22 Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter (and 2 You Can Skip!)

Every year, I meet several people who have booked a trip to Tromsø in winter and wonder if there is enough to do to keep them occupied for a few days.

Well, I am here to declare that there is MORE than enough to keep occupied in Norway’s Arctic capital! And these are some of the best things to do in Tromsø in winter!

I have done everything on this list (except visit the brand new art installation, which was just recently put up but is on my Tromsø bucket list for next time!) and can recommend them all. 

At the end of the guide, I will also include a map of where to find the attractions, and also discuss a few things I omitted from this winter travel guide and why.

While this guide is written for the first-time visitor to Tromsø, please know that I have spent a significant time in Tromsø over the years (and even stayed there for an entire month in 2024) and want to ensure you have the best trip possible!

I have done most of this guide more than once and have trialed different companies for many of the tours, so I can give the best recommendations possible.

Before diving into the top things to do during winter in Tromsø, I will give a quick overview of what to expect weather-wise. And, of course, a little bit of information regarding the daylight situation.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or tips by leaving a comment below. I will do my best to answer quickly. Thanks!

Tromsø Winter Temperatures (Averages)

Since winter kind of drags on in Tromsø, I have decided to include temperatures from November until March below (temperatures in Celsius):

• Tromsø in November: 2C / -2C (35F / 28F)
• Tromsø in December: 0C / -4C (32F / 25F)
• Tromsø in January: -1C / -5C (30F / 23F)
• Tromsø in February: -1C / -5C (30F / 23F)
• Tromsø in March: 1C / -4C (34F / 25F)

While the temperatures may surprise people as not being all that cold (sorry, Canadians!), it is colder inland.

Many tours will head toward the Swedish border, which is much colder than the coastal and fjord areas! Be sure to dress accordingly!

When does it snow in Tromsø?

Each year can be drastically different from the next. However, you can be fairly certain that you will see snow in Tromsø at some point during the winter months.

Snow starts arriving in Tromsø as early as September and stops in mid-May, generally. The snowiest month is January with an average snowfall of 41.1cm (16.2in). 

During the year, there are 120 days of snowfall, which makes this an epic winter destination!

Is it completely dark in Tromsø during the winter?

Not entirely! So, the sun sets around November 28 and rises again around January 14… but during the middle of December, it is not completely dark all day. The sun just never pops over that horizon!

So, during the middle of the day for a couple of hours, it looks like dusk (or a never-ending sunset).

The snow will illuminate things a bit… but you can count on it being pretty dark when you’re there. But, darkness gives a lot more opportunity to see the aurora, so it is a win in winter.

Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter

1. Take a tour to see the northern lights.

🗓️ Dates available: September 1, 2025 to April 10, 2026
➡️ Check aurora tour rates and availability

To no one’s surprise, the first thing on almost every Tromsø bucket list is to see the northern lights. So, naturally, it is the first activity on my guide!

You can see the northern lights in Tromsø from the beginning of September until the middle of April (give or take some days). I have seen them on every trip to Tromsø during these seasons, and I know that is likely your main objective too.

There are a few ways to see the northern lights there.

First, you can take a tour. I highly recommend doing this on your FIRST night in Tromsø because you can rebook a second (or third, fourth, etc) tour if you do not see them for another night.

Second, you can take a combo tour. These are tours that are in the evening that will take you out of the city and also give you a chance to see the northern lights. One example is an evening Sámi experience.

Third, you can try to view them on your own. But Tromsø does have a lot of light pollution, so that can often hinder viewing them.

For the sake of this guide, I recommend the first option (and on your first night). This tour is operated by Polar Adventures and is the exact one I took on my last trip.

You will meet at their office by the harbor and they will put you and a small group of others into minivans and you will drive out to the wilderness with an expert guide to search for the aurora!

If you are unlucky and do not get to see them, they will give you a 30% discount toward another tour, which you can book on the spot. You can apply that toward another northern lights tour, or you can switch it up and use it toward another tour they offer.

2. Sign up for a Sámi experience at a reindeer farm.

🗓️ Dates available: November 1, 2025 to April 4, 2026
➡️ Check Sámi experience rates and availability

Another one of the top things to do in Tromsø is to visit a reindeer farm and partake in a Sámi experience! This is a pretty relaxing activity and one for all ages.

Each Sámi cultural experience offers visitors a chance to learn about Norway’s Indigenous people while feeding reindeer (and even reindeer sledding, depending on the excursion you book).

I personally like to recommend an evening tour to Tromsø Arctic Reindeer, the reindeer ranch you will be visiting. The reason I suggest this is that you have a chance to see the northern lights at the same time! I think combo tours are so good for this reason!

Another perk of these tours is that they include lunch or dinner (depending on which tour you book). This means you can save a little money and don’t have to scour around Tromsø for a place to eat.

Tromsø Arctic Reindeer is a wheelchair-accessible location, and while not all places on the ranch can be reached by wheelchair, the main cabin can. Just let them know beforehand so they can arrange everything.

3. Take a whale-watching tour to Skjervøy.

🗓️ Dates available: October 9, 2025 to January 31, 2026
➡️ Check whale-watching tour rates and availability

If you are visiting Tromsø from November until the end of January, you have to book a whale-watching safari!

For the last handful of years, the whales have made the Skjervøy area their feeding grounds, and you can embark on a full-day adventure to this fjord to check them out.

The two types of whales you tend to see on the trip are orcas and humpbacks. You will be on a boat with a captain and crew who are experts at spotting them and making your day a memorable one!

The company that I recommend is Brim Explorer because their boats are spacious (my first Tromsø whale watching experience was on an older vessel that was cramped, and I would not recommend it to anyone) and they are silent, which does not interfere as much with the whales and their daily routine.

Beware that this is an all-day tour and there is no guarantee that you will see whales (hey, wildlife can be like that). I would not recommend booking any other tours on the day you take a whale-watching cruise.

4. Visit the famous Tromsø Ice Domes.

🗓️ Dates available: December 20, 2025 to April 6, 2026
➡️ Check Tromsø Ice Domes tour rates and availability

If you have never visited an ice castle or igloo, visiting the Tromsø Ice Domes is a must! While I think you can skip it if you have been to an ice hotel before, I do recommend it as a ‘must-do’ for those who have not.

The Tromsø Ice Domes are located a bit outside of the city, but your transportation will be included in your tour.

The program is very different from what it was a few years back. These days, the Tromsø Ice Domes are about the construction and intricacies of the snow park, learning to build a campfire, trying out tandem skis, seeing reindeer and sled dogs, snow carving, and more.

You will also have a chance to grill sausages over a fire while you eat hot soup and warm berry juice. They also may have some local delicacies for you to try (like Norwegian ‘brunost’ brown cheese).

This is the second season that the Tromsø Ice Domes have done away with the hotel part of the complex, so I am not 100% sure how they will construct it for the 2025-2026 season!

However, I do know that they will still not build it as an ice hotel. I have been to the Tromsø Ice Domes twice, and one of those times was last season when it was a snow park. Unfortunately, the warm winter we had in the Arctic took its toll on the Ice Domes, and most washed away in February (I went in late March).

If you are arriving in Tromsø in February or March, please check Tromsø Ice Domes’ website to see if everything is intact before proceeding with your tour.

5. Go dog sledding through the wilderness.

🗓️ Dates available: November 1, 2025 to April 14, 2026
➡️ Check dog sledding tour rates and availability

Another adventurous activity in Tromsø that is worth putting on your itinerary is dog sledding! Dog sledding can be done by people of (almost) any age and is one of the best morning or afternoon excursions.

You will be driven out to the husky farm, where you will get to meet the dogs before being briefed on your adventure ahead.

The dog sledding tour is 4 hours long, but you will spend only 90 minutes of that sledding (trust me, it will be cold!). You and a partner will switch back and forth as mushers driving the sled before warming up by the fire with some snacks and a hot drink.

If you are participating solo, the guides will place you with another solo traveler as your sled partner. Participants will be given a suit to wear, but still need to dress warmly.

Please note that dog-sledding is one of the tours in Tromsø that sells out the fastest (you can’t just add ‘more dogs’ like increasing capacity for other tours!). If dog-sledding is something you’re keen to do when visiting Tromsø, book immediately!

6. Step back in time at the Polar Museum.

The Polar Museum is my favorite museum in Tromsø! It is situated in a historic red building along the harbor and showcases the history of the Arctic with a large emphasis on polar adventure.

The museum has been around since 1978 (the building since 1830!) and is open daily from 11am until 5pm during the winter months (August 16-May 31). Tickets are 120 NOK (about $12) for adults and children under 18 are free.

The Polar Museum is only wheelchair-accessible on the ground floor. There is a wonderful gift shop you can visit at the front desk, as well.

7. Check out the Arctic Cathedral.

The most iconic church in Tromsø is the Arctic Cathedral (or Ishavskatedralen). Dating back to 1965, this church seats about 600 people and is located right across the famous Tromsø bridge on the other side of the fjord from the city center.

Do note that this is a working church and will close for weddings and funerals, so be sure to check beforehand to see whether or not it’s open. You can see more about its opening hours where I linked to it above.

I usually visit as I pass by on my way to Fjellheisen, the best view in Tromsø!

8. Visit Tromsø’s best viewpoint at Fjellheisen.

🗓️ Dates available: Year-round
➡️ Check Fjellheisen ticket rates and availability

The most beautiful view of Tromsø is from Fjellheisen, the city’s cable car across the fjord. I have visited Fjellheisen a few times in multiple seasons, and it is absolutely beautiful during the winter months!

You can see the city during the day (which is a bit dark, let’s be honest!) or at night (which is most of the day) or in the evening… which may offer a glimpse of the northern lights!

The cable car station can be reached across the fjord by taxi, on foot, or by taking the bus to the station of the same name.

At the top, you’ll find a cafe and some hiking trails (I would not advise hiking unless you are skilled and know what you’re doing). Try to visit when there are no cruise ships in port, as it will be less crowded.

9. Explore some of the delicious restaurants in Tromsø.

Tromsø has an insanely good food scene, and it does not get nearly enough attention when compared to its winter activities!

While I could ramble on and on about my favorite places to eat in Tromsø, I will just list a few of them so you can see what suits your palate.

• Fiskekompaniet (high-end seafood spot; has affordable lunch options)
• Restaurant Smak (the closest thing to Michelin-star dining in Tromsø)
• RUDA (Smak’s sister restaurant; much cheaper but outside the city center)
• Art Cafe Bistro (cute place in the center with tasty food and a rotating daily special)
• Bardus Bistro (delicious local fare with an upscale twist; has a cheaper lunch menu)
• Dragøy (great lunch spot for fresh seafood)
• Bårstua (new spot in historic Skansen that has fish soup that could change your life)
• Størhus (really good wood-fired pizza)

One thing to note is that many of the restaurants in Tromsø offer lunch specials! Including my favorite restaurant, Fiskekompaniet. These deals are far cheaper than going in the evening.

10. Take a boat cruise with Brim Explorer.

🗓️ Dates available: February 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026
➡️ Check fjord cruise rates and availability

I stated right above this, but please note that this excursion is only offered from February 1 until September 30. The same boat that will take you on the fjord cruise is the one used for whale watching (and that season runs until January 31).

This Arctic fjord cruise takes people through the fjords around Tromsø, where they can see wildlife and stunning scenery, and even learn a bit about Norwegian cod and taste a little bit of cod liver oil (‘tran’ in Norwegian).

It is a wheelchair-accessible boat (let them know beforehand) and a great way to spend a few hours of your time in Tromsø! The catamaran is silent and it is just an overall relaxing experience.

11. Grab a Norwegian pastry at Smørtorget.

Norwegian baked goods are one of my favorite things on the planet, and I could eat a cinnamon bun every day for the rest of my life and die happy.

You’ll find several cafes in Tromsø, but there is something I just love about Smørtorget that has had me going there every time I am in the city (they even have a loyalty card you can fill up).

At Smørtorget, you’ll find delicious baked goods from cinnamon buns to skolebrød and beyond. They also offer small eats for lunch, such as soup and sandwiches.

I loved nothing more than to spend my morning there with a black coffee and a pastry before heading out on a tour for the day.

They are open daily from 8am until 6pm on weekdays and open later on weekends (Saturdays at 10am and Sundays at 11am).

Smørtorget gets very busy, and it is also a popular spot frequented by locals. So, if you see it getting packed and you’re done eating, be sure to free up your table so that others get to enjoy the place as much as you did!

12. Feel the adrenaline on a snowmobile tour.

🗓️ Dates available: December 1, 2025 to April 6, 2026
➡️ Check snowmobile tour rates and availability

If soft adventure isn’t your thing, snowmobiling is a must when traveling to Tromsø! This snowmobile tour takes you out to Camp Tamok, where the Tromsø Ice Domes are located, for 7 hours of adventure through the snowy Norwegian landscapes.

You will be picked up and taken out to Camp Tamok (about 1.5 hours away), where you will be briefed before starting your adventure.

After your tour, you will get a warm meal inside a lavvu at the camp before being transported back to Tromsø.

Please note that you will be sharing your snowmobile with another person and both will have the opportunity to drive (if they have a valid driver’s license).

All clothing will be provided but make sure you dress warm before and after the snowmobiling (it is SO cold in Camp Tamok).

13. Indulge in a hot dog at Raketten Bar & Pølse.

Having a hotdog should be on every bucket list for Tromsø! And while you can have one in many places in the city, the most famous spot to grab one is at Raketten Bar & Pølse.

Famed for being Norway’s smallest bar since 2014 (and Tromsø’s favorite spot to meet since 1911), Raketten can be found along Storgata in a small yellow kiosk. It will inevitably have a line, but trust me, it is worth the wait!

They offer a variety of hotdogs and toppings and are open from 12pm until 7pm daily. If you do not have time to wait in line for a hotdog, there are Narvesens and 7-11s nearby where you can also find hotdogs (and at a cheaper price).

While I would still recommend Raketten, having a hotdog in Norway is a must, even if you grab one from a kiosk.

14. See the new Porten til Ishavet at Vervet.

The Porten til Ishavet is a colorful, new statue along the Vervet area of the city. It was unveiled on September 7, 2024 and is a mosaic by Marit Bockelie.

Porten til Ishavet translates to ‘The Portal to the Arctic Ocean’ and you can see the Arctic Cathedral across the fjord from it.

15. Peruse the Tromsø Library.

Located at Grønnegata 94, the Tromsø Library (Tromsø Bibliotek & Byarkiv) has become one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.

You will see the library (built in 2005) as you are strolling down Storgata and you are welcome to go inside when it is open. I actually worked from there for a few days when I was in Tromsø earlier this year.

It is open from 9am until 7pm except on weekends when it is open from 9am until 4pm (Fridays), 11am until 3pm (Saturdays), and 12pm until 4pm (Sundays).

16. See a midnight concert at the Tromsø Cathedral.

If you are visiting during the shoulder season or just would like an easy nighttime activity, look no further than going to a midnight concert at the yellow Tromsø Cathedral (not to be confused with the white Arctic Cathedral across the fjord).

Tickets are pretty affordable, priced at only around $29 per person for this 30-minute concert where you’ll get to listen to psalms, traditional Sámi music, folk tunes, and music from the north of Norway.

This is a wheelchair-accessible experience. The Tromsø Cathedral is very easy to find and you’ll meet at Kirkegata 7 at 10:45pm.

17. Discover the Perspektivet Museum.

Easily the most unique museum in Tromsø, Perspektivet Museum is located in a historic wooden building at Storgata 95.

While the museum is split over three sites (the one just mentioned, Perspektivet Folkeparken, and Straumen Farm), the one most people visit during the winter months is the one in the city center.

There are permanent and rotating exhibitions inside and there is always something going on! The museum is open from Tuesday until Sunday and tickets are currently 80 NOK (about $8) for adults and free for kids under 18.

18. Rejuvenate yourself at Vulkana Arctic Spa.

One of my favorite new experiences in Tromsø is spending some time at the spa on the MS Vulkana! This retired and repurposed fishing vessel is located at the Tromsø Harbor right outside of Full Steam and by the Polar Museum.

You can book a timeslot at the Vulkana Arctic Spa and enjoy what they have to offer – from a sauna to a hot tub to a Japanese-inspired Zen lounge.

Honestly, it is worth the price and is the perfect thing to do for those visiting Tromsø during the winter months!

19. Support locals at Rein Love and MIN + Vintage.

I love finding cute local clothing shops when I travel and Rein Love and MIN + Vintage are a must for those visiting Tromsø.

Rein Love is a clothing brand started by locals that is located on Storgata. Their logo has a white reindeer which represents renewal and purity and they put a lot of emphasis on local elements as well as Sámi phrases and meanings in their clothing.

When you head into their shop, be sure to grab a coffee (they have special beans roasted just for them). You can find them at Storgata 98 in Tromsø.

MIN + Vintage is not local, per se, but it is a Henningsvær brand that was started by partners Nils and Marlene.

I have met Nils at the Tromsø boutique and also at his boutique in Henningsvær, and I can promise you that your money will be going to some of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

I went to their opening party for the new boutique in Henningsvær this past March and picked up a couple of items there (as well as some new boots at the Tromsø shop). You can find them at Sjøgata 14 in Tromsø.

20. Take the bus to peaceful Telegrafbukta.

Telegrafbukta (‘Telegraph Bay’ translated) is one of the most popular places to visit in Tromsø that a lot of people still skip.

It is not located in the city center and involves a bit of a walk or a bus ride to get to, but I think it is well worth the trek! It is 3 kilometers from the center (almost 2 miles).

Located at the southern tip of Tromsøya, you will find BBQ spots, benches, and a swimming beach. But let’s be honest, that is not useful in winter!

During the winter, it is beautiful for its views, and it is also a good place to get away from the light pollution for some aurora watching.

One thing I think that makes it worth the visit is that it is located beside the Tromsø Museum, my second favorite museum in the city (I dive into that next in the guide!).

21. Check out the Tromsø Museum.

The Tromsø Museum, or the Arctic University Museum of Norway, is one of the top museums to visit in the city and one I think is worth the journey to (despite being located 3 km / 2 mi from the city center).

At the museum, you can interact with the science-based exhibitions and check out the nature-focused ones. It is also a good place to learn more about the Sámi culture. There is a gift shop on-site, as well as a small cafe.

You can find the Tromsø Museum at Søndre Tollbodgate 11. It is open from 11am until 5pm daily. Ticket prices are 120 NOK ($12) for adults.

22. Wander about one of Tromsø’s newest areas at Vervet.

One of the newest spots in Tromsø is called Vervet, and it is a modern development right along the harbor in the city.

This is an epic place to watch the northern lights, enjoy dinner, or grab one of the best cinnamon buns in the city at Vervet Bakeri.

Here are a few places you can visit at Vervet:

• Vervet Bakeri (such great sandwiches to-go and cinnamon buns)
• Skansen Festningsverk (historical landmark; an eatery has opened here recently called Bårstua)
• Maskinverkstedet (restaurant where I had the tastiest lamb dish)
• Porten til Ishavet (the new artistic mosaic sculpture I discussed above)
• Vinsmak (wine bar)
• Hotspot Sauna (this is brand new and operated by Vervet Adventures)

Bonus: Sámi Week

Sámi Week is centered around Sámi National Day and it takes place from February 2 until February 8 in 2026. If you are visiting during this time, I highly recommend checking out their page so you can go to some events or workshops!

The event offers everything from Sámi language classes at the Tromsø Library to reindeer racing down Grønnegata (and more). It was so much fun!

Bonus 2: Get Involved with Rissa Citizen Science

This past summer, I did some volunteering with Rissa Citizen Science, a local non-profit that offers citizen science projects throughout the city (and Northern Norway).

While their projects and events are ever-changing depending on the season and scope, I encourage you to check out their ‘Events’ page and see if there is anything that piques your interest. I know they often offer a snowshoeing excursion in the forest nearby to help find and put up nest boxes for the Tromsø tits.

Spending half a day with Rissa is a good way to get involved in regenerative tourism or local wildlife projects with experts.

Tromsø Attractions That I Think Are Worth Skipping

I don’t particularly like to ‘not recommend’ certain attractions in a city because I feel like someone out there may like them and we all travel a little differently.

However, I am not going to recommend two places in the city, and they are the Magic Ice Bar and the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden.

I do not recommend the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden because it will be covered in snow during the winter months. Simple as that. During the summer months, it is beautiful!

I do not recommend the Magic Ice Bar because I think it is a waste of money. I have visited the Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø, Bergen, Svolvær, and Reykjavik, and I think they are all lousy these days (and poorly maintained).

I keep going just so I can double-check to see if things improve, but as of now, the Tromsø Magic Ice Bar is still lame and a waste of money.

If you want to spend money visiting something with ice, head to the Tromsø Ice Domes instead.

Another attraction I left off of this guide is Polaria. It is an aquarium, and I tend not to recommend zoos or aquariums on this blog.

With that being said, I did have a pass to Polaria included in my Tromsø Culture Pass, so I popped in to check out their film about Svalbard. I never went into any animal enclosures or shows, however.

Places to Visit in Tromsø (On a Map!)

Where to Stay in Tromsø

There are a variety of places to stay in Tromsø… and something for most budgets!

I have written a guide to the best Tromsø hotels here, but if you want a few quick options that I recommend depending on your budget, here are my top choices:

• Clarion ‘The Edge’ (Tromsø’s most beautiful hotel – on the sea!)
• Thon Hotel Tromsø (I stayed here twice and recommend it!)
• Radisson Blu (many tours leave from here – located by the harbor)

Do you have any questions about the best things to do in Tromsø in winter? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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