Tromso is rich in activities such as dog sledding, northern lights and whale watching!
Tromso is a fantastic destination during autumn and winter – a perfect mix of Arctic adventure, nature experiences, Sami culture and the Northern Lights. Tromsø is the "Arctic capital" of Northern Norway, combining wild nature, the Northern Lights, history and adventure – all within easy reach.
Here is a top 5 list of things to do and not to miss in Tromso, Norway:
See the Northern Lights in Tromso
Experiencing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is like watching nature paint the sky with candlelight – one of the most magical and surreal experiences you can have. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is between September and March and a place with a high probability of seeing the Northern Lights is Tromso which is located in the middle of the "northern lights oval". Another place is Ersfjordbotn or Tromvik.
How can the Northern Lights be described? A green veil sweeps slowly across the sky, as if dancing. It moves in arcs, waves or swirls, sometimes like a drapery fluttering in the wind. It is hard to believe that it is real – as if someone has lit a candle from within the sky. Dreamy – it is like nothing else. It feels like standing in another world.
Whale and killer whale safari
Seeing whales and killer whales in Norway is an unforgettable experience – especially when they are hunting for herring during the cold winter months in the north. Between November and February is the best time to see humpback whales and killer whales in the waters of Tromsö. If you are lucky, these large winter whales may swim close to the boat for amazing photos during your whale safari.
If you want to see other whales such as porpoises, pilot whales, minke whales (in southern Norway and Lofoten), you can do it best between May and September.
Go dog sledding or reindeer sledding in Tromsø
Dog sledding in Norway is one of the most magical and authentic winter experiences you can have – a mix of silence, power, nature and interaction with animals. You ride through white landscapes, mountain forests, frozen lakes, often far from roads and people. The only thing you hear is the dogs' paws in the snow and the sled sliding. Mountains, forests, ice and fjords all around make it feel like you are riding through a postcard.
The time of year for dog sledding is from December to April (if there is snow) and it is Alaskan Huskies that pull you through the snowy landscape. Alaskan huskies are energetic, friendly and love to run. Dog sledding tours can be found in Tromsø, Alta, Kirkenes, Geilo and Hardangervidda.
The alternative to dog sledding is to go on a reindeer sleigh ride instead or how about Snowmobile!
Go Snowshoeing & Winter hiking in Tromsø
Snowshoeing in Norway is a fantastic winter activity – especially for those who want to get close to nature at a leisurely pace, without having to be an expert skier. It’s easy, accessible and gives you the chance to explore quiet mountains, forests and valleys covered in snow.
Snowshoes (Norwegian: truger) are wide “shoes” that you strap onto your regular winter boots. They distribute your weight so you don’t sink into deep snow, and allow you to walk in places that would otherwise be impossible to get to. The best time to go snowshoeing is from December to April, depending on where you are in the country.
In northern Norway and high mountain areas, the season can start in November and last until May. In Tromsø, the landscape is fantastic: mountains, forests and fjord views and yes – sometimes you can see the Northern Lights from the mountains. A trip we recommend is to Keipen. Keipen is located on the island of Senja between the destinations Tromsø and Lofoten.
Take the Fjellheisen cable car up to the top of Storsteinen in Tromso
Taking the Fjellheisen cable car up to the top of Storsteinen in Tromsø is an absolute must – and here's why it's worth every minute and penny.
Once up on Storsteinen you get a fantastic panoramic view of Tromsø – the city, the fjord, the bridges, the Arctic Cathedral and its surrounding mountains and sea, in clear weather you can see for miles! The Fjellheisen gives you one of Norway's most beautiful city views all year round, day and night, but especially at sunset or snowfall. The Fjellheisen cable car takes you to the top in just about 4 minutes and you don't have to hike 421 meters in altitude in snow, darkness or steep terrain. The journey itself with the cable car from Solliveien in Tromsdalen is a breathtaking experience on your way up to the top.
You get completely different experiences of the view from Storsteinen depending on the season. If you come to Tromsø during the winter you have a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky during the darkness of the polar night and if you come in the summer - well then the light never ends when the midnight sun shines from around the end of May to the end of July.
Don't miss Fjellstua Café, which serves hot chocolate, coffee, waffles and food with views of all of Tromso.
