Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” holds a special place in my heart as one of the most enchanting winter destinations I have ever visited. Nestled at 69 degrees north latitude, this charming city in northern Norway offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. Since it is located above the Arctic Circle, the city turns into a magical winter wonderland where the Northern Lights dance across the sky and the Polar Night casts a serene glow over everything.
If you’re planning a 3-day trip to Tromsø in winter, this guide will help you enjoy your time and see all the important places in the area. From chasing the Northern Lights to silent whale watching cruises, keep reading to find out about the exciting adventures waiting for you in Tromsø!
How to get to Tromsø?
The best and easy way to get to Tromso is by flight. There are direct flights to Tromsø from London Gatwick Airport and London Luton Airport. Or if you are combining Tromso with other Norwegian regions than you can take connecting flights from Oslo or Bergen.
If you are travelling from London then keep an eye out for the Northern lights. And if you are lucky, you will get to see the Northern lights mid air from the flight and let me tell you it is as magical to see it from the flight as it is from the land 🙂
Day 1 : Silent Whale Watching Tour
Winter in Tromsø is truly magical, and one of the main reasons we decided to visit during this season is to see the majestic whales. The best time for whale watching in northern Norway is from November to January, when you can spot many Orcas , Humpback whales and Sperm whales. These whales come to this region to feed on herring (Herring is a small fish that serves as a primary food source for whales). In the past, they were often seen in Tromsø harbour, but now they’ve moved further north to a place called Skervøy. So, to see them we booked a Silent whale watching tour with Brim explorer.
It is really important for an ethical partner to be chosen when looking to participate in wildlife activities, as the boats maintain their distance and do not interfere with the whales behaviour. One of the main reasons for choosing Brim Explorer is that they are eco-friendly, utilising a silent hybrid-electric engine.
The tour typically runs from 8 AM to 5 PM, providing a full day of adventure on the water. The boat has two indoor saloons with a cafe onboard so you can stay inside in a cosy atmosphere and enjoy the view. During the tour, knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights about the whales behaviours, migration patterns, and the significance of conservation efforts. Once the boat reaches the island, the guides will also tell you how to spot the whales from far. Overall, we really loved the experience and it was definitely one of the best things to do in Tromso.
Day 2: Tromsø Harbour, Fjellheisen Cable Car, Arctic Cathedral & Northern lights tour
Tromsø Harbour
Start your day early at Tromsø Harbour. We arrived around 9 AM, and the city was glowing in a beautiful blue hue during the blue hour. Our first stop was Kaffebønna, a popular café in Tromsø, where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast. I would highly recommend to try their Cinnamon bun and Brunost, a norweigan style waffle with brown cheese.
After breakfast, take a stroll along Tromsø Harbour, a lively waterfront with stunning views of the Arctic landscape. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and colourful buildings, it’s a picture-perfect spot for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. If you have time, visit the Polar Museum nearby.
Keep walking along the harbour, and you’ll come across a stunning mosaic structure called Porten til Ishavet (Gateway to the Arctic). Its design perfectly frames the Arctic Cathedral in the background, creating a breathtaking and picture-perfect view.
Fjellheisen Cable Car
For the best view of Tromsø, I highly recommend taking the Fjellheisen cable car up to Storsteinen Mountain. From the top, you’ll get a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, especially during winter when the sky transforms into stunning shades of pink, blue, and deep twilight over a few hours. As night falls, the town below starts to twinkle, creating a magical scene.
The round-trip ticket costs 545 NOK (£45), and once you’re at the top, you can warm up at Fjellstua Café, where you can enjoy a hot drink or a bite to eat while soaking in the incredible Arctic views.
Arctic Cathedral
This is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, known for its striking modern design inspired by Arctic ice and nature. Its huge glass mosaic window is a highlight, especially when lit up at night. It costs 75 NOK (£5.50) per person to enter the cathedral, and it’s worth stepping inside to see the beautiful interior and peaceful atmosphere.
Northern Lights Tour
A trip to Tromsø in winter wouldn’t be complete without a Northern Lights tour. You can either chase the lights on your own or join a guided tour – it’s totally up to you. Since it was our first time and we didn’t have a car, we chose to go on a tour for a hassle-free experience.
We did some research and booked the Northern Lights Tour with Free Professional Portrait. These tours can last 7 to 10 hours, as sometimes you need to drive all the way to the Finland border to find clear skies. Luckily, our guide was very experienced, and we didn’t have to go too far from Tromsø to see the lights.
At first, we could only see a faint green glow through the phone’s camera, but after an hour, the lights grew stronger. Suddenly, a solar flare appeared right above us – it was absolutely magical! Though the flare lasted only a few minutes, Lady Aurora kept dancing across the sky for hours. We even enjoyed a bonfire under the lights, sipping local blueberry juice and eating cake – an unforgettable experience!
Day 3: Tromsø Town Centre & Reindeer Sledding Tour with a Sami guide
Tromsø Town
Start your day with breakfast at Backstube Café, then explore Tromsø on foot – it’s easy to walk around the city. We visited some shops for souvenirs and stopped by the Tromsø Visitor Centre, where we found a special Polar Certificate. This unique souvenir costs 150 NOK and certifies that you have “conquered the Arctic” – a great memory of your trip!
Here are some other interesting places to visit in Tromsø city centre:
- Tiniest Bar in the Universe – Raketten Bar & pølse
- Northern Most McDonald’s in the world
Reindeer Sledding
End your Tromsø trip with a magical reindeer sledding and feeding experience. You’ll be picked up from Tromsø bus station and taken to a reindeer farm, where you can see these beautiful animals up close.
The experience starts with a 30 minute reindeer sledding ride, followed by a chance to feed the reindeer, which was one of the highlights for me! After spending time with them, you’ll head into a cozy Sami tent (lavvu), where you’ll be served hot chocolate, coffee, and a warm meal.
The tour also includes a fascinating introduction to Sami culture, the indigenous people of Northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Inside a warm yurt, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and connection to reindeer herding – making this experience both fun and educational. Looking for a tour recommendation? Try this one :
Tromso Reindeer sledding and feeding with Sami culture
Have a little longer?
We only had a few days in Tromsø, but if you have more time, I highly recommend trying some of these activities:
Husky experience with Self drive Dog sled ride : This is another incredible and unique adventure in Tromsø! You’ll get to meet and bond with friendly huskies before setting off on a self-drive dog sledding ride through the stunning Arctic landscape. Steering your own sled across the snow is both thrilling and unforgettable.
Arctic Floating in Tromsø : I really wanted to try this, but unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow it. However, it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that I highly recommend! You’ll float in the icy Arctic waters wearing a special thermal dry suit that keeps you warm and dry.
Snowmobiling Tour : Experience the thrill of driving your own snowmobile through Arctic wilderness
Snowshoeing Hike : Explore the stunning Arctic wilderness on a guided snowshoeing hike from Tromsø. Enjoy the beautiful views of mountains and fjords, and relax with a light lunch in a peaceful spot.
Relax at Sauna Pust Tromsø : Sauna Pust offers a unique experience that combines relaxation and adventure. You can enjoy the warmth of a traditional sauna before taking a refreshing plunge into the icy waters of Tromsø Harbour, where the temperature can be around 0°C. This contrast between the heat of the sauna and the cold water creates a revitalising experience, allowing you to connect with nature while enjoying stunning views. It’s a great way to unwind and embrace the beauty of the Arctic environment.
Weather in Tromsø in Winter
Winter in Tromsø can be really brutal, with temperatures dropping to -15 to -20 degrees celsius. During this season, Tromsø experiences polar nights, where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for several weeks. This creates a unique atmosphere, with beautiful twilight hues and a chance to witness the Northern Lights. Despite the cold and darkness, the city has a magical charm, making it a special time to explore the Arctic landscape.