Discover 576 tours and activities in Tromsø
Sitting high above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the perfect destination for snow sports. Dog sledding is a popular choice with first-time visitors, and one of the best ways to get around this icy wilderness. Once you’re kitted up in your thermal gear, it’s time to head off in search of nature.
These Tromsø tours take you deep into the forests, where your trusty dog team effortlessly slices through the virgin snow. You’ll feel like royalty on your sled, but don’t forget to hang on, especially around the corners! Adventurous souls can drive the huskies themselves and learn about indigenous culture along the way.
Other iconic Tromsø tours will see you exploring the famous Norwegian fjords, where breathtaking landscapes captivate the imagination. The fjords are a great way to access the remote regions around Tromsø, as they remain unfrozen throughout the year.
The two most-visited fjords are Balsfjord and Malangen, which lie just south of the city. Wildlife is abundant here, with everything from dolphins and seals to puffins and eagles often making an appearance. If you visit between November and January, you might get to see orcas and humpback whales too. Fishing trips and speedboat rides are also on the agenda.
Feel the need for speed as you plow through the snow like a pro in the shadow of the icy Tromsø mountains. Snowmobiling has become increasingly popular up here in Norway, with tours for beginners and experts both on offer. Exploring the wilderness by snowmobile is an exhilarating way to get off the beaten track without the effort of skiing or snowshoeing.
On these adventurous excursions, you’ll get to experience some of the country’s most eye-catching scenery, all from the comfort of the saddle. Popular destinations include the Lyngen Alps and the borders with Sweden and Finland.
If you’re visiting Tromsø in winter, then don’t forget to look up at night – you might be lucky enough to spot the Aurora Borealis. Also known as the Northern Lights, these dancing green displays are nothing short of ethereal. This is one of the best places in the world to experience this unusual phenomenon.
On these night-time Tromsø tours you’ll head off into the snowy landscape on a hunt for the Northern Lights. Some excursions are on foot, while others use minivans to travel a bit further. Many trips are led by local Sami guides and include a traditional dinner at a reindeer camp.
Fun for explorers of all ages, reindeer sledding is a popular pastime in Tromsø. Sit back and relax beneath your cozy reindeer skins as your new four-legged friend pulls the sled. There are daytime and evening tours available, with the latter being a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Your Sami guide will lead you on a quest deep into the woods, teaching you about local cultures and lifestyles during the journey. Traditional campfire meals and reindeer petting are also part of the experience. A few tours take things a step further with an overnight stay in a Sami tent for a true Scandinavian adventure.
The mighty Lyngen Alps stretch for almost 90 kilometers, passing northeast of Tromsø beside the Lyngen Fjord. The rugged terrain offers a multitude of day trips from the city, for hardy adventurers and curious sightseers alike.
The mountains are often accessed by ferry, giving you the chance to soak up the scenery on your journey into the wild. Snowmobile safaris are all the rage in winter, with plenty of Arctic trails to explore. You’ll head high up into the Alps where the views get even better with each mile covered. Enjoy a warming campfire meal before returning to Tromsø.
Kvaløya is the fifth largest island in Norway and a popular destination on Tromsø tours. Known as “whale island”, this Artic wonderland is famed for its whale sightings in season. The island itself is pretty as a picture, with snowy mountain peaks and a jaw-dropping coastline.
You can reach the island by a series of road bridges and an undersea tunnel – no boats are required here! Road trips through the mountains and around the fjords are heaps of fun while snowshoeing treks can be enjoyed in winter. Expect to see plenty of traditional villages and mysterious forests during your explorations.
Norway is one of the top places in Europe to see whales, with the towering peaks around Tromsø making for a dramatic backdrop. The waters here are rich in minerals, attracting the marine giants from miles away. Humpback and fin whales are frequently encountered during winter, and if you’re lucky you might see them breaching in the fjords.
Boat tours are the best way to see the whales. Catamaran trips and rigid inflatable boat rides are both on offer, depending on how stealthy you want to be. Multi-day whale watching excursions increase your chances of spotting these elusive creatures of the deep.
If you want to immerse yourself in the enchanting winter wilderness without using powered vehicles, snowshoe hiking is the way forward. Anyone can have a go, and you’ll soon get used to the motion after a few minutes of trudging through the snow.
Snowshoe tours allow you to venture deeper into the hills and forests than you would with normal boots. It’s a magical experience, where you’ll feel at one with nature. As you hike along the Arctic trails, keep an eye out for wildlife tracks in the snow. You never know what might be watching from the trees!
Tromsø tours don’t all take place in the wilderness – some show you around the city itself. As you’ll likely be staying overnight here, it’s worth setting some time aside to explore what Tromsø has to offer. Walking tours are a hassle-free way to get your bearings and learn about the history of the settlement.
You can visit the Polar Museum and hear about the famed Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen. The Arctic Cathedral is another highlight – its design was inspired by local nature. Kids, meanwhile, will love meeting the seals at Polaria, the most northerly aquarium in the world.
Sitting pretty above the Arctic Circle in Norway, Tromsø attracts intrepid explorers from around the world. In summer, the city basks in the midnight sun, while under the cloak of winter, adventurous activities come into their own. Snowmobiling, husky dog sledding and northern lights treks are all notable pastimes here.
Tromsø is well-connected to Europe when it comes to flights, so despite its remote location, the city is easy to reach. You can also fly from Oslo if you want to add on a few days in the capital. It’s a good idea to book winter tours and hotels in advance as places fill up fast.
Most people spend at least four days in the city, to make the most of the wide variety of Tromsø tours on offer. The local bus network is the best way to get around – you can buy tickets online or on board.
Paying by cash is rare in Norway, so it’s a good idea to carry a card that doesn’t have high foreign exchange fees. Tipping isn’t common, but feel free to leave 10% if you’ve received exceptional service.
If you’re visiting in winter, make sure you pack plenty of warm layers – you’ll be above the Arctic Circle, after all.
Snowmobiling, dog sledding and snowshoeing are the main offerings for active travelers. For those who prefer something a little more sedate, whale watching trips and northern lights bus or jeep tours are sure to impress.
In Tromsø itself, don’t miss the Polar Museum and the cable car ride up to Mount Storsteinen. The views over the city and the fjords are incredible. You can walk up for free if you don’t mind climbing 1,200 steps up the Sherpa Staircase!
Once you’ve explored Tromsø, head out on a day trip to the islands of Sommarøy and Kvaløya for hiking and nature.