15 BEST Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter for First-Timers
Winter in Tromsø is magical, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re visiting for the first time.
Where do you start with planning? What’s actually worth the money? And how do you avoid the over-priced and over-hyped tourist traps?!
Well, I’ve visited Tromsø solo in winter several times (most recently in March) and I’ve tried almost every major winter activity on offer here!
So this blog post comes from my first-hand experience of what’s genuinely worth it, what to book in advance, and what you can safely skip if you’re short on time or budget.
This list is perfect for solo female travellers who want to feel confident exploring Tromsø alone, whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, meeting the Sami people, hopping on a scenic fjord cruise, or simply wandering around Downtown with a hot chocolate in hand!
Ready? Let’s get into the 15 best things to do in Tromsø in winter!
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Where is Tromsø?
Tromsø is a small Arctic city in Northern Norway, around 350km above the Arctic Circle.
But even though it’s in a remote location, it’s surprisingly easy to reach, with regular flights from Oslo and other major airports around the world.
This is just one of the reasons Tromsø has become such a popular base for activities like Northern Lights chases and fjord adventures!
What I love most about Tromsø as a solo female traveller is that it gives you a true Arctic experience without ever making you feel isolated. You still get incredible nature, but also a proper city centre with good public transport and plenty of people around!
Is Tromsø Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes, Tromsø is absolutely worth visiting in winter and, in my opinion, it’s actually the best time to come!
Winter is when all of those bucket-list Arctic activities happen, from Northern Lights chasing to seeing beautiful fjords surrounded by snow!
And as a solo female traveller, I really love how easy Tromsø makes everything.
During my trip in early March, I joined small-group tours so I could get out in nature without feeling isolated, stayed close to the very walkable city centre, and explored all of the highlights safely without ever needing a car!
Katie’s Top Tip: If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, plan for at least 3–4 nights in Tromsø. Weather changes fast up here, and auroral activity isn’t always strong enough to see them, so you definitely want multiple chances. (I had to learn this the hard way when I visited Iceland in my first attempt to see them!)
How to Get to Tromsø
The easiest way to get to Tromsø is by flying into Tromsø Airport (TOS). Direct flights run from major airports around the world, or you can connect via Oslo.
Once you land, it’s then a super simple 15-minute airport bus or taxi ride to the city centre.
If you’re already in Norway, you can also get to Tromsø via The Coastal Express, as part of a longer trip. It takes more time and money, but it’s a whole experience in itself, and I would highly recommend it!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re coming from the airport, take the airport express bus. It’s so much cheaper than a taxi and still drops you close to most central hotels, with plenty of stops to choose from!
Where to Stay in Tromsø
Tromsø is compact and super walkable, which is perfect if you’re a solo traveller (like me!) wanting a base where you can get around safely without a car.
Most hotels are in the heart of Tromsø city centre, and are therefore within easy walking distance to the harbour, restaurants, pickup points for tours and public transport.
I found that mid-range hotels are the sweet spot here between comfort and cost, because you can’t get away from the fact that Tromsø is expensive, no matter how hard you try!
I recommend Scandic Ishavshotel, as the rooms are comfortable, breakfast is included, and it’s within easy walking distance of everything you could need.
Katie’s Top Tip: Always book your hotel early for the most affordable prices and your pick of the best accommodation in Tromsø.
Best Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter
1. Explore Tromsø Downtown
Before getting into the big, bucket-list Arctic excursions like husky sledding or chasing the Northern Lights, make sure you spend some time discovering Tromsø city itself!
The colourful wooden buildings, stunning harbour, and cosy cafes (Kaffebønna do the best hot chocolate, by the way!) make wandering the centre without any real plan or map one of the best free things to do in Tromsø.
Plus, it’s compact enough that you can never truly get lost and also busy enough that you’ll feel totally safe walking around, even in the afternoon when it gets dark.
It’s also an amazing chance to see real everyday life in the Arctic. I found it so fascinating walking around Tromsø!
These are a few Downtown Tromsø highlights to look out for on your walk:
- Tromsø Cathedral
- Tromsø Harbour
- Polaria Aquarium
- The Polar Museum
- Tromsø Magic Ice Bar
- Vervet (for a great view of the Arctic Cathedral!)
Katie’s Top Tip: Pack sturdy winter boots with good grip and also slip-on crampons for your trip to Tromsø in winter. The pavements get seriously slippy in winter, and falling over on a busy street is one Arctic experience I won’t be recommending in this post!
2. Take a Fjord Boat Trip
A fjord and whale watching cruise is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Tromsø, Norway (and was actually my own highlight from the trip!)
Seeing Tromsø from the water, especially if you love wildlife and spectacular mountain scenery, is an experience that just can’t be missed. It really is that stunning!
Plus, in winter, it feels like you’re sailing straight through a snow globe, with colourful buildings lining the water, snowy mountains towering all around you, and of course, the opportunity to glide under the famous Tromsø Bridge!
Also, keep an eye out for seals and whales on this cruise!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you have the time and budget, book a daytime fjord boat trip as well as a nighttime Northern Lights sailing that includes dinner and even has a hot tub on board for you to enjoy! You get totally different views of Tromsø’s spectacular landscapes on both cruises, plus it doesn’t feel repetitive at all.
3. Go Husky Sledding
If you only choose one Arctic experience in Tromsø, please make it husky sledding!
It’s adventurous without being too full on, and the gorgeous dogs are genuinely so excited to run that I was smiling the whole way round!
Plus, this amazing tour lets you take a turn driving your own sled, and the guides are always right there to help out, too if you’re nervous.
But what surprised me the most was how much time you get to spend bonding with the dogs.
They are trained huskies who just live for the thrill of running (they get so excited and want to run, even when it isn’t their turn!), and the handlers (aka mushers) take animal welfare and ethics super seriously, so you don’t need to worry about that.
I was missing my own fur baby, Cookie, during my 3-week trip to Norway, so my absolute highlight of this experience was getting to stroke and cuddle with the adorable dogs!
Honestly, I would book again just for that!
Katie’s Top Tip: Book your husky sledding experience as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Tromsø in winter and slots always sell out fast.
4. Go Reindeer Sledding
Reindeer sledding is one of the most unique things to do in Tromsø in winter because it gives you an insight into local Sami culture, as well as meeting adorable reindeer, of course!
The Sami are the Indigenous people of Arctic Norway, and reindeer herding has been a key part of their way of life for thousands of years. It’s so interesting to learn about!
So when you visit a reindeer camp, you’re not just taking photos, feeding reindeer and enjoying the thrilling sled ride across the snow (although they are all highlights of the day!), you’re also learning from the people who care for these beautiful animals in the Arctic.
This tour that I took includes a short sled ride through the snow, feeding the reindeer (they’re very cute but also very motivated by food, so stay aware!), and sitting around a fire inside a lavvu tent while listening to stories and joik – a traditional Sami song.
Unfortunately, when I booked this tour, the sledding was cancelled due to a snowstorm, but we were still able to feed them and spend time with the Sami, so it was a great experience!
Katie’s Top Tip: You can also book a reindeer sledding tour for the evening, to enjoy a sled ride through the snow, guided by flickering lamplight (and maybe even the Northern Lights!) I booked this one, and again, the sled ride was cancelled due to a snowstorm. Moral of the story? Always check the weather forecast before booking!
5. Chase the Northern Lights
For most people, the Northern Lights are the one reason Tromsø is at the top of their Norway winter bucket list.
And, having seen them myself in Tromsø, I totally get it. They are a truly magical sight!
Tromsø is actually one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, but even so, it’s not guaranteed.
That’s why chasing them with a specialist guide is one of the best things to do in Tromsø in winter. Your guide will read the weather, check the solar forecasts and will literally drive you to Finland for clearer skies if needed!
This amazing Northern Lights tour that I took in Tromsø was a small group and super social.
Our guide took us to a beautiful fjord location not far from Tromsø, and we lit a campfire, enjoyed hot chocolate under the stars, and toasted marshmallows while we waited for the lights to appear.
And then when they did finally appear, we were treated to a simply incredible show!
Watching the lights dance across the sky (even visible with the naked eye) is an experience I will never, ever forget.
We also got amazing professional photos of us with the lights included as part of the tour, as well as tripods to borrow to take our own photos.
Katie’s Top Tip: Wear every single thermal layer you own! I’m not kidding. Standing still in the snow in -18 degrees, while waiting for those elusive lights to show, is a different level of cold than I’ve ever experienced before!
When to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø
The official aurora season in Tromsø runs from late September to early April.
If you want a balance of daylight for sightseeing and darkness for auroras, I personally think that February and March are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø.
The weather is also usually more stable during these months, which means you are more likely to have good conditions for aurora hunting – and you can enjoy other best things to do in Tromsø in winter during the day!
Just remember that, even in peak season, the aurora is never guaranteed.
So while going with a guide hugely increases your chances, it always depends on solar activity and clear skies on the day.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø
You can sometimes see the Northern Lights right from Tromsø city, but light pollution makes it harder.
So for a much higher chance of a strong showing, you’ll want to get outside the city.
That’s why I recommend you book this small-group Northern Lights tour, as the experienced guides have technology to know where the clear skies and best activity levels are, and will literally drive you to Finland if they have to!
6. Attend the Midnight Concert at Tromsø Cathedral
For a truly peaceful and atmospheric thing to do in Tromsø, the midnight concert at Tromsø Cathedral is a real hidden gem!
The performances feature local live vocalists and musicians, and the setting of the beautiful Cathedral surrounding you makes the experience even more magical.
The music you will hear is a mix of traditional Norwegian songs, with hymns, folk tunes, and even indigenous Sami songs.
I love this for solo travellers especially, because it’s an easy, no-pressure evening plan (especially on a night when the weather isn’t so great for chasing the lights!)
I personally booked the Midnight Concert as part of my journey on the Havila Coastal Express, which meant that we really did get to go at midnight!
But if you’re staying in Tromsø and booking independently, the public performance is at 11pm.
Katie’s Top Tip: Be sure to arrive a little early if you’re not booking this through Havila or Hurtigruten. Seating is open, and the most central spots fill up quickly.
7. Visit the Arctic Cathedral
Not to be confused with Tromsø Cathedral (which is in the city centre, where the midnight concert is held), the Arctic Cathedral is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Tromsø.
Its unique, triangular, modern design and massive mosaic glass window make it one of those buildings that looks dramatic from every angle, especially when it’s lit up at night!
You’ll find it just across the iconic Tromsø Bridge, in the neighbourhood of Tromsdalen.
You can walk (which takes about 25 minutes from the harbour) or hop on the regular bus 26 or 28 for 2 minutes, if the pavements are icy or you don’t fancy the walk.
Inside, the décor is minimalist but still beautiful. I personally preferred photographing it from the outside, but it is still well worth the small fee to enter.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to visit it up close at all, the best viewpoints for photos of this iconic cathedral are from Tromsø harbour or Vervet (this is a real hidden gem photo spot!)
Katie’s Top Tip: Combine the Arctic Cathedral with the Fjellheisen cable car next door, as both are on the same side of the bridge, so you can add more into your day without rushing!
8. Explore the Polar Museum
For a deeper look at the Arctic’s history, including fascinating tales of explorers, expeditions, polar bears, and so much more, the Polar Museum is one of the best things to do in Tromsø in winter!
It’s an especially great indoor activity for a chilly morning or during a snowstorm.
It’s not huge, so it won’t take up your entire day or energy (this is always something I really appreciate when I’m visiting alone!), but it is well worth a visit.
Katie’s Top Tip: Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid the cruise ship crowds. It’s much more relaxing to move through the exhibits at your own pace!
9. Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car (For That View Over Tromsø!)
If you want to see Tromsø from above, the Fjellheisen cable car is the easiest and safest way to do it, particularly in winter when hiking is icy and avalanches are common, so it’s not worth the risk.
The cable car takes you to the top of Mount Storsteinen in just a few minutes, and the view down to the city, the surrounding deep blue fjord, and the towering snow-covered mountains is just unreal.
I don’t even think I have the words to describe it that can do it justice, so I’ll let a photo do the talking for me on this one!
At the top, there is also a cosy cafe where you can warm up with some seriously delicious hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun while enjoying the panoramic view.
(Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, as it is very popular!)
Katie’s Top Tip: In winter, I would recommend you book the cable car ticket with a transfer added on, so you don’t have to walk far on those icy pavements. I was originally going to walk it, took a few steps, and then slipped over. So the peace of mind of having the bus drop me off and pick me up was well worth the extra spend for me!
10. Walk the Tromsø Bridge
This might sound basic after epic views from the tops of cable cars and stunning midnight concerts by flickering lamplight, but hear me out!
In my opinion, crossing the iconic Tromsø Bridge is one of the best free things to do in Tromsø, thanks to the beautiful view you get from the middle.
The bridge links downtown Tromsø with the Arctic Cathedral and Fjellheisen Cable Car, giving you amazing fjord and harbour views all the way across!
But even if you don’t cross entirely, it’s still worth a quick detour for a photo stop.
It’s fully pedestrian-friendly with barriers and is always busy with both tourists and commuters, even during the darker hours.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting Tromsø on The Coastal Express, stick to the right-hand side of the bridge and look out for your ship docked when you reach the middle! It’s a great photo opportunity!
11. Explore Tromsø’s Picturesque Harbour
Down by the harbour is where you’ll see Tromsø at its most beautiful and Scandi, with colourful wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, and those imposing snow-covered mountains in the background!
I loved wandering along the waterfront in the late afternoon, when the tour groups had largely moved on.
It was so peaceful, watching the boats sail in and out of the tiny harbour and snapping beautiful photos of the scenery in the snow!
This is also a great central spot for photos of the iconic Arctic Cathedral.
And it’s where a lot of tours depart from, so if you’re doing any fjord excursions or even reindeer sledding, you’ll most likely end up around this area anyway.
Katie’s Top Tip: The time just before sunset is a truly beautiful time to explore Tromsø harbour. It’s a lot quieter once the cruise ships leave, and the lighting is just stunning at this time of day!
12. Join a Tromsø Fjord Small Group Tour
If you love the idea of getting out into the Arctic wilderness, but don’t want to rent a car (you absolutely don’t need one, by the way!), then this fjord tour is the perfect solution.
You’ll explore quiet fishing villages, frozen beaches and see some seriously dramatic landscapes along the way, for a truly raw and natural Norwegian experience!
When I did this tour, we hit a total whiteout. (We could barely see our hands, let alone any scenery!) But our guide was so calm and capable that I never once felt unsafe.
And when the weather finally cleared on our way back, he extended the tour just so we could revisit the viewpoints for actual photos!
I don’t know about you, but that kind of care and flexibility means everything to me as a solo female traveller.
With this amazing small group tour, you get the adventure of exploring Norway’s wilderness, without the stress of driving icy roads or being stranded if the weather turns.
Plus, it’s a chance to see the fjords that most visitors never get to!
Katie’s Top Tip: Your guide is also a professional photographer and will take some amazing shots of you and the scenery along the way, so get ready with your best smile to make some memories!
13. Warm Up at a Tromsø Sauna
Sitting in a hot sauna while looking out over the snowy fjord is truly magical!
Tromsø has a few public saunas, but the most popular (and the one I would recommend for a truly unbeatable location) is Sauna Pust Tromsø, in the heart of the picturesque harbour.
Here, they also offer the chance to do a quick cold plunge in the sea if you’re brave enough (or just stand on the jetty pretending you might do it, I won’t judge!)
But either way, it’s a relaxing, typically Norwegian experience, and also the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing!
This is also a great activity for meeting people as a solo traveller, as everyone is relaxed, phones are away, and conversations tend to happen naturally.
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t overthink the cold plunge, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. But it is meant to be invigorating and is also said to have many health benefits. When in Norway, and all that!!
14. Learn About the Sámi People
One of the best things to do in Tromsø in winter is learn about the Indigenous Sámi people.
The Arctic definitely isn’t all about tourism, winter sports and those famous Northern Lights!
Instead, Norway has its own indigenous Sámi culture, with stories, traditions and history that is fascinating to learn about.
Visiting a Sámi-run experience (which is often combined with reindeer sledding or feeding) gives you a deeper understanding of where exactly you are and the locals who call this place home, rather than just ticking off tourist attractions.
This tour includes a short sled ride, traditional reindeer stew (with a vegetarian option available), time around a fire inside a traditional lavvu tent, and storytelling about Sámi history, reindeer herding, and what life for the Sámi people looks like today.
As a solo female traveller, I found the whole experience incredibly welcoming.
I found it so easy to chat with fellow travellers over dinner, and listening to stories for an hour or so was such a relaxing way to spend the evening!
Katie’s Top Tip: Only choose tours operated by Sámi guides themselves, as this ensures your money supports the community directly and the experience is authentic and respectful.
15. Join The Coastal Express for a True Arctic Adventure
If you want to see more of Norway beyond the city of Tromsø, without driving yourself along remote icy roads or plane hopping, joining The Coastal Express is a must!
Hurtigruten or Havila ships stop in Tromsø daily, and you can ride as far as you like, either south towards the fjords and Bergen or north towards the Arctic wilderness and Kirkenes.
Or, if you wanted to do the full 12-day round-trip from Bergen, you also get plenty of time to tick off most of the best things to do in Tromsø in winter, during a half-day stopover.
I’ve personally sailed the entire 12-day round trip with Havila, and also completed the overnight journey from Tromsø to Svolvaer (and back again), and I had the best time!
I felt completely safe and looked after onboard, and was made to feel totally at ease as a solo traveller, by both the crew and fellow passengers.
The ship itself is very cosy and social, the views are incredible every day, and if conditions are right, you will even see the Northern Lights from deck!
It’s the perfect stress-free Norwegian adventure, as someone else handles all the logistics while you sit back and take in the dramatic coastal scenery passing you by!
Katie’s Top Tip: I would 100% recommend booking the full round-trip voyage with Havila in winter. I had the best time, and you can read all about my experiences as a solo female traveller in my latest blog post!
Best Tromsø Day Trips (No Car Needed)
You absolutely don’t need to rent a car to see the best of Tromsø in winter.
These are my personal picks for the best Tromsø day trips, and all include transport and pick up from the city centre:
- Small Group Northern Lights Hunt with Photos and Hot Food
- Fjords & Beaches Tour with a Campfire and Pro Photos
- Whale Watching and Fjord Boat Tour
- Northern Lights Cruise with a Hot Tub & Dinner
- Dog Sledding Adventure in Breivikeidet
- Reindeer Sledding & Feeding with a Sami Guide
- Reindeer Sledding, Dinner, and Northern Lights Tour
Each one of these amazing Tromsø day trips lets you see more of beautiful Northern Norway – without worrying about icy roads, navigation or fast-changing weather conditions!
Katie’s Top Tip: Always check the cancellation policy before booking. Weather changes fast in the Arctic, so flexi tickets are always worth it.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Tromsø in winter will stick with you long after you’ve left, as you’ll make incredible memories that will last a lifetime!
So whether you’re visiting to chase the Northern Lights, embrace local Norwegian culture, explore those majestic fjords, or even just to say you’ve visited the Arctic Circle, there are so many incredible things to do in Tromsø in winter that are 100% worth the hype!
And yep, I get it. As a solo female traveller, planning a trip this far north feels like a lot.
There’s extreme weather, icy pavements, new landscapes, long hours of darkness, and a whole lot more unknowns to deal with.
But with the right tours, a cosy and central place to stay, and a clear idea of what exactly you want to see before you go, I promise you’ll have the most unforgettable time in Tromsø in winter!
FAQs: Visiting Tromsø in Winter
What are some free things to do in Tromsø?
Yes, Norway is expensive, but you don’t always have to splurge to enjoy the best things to do in Tromsø in winter!
Walking around the picturesque harbour, exploring the colourful wooden streets in Downtown Tromsø, and walking over the Tromsø Bridge for views of the Arctic Cathedral are all completely free.
You can also sometimes see the Northern Lights for free in Tromsø if the skies are clear. Try your luck in Tromsø city centre for this, or head to Telegrafbukta Beach to escape the worst light pollution. But know that your chances of seeing them are much higher with a guide.
What are the top tourist attractions in Tromsø, Norway?
The biggest tourist attractions in Tromsø year-round are the Arctic Cathedral, the Fjellheisen Cable Car, Polaria Aquarium, and the Polar Museum, which are all super easy to reach from the city centre.
For winter specifically, top tourist attractions in Tromsø also include Northern Lights chases, dog sledding, reindeer experiences with local Sámi guides, and fjord cruises.
When is the best time to visit Tromsø in winter?
For the full winter experience, with snow, long nights and the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights, the best time to visit Tromsø is late November to mid-March.
This is when all seasonal tours operate and the city feels most like a winter postcard!
December and January are the polar night months (which means there’s no sunrise at all), so if you want longer daylight hours for sightseeing as well as dark nights for the aurora, February and March are my personal favourite months to visit Tromsø.
Is Tromsø expensive to visit?
Yes, Tromsø (and Norway in general) is very expensive to visit, especially for things like food, alcohol, accommodation and excursions.
Norway has a high cost of living and values paying its workers well, and this (combined with the rising popularity of Tromsø) is what pushes prices up for tourists.
However, you can do Tromsø on more of a budget by choosing free activities like walking around Downtown or the harbour area, cooking some meals at your accommodation, and prioritising just one or two paid tours you’re most excited for.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
Yes! Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights thanks to its Arctic Circle location. This means you have a chance even when the KP forecast is low.
You’ll be most likely to spot them if you join a guided Northern Lights chase that takes you to clearer skies outside the city (or even as far as Finland if needed). Plus, they also provide warm suits and photography help, too, which makes a big difference!
Just make sure to book your aurora tour for your first night, as if the weather is bad, you’ll still have backup nights to try again.
How do you visit Tromsø without a car?
You absolutely don’t need a car to visit Tromsø!
The city is very compact and walkable, with regular buses to the Fjellheisen cable car and Arctic Cathedral on the other side of the bridge, if you don’t want to walk.
Plus, most longer distance tours include hotel pick-up or at least a central meeting point, so transport is already covered if you’re doing winter excursions.
How many days do you need in Tromsø?
In winter, 3–4 days in Tromsø is ideal. That gives you plenty of time for a Northern Lights chase, a fjord cruise, a full-day Arctic activity like husky or reindeer sledding, and a relaxed day exploring the city itself.
If you want to fit in all of the best Tromsø day trips, including a fjord cruise, reindeer sledding, husky sledding, the cable car, and a day trip to explore more of Tromsø’s surrounding wilderness, book for 5+ days in Tromsø.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Tromsø in winter!
Is Tromsø safe for solo female travellers?
Yes! Tromsø (and Norway in general) is honestly one of the safest places I’ve ever travelled as a solo woman.
Norwegians are generally respectful, English is widely spoken here, and the city centre is very walkable and easy to navigate, even at night.
The biggest risks here are usually related to the weather, especially snow and ice.
As always, sensible solo travel habits should apply. Things like keeping an eye on your belongings in busy spaces, avoiding wandering into isolated areas at night, and above all, trusting your gut instincts.
But overall? Tromsø is definitely an ideal solo female travel destination, where you can relax and enjoy your trip!
What should I wear in Tromsø in winter?
Layers are your best friend in Tromso in winter!
You’ll always want to wear a good quality thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer (like fleece or wool), and a waterproof, windproof coat.
Proper winter boots with waterproofing and good grip are also essential in winter, to keep your feet warm and dry, and to protect you from slipping on the snow and ice.
Other essentials include gloves that you can use with your phone, slip on crampons, USB handwarmers (these are a gamechanger!), a hat that covers your ears, and a scarf or neck gaiter for wind protection.
Is it worth visiting Tromsø in winter?
100% yes. Winter is when Tromsø is at its best!
The Northern Lights, snowy landscapes, dog sledding, fjords and cosy cafes are all what Tromsø is most famous for. You’ll get a proper Arctic experience here that’s completely different from anywhere else in Europe!
It’s not a cheap trip, and you do need to be prepared for the cold and limited daylight hours. But if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, you can’t beat Tromso!
What is daylight like in winter in Tromsø?
In mid-winter (December–January), Tromsø experiences polar night, where the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon at all. But don’t worry, it’s not pitch black all day. Instead, you get a few hours of a beautiful, deep-blue twilight that is so atmospheric!
Then, by February and March, the daylight returns quickly. Days feel more like spring, with long afternoons and (hopefully!) the return of some sunshine, but you still have snow and great Northern Lights chances at night.
To make the most of your trip, plan your outdoor activities during the brightest time of day and then save indoor attractions for the darker parts of the day.
Read More About Travel in Norway:
- 12 Magical Things To Do in Bergen in Winter (Cosy & Fun!)
- Norway Coastal Express in Winter: Solo Travel Guide + Review
- Svolvaer Travel Guide (+ 7 Things To Do in Svolvaer, Norway)
- The BEST Northern Lights Tour From Tromsø (Review + Tips!)
- Is Norway Safe For Solo Female Travellers? (+ Safety Tips)
- 15 BEST Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter for First-Timers
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