11 Terrific Things to Do in Tromsø in Summer (+ Midnight Sun Tips)

Tromsø may be famous for its northern lights, dog-sledding, and whale watching, but don’t count out the warmer months.

This is a guide to the best things to do in Tromsø in summer, which may just be the best time to visit the beautiful Arctic city!

I have been to Tromsø in every season and I must say that summer doesn’t get the love it deserves… at least from a tourism standpoint. In this guide, I break down what to do i the off-season in Tromsø, and why I think it is worth the trip during the midnight sun.

If you have any questions about spending summer in Tromsø, let me know in the comments. Thanks!

Tromsø Summer Temperatures

Summer temperatures in Tromsø are not as warm as one might think, but they can vary year to year. 

Here are the summer averages (I am starting summer in May, just because that is when the Midnight Sun begins).

• Tromsø in May: Highs of 48F/9C ; Lows of 37F/3C ; 10 rainy days
• Tromsø in June: Highs of 56F/13C ; Lows of 44F/7C ; 10 rainy days
• Tromsø in July: Highs of 62F/17C ; Lows of 49F/10C ; 12 rainy days
• Tromsø in August: Highs of 59F/15C ; Lows of 48F/9C ; 12 rainy days

Tromsø is not ‘warm’ during the summer, but Northern Norwegians will think that it is! Don’t be surprised to see people swimming or wearing shorts even though the temperatures are not extremely hot.

Midnight Sun in Tromsø

From May 21 until July 21, you will experience the midnight sun in Tromsø. The summer solstice is June 21, which is the longest day of the year in Tromsø, and the closer to that exact date you’ll be in Tromsø, the more light you will have.

The midnight sun is mind-blowing, but it will possibly throw you off just a bit! Fortunately, most hotels will have blackout blinds to help you sleep. Bring a sleeping mask, just in case. I discuss this a bit more below.

One perk of the midnight sun in Tromsø is that you will have such long days that you can pack so much into them. It will give you a chance to explore the area surrounding Tromsø with ease, as well.

If you don’t quite understand how the midnight sun works, this graphic above may help explain things just a little bit.

Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Summer

There are so many things to do in Tromsø in summer! I am covering some of the more obvious ones and ones you can also do during winter, but I am also adding some new ones in there, like boat trips and hikes.  

If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment and let me know!

1. Go on a wildlife and fishing cruise around Tromsø’s fjords.

The best way to truly experience Tromsø during summer is to head out on a boat tour! This trip will pick you up from Tromsø’s city center, where you will head to the harbor to board the boat.

You’ll set out with Polar Adventures where you can cruise along the fjords, learning about the geology, history, and ecology of the region.

Some of the highlights of the tour include passing Rya Island, where you can spot white-tailed eagles, visiting Ramfjord (an amazing fishing spot!), and wildlife spotting. Previous encounters have included dolphins, pilot whales, otters, puffins, cormorants, eiders, guillemots, and more. You may also get to see reindeer and moose along the coastline.

The trip includes fish soup (vegan options available), tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and all-you-can-eat snacks. They also have waffles and soda for purchase.

This fjord tour runs for 5 hours and even though it runs year-round, I think summer is the best time to go as you can see the wildlife that often moves elsewhere during the winter. Click here to check fjord tour rates and availability.

2. Go on a small-group 4×4 Arctic road trip.

My favorite way to see the Norwegian landscapes is by taking a road trip, and this tour helps you do just that. You will hit the road in a comfortable minibus where you’ll head out to Sommarøy after passing through Ersfjordbotn and Nordfjordbotn.

Sometimes wildlife shows up (sea eagles, reindeer, and even moose!), which is a perk. You’ll make plenty of stops that will allow you to capture photos of each place along the way. For lunch, there is a light picnic with vegan options available.

Since you will be getting out quite a bit, please wear appropriate footwear and have a decent fitness level. Bathroom access will be limited, and this is a 4.5-5 hour tour, so plan accordingly. Click here to check Arctic road trip rates and availability.

3. Go puppy training at the husky kennel.

Many travelers don’t realize that even though you can’t go dog-sledding across the snowy wilderness during the summer, you can still meet the husky dogs that take their winter work very seriously. And, you’ll also get to meet puppies in training!

This 4.5-hour tour will take you on a walk in the Norwegian nature where you’ll have some of the farm’s 200 Alaskan huskies and their puppies joining you for the journey.

The hike will be around 1-1.5 hours in total, and it is a great activity for kids visiting Tromsø during the summer.

Transport from Tromsø to the husky farm is included (and so is lunch). Click here to check husky kennel tour rates and availability.

4. Stop by the iconic Arctic Cathedral.

Probably one of the most famous and beautiful cathedrals in Norway, the Arctic Cathedral quickly piqued my interest due to its unique architectural design and elements. I had previously seen it in winter, but I never went across the fjord until my first summer trip to Tromsø.

Despite its modern and futuristic design, the Arctic Cathedral, or Tromsdalen Church as some refer to it, was built in 1965. 

It is located in the eastern part of Tromsø in the Tromsdalen Valley, and if you like walking, then it is fairly easy to reach from the city center by crossing over the large bridge.

Opening hours for the year:

• January 1 to February 28: 11am – 5pm (Wednesdays from 2pm – 5pm)
• March 1 to May 31: 10am – 5pm (Wednesdays from 2pm – 5pm and Sundays from 1pm – 5pm; closed on May 17)
• June 1 to August 15: 9am – 6pm (Sundays from 1pm – 6pm)
• August 16 to December 31: 1pm – 5pm (Wednesdays from 2pm – 5pm)

5. Take in the views from Fjellheisen.

Note: Fjellheisen has been closed for renovation and will reopen July 1, 2025.

One of the best ways to take in some epic views over the city is by going up Fjellheisen, Tromsø’s cable car.

To get to Fjellheisen, you can take public transportation from the city center (number 28 bus), or you can walk over there.

As you will enter the cable car and start the ascent, you will get a view the entire way and then arrive at the top where you’ll find a restaurant/cafe, some trails, and another spectacular view. The cool thing is that it is open late, so you can go close to midnight, like I did!

I saw other groups popping bottles of Champagne and celebrating the midnight sun and it is one of my favorite things to do in Tromsø, but especially in summer!

Fjellheisen is open and a return ticket is 415 NOK (about $40). This is through their official website, and if you see it sold elsewhere for more, do not purchase that. Stick with their official website, as I see round-trip tickets being sold for double the price on other websites.

They are open daily from 9am until midnight. The cafe up top, Fjellstua, is open daily from 10am until 11:30pm.

6. Peruse the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden.

One of the most relaxing places to visit in Tromsø in summer is the world’s northernmost botanical garden. It is called the Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden, or Arktisk Alpin Botanisk Hage in Norwegian.

The University campus garden has many plants that grow only in the Arctic and the complex was founded in 1994 and has since collected northern hemisphere plants and flowers.

The garden is always free and one of the best cheap things to do in Tromsø. To get to the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, you can take bus 20 or 42. The ride takes only 5-10 minutes in total.

7. Take in the views from Tromsø Bridge.

I have always found the Tromsø Bridge, built in 1958, to be rather impressive, even after driving across some of the most beautiful ones in other parts of Norway.

You can easily incorporate a stroll across the Tromsø Bridge on your way to walk to the Arctic Cathedral and Fjellheisen. Don’t forget to bring a camera as there are many great views from the bridge!

8. Take a midnight sun hiking tour.

From around May 21 until July 21, Tromsø experiences the midnight sun, and it makes day trips from Tromsø easier as you have enough sunlight for anything you’d like to do!

One of the best ways to truly experience the midnight sun is by taking a hiking tour at night! On this tour, you will go out of the city toward the coast and do a gorgeous hike with an expert guide. 

It will give you a chance to experience the Norwegian wilderness and Midnight Sun up close and personal while learning about the flora and fauna of the region.  

The Tromsø hike is easy and up a small mountain. You will be provided sandwiches (vegan and vegetarian options are available), a sitting pad, hiking poles, and a small backpack for the 4-hour journey.

You will also have photos taken of you throughout the hike. Hotel pickup is NOT included, but hotel drop-off is. Click here to check hiking tour rates and availability.

9. Check out the Polar Museum.

One of Tromsø’s most fascinating museums is the Polar Museum, and I highly recommend you add it to your list for your Tromsø summer visit! The museum is located inside a historic red building along Tromsø’s harbor, and it is actually my favorite museum in all of Tromsø!

You will get to learn how Tromsø was the 19th-century gateway to the Arctic and how animals were trapped and what an important part of life that was for old Tromsø.

In the museum, you will get to see replicas of the polar explorers experiencing daily life, including many original tools, weapons, graphics, scenes, and more.

Tickets are 120 NOK (about $12) for adults, and the museum is open from June 1 until August 15 from 9am until 5pm.

10. Go Summer Hiking in Tromsø at Floya

Usually, tourists take a cable car to reach the top of Floya Mountain. This is a 5-minute, easy journey. However, you can reach the top of Floya by hiking there if you’re looking for a little excitement!

The path to the top starts by taking the first right after you arrive at the cable car station (Fjellheisen). There is a sign that will guide you there.

Alternatively, you can walk up the Sherpa Staircase, which is a path that goes from the left side of the cable car station to the top of Floya.

This path will guide you to some breathtaking views and you’ll also possibly be able to see Kvaloya Island and the Lyngen Alps from afar!

The total hike is about 7 kilometers, or 4.3 miles (both ways), and it is considered a very easy one to manage.

11. Go Hiking at Brosmetinden

This is another easy hike that starts from Tromsø to Brosmetinden Mountain and has a fabulous view of the ocean over the Northern Norwegian landscapes.

The path is well-marked. To get to the trailhead, you will need to head to the parking lot in Eidkjosen (about an hour’s drive by rental car, or you can take bus #425 from Tromsø to Rekvik/Tromvik). The hike is around 4 kilometers, or 2.5 miles, in total and will offer truly spectacular views.

Things to Do in Tromsø in Summer (On a Map!)

What to Pack for Tromsø in Summer

If you took a peek at the weather in Tromsø during the summer, you will notice that it is not, in fact, super warm. What may seem warm for Norwegians probably won’t for those traveling in from elsewhere!

Here are a few clothing items to consider for your trip:

• light jacket (that you can layer over something warmer if the temperatures are chilly)
• boots that you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy (if you head out into nature)
• sunglasses

While I think you don’t need a wool sweater, I always tend to bring one with me in the summer months if I head out on a boat. The breeze can be a bit chilly, and the wool will keep you warm.

Other things I think you should bring are:

• swimsuit (if you plan to do any sauna-ing)
• eyemask (can be disorienting with the midnight sun)
• sunscreen
• umbrella (or a waterproof jacket just in case)

Where to Stay in Tromsø

There are quite a few places you can choose to stay at in Tromsø and these are some of my top picks:

1. Clarion ‘The Edge’: Tromsø’s most beautiful hotel. On the sea, and has an incredible breakfast. It is located close to the cruise ship terminal.
2. Thon Hotel Tromsø: I stayed here twice and recommend it
3. Radisson Blu: Many tours leave from here, and it is located by the harbor.

If you would like additional options, here are two guides to check out:

• Best hotels in Tromsø
• Camping in Tromsø

While this guide is just an overview of what it is like to visit Tromsø in summer, there are plenty of restaurants and other things to do that extend into other seasons.

There are hundreds of trails in the surrounding area, as well as many views and beaches (Sommarøy is a popular favorite). There are also many tasty restaurants in the city (you can see my favorites on our Tromsø winter itinerary).

I hope that you consider a trip to Tromsø in summer – yes, Tromsø’s winter is fantastic, but summer has SO much to offer! Let me know if you have any questions or recommendations!

*This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.