Top 13: What to Do in Tromsø, Norway (2025)

A dreamy location known for its snow-capped peaks, frosty fjords, and spectacular northern lights, Tromsø is certainly a place to add to your bucket list. Located just 217 miles (350 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, this Nordic City offers countless natural and cultural attractions.

From museums and stunning architecture to trips out to jaw-dropping landscapes, there are plenty of activities to enrich your stay. So, without further ado, here is our list of what to do in Tromsø, Norway!

1. Marvel at The Northern Lights

It’s no secret that thousands of tourists flock to Norway each year, hoping for the chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Thanks to Tromsø’s location, it’s one of the best places in the world to admire them during the cold Norwegian winter!

The ideal conditions for spotting this atmospheric spectacle depend on several environmental factors, such as the season, the presence or absence of the moon, and light pollution. To be in with the best chance of seeing the intense glow that illuminates the night sky, check out this Northern Lights tour from Tromsø!

2. Explore Norway’s World-Famous Fjords

A trip to Tromsø would not be complete without beholding some of Norway’s famous fjords. With over 1,000 around the country, they are an important element of the landscape. Did you know that a fjord is a sea inlet that’s perfectly embedded between valleys and mountains that have been molded by glaciers over thousands of years?

A great way to explore the natural beauty of the Norwegian Arctic fjords is by taking a boat cruise along them. When joining this fjord boat cruise, you’ll spend 4 hours marvelling at the magnificent fjords near Tromsø. If you’d would prefer to stay on dry land, you can also discover some of Norway’s best fjords on this road trip from Tromsø.

To find more information about Norway’s fjords, check out our recent blog post covering the 20 of the coolest fjords to visit!

3. Witness The Midnight Sun

Incredibly, between May 21st and July 21st, the sun in Tromsø doesn’t set. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, occurs north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle.

Around the summer solstice, the sun remains visible all day and night, creating an almost surreal landscape where traditional concepts of time seem to dissolve. This creates a striking effect, particularly in the evening hours, when you can admire the prolonged sunset of deep orange and red hues painting the Arctic sky. Instead of dipping below the horizon as it would elsewhere, the sunset transitions directly into the next sunrise in a continuous celestial dance.

4. Visit Tromsø Cathedral

Tromsø is also a great destination for those who love admiring beautiful architecture. Among the best to see in the city is Tromsø Cathedral. This neo-Gothic construction, which was designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch in 1861, is the only fully wooden church in Norway and the northernmost Protestant church in the world.

In its place once stood Elverhoy Church, which was moved to the island of Tromsoya in 1861 to make way for the building we know today. We highly recommend paying a visit to the cathedral and admiring its interior, which houses two incredible organs.

• Check it out on this walking tour of Tromsø.

5. Appreciate The Arctic Cathedral

Another architectural gem in Tromsø is the breathtaking Arctic Cathedral. Despite its name, this structure actually houses a parish church that has become one of the city’s most popular tourist hotspots.

Located in Tromsdalen and designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, this charming church is made up of 11 concrete panels covered with aluminum, an architectural style that earned it comparisons with the Sydney Opera House in Australia. A must-see in Tromsø!

6. Admire Tromsø’s Colorful Harbour

Tromsø Harbour is another picturesque part of the Norwegian city. If you love photography, be sure to capture some great shots of the pretty, colorful houses reflected in the water below. As well as that, there are great views of the Arctic Cathedral and the surrounding mountains from the harbor.

The harbor becomes even more beautiful at Christmas, when the decorations go up, creating a cozy atmosphere. If you happen to visit during the festive season, be sure to come down to the waterfront on New Year’s Eve to see the fireworks!

7. Discover The Polar Museum

Near the harbor, you’ll find Tromsø’s Polar Museum. Dive into the thrilling tales of explorer Willem Barentsz’s first encounter with a polar bear and learn about daring hot air balloon adventures over icy terrains.

Set in the charming historic buildings that used to be Tromsø’s Customs premises, the museum narrates the polar history that ties into both local and national heritage. We highly recommend checking out the permanent exhibits that explore sealing, overwintering, epic polar expeditions, and much more.

8. Take a Reindeer Sleigh Ride

While in Tromsø, why not make your childhood dreams come true on a reindeer sleigh ride? Whether pulled by dogs or reindeer, sleigh rides are some of the most popular activities in Tromsø. What better way to enjoy the area’s snowy landscapes?

Not only is it a traditional Arctic activity, but it’s also a vital part of the local culture. Participating lets you immerse yourself in the area’s rich traditions and history. If you want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime winter activity, check out our reindeer sleigh ride tour, in which we’ll also visit a Sami Camp and hear about their culture and traditions firsthand.

9. Go Whale Watching in Norwegian Fjords

If you’re an animal lover, seeing whales swimming in their natural habitat will be an experience you’ll never forget. Be sure to travel in winter if you want the best chance of seeing them, as the ideal time to spot whales in this area is from November to early February.

During these months, hundreds of humpback and killer whales make their way to the Norwegian fjords to feed on herring. For the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these magnificent mammals, don’t miss our whale watching fjord cruise!

10. See the Seals at the Polaria Aquarium

For animal lovers visiting Tromsø, you must check out the Polaria Aquarium, the northernmost aquarium in the world! This unique facility serves as both a fascinating attraction and an important research center, dedicated to showcasing the remarkable marine life that thrives in the harsh Arctic waters.

More than just an aquarium, inside, you’ll find attractions such as a panoramic cinema and polar exploration equipment, giving you an insight into the marine world and the research of it. In terms of marine life, you’ll be able to see seals, as well as from below by walking through the underwater tunnel. The perfect plan for families!

11. Enjoy the Views from The Fjellheisen Cable Car

A ride on the Fjellheisen cable car is a must during a trip to Tromsø. Aboard, you’ll reach the 1,525 feet (465 meter) Storsteinen Mountain, where dreamy panoramic views await. If you’re visiting during the winter, this is also an exceptional viewpoint for seeing the Northern Lights!

If you love hiking, check out the many hiking trails that begin at Fjellheisen Station, winding through Norway’s lush forested areas. A real standout is the trail to Tromsdalstinden, which reaches 4,061 feet (1,238 meters) above sea level, a fantastic adventure for nature enthusiasts.

12. Take a Stroll Down Storgata Street

No visit to Tromsø’s is complete without checking out Storgata Street, the vibrant heart of the city. This pedestrianized main street is lined with modern boutiques, cozy cafés, traditional pubs, and fantastic restaurants serving fresh arctic seafood.

If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts for loved ones, here is a great place to buy Arctic-inspired jewelry, a hand-knitted Norwegian sweater, or even reindeer leather goods.

13. Visit a Sami Settlement + Ride a Reindeer Sleigh

The Sami community is the only officially recognized indigenous group in Europe. This community has a heritage spanning thousands of years across the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, known as Sápmi.

Near Tromsø, there are several vibrant Sami communities, who continue to preserve and share their way of life. You can learn more about this fascinating culture and its deep connection to the land as part of this Sami camp visit + reindeer sleigh ride, which also includes a ride through Lapland led by Santa’s furry friends.

All in all, this Arctic city offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit it. We’ve highlighted our list of what to do in Tromsø’s, but, of course, there’s so much more waiting for you! For more inspiration, check out more activities in Tromsø with Civitatis!