Located in the heart of northern Norway, Tromsø is a gateway to Arctic adventure and culture. Home to dramatic landscapes, stunning wildlife and steeped in history, it should come as no surprise that it is a popular destination to visit.
If you enjoy elegant travel and you want to learn about the region's history, Tromsø is best explored aboard a cruise on a smaller ship. A cruise is not only a great way to visit the city in comfort and style, but also to experience the spectacular fjords this part of the world is known for.
Whether you're marvelling at the Northern Lights or exploring the city's fascinating museums, there is so much you can do whilst visiting this Arctic metropolis. In this guide, we take a look at some of the top things you can do in Tromsø.
See the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Tromsø is among the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, thanks to its location deep within the Arctic Circle. For a chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, the best time to visit is between September and March, when the nights are longer and darker.
One of the best ways to see the Aurora Borealis is on a Northern Lights cruise with us, as you will be away from any light pollution. Cameras can detect the aurora better than the human eye, so it is worth bringing a camera and using a tripod to keep your camera or smartphone still for a long exposure photograph.
Imagine being on a smaller cruise ship and being able to watch the Northern Lights from a quiet deck, whilst being wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink in hand. That could be you on a cruise with Fred. Olsen.
You might also like: Discovering the Aurora Borealis: Facts About the Northern Lights
Learn about the Indigenous Sámi community
One of the most enriching experiences that you can enjoy in Tromsø is the chance to connect with the Sámi community, the Indigenous people of Arctic Scandinavia.
On many of our cruise itineraries to Tromsø, you can join a Shore Tour that takes you to a traditional lavvu tent, where Sámi hosts share stories of their heritage, reindeer herding traditions, and spiritual connection to the land.
This intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from Sámi people, gaining insight into a way of life that has endured for centuries in harmony with the Arctic environment.
There are other cultural attractions in the city that will help deepen your understanding of Sámi history and Arctic life, including the Tromsø University Museum and the Polar Museum, which feature exhibits on Sámi art, language, and folklore.
You might also like: Sámi Culture - A Journey into the Heart of the North
Taste the local cuisine
Tromsø’s cuisine is a rich reflection of its Arctic heritage and coastal location, and during your visit, you will be able to experience this. Local dishes often feature fresh seafood like cod, halibut, and king crab, caught from the waters around the city.
Reindeer and lamb are also staples, prepared in traditional Sámi styles or modern Nordic interpretations. For a truly local experience, visitors can pair their meals with local beers, adding a refreshing touch to the Arctic dining scene.
Mack Brewery is only a short walk from the cruise port and is the northernmost brewery in the world. For those who are interested in the art of ale, you can take a guided tour of the old brewery or visit Ølhallen, the city’s oldest pub, which serves local beers from 72 different taps.
You might also like: When is the Best Time to Visit Norway?
Enjoy stunning views from the Fjellheisen cable car
If you want the best panoramic views of Tromsø and its surrounding area, then you should take the Fjellheisen cable car up to the summit of Mount Storsteinen, which is more than 1,300 feet above sea level.
Just a short distance from the city centre, you can hop on the cable car and be whisked up the mountainside in a matter of minutes – four to be precise! As you ascend Mount Storsteinen, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Tromsø’s colourful buildings, the surrounding fjords, and the snow-capped peaks beyond.
At the top, there is a spacious viewing platform, and you can enjoy the scenery from every direction. In summer, you can witness the surreal glow of the midnight sun, whilst in the winter, it is a prime location for spotting the Northern Lights.
You might also like: A Definitive Guide to Visiting Norway
Attractions, museums and Arctic heritage
Tromsø is more than a gateway to the Arctic; it is a city that is steeped in history and heritage, and there are a host of incredible attractions that you can explore during your visit.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Tromsø is the Arctic Cathedral, a striking piece of modern architecture inspired by icebergs and northern landscapes.
Sarah, who is the writer behind the Travel With Me blog, has visited the cathedral, and she spoke about her experience of it: “It is constructed mainly in concrete and was built between 1964 and 1965. The design suggests shards of ice or maybe an iceberg, appropriate for this city north of the Arctic Circle.
“Inside, it is no less striking. We learned from an exhibition of photos in the basement that the stained-glass window that completely fills the wall behind the altar was only added in 1972. Prior to that, the view would have been mainly of trees.”
The Polar Museum is a must-visit museum as it offers a fascinating insight into the city’s adventurous past with exhibits showcasing stories of legendary trappers, polar expeditions, and the harsh realities of life in the far north.
Other museums that you should visit in Tromsø are:
- Tromsø University Museum: During a visit to this museum, you will get an insight into Sámi culture and the region’s geological history.
- Troll Museum: The first and only Troll Museum in Norway, created using modern augmented reality technology. You will learn about Norwegian fairy tales and legends during a visit, and get hands-on with the augmented reality.
You might also like: The Most Popular Norwegian Cruise Excursions
Go dog or reindeer sledding
Dog sledding and reindeer sledding allow you to experience the northern Norwegian wilderness in a completely unique way.
On dog sledding excursions, experienced mushers will introduce you to the huskies, and then you will explore the scenic landscape around Tromsø, which includes forests and plateaus. Whether you're steering your own sled or riding as a passenger, there are experiences that many guests find unforgettable.
You can also visit a reindeer camp, which is generally hosted by Sámi guides. These Shore Tours provide first-hand insight into the indigenous way of life, giving you the chance to go reindeer sledding, feed the reindeer and learn about the Sámi people’s culture and heritage.
Most people think of dog sledding and reindeer sledding as a typical winter activity, but you don’t have to wait for the snow. There are shore tours available where you are pulled in four-wheeled carts rather than sleds, and these run before the snow arrives and after it melts.
Spot wildlife on your cruise
Cruising through the fjords around Tromsø is not only stunning due to the dramatic scenery, but you can also encounter some of Norway’s most majestic marine life.
From late autumn to early spring, the waters around Tromsø become a feeding ground for killer whales and humpback whales, drawn by the abundance of herring.
At Fred. Olsen, we partner with marine conservationists from organisations like ORCA and OWE, who are on board to help guests spot whales, including humpbacks and orcas, from the decks of the ship. There are also Shore Tours specifically designed for whale watching from the port in Tromsø, which are informative and coincide with the peak whale watching season.
You might also like: 10 Reasons to Holiday to the Arctic Circle
Answering FAQs about Tromsø
What to do in Tromsø?
As we have explained in this guide, there are lots of things to do in Tromsø, and some of the most popular are:
- Witnessing the Northern Lights
- Whale watching
- Dog and reindeer sledding
- Getting an insight into the Indigenous Sámi community
Where is Tromsø?
Located on an island in the Tromsøfjord, about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a city in northern Norway. In fact, Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and is surrounded by mountains and fjords.
Is Tromsø expensive?
Norway has a high general cost of living, with accommodation and dining out in Tromsø expensive. However, visiting on a cruise lets you control your budget. With your accommodation travelling to the city with you, and a wealth of dining options on board, there’s no need to spend any money ashore if you don’t want (although souvenirs are hard to resist!).
Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
You can see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, and due to its position in the Arctic Circle, the city is in a prime location for viewing this natural phenomenon. The best time to see them is from September to early April when the nights are longer and darker.
Book your Tromsø cruise today
Cruising through the fjords around Tromsø is a trip that many guests may not forget, especially if you get to see the vivid displays of the Northern Lights and humpback whales from the deck of the ship.
No matter whether you are visiting Tromsø on one of our cruise holidays to Norway or as part of our Northern Lights cruises, you are spoilt for choice.