Tromsø
Take the Fjellheisen gondola to the top of Mount Storsteinen to enjoy panoramic views over buzzing Tromsø. Admire the steep mountains surrounding you. Will Aurora dance tonight? If not, you can go dancing instead!
The world's northernmost student city lives up to its nickname "the Paris of the North". All year round, there's always a concert or a festival to attend. Seeing your favourite artist under the midnight sun or the northern lights gives the experience an indefinable x-factor.
Tromsø is full of arctic history, rich culture, modern cuisine, and unspoilt surroundings. Hundreds of summits attract ski touring enthusiasts all year round. In the autumn, there are hiking opportunities in every direction, virtually at your doorstep. It's also possible to go dog sledding or visit an Alaskan husky farm nearby, as well as diving into the unique Sami culture.
One of the best spots for panoramic views over the city and aurora borealis, is from Mount Storsteinen (421 metres above sea level). Ride the Fjellheisen cable car up or climb up 1,200 stone steps on the Sherpa staircase.
From summit to sea. Get a unique view of other kinds of locals - humpback whales and killer whales - on a guided whale safari.
If you are more of an urban type, you can enjoy the view of the northern lights and the city's stunning architecture from one of Tromsø's sky bars. Another beautiful sight is Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral), an architectural landmark inspired by arctic nature. A northern lights concert here is magical! The city also has many interesting museums and art galleries.
If you want to prove yourself as a true Polar hero, take a dip in the 3 degree Celsius sea, before warming up again in the cool (and delightfully hot) harbour-side sauna Pust.
From Tromsø, you can easily extend your northern lights city adventure by spending a few days in the more remote Senja, Alta or the Lyngenfjord region.
The best places to see it
- From the top of Mount Storsteinen with the Fjellheisen gondola.
- Tromsø's rooftop bars.
- On one of the islands outside the city, for example at the heated premises in the Northern lights park at Sommarøy.
By plane
There are many daily domestic flights to Tromsø Airport.
Most international flights to Tromsø require changing planes at Oslo Airport.
Tromsø Airport lies only 5 kilometres from the city centre, and the airport express coach stops at several hotels in central Tromsø.
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By bus
Long-distance buses connect Tromsø with Alta, Narvik, Bodø, and Fauske all year around. If you’re going to the Lofoten Islands, transfer in Narvik.
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By car
A 1600-kilometre long highway, which remains open all year, connects Tromsø with Oslo. Driving time is approximately 30 hours.
Read more about road conditions.
By train
There is no train service to Tromsø. You can take the train from Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim to Fauske, where you must transfer to a long-distance bus to Tromsø via Narvik.
Local travel
Tromsø has an extensive local bus and ferry network.
By boat
Express boats connect Tromsø with the rest of the county.
The Norwegian coastal express Hurtigruten calls at Tromsø twice a day on its way between Bergen and Kirkenes.
Wildlife & northern lights
Tromsø city break with a wildlife cruise4-day break to Tromsø with a cruise and hunt for the northern lights. With one free day, you can add winter activities like dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and more.
Lofoten & northern lights
Lofoten archipelago experience4-day trip with an aurora-chase guided tour, RIB boat tour, and accommodation in a traditional fisherman's cabin.
Northern lights dinner cruise
3-hour boat sightseeing in TromsøExplore the Tromsø fjords on a hybrid-electric boat with panoramic windows, while savouring a delicious dinner and keeping an eye out for the magical northern lights.
Magical northern lights
Dog sledding and reindeer sledding in AltaSpend 5 days in Alta at an Arctic wilderness resort, a forest chalet and an igloo-style dome. Enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice-fishing.
Tromsø winter break
Tromsø, northern lights, dog sledding4-day winter break to Tromsø, including dog sledding and a northern lights chase by minibus. Additional winter activities can be added.
Aurora dinner cruise
3-4 hour boat tour in TromsøJoin a northern lights cruise and enjoy delicious arctic tapas from our partner in Tromsø, while hunting for the northern lights!
Arctic winter adventure
Snowhotel Kirkenes, Hurtigruten & Tromsø6-day winter adventure tour including an overnight stay at Kirkenes Snow Hotel, a cruise with Hurtigruten to Tromsø, and a wide selection of optional winter activities.
Northern lights cruise
Tromsø, the North Cape and Kirkenes6-day tour, including a return cruise from Tromsø to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten. Visit the North Cape and try winter activities including dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Short winter cruise
Tromsø and a Hurtigruten Cruise4-day tour including a cruise with Hurtigruten. Choose from a wide selection of winter activities including dog sledding and northern lights excursions.
Northern lights safari
Round trip from Oslo to TromsøJoin a 6-day northern lights round trip. Fly from Oslo to Tromsø and experience all the highlights of the region, including several opportunities to chase the northern lights.
Fjords & northern lights
Oslo, Bergen, Flåm and Tromsø6-day winter adventure. See the fjords and the Arctic city of Tromsø. Winter activities like dog sledding, a northern lights safari, and much more can be added.