What to Do in Tromsø in 24 Hours

Tromsø is very easy to reach with several daily departures from three airports; Bergen, Oslo and even Trondheim. So you can easily add a night or two to experience an authentic Scandinavian city known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic Circle'.

The city is famous for blending old and new, allowing you to dive into the fascinating history and culture of the north during the day before enjoying the vibrant nightlife downtown in the evening. Below are my suggestions on how to get the most out of this wonderful city in a short amount of time.

Interested in adding an Arctic city break to your next Norwegian ski trip? It’s possible with our tailor-made holidays. All you have to do is fill out a short enquiry form or call our friendly team on 01273 224060 and we’ll do the rest!

By Carina Wilthil, Sales Consultant

A ten-minute taxi from Tromsø airport and placed in the heart of the city is the 4* Radisson Blu Tromsø. This boutique hotel offers spectacular views of the Arctic Cathedral and the surrounding fjords and is a three-minute walk from the Magic Ice Bar (which I highly recommend). Its central location makes it a fantastic base from which to explore the city.

One common question I get asked about Norway is “Does it get really cold?”. Although Tromsø is much further north than the ski resorts we offer, Norway’s dry climate eliminates the harsh chill factor, making it feel warmer than it actually is. In addition to this, Tromsø is right on the coast and benefits from the Gulf Stream which helps keep the average temperatures in at a pleasant -4°C during the winter months.

Keeping in mind your visit to Tromsø will be before or after skiing in the mountains, there's no need to bring any specialist arctic equipment even though you're in Northern Norway. The usual combination of woollen socks, boots and a ski jacket will be enough to keep you warm around the city.

If you decide to go further inland on any adventures or experiences, remember that it will likely get colder and this is when specialist equipment might be needed. However, most activity companies will provide suitable clothing and equipment!

One of Tromsø's main attractions and what used to be top of my bucket list, until I visited, is the Northern Lights. Tromsø’s northerly location within the Arctic Circle contributes to regular sightings of this natural phenomenon.

Due to the high mountain ranges around the city, Tromsø doesn't receive any sunlight from the end of November until mid-January, A dark sky as your backdrop only increases your chances of a sighting. Furthermore, despite being well-lit with artificial lights, it's not a destination that suffers from light pollution!

Your best chance of seeing the dazzling lights dancing in the sky is usually between the hours of 5pm and 2am, typically lasting for a few minutes. It's an experience which makes Tromsø a must-visit destination, but there's so much more to the city than the Northern Lights!

Despite its location in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population. This diversity is reflected in its culinary scene, so expect a blend of Norwegian, Sami, and international influences when going out to eat. Above all, Tromsø is a place for those who love their seafood.

Several restaurants in Tromsø offer traditional Norwegian dishes such as “tørrfesk” (“dried fish”, which has then been rehydrated and cooked) or a modern version of them. Although traditional Norwegian food is heavily fish and meat-based, most restaurants also serve great vegetarian options.

Here are my top recommendations for where to eat in Tromsø:

• Arctandria SjømatRestaurant - best for seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes. I loved the pan-fried Halibut.
• Raketten - best for a quick, cheap bite on the go. The Reindeer hot dogs are a personal favourite of mine.
• Bardus Bistro & Bar - not the cheapest, but if you're eager for a special evening with special food, cocktails and spectacular service, this is the place to go. Veggies have to try the mushroom steak!
• Ølhallen (“The Beer Hall”) - the oldest pub in Tromsø. A brilliant brewpub with one of Europe’s greatest tap selections (more than 70 beers on tap). You can even do a guided tour and beer tasting.

With a wild surrounding landscape, vibrant city centre and breathtaking fjords, there are plenty of incredible experiences you can try out in Tromsø.

All activities have a central meet-up point, making it easy to try and combine activities if you're aiming to pack a lot into 24 hours! Some organisers offer boat tours at night to combine northern lights with a culinary experience. I would highly recommend booking activities through Visit Tromsø.

But what are the activities you should make time for?

From relaxed ferry journeys to high-speed RIB boat tours, everyone can enjoy the fjords and views of Tromsø from sea level. You can also combine these boat trips with whale-watching excursions for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Continuing with sea-themed activities, the Polaria is a Nordic aquarium centre and an ideal spot to visit if seals are amongst your favourite sea creatures! I may be biased, but I think this Arctic aquarium tops the UK's Sealife Centres!

For history buffs, the museum is a great way to learn more about Norway, everyday life and adventures in the Arctic from the 17th century up to the present.

Many Norwegian ski resorts have dog sledding as a fun non-skiing activity, but if you're pushed for time on the mountains or you’d rather focus on skiing, you can always do it on your city break in Tromsø. Plus, I think being pulled by huskies through the arctic wilderness makes for a truly unique and natural experience.

The Sami people are Norway’s indigenous people and they play a crucial part in Norwegian history and culture. During your visit to Tromsø, you can learn more about their traditions and way of life at museums, or you can experience it for yourself by going on an organised tour or reindeer sledding!

Swap the dogs and reindeer for more of an adrenaline-inducing and high-speed activity. Snowmobiling is a brilliant way to explore the frosty landscapes surrounding Tromsø.

Less than 90 minutes from the city centre you’ll find the spectacular ice domes. Here you'll be able to see ice and snow sculptures, enjoy a nice meal and even spend the night in an ice room! They also offer packages with dog sledding, reindeer sledding and snowmobiling. Combining them together is a great way to maximise your time in the north of Norway.

Tromsø is available as a city add-on when visiting many of our Norwegian ski resorts. To receive a tailor-made itinerary for Norway including skiing and a city stay, enquire online or call 01273 224060 to speak to a Norway ski specialist.

Alternatively, you can view our Norway Ski Safaris for our suggested itineraries and more inspiration.

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