Tromso holidays

Reindeer herding has long been integral to the Indigenous Sami people’s way of life. Several guided tours allow you to get up close and personal with these hardy creatures and Sami culture. Choose to dash through the snow on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, join the daily feeding of a herd of reindeer or share in Sami traditions and storytelling.

A holiday to Tromso is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat. These huge mammals are lured to Tromso’s fjords by herring between November and January, and there are plenty of eco-friendly tour operators who’ll get you close to the action. Or why not join a fishing tour and catch your own meal. Just don’t forget a fishing licence.

Tromso is a perfect place to catch a glimpse of the ethereal northern lights. Take your holiday to Tromso between September and mid-April for the best chance to see them. But if you’re here in June or July, you’ll find the midnight sun is a spectacle all its own. Take the ‘fjellheisen’ (cable car) to the top of the Storsteinen mountain for spectacular views of either, depending on the season.

Located on the island of Tromsoya, Tromso’s historic city centre is the best neighbourhood to stay in Tromso. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options here, as well as restaurants and museums within walking distance. Looking to re-energise on your holiday? Relax in the floating Pust Sauna, then dive into the harbour waters for an invigorating dip.

Good for: Fjord excursions, saunas, museums

Telegrafbukta is the best area to stay in Tromso if your holiday is focused on the northern lights. Located on the southern tip of Tromsoya, this is a peaceful spot away from the light pollution of the city centre. In summer, the locals love to explore its accessible forest trails, play beach volleyball and hold barbecue picnics.

Good for: Nature, recreation, northern lights

Situated on the mainland and connected to the city centre by a bridge, this urban neighbourhood provides better value for those on a budget holiday to Tromso. Its centrepiece is the Arctic Cathedral, whose striking exteriors look like the mountain peaks on the nearby island of Haja. Visit during a midnight sun concert to fully appreciate the cathedral’s acoustics.

Good for: Budget, cathedral, concerts

For a fun day out with kids, check out the Troll Museum. Here you’ll not only meet Norway’s most mysterious residents, but you’ll also learn about Norwegian fairy tales and folklore. Or if you’re travelling with a young animal lover, why not go dog sledding? As you speed through a gorgeous winterscape, you’ll wonder who’s having more fun — you or the dogs.

Tromso’s main street has a selection of stores, while Nerstranda shopping centre is downtown. Tromso Gift & Souvenir Shop sells a range of souvenirs representing the culture of northern Norway from both local and national vendors. Pick up everything from jewellery to ‘kuksas’ (hand-carved wooden cups traditionally made by Sami people).

It’s no surprise that seafood is the go-to ingredient in Tromso, one of Norway’s largest fishing ports. But meat dishes like reindeer, moose and lamb served with root vegetables are also popular after a day in the snow. On a tight budget? Load up on reindeer hot dogs or warm waffles topped with the ubiquitous brown cheese.

You’ll find an assortment of classic wine bars and traditional brewpubs in Tromso. Open-air and rooftop bars allow you to enjoy the northern lights or midnight sun with your drink. Magic Ice Tromso doesn’t just sell cocktails — it’s also a gallery of ornate ice sculptures. And because the sun doesn’t set in summer, activities like hiking and kayaking continue all night long.

Explore a wide variety of polar plant life from around the world at the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden. The site also offers dreamy views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. For even more spectacular views, hike the ‘Sherpatrappa’ (Sherpa stairs) to the top of Storsteinen mountain. Or visit Telegrafbukta park for outdoor recreation.

You’ll find several museums and galleries in Tromso. The Polar Museum covers life north of the Arctic Circle, including Norway’s contribution to polar exploration. At The Arctic University Museum of Norway you can learn about everything from the northern lights to the region’s changing landscape to the traditions of the Sami people.