arctic trip tromso

Guided tours in northern norway

Guided tours with arctic trip in northern norway, come and live in and of the incredible nature in the arctic with us.

Arctic Trip is a small family company providing guided northern lights tours and customized tours with outdoor activities from one to several days in Troms, Northern Norway . Our tours are all-inclusive with focus on tasty local food. We are focusing on small groups up to 12 person.

 Arctic Trip family is known for northern norwegian hospitality – We will do our best to make your holiday a memorable one.

DISCOVER THE ARCTIC WITH US

ARCTIC ADVENTURE - Let's take adventure to a higher level

A winter hiking adventure through the untamed mountains in Northern Norway with an experienced local guide. Get ready for a true wilderness escape! All-inclusive, customized tours.

DANCING LIGHTS - a northern lights chase by minibus

Experience the northern lights with local guide. We want to make your dream come true! This tour starts from Tromsø city, and we are driving to a location where weather conditions are best.

northern lights cabin - activities and B&B

Imagine sleeping in a warm and cozy bed under a starry sky, with the northern lights dancing above you. But wait, there’s more! You’ll also have the opportunity to meet a local family and take a beautiful day hike in the mountains.

Ultimate Northern Lights Chase: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience in the Arctic

A true nomadic experience. Driving to a location with clear sky, set up lavvù (a tipi tent),  gathering around a campfire, do some snowshoeing while waiting for the northern lights. Enjoy sleeping in a cozy tent, northern lights alarm will sure you do not miss any northern lights activity. Please take contact for more info. 

private northern lights chase

Private northern lights chase for special occasions, like anniversaries, birthdays and proposals. Perfect choise for bigger groups as well! 

kayak fishing - summer activity

A  great summer activity which combines fishing and kayaking in a safe way. Suitable for new beginners as well.

Meet your guide

The company owner and our main guide Roy has born and lived most of his life in countryside in Troms county. He learned from his father how to get food from nature. Fishing, hunting and picking berries was important to learn already as a child. All these childhood days spent on the forests and mountains has given him a priceless knowledge about outdoor life. Roy’s mother loved cooking and managed to share this with his son. Something our guests can be happy about. What could taste better than fresh food straigh from the nature prepared outdoors?

Roy loves to meet new people and share with experience and knowledge. How much we can learn from each other! Roy has been working as a guide since 2007, mostly for northern lights, skiing and snowshoeing. His passion to the northern lights is easy to feel. 

You can read more about the family behind the Arctic Trip company  here .

Gallery - a glimpse of unforgettable experiences

Read more reviews over at TripAdvisor.com

Arctic Circle Tours Tromsø

Northern lights chase tromsø, northern-norway.

Experience the Northern Lights and nature in Tromsø with

Arctic Circle Tours Tromso, Northern-Norway

Local organizer of experiences and activities

Our experienced guides have a wealth of local knowledge about Tromsø and the Northern Lights, which ensures that you will have an unforgettable northern Norwegian experience. Experience the Northern Lights and adventurous Norwegian nature with us.

Reviews from the guests

small group for a more personal experience

I went out with this company a few times at the end of september/beginning of october 2022. While we have not been blessed by the best lights, and this is out of control of any company, I always had a great time. First, I think the group size is ideal. Of course the atmosphere will depend a lot on the other guests and how well you bond with them, in my case they had all been great. I hope they think the same about me :) Second, we were offered excellent home-made soup and cake among other things. I was told it was prepared by a real chef. And finally, we were with a very well-seasoned guide who perfectly knows the area, can explain how everything works, and entertained us while we were waiting for lights. I recommend that company if you want a more personal experience than with big companies and large groups.

rblanc31 - 26/10/2022

Reviews on TripAdvisor

Incredible night

Sarah was the driver and she was the guide who took us to a place in the middle of nothing to see the Northen Lights. She taught us how to take photos with our mobile phone and she took our photo with Northen Lights. Of course, there was a bondfire where we could keep warm and Sarah prepared our meal (soup, hot-dog - some vegetarian and hot chocolat. And in the end, we could enjoy a cake! Thank you for everything and for sure, I recommend this tour: Chasing Northen Lights with Ami Hotel.

Laura K - 04/11/2022

Northern light tour

Regarding Northern Lights chasing in Tromso. Big bus or small bus? A small bus has an advantage being able to get to more inaccessible locations. AMI tour provides a more personal service including a camp fire,hot dogs, soup etc. Importantly the AMI tour includes professional photography whereas big bus tours charge a lot more for photography separately. Having tried both a big bus tour and AMI, there is no doubt that AMI is better value overall. I strongly recommend AMI as the best operator in Tromso. Robert Donaldson 17th November 2022

robertdB1221XM - 16/11/2022

Great Northern Lights tour!

Sarah was an outstanding guide. She paid attention to her group’s needs and was enthusiastic about finding the lights and good places for viewing. Her experience finding active Northern Lights is superb. The soup and meal were good and very hot. We would definitely go on another tour with her. The hubby’s opinion: “We’ve been on a lot of tours during the past year; this was one of the very best. A magical night, not to be forgotten. LOVED the small-group aspect. This guide knows her stuff, bigtime.”

Linda_K - 25/11/2022

Excellent small group for Northern Lights tour.

Our tour with Sarah was great! She was very knowledgeable about the Lights and experienced in locating them. We saw the Northern lights in several areas around Tromso. We would definitely go back again.

F8650QHlindak - 25/11/2022

Reviews from Google

Our guide, Sarah, was excellent. He took us to a place where we could watch the northern lights dance for hours. The food and company were excellent. 100% recommended

Alberto Hernández Castillo

More reviews from Google

Reviews From Google 2

The price was cheaper than other companies, but the tour quality and service was more than that. Clean winter clothes and winter shoes were prepared according to size. The guide always responded kindly with a smile to various requests and questions. The weather was cloudy and the situation was not good, but in the end they found a good place to see the northern lights. He carefully took pictures with the camera several times, and after the tour was over, he corrected them and sent them to me. At the end of the trip a bonfire was made, but they prepared a variety of finger foods such as sausages, soups and cakes, so I could eat my fill. It's a new company, so I don't think it's been introduced in Korea yet, but I think it's a company that can definitely satisfy Korean travelers who are very picky and careful in every trip.

최지선 - 30/12/2022

Book accommodation in the center of Tromsø

Meeting for our tours is at the Ami Hotel, centrally located in Tromsø. Here we also offer practical and affordable accommodation, whether you are going to participate in one of our experiences or not.

The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

Tromso itinerary for 4 days: The perfect Tromso winter trip

Are you thinking about taking a winter trip to Tromsø and wondering how to plan your itinerary? Then you’ve come to the right place!

The enchanting city of Tromso in Northern Norway is a real winter wonderland and is often called the Capital of the Arctic. We spent 4 days in Tromso in December, in the middle of the Polar Night period, the Aurora Borealis season and the whale watching season. It was absolutely magical!

Below, I’m sharing my 4-day Tromso itinerary that allows you to experience the incredible beauty of the Arctic winter, complete with Northern Lights, snow-capped mountains, reindeer, orca sightings and husky sledding. 

At the bottom of this post, you’ll also find my recommendations on where to stay, what to do when the weather is bad and a map that gives you an overview of where the main sights on this Tromsø itinerary are located.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

How to get around

You don’t really need to rent a car when visiting Tromsø. The town itself is small and the main points of interest are within walking distance from each other or can easily be reached by public buses. 

Also, most of the classic Tromso winter activities have to be done as part of organized tours, meaning you can’t do them on your own. They usually include transportation to a location outside of the city and back. These are activities like reindeer and husky tours, whale watching tours, Sami tours, northern lights tours etc.

With that said, we did rent a car for one of the days of our Tromso itinerary to take a road trip outside of the town and explore the beautiful landscapes at our own pace. We really enjoyed it and can recommend doing the same but only if you’re confident in your ability to drive on icy roads.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, you can book an organized tour that takes you to more or less the same places that we visited on our little road trip. I’m sharing more details about this in the itinerary below (see Day 2).

Another reason for renting a car would be if you want to go searching for the Northern Lights on your own. It probably won’t be cheaper than joining a Northern Lights tour though (unless you travel with a bigger group) and you would miss out on the expertise of the professional tour guides.

Good to know: From about November 21 to January 21, Tromsø experiences the Polar Night – a period when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no daylight or that it’s dark all the time. From about 10am to 2pm, you can see beautiful colors of twilight in the sky so plan to be outside during these hours if you’re visiting during the Polar Night.

Tromso itinerary: How to spend 4 days in Tromso in winter

Day 1: storsteinen, tromsø town & northern lights tour, storsteinen viewpoint.

On the first day of your Tromso itinerary, head to the viewpoint on Storsteinen Mountain (420m/1378ft) for an amazing panoramic view over Tromso. You can get to the foot of the mountain from the city by bus #26.

From there, the Storsteinen viewpoint can be reached in two ways – by taking the Fjellheisen cable car (what most people do) or by hiking up the mountainside along the Sherpatrappa (‘Sherpa stairs’) trail. The round-trip ticket for the cable car costs 415 NOK whereas hiking is free.

Since we love to hike, we decided to hike up and take the cable car back down. The hike was quite challenging since we were walking through thick snow but it was a fun experience nonetheless with some great views along the way. It took us under an hour to reach the top, where we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the city below us.

Besides the viewpoint, there’s also a cafe and several hiking trails on the top. We got there a bit late when it was already starting to get dark so we didn’t explore any of the trails.

Tromso town

After Storsteinen, spend the afternoon getting to know the town of Tromso. Visit the Arctic Cathedral (one of the most famous landmarks of Tromso), take in the views from Tromsø Harbour and stroll along Storgata, a lovely pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants and shops.

You can also visit the Polar Museum to learn about polar expeditions and life in the Arctic region or take a beer tour at Mack Brewery , the northernmost brewery in the world.

Northern Lights tour

In the evening, take a Northern Lights tour to (hopefully) see the magnificent Aurora Borealis dance in the night sky. Although Aurora sightings can never be guaranteed, the guides on these tours work hard to find the best locations each night and communicate with other guides to find clear skies.

We took this Northern Lights bus tour , which started at 6.30pm and finished around 1am. If you prefer a smaller group instead of a bus, you can book this tour .

Unfortunately, we only caught a faint glimpse of the Aurora that night but this is nothing to be blamed on the tour company. It’s nature – sometimes there simply isn’t enough solar activity or the sky is too cloudy.

We did end up seeing a fantastic Northern Lights display on our final night (see Day 4 of this itinerary). It was an awe-inspiring experience and truly a sight to remember!

Note: For a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights, you should head out every night to search for them, either with a tour or by yourself. For this reason, this Tromso winter itinerary includes outdoor activities on each of the four nights.

Day 2: Kvaløya, Sommarøy and DIY Northern Lights hunt

Arctic road trip.

On the second day of your trip, it’s time to take a road trip out of Tromsø to see some beautiful Arctic scenery. I recommend heading to Kvaløya and Sommarøy, two islands located west of Tromsø, which can be reached by driving (no ferry crossings needed).

To do that you can either rent a car and explore on your own like we did or join a tour that includes transport and a guide. We rented a car at Tromsø airport. Please only consider renting if you’re familiar with driving on snow and ice.

Otherwise, you can take this 5-hour small group tour with a minivan, where you’ll visit the most scenic spots on Kvaløya and Sommarøy while your guide shares their knowledge of the area. Lunch and professional photos are included. 

On these islands, you can expect to see snow-covered mountains, picturesque fjords, Arctic beaches and quaint fishing villages. If you’re lucky, you might even come across some wild reindeer. The main points of interest on Kvaløya are Ersfjordbotn and Grøtfjorden, whereas on the tiny island of Sommarøy, I recommend just driving around and taking in the charm.

Search for Northern Lights on your own

In the evening, I recommend going Northern Lights hunting again. If you rented a car and are keeping it for the evening, try to find a dark area away from light pollution on Ringvassøya, Kvaløya or Sommarøy islands. 

Otherwise, you can also look for them in Tromsø without a car but they will likely look a bit weaker because of the city lights nearby. The best spots to see Northern Lights in the town are Prestvannet Lake and Telegrafbukta Beach, both of which can be reached by walking or public buses from Tromsø center. We visited both of them but unfortunately, the Northern Lights didn’t show up that night.

The Storsteinen viewpoint is another recommended place to see the aurora but remember that this requires taking a cable car (which stops running at midnight) or hiking there in the dark.

Day 3: Whale watching & Northern Lights

Whale watching tour.

On day 3, wake up early and get ready for what’s probably going to be one of the coolest experiences of your Tromso trip – a whale watching tour. Every year from late October to late January, orcas, humpback whales and fin whales gather in the fjords at Skjervøy, northeast of Tromsø, to feed on herring.

The whale watching boat tours take you right into their feeding grounds, which means you’ll have very good chances of spotting the whales. The tours last for a full day as it takes several hours to reach the whale territory. You definitely won’t get bored though because the views of the Arctic scenery around the boat are amazing. 

We took the Silent Whale Watching tour by Brim Explorer and saw several pods of orcas, a few humpback whales and even a fin whale. If you’d like to book the same tour, use my discount code ‘smoothescape’ to get 5% off your booking.

It’s a bucket-list-worthy experience that should definitely be on your Tromso itinerary if you’re visiting during the whale season (late October to late January). 

Be sure to read my detailed blog post on whale watching in Tromso for all the information you need to plan your whale tour.

Note: If you’re visiting Tromso outside of the whale watching season, you can take an Arctic fjord cruise instead. Although you won’t see whales, you will see picturesque coastal landscapes, fjords, fishing villages and maybe even some eagles and harbor porpoises.

Look for Aurora Borealis

After the whale tour, grab some dinner and then head outside to search for the Northern Lights again. You can look for them on your own by going to one of the places in Tromso that I mentioned in the section about Day 2 or you can take another Northern Lights tour to increase your chances of seeing them.

Day 4: Dog sledding, reindeer & Sami camp

Dog sledding tour.

Kick off the last day of your Tromso trip with a husky sledding tour. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Tromso in winter and gets sold out months in advance so make sure to book your tour in time. 

You can either take a husky sled self-drive tour , which means that you will be the one controlling the sled or you can take a guided sled ride , where you’ll just be the passenger and a professional musher will do the ‘driving’. In either case, you’ll ride through beautiful frozen landscapes with a team of huskies and finish the tour with a traditional lunch.

Reindeer feeding and Sami culture tour

In the evening, round off your Tromso winter trip with one final tour – a visit to this Sami reindeer camp to learn about the Sami culture and meet a herd of 300 reindeer. 

The Sami are the indigenous people of Scandinavia who have a distinct culture, language and traditions. They are known as excellent reindeer herders and at this Sami camp, you can pet and feed their reindeer and go reindeer sledding. During the tour, the Sami people will also share stories about their culture and beliefs. The tour includes a traditional dinner served around a fire in a cozy Sami hut.

We loved everything about this tour (especially feeding the adorable friendly reindeer) but the absolute highlight of the evening was when the Northern Lights suddenly appeared in the sky.

We were in complete awe as we watched the vivid green lights dance above our heads. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and the perfect ending to our Tromso itinerary.

Where to stay in Tromso

The most convenient place to stay in Tromso is the center of the city. This way you’ll be just a short walk from all the restaurants, shops and tour departure points.

Keep in mind that winter (especially December) is the peak season for tourism in Tromso and hotels get sold out fast. I recommend booking your accommodation at least 3 months in advance if you’re visiting Tromso in winter.

MID-RANGE: Smarthotel Tromsø Situated in the center of Tromso, this is an unpretentious hotel with a contemporary design and a delicious breakfast. Considering the high price level of Tromso, this place offers great value for money.

LUXURY: Clarion Hotel The Edge This is the most modern and luxurious hotel in Tromso with an excellent location right by the harbor. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and Tromso’s only sky bar.

UNIQUE STAYS: Aera Panoramic Glass Lodge or Tromso Ice Domes The first one is a gorgeous cabin with glass walls and glass roof, perfect for watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The second one is a hotel made entirely of ice! The Ice Domes experience also includes a snowshoe hike, husky sledding, a Northern Lights hunt and all meals.

What to do in Tromso when the weather is bad

Although people mostly visit Tromso for all the wonderful outdoor activities, sometimes the weather can let you down and you’ll just want to stay indoors instead. If that’s the case during your trip, here are some ideas for what to do in Tromso in bad weather:

• Relax in a spa – In Tromsøbadet , there are different types of heated pools, saunas and water attractions for kids. For something a bit more unusual, visit the Vulkana Arctic Spa boat or the small floating PUST Sauna.
• Explore Tromso’s museums – From the Polar Museum and the Arctic University Museum of Norway to the Troll Museum and Perspective Museum, there are plenty of museums to explore in the city.
• Taste local beer and spirits – You can take a brewery tour of Mack Brewery (the northernmost brewery in the world) and do a beer tasting at their bar Ølhallen. Or you can take this Northern spirits tasting tour that also includes Norwegian delicacies.
• Visit Tromso library – A nice place to hide from the cold weather. There’s a cafe, quiet areas, a kids’ area and board games that you can borrow.

Other places to include in your Tromso itinerary

There are lots of fun things to do and places to see near Tromso, so if you have more time to spend or you’re just looking to add other activities to your Tromso travel itinerary, here are my suggestions:

• See the ice sculptures at Tromso Ice Domes
• Go on a snowshoe hike
• Go snowmobiling at Camp Tamok
• Go winter sea kayaking and potentially see seals and eagles
• Visit Norway’s second-largest island Senja (we visited Senja in the summer and loved it!)
• If you have more days, visit the Lofoten Islands , an archipelago that has some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

4-day Tromso itinerary map

On the interactive map below, you can find the main points of interest and the hotels I mentioned in this blog post. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.

Tromso itinerary: Final thoughts

And that’s it – these were my recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Tromso. It’s a magical place to visit in the winter and offers so much to discover. Once you’ve experienced its Arctic charm and seen the beautiful wildlife and the Northern Lights, you’ll want to go back again!

If you have any questions about this Tromso winter itinerary, leave them in the comments section.

Don’t forget to check out my other Norway blog posts for more helpful travel tips:

• Whale safari in Tromso
• Travel guide to Senja Island
• 5-day Lofoten Islands itinerary
• How to take a campervan trip in Norway
• Most beautiful hikes in Lofoten
• Best beaches in Lofoten

Pin this Tromso winter itinerary!

Visiting Senja Island in Norway: A complete travel guide

Guide to whale watching in Tromso (& the most ethical way to do it)

The perfect Lofoten itinerary: 5 days on the Lofoten Islands

Reinebringen hike: The most famous view in Lofoten, Norway

10 best beaches in Lofoten, Norway’s Arctic paradise

Great article. I scrolled to day 4 just to see the Northern Lights photo. Amazing.

Thanks Alex! It sure was an amazing sight! 🙂

Great article and pretty photos. I like your coat! Do you have recommendations?

Than you Marion! What kind of recommendations are you looking for?

I am trying to decide what coat to purchase for an upcoming winter trip to Norway and Finland and wonder if you can recommend suitable options?

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Best Arctic

Best Arctic: Unforgettable trips and tours in Northern Norway and the Arctic

Life-changing experiences – The Arctic Way

Explore the Arctic with us all year round!

Travel with our winter & summer Arctic Routes and explore Northern Norway.

Chase the northern lights, go dog-sledding, snowmobile, kayaking and whale-watching among many other activities.

Find your next adventure

Explore our arctic route summer bus routes, travel by bus in northern norway this summer.

Avoid the hassle of renting a car. Hop on board, lean back and enjoy the ride. Hop-off at your desired destination and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences!

NOK 70 – 1820

• Tromsø Lofoten

Bus between Tromsø and Lofoten

Travel by bus between tromsø and svolvær , daily, between 15th june – 31st august, v ia senja, andøya, vesterålen, all the way down to svolvær and  kabelvåg..

NOK 60 – 870

• Svolvær Å i Lofoten

Discover the Lofoten Islands by bus

Travel by bus between svolvær and å i lofoten , daily, between 15th june – 31st august . several stops along the way include henningsvær, leknes, flakstad, nusfjord, hamnøy, reine and moskenes , among others..

NOK 690 - 890

• Svolvær - Narvik - Evenes Airport

Airport Transfer between Svolvær, Narvik train station and Evenes Airport

Travel by bus between svolvær, evenes airport and narvik , to go/come back from lofoten – good connection with arrivals and departures at the airport and at narvik train station., explore our summer activities, tromsø tours​.

From NOK 1950 / pp

• Tromsø - Senja - Tromsø

Fjord Tour to Senja, with transport from and back to Tromsø

Join this self-guided trip, from tromsø to the mesmerizing island of senja, including 1 scenic ferry trip and several photo stops, as well as a delicious-tasting lunch platter in the idyllic hamn i senja resort..

From NOK 2290 / pp

• Tromsø - Sommarøy - Tromsø

Kayak trip with lunch and sauna in Sommarøy, with transport from and back to Tromsø

Visit the summer island, sommarøy, only 1 hour away from tromsø, and kayak in caribbean-like scenery. this tour includes transport from and back to tromsø, lunch and sauna..

From NOK 1250 / pp

Arctic Fjord Cruise

Go on a silent and peaceful cruise around tromsø fjord aboard a hybrid-electric catamaran. this half-day sightseeing trip is the perfect combo to discover the wildlife, scenery and fishing traditions of the tromsø region., lofoten tours.

From NOK 3490 / pp

Whale-Watching at Andenes from Svolvær, with transporation included

Join us on an arctic whale watching safari, in andenes, with bus transport from svolvær. watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, from a rigid inflatable boat..

• 09:00 or 14:00

Silent Trollfjord Cruise

Experience lofoten’s majestic trollfjord and its white-tailed eagles in complete silence and comfort on board our purpose-built hybrid-electric boat..

From NOK 1490 / pp

Best of Lofoten, in 1 day

Hop on the arctic route sightseeing bus for a self-guided tour, and visit the best of lofoten, in one day, from svolvær, with several stops along the way: henningsvær, nusfjord, reine and flakstad. , vesterålen tours​.

From NOK 1495 / pp

Hurtigruten Cruise into Trollfjord

Visit the hometown of hurtigruten, the brand-new museum, and explore the village of stormarknes on foot. on your way back to svolvær, you will join the famous hurtigruten ship, while visiting norway’s most iconic northern fjord: trollfjord..

From NOK 1595 / pp

• 09:15 (am) or 14:15

Whale Safari by big boat from Andenes

Join a 3 to 5-hour scenic whale safari by boat tour, from andenes during your summer holiday. search the whales above the famous bleik canyon, including a pre-guided tour (plus 1 hour) in the museum to give you full insight into the life of the sea mammals..

From NOK 800 / pp

• Stokmarknes

Experience the famous Trollfjord from Stokmarknes

Experience the trollfjord with a rigid inflatable boat from stokmarknes. a trip that offers birdlife, history, steep mountain sides and a world-famous fjord on the border between lofoten and vesterålen, senja tours.

From NOK 1300 / pp

Kayak Tour in Senja - morning

Kayak and paddle out in one of northern norway’s best paddle places: the stunning archipelago of skaland and hamn i senja. hop on a deserted beach and observe the local fauna and flora, take photos, and build memories for life in this 3-hour tour..

From NOK 1500 / pp

Kayak Tour in Senja - evening

The most popular kayak tour go on a kayak tour in senja into the midnight sun, with a small group, and explore the arctic norwegian nature and wilderness on this night-time trip..

From NOK 960 / pp

Self-guided trip to Senja with transport included from Tromsø

Combine a self-guided sightseeing trip from tromsø to senja, including bus and ferry, with a hike at the wonderful hidden gem of northern norway: the island of senja. a day out in nature – recommended for hikers., explore our winter activities, winter 2024/2025 tours.

From NOK 1990 / pp

Aurora Safari Minibus

Small-group adventure with an english-speaking guide and a driver, with the goal of finding the stunning northern lights dancing for you. pictures, hot drinks and light meal, tripods, and warm winter suits included., husky safari tamokdalen - morning tour, join us for an exciting dog sledding adventure in scenic surroundings a fun self-mushing dog sledding tour in the winter wonderland of the troms region. just about an hour from tromsø, you find our kennel, surrounded by mighty mountains and deep valleys, which makes this safari a real northern norwegian, arctic experience..

From NOK 1790 / pp

Silent Whale Watching

A silent whale-watching tour on a hybrid catamaran from tromsø to skjervøy, to observe orcas and humpback whales, with minimum disturbance to nature and whales., northern light tours.

From NOK 1590 / pp

Aurora Safari Camp

A local and sustainable northern lights safari to one of our private aurora safari camps in the wide area. see the lights away from crowded places, including a chase that gives you the highest chance to find the northern lights. this concept is unique to best arctic..

From NOK 1690 / pp

Aurora Dinner Cruise

From NOK 1390 / pp

Our fjord tour brings you to the fjords around Tromsø, while visiting 4 islands. Learn about the North Norwegian culture and bring home captivating free digital photos of the landscapes on this unforgettable tour.

From NOK 1290 / pp

• From Tromsø to Polar Park and back

Visit Polar Park from Tromsø, the world's northernmost animal park

See wolves, bears, lynx, wolverines, arctic foxes and many others close-by transportation and ticket entrance from tromsø or narvik, included..

From NOK 275 / pp

Midnight Concert in Tromsø Cathedral

The midnight concerts have been one of tromsøs most popular events for more than two decades and features psalms, folk tunes, songs, traditional norwegian music and indigenous sami music performed by the region’s leading musicians., reindeer & sami culture tours.

From NOK 1795 / pp

Reindeer Sledding, Feeding and Sami Culture

Try the oldest mean of transport from the arctic and join the daily feeding of a herd of over 200 reindeer enjoy the arctic landscape in this daytime tour and learn more about reindeer and the sami culture..

From NOK 1890 / pp

Sami Reindeer Camp Dinner & Sledding

Spend an evening at a reindeer camp departing from tromsø. this trip is a full sami and reindeer experience including reindeer feeding and sledding, sami stories, a traditional dinner and a chance to see the northern lights., sami reindeer feeding, a trip to a reindeer farm 30 minutes away from tromsø to feed the reindeer and discover the traditional sami way of life: feed some of the 300 reindeer at the reindeer camp and learn more about sami reindeer herders., dog sledding tours, husky safari tamokdalen - afternoon tour, join us for a dog sledding tour at breivikeidet, with views on the majestic lyngen alps. one of the best activities to do in the arctic, snowmobile tours, lyngen snowmobile safari, an exciting, guided snowmobile safari in the lyngen alps, including a scenic bus and ferry fjord crossing ride from tromsø..

From NOK 2690 / pp

Snowmobile Safari in Finnish Lapland, from Tromsø

Visit finland for a day join us on a trip to finland, only 2,5 hours away from tromsø, to a magical place: the three border point, where finland, sweden and norway come together. how by snowmobile including transport from tromsø..

From NOK 2470 / pp

Snowmobile Excursion Evening

Take part in a small group evening snowmobile tour  in a wilderness area about a 75-minute drive from tromsø. enjoy riding a snow scooter for about two hours and, if you are lucky, the northern lights might dance above you return transport from tromsø is included., daytime boat/ fjord tours, join a tromsø fjord photography and history cruise: enjoy a peaceful cruise in arctic waters combined with the fascinating history of the unique boat hermes ii. this short yet exciting sightseeing tour offers a great way to discover tromsø from the sea., fishing & fjord cruise, a great trip for locals and visiting guests who want to try one of norway’s beloved sports: an arctic fishing adventure tour or simply join the adventure at sea on board the authentic restaured wooden boat, hermes ii., unique places to stay.

From NOK 3945 / pp

Overnight in Lavvo, reindeer sledding, feeding, and chance of Northern Lights

Try the oldest vehicle from the arctic, feed our reindeer herd, spend the night in a sami tent just as our ancestors did, and enjoy the arctic landscape in this overnight tour while the northern lights might dance above you.

From NOK 4300 / pn

Keen to experience authentic Northern Norwegian winter? The Aurora Hut Glass Igloo premium for two people enables you to combine arctic nature with spending the night inside a hut with a 180 degree panorama view. allowing you to see the northern lights from the inside.

From NOK 3100 / pp

• Kilpisjärvi

Cahkal Hotel Finland

Only 2.5h away from tromsø and accessible via the arctic route bus (stop in front of the hotel), this boutique hotel is located at the northwesternmost point of finland. create unforgettable experiences in a totally unique and pure arctic wilderness setting..

Arctic Trip

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Arctic Trip - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Europe , Bucket list travel , Norway · May 13, 2019

A Tromso road trip through the Arctic Fjords

Coming from the North Island of New Zealand, the idea of paying for a fjords tour with frozen lakes, snow-covered beaches and temperatures dropping well into the negatives felt very counter-intuitive. But wow, what a surprise we were in for when we joined Chasing Lights for a Tromso road trip – a small adventure-rich city in the north of Norway. Here’s the lowdown on our Arctic Fjords Road Trip in Tromso with the legends at Chasing Lights.

Tromso is surrounded by mountains, harbours and fjords which makes it a popular destination year-round, but winter was a surprisingly amazing time to explore the seaside destination, despite the worry of losing our fingers and toes.

We looked into hiring a car as a way to see the area outside the city, but given that temperatures were forecast to reach as cold as -25°C we didn’t feel fully confident to drive on roads we didn’t know, on the wrong (right) side of the road, in weather we weren’t used to. The Arctic Fjords road trip took all the stress out of the trip for us and took us straight to all the best views and photo spots in the region.

Here’s what we got up to on our Arctic Fjords Tromso road trip …

We set off from Tromso city centre at 9am and headed straight over to the neighbouring island of Kvaloya (Whale Island). We were lucky enough to catch an amazingly orange sunrise just after 10am from our spot on the beach, standing in soft fluffy snow up to our knees, and we were wrapped up in a toasty full-body snowsuit provided by Chasing Lights.

Turning away from the sunrise, we were treated to this pinky purple glow on the snowy mountains behind us which had to be one of the most stunning views of the day, and we’d only just started. Bay-hopping our way around the island, we spent about 20-30 minutes at each spot, which was more than enough time to have a good look around, grab some photos and video, have some professional photos taken by the tour guide, and soak up the views.

We walked over a frozen lake, stood at the top of ridges to see the view down through multiple valleys, and walked over snow-covered beaches right to the seaside. Lunch was a local speciality, fish soup, which made me nervous to think about but actually tasted like a creamy seafood chowder and was very enjoyable – even as not a major seafood eater.  

The day wrapped up around 3pm, by which time the sun has set in winter and you’re ready to be back in the warmth, or in enough time to grab some dinner before a Northern Lights tour.

How much did the tour cost?

For adults (13+) the day was 1300 NOK (about £115) per person. When we compared it to the price for car hire, insurance, plus the extra stress and preparation car hire would have required if we did our own Tromso road trip, we think it was absolutely worth it.

We also met some great people in our group, enjoyed a local speciality for lunch, and got taken to all the best spots without having to worry about weather, maps or paying for gas.

What’s the weather like in Tromso?

You’re nearly as far north as it gets, so it is coooold. We visited Tromso at the end of January so temperatures ranged between -5 and -25°C.

Chasing Lights provided us with insulated and waterproof jumpsuits and boots, which allowed us to walk amongst the snow and ice with no troubles.

Top tip: before you go into very cold temperatures, avoid using any product on your skin that is water based as this can freeze on your face and leave you with a nasty ice burn. Oil-based products are okay, but we opted to not use anything on our skin, just to be safe.

Due to the cold weather, camera batteries also drain considerably faster than usual. If you can, it pays to take multiple batteries with you , or a decent portable battery pack, and keep your gear as close to your body as possible when you’re not using it. A major bonus of going with Chasing Lights is the package of photos they take during the day and then provide to you afterwards within hours of your tour, which means you can just enjoy yourself through the day and you still have great memories to keep afterwards.

The final verdict

The Chasing Lights Arctic Fjords Road Trip was the perfect way to discover the lakes, fjords, mountains and views of Tromso and beyond, and we got to see places we would never have seen if we’d just rented a car ourselves. I’m all for exploring yourself when it’s an option, but the weather, the daylight hours and the cost would have made that super tricky in Tromso. I’d definitely suggest this trip for anyone wanting to get out of the city and explore the insane landscapes all around northern Norway.

Have you been to Tromso, or anywhere else in the Arctic Circle? I’d love to hear about your trip in the comments below!

Like this blog? Pin it!

See more blogs about our winter getaway to Tromso here , or check out my Instagram @findingalexx for loads more travel photos!

Huge thanks to Chasing Lights for hosting us for the Arctic Fjords Road Trip. As always, all opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience.

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3 full days Tromso itinerary in March - Tromso Forum

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3 full days Tromso itinerary in March

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We are going to stay in Trosmo next year around start of March for our Norway/Finland trip and I am wondering if this following itinerary sounds good?

2:30pm - Check in hotel @ Trosmo city centre

7pm - Dinner

Reindeer Ranch and Sami 4 hours bus Tour (10am or 1pm option, unsure which to take)

To conclude/return back to Trosmo either 2pm or 5pm

Northern light dinner cruise from 7pm to 11pm

11am - Tromsø: Arctic Fjord landscape Cruise (3 ½ hours)

2:30pm - conclude, then lunch

4pm - Fjellheisen sunset cable car till dark + enjoy glittering night view landscape (if 1st day is bad weather)

7pm - Northern light dinner cruise from 7pm to 11pm (if previous day is cloudy)

Day 4: Check out early morning and head to Rovaniemi

We are a scenery type of person

I think this is very perfect unless we might have missed something else or that is recommended to do?

4 replies to this topic

It can very well be cloudy for your entire stay, it could be snowing heavily which would ruin any visibility.

If you are serious about Northern Lights, you should join NL chasing tours. Mobility is the key for finding those all important clear skies.

March is high season, tours sell out.

Thanks for the tip

I will take note of that and reconsider the NL chasing tour

I did not know March is actually high season.

I was thinking it is low season given the highest snowy season is almost over. I guess its the ski season period eh?

Snow season is definitely not over in March - snow on the ground around Tromsø to mid-May, snow depth at its peak in March. Countryside inland will have snow later. https://www.yr.no/en/statistics/graph/1-305409/Norway/Troms/Troms%C3%B8/Troms%C3%B8

March is popular as hours of daylight are long while nights are still dark enough for viewing Northern Lights, plus possibilities of snow activities.

Good to know March is the peak for snow as my wife will be happy

She thought the peak is in Jan.

Looks like I will then book the tours in advance with 24 hours refund flexibility should the weather does not favour us e.g. Viator and Get Your Guide should do the job!

Thanks again

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10 Best Things to do in Tromso with Kids

S itting far above the Arctic circle, Tromsø – which often calls itself “the capital of the north” – is a pulsating city with a diverse array of attractions. There’s something for everyone here – so if you are wanting things to do in Tromso with kids, you can guarantee that you’ll find plenty of wonderful things to do. 

Where to Stay in Tromsø

Tromsø is only a small city, but it’s spread over two islands and the mainland, so there are accommodations in a few different places! 

• Thon Hotel Polar is centrally located and has family rooms, along with an excellent buffet breakfast. 
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø in the city center, with several options for families of 4 or more.
• Scandic Ishavshotel is another centrally located option on the harbor. It has a free breakfast and family room that sleeps 4.
• Tromso Ice Domes are perfect if you’re looking for an opportunity to stay in an ice hotel in Norway. The hotel is open December through March, but there are other things to do the rest of the year, including snowmobiling and visiting reindeer.

Top 10 Things to Do in Tromsø Norway with Kids

Tromsø with kids could include exploring local landmarks and learning about the unique architecture, exploring the Arctic landscape by climbing into a husky sleigh, or feeding reindeer at a husky camp. 

We’ve put together the best things to do in Tromsø with kids, so whether you’re planning a family trip to Norway in winter or summer (the two best times of year to be in the Arctic!), you’ll be inspired by this list! 

1. Explore Tromso’s landmarks

Tromsø is dotted with unique landmarks and modern architecture, and if you have older kids, they’ll love the futuristic buildings! Here are a few to look out for: 

• Arctic Cathedral: While this building is in fact a church, it’s called the “Arctic Cathedral” because it is so striking and imposing. It’s triangular in shape and has large walls made of windows, which allows as much natural light in as possible in the dark winter months. 
• Tromsø Library: This building is renowned for its arched ceilings and huge windows.  
• Polaria: Polaria is a fantastic spot to visit as a standalone attraction, but it’s worth admiring the architecture from the outside as well. The building resembles collapsing dominoes, although you wouldn’t think it at all from the outside!

Also, spend some time walking around Tromsø harbor, taking in the unique atmosphere and looking out for boats of all shapes and sizes. 

2. Go husky sledding over the Arctic landscape 

The number one Tromsø winter activity , this husky sledding adventure is suitable for anyone over seven years. 

Taking place in the countryside outside Tromsø (transportation is included in the tour), you’ll experience a whirl of adventure as you climb into the sled and let the huskies pull you on a snow-covered route around the Arctic countryside. 

It’s a must-do for any adventurous kids, and it’s equally as fun for the grown-ups! After the sledding experience, you’ll warm up by a fire with a hot chocolate. 

3. Have an AR experience at the Troll Museum

There are a few museums in Tromsø, but the best for kids is probably the Troll Museum . Trolls are a part of Norwegian culture and have been connected to local mythology for centuries. 

At the Troll Museum, not only can you learn about this mythology, but it’s also possible to make the images and statues come to life by using augmented reality goggles!

Other museums in town include the Polar Museum , which details exhibitions from northern Norway to the Arctic and North Pole, and the Tromsø Museum which is a full exploration of the city’s fascinating history. 

However, I’d definitely recommend the Troll Museum as the best museum in Tromso for families. 

4. Summit in the Storsteinen Cable Car

Climb to great heights in the Fjellheisen Cable Car up the Storsteinen mountain. It’s a must-do for any family who loves exciting attractions! The cable car climbs to 421 meters (1381 feet) above sea level, offering breathtaking views over the city center and its surrounding mountains. 

As well as enjoying the view, your family can look for plant life – as the soil is calcium-rich, it’s the growing place for a few unusual plant species including the Arctic sandwort. 

It’s arguably the best place in the city to enjoy the midnight sun in June – or you can look out for the northern lights from the top if you’re here in the winter season! 

The cable car closes in poor weather – and it’s not worth visiting in cloudy conditions, as you won’t be able to enjoy the view at all! So, if you’re in town for a few days, schedule your cable car ride for the clearest day. 

5. Educate yourself on a Sami culture tour

The Sami people populate northern Scandinavia. They’re the native group that has lived and worked off the land for thousands of years, using reindeer as transport and food. 

Sami-led tours offer an insightful look into this fascinating culture and depart from Tromsø every evening. They drive 45 minutes out of the city to a local Sami camp. 

Older kids will love feeding the reindeer. However, be careful while doing so, as they can be quite boisterous and younger children might find them a bit scary! 

After feeding the reindeer, you’ll head into the camp to learn about Sami culture. This is invaluable and a fantastic learning experience for young travelers. 

Your Sami guide will detail all you need to know about Sami weddings, families, and give you some fun facts about reindeer in Tromsø. 

It’s one of the best things to do in Tromsø with teenagers and any inquisitive kids!

6. Enjoy whale watching

Another fabulous activity that will amaze the whole family is whale watching!

The waters around Tromsø are rich with marine life; here, you’ll find gentle giants like orcas and humpback whales along with seals, puffins, and otters. Whale season generally runs from November to January, but you can see other animals throughout the year. 

Boat tours depart Tromsø harbor throughout whale season to look out for creatures in the sea. 

In the summer months, instead of doing a sea life-focused cruise, you could instead sail to one of the nearby islands and take a cycle trip around it. 

7. Visit Polaria and see the seals

Another fantastic animal activity in Tromsø is Polaria , a museum devoted to the Arctic landscapes and northern waters. Due to its proximity to the North Pole, Tromsø’s geology is quickly changing. 

Not only does Polaria give families a chance to see some adorable animals – there’s an underwater tunnel that you can walk through and see seals swimming above. It’s also a chance to educate your whole family about the dangers that face the Arctic waters. 

You’ll learn about the impacts of plastic pollution and climate change on the Arctic waters, along with information about historical voyages to the North Pole and other places in the Arctic. 

8. Take a snowshoeing tour

There are plenty of snowsports – such as skiing and snowmobiling – to try around Tromsø, and the most kid-friendly is probably snowshoeing! 

As it involves walking in deep snow, snowshoeing is less intense than skiing or other snow sports. You’ll strap the snowshoes to your feet and hike up hills to gorgeous viewpoints over snowy landscapes, perhaps even sledding back down! Tours are generally suitable for kids aged over six. 

Of course, snowshoeing is only available in the winter months, but if you’re visiting Tromsø in the warmer season, you can enjoy hiking without snow – some of the surrounding landscapes are more accessible in the warmer months too! 

9. Take a fjord cruise

Head out onto the craggy fjords directly from Tromsø harbor. Destinations further south, like Bergen, are typically more renowned for their dramatic fjord scenery – but there are beautiful fjords to navigate by boat as far north as Tromsø too! 

Fjord cruises leave year-round, and include sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide and hot drinks and snacks. Most boats consist of an outdoor viewing area and a warmer indoor area – perfect if the weather’s a little chilly! 

10. Dine at the world’s northernmost Hard Rock Cafe

The Hard Rock Cafe is a family-friendly restaurant wherever you are in the world, with an extensive kid’s menu, including lots of reliable staples like burgers and pasta dishes. 

However, the reason that the Hard Rock Cafe makes it to this things to do in Tromsø list is because it’s the northernmost in the world! 

A must visit restaurant for anyone who’s a fan of a superlative, here you can sip on their classic milkshakes and enjoy their traditional rock memorabilia. 

Another option is the world’s northernmost Burger King which is located on the main street of Tromso. (The world’s northernmost brewery is also located in Tromsø but it’s not a family-friendly attraction!). 

Tips for visiting Tromsø with kids

Here are some things to consider if you’re visiting Tromsø with kids!

Consider taking a Northern Lights Tour in Tromsø 

Tromsø is known as one of the best places in Europe to see the northern lights ; but if you’re visiting with children, carefully consider whether they’ll enjoy a northern lights tour. Typically, they last several hours and can include five or six hours in a vehicle – plus, they sometimes don’t end until 2 a.m.!

Northern Lights season is in the winter when it can be very cold in the Arctic; the weather inland (where the tours journey to) is usually a lot colder than in Tromsø itself. Plus, it’s never guaranteed that you’ll see them whatever the weather. 

However, if you’re traveling with teenagers, they might enjoy the adventure of chasing the northern lights! 

Northern Light Tours from Tromso

• Northern Lights Chase by Boat with Get Your Guide
• Northern Lights Tour with Free Professional Photos with Get Your Guide
• Aurora Borealis Small Group Tour with Get Your Guide
• Aurora Hunting Tour with Professional Photos with Viator
• Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Viator

What to Pack for a Trip to Tromsø

The weather in Tromsø can be unpredictable to say the least, so make sure that you pack plenty of layers, including waterproof clothes and snow gear if you’re visiting in winter. 

This is especially important if you’re traveling as a family – make sure you have plenty of all-weather gear for everyone! 

With a plethora of attractions, scenic Arctic landscapes, and a fun vibe in the city center, there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy in wonderful Tromsø. 

It’s ideal for families with adventurous kids, as there are plenty of outdoor activities throughout the seasons. 

However, if the weather’s not so kind (it’s always unpredictable this far north!), there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in the city center too, including Polaria and the Troll Museum. 

Whatever the weather, you’ll find plenty to fuel your wanderlust in Tromsø!

About the author: Claire is a Europe winter travel expert; she spends November to March each year traveling around the continent, finding the best places to visit throughout the cooler months. She then writes it all up on her travel blog, Europe in winter !

The post 10 Best Things to do in Tromso with Kids appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .