter?
Yes, you can see the northern lights in Tromsø in winter, but only if the weather is good, as sometimes it’s too cloudy to see anything. In this post about Aurora in Norway, I describe how to find the northern lights in Norway. In most cases, northern lights tours drive towards good weather to maximize the chances to see the northern lights.
Is it dark in Tromso in winter?
The Tromsø daylight hours in winter are very low, as the city is in the period of the polar night when the sun never rises above the horizon. Polar Night Season in Tromso starts November 27th and lasts until January 15th. But because of the high mountain ranges around the city, it gets dark in Tromso already from November 21st until around January 21st.
In Tromso winter sunlight times are very short, there is a bit of twilight, but you cannot see the sun above the horizon until the 15th of January. After that time, the days are getting longer, but there are still only a few hours of daylight in Tromso in winter.
Polar Night in Tromso in winter
Polar Night in Tromso in winter starts November 27th and lasts until January 15th. This is when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. It is not pitch black all the time though and it’s an interesting time to visit – but bear in mind that the time to do outdoor activities is limited with little daylight.
The Most Amazing Things To Do In Tromso In Winter
Right, so you’re visiting Northern Norway’s famous city of Tromso in winter. And now what? Here are the best ideas of what to do in Tromso in winter – including Northern Lights Tromso tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and much more!
Tromso winter activities are best outdoors, but there are also things you can do indoors to keep warm and cozy.
Outdoor activities in Tromso in winter
Northern Lights Tromso Tours
The main reason why tourists visit Tromso in winter is – The Northern Lights. The location of the city above the Arctic Circle makes it perfect for watching the Northern Lights. There are many northern lights tours to choose from, and every night can become a magical experience.
Dog sledding Tromso
Another popular activity in Tromso in winter is husky safari also known as dog sledding. I’ve done it once in Norway and I totally loved it. Guess what, dogs loved it too! It’s important to choose a place that takes care of their dogs and the dog sledding tours from Get Your Guide can offer that.
If you don’t want want to take the full dog sledding tour in Tromso, you can still just go there, pet the dogs and drink delicious coffee.
Tromso snowmobile tour
If you want to go on a real winter adventure in Tromso, I recommend trying the snowmobile tour. It is so much fun to drive fast-paced through the frozen land of the Arctic.
At the price of the Tromso snowmobiling tour, you get access to the snowmobile with all the needed gear and warm clothing, a guide, and a warm meal and hot drinks to keep you toasty despite the cold weather. You can choose between the snowmobile trips closer to Tromso and also a bit further, in the Lyngen Alps.
Try Tromso cross-country skiing
It wouldn’t be a real winter in Norway if cross-country skiing wasn’t mentioned. It’s a national sport in Norway, and where else to try it if not there? In winter in Tromso, you can find many places to ski, as well as guided tours that can show you the best spots, and rental shops to rent skiing gear from.
Snowshoeing in Tromso
Before I fell in love with skiing, my favorite winter activity was hiking and snowshoeing. In case you don’t know how to ski, or if you want to try something else, this small group snowshoeing tour in Tromso is a great one to take. You walk among the beautiful frozen land on the snow shoes, that help you to access areas with even deep snow. So much fun!
Tromso ice domes
Visiting Tromsø Ice Domes is a unique winter activity in Tromso. On an Ice domes tour, you can visit the famous ice domes, drink a shot in the ice bar and have a warm meal and hot drinks. Transport to and from Tromso is included, together with all the entry fees and a guide. Book the tour here.
Christmas in Tromso
When you visit Tromso in December, you can enjoy the special Norwegian Christmas atmosphere. Not many do Christmas coziness (Norwegian “koselig”), like Norwegians. Twinkling fairy lights, crackling fireplaces, wooden interiors with comfy pillows and blankets, hot mulled wine (glogg), interesting Christmas food, and Christmas markets. It’s a special time to visit Norway or Tromso during Christmas, and something I would recommend to everyone at least once.
Visit Reindeer Ranch and Sami in Tromso
Who else pictures Northern Norway in winter with a lot of reindeer running around? We have seen it all in Santa Claus movies or in Frozen.
And that’s very true. There are many reindeer in Tromso, that you can see and even feed. This tour takes you on a reindeer sled ride, allowing you to also feed reindeer on the reindeer camp and get immersed in stories from Sami, the natives of the region while enjoying a hot meal by the fire. Is there any better way to spend a winter day up north? I don’t think so. Check it out here.
Take a Whale Watching Tour
Whale watching in Tromso is one of the most amazing activities. Watching these majestic creatures emerging from the water, in the middle of the fjord, surrounded by the snowy mountains, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whale watching season in Tromso is in winter between November to early February, depending on the activity of the whales in the fjords. The most popular whales in the area are killer whales (orcas).
There are many operators who offer whale watching in Tromso, with trips on bigger ships or in smaller RIB boats. It’s important to choose only ethical tours. I usually choose the ones offered by the Get Your Guide company, and I check the previous reviews. You can see the most popular tours here:
Visit Tromso Fjords (by boat)
If you travel to Tromso in winter, but out of the whale-watching season, it’s still a lot of fun to visit the Tromso Fjords by boat. You can admire nature from the water and look out for arctic birds. This best-selling tour takes you on a wildlife bird fjord cruise in Tromso with lunch and drinks included.
Indoor activities and things to do in the city of Tromso in winter
Take a guided private tour of the city
Discover the history, culture, and landmarks of Tromso with a private, fully customized tour of the city.
Take a walk in the city center
The city center of Tromso in winter is very picturesque. Take a stroll through the small streets, visit cozy cafes and look at the everyday life of the locals.
Visit the Polar Museum
Tromso, also known as the Gateway to the Arctic, has been an important base and a starting point for several Polar Expeditions. In the Polar Museum, you can learn about this polar seafaring tradition. This tour Arctic Exploration Historic Walking tour also visits the Polar Museum and teaches you about the city’s history.
Have a beer in the smallest pub in Norway
Norway’s official smallest licensed bar is located in Tromso city center. It serves beer and local hot dogs (worth trying if you have never had Norwegian hot dogs before). It has been placed on the town square of Tromso in 1911 and has been in business since.
Check out the Library
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Library in Tromso, working on my laptop. It’s an interesting building, that stands out in the city. It’s free to enter and there’s good wifi inside.
See the Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral also called a Tromsdalen Church, was built in 1965 and designed by the architect, Jan Inge Hovig. The triangular shape of the building is given by the 11 aluminum-coated concrete slabs on each side of the roof. The church is towering above the city and acts as a sailing landmark that can be seen from the water as well as from the landing plane. The glass mosaic inside the church is also worth noticing.
Take a cable car to the top of Fjellheisen
Admire the panoramic views of Tromso in winter dress from the top of Fjellheisen hill. You can get there quickly by cable car, and even be lucky to see the Northern Lights from the top.
Have a coffee and a cake
The best way to fight the cold in the winter months in Tromso is to take a lot of breaks indoors when visiting the city. There are many great cafes serving traditional Norwegian “kanelbolle” – cinnamon rolls, and good coffee.
Try some local seafood
Tromso lies by the sea, and it has access to excellent seafood year-round. Norway is famous for its quality salmon and cod, so if you like seafood, it’s worth trying. Smoked salmon, fish soup, and fish and chips are the famous dishes.
Look out from the Harbour
Have a look at the busy Tromso harbor and admire ships and boats coming in and out.
Tromso activities beyond the city
Check out the Lyngen Alps
A great trip from Tromso is the Lyngen Alps. In 2 hours you can transfer yourself into a mountain paradise. The Lyngen Alps are beautiful steep mountains with many trails for hiking, skiing, or a snowmobile trip. One of my favorite hikes is Blaisvatnet, a turquoise lake, easily accessible by a short trail.
Lyngen Alps is also a place where you can visit the world’s most Northerly Whisky Distillery. Take a guided whisky tour and try Aurora Spirit.
Visit Senja island
A three-hour drive away from Tromso lies the beautiful Senja island. There are many reasons why Senja is worth visiting, especially in winter. A hike to Hesten to admire Segla is a must there!
Drive to Alta and the ice hotel
A good idea for a few-day winter road trip, if you have more time in Northern Norway, is a visit to Alta and Alta Sorrisniva ice hotel. Hotel Igloo Sorrisniva is a unique hotel, fully made out of ice and snow. Every year, it’s constructed from scratch in a different theme, and its size is 2000 m².
It’s a six-hour drive, so try it only with enough buffer time. Driving in winter in Norway can be very challenging!
Tromso Hotels – where to stay in Tromso in winter
Check the best Tromso hotels here.
How to travel to Tromso in winter
The easiest way of traveling to Tromso in winter is by plane. Tromso has a small airport, that connects with some flights from Europe and many flights from Oslo. You can find the best flights to Norway with Skyscanner.net
Read more about Norway:
Oslo in winter – best things to do in Oslo in winter
Norway winter clothing – what to pack for Norway in winter
Norway in a budget – Local tips for cheap Norway travel
The most interesting things to do in Bergen in winter (indoors and outdoors)
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