Tromsø is a small town on an island in Norway's Arctic region. It's a great place to start your trip to Scandinavia if you want to see the Northern Lights, explore Norwegian culture, or enjoy the beautiful scenery. In this article, I'll share important tips for your visit and show you the best sights in Tromsø and nearby. At the end, you'll find a map of Tromsø, Norway, with all the sights and my favorite spots marked.
When is the best time to travel to Tromsø?
The best time to visit Tromsø depends on what you want to do. To see the Northern Lights (Aurora) visit between September and March when the nights are long and dark. Keep in mind that in December and January, there is no daylight because Tromsø is 350km north of the Arctic Circle. We chose February for our trip to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights while still having some daylight. If you prefer warmer weather and want to go hiking, then the summer months from June to August are the best time.
Getting to Tromsø
The easiest and fastest way to get to Tromsø, Norway, is by plane. Tromsø Airport (TOS) connects to big cities in Norway, like Oslo and Bergen, and also to international airports like London, Stockholm, and Berlin. The view as you land is amazing, so it's worth getting a window seat. Seeing the Arctic snowcaps around Tromsø is just beautiful! Alternatively, you can also reach Tromsø by ferry from different places in Norway.
How much time should you plan for Tromsø?
To explore both the city and nearby areas, I suggest spending three to four days in Tromsø. This will give you enough time to see the best sights in the city and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Is it worth renting a car in Tromsø?
While the city is easy to explore on foot, renting a car is worthwhile for a road trip through the countryside and to find the Northern Lights in the evening. However, rental car prices in Tromsø are very high, so you might not want to rent a car for your entire stay. Within the city, buses can take you from place to place easily and cheaply, while taxis are very expensive.
Top Sights & Attractions in Tromso
The Arctic Cathedral
Tromsø is on an island, but part of it is also on the mainland. A bridge connects both parts, and you can walk or drive across it while enjoying great views.
On the mainland, the Arctic Cathedral stands out with its unique design. It looks especially beautiful at night when the lights inside shine through the colorful windows.
The Fjellheisen cable car – the most beautiful sight in Tromsø
For the best view of Tromsø, take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. It goes up the local mountain, Storsteinen, to a viewpoint 421 meters high. The view is amazing, especially just before sunset, when you can see the city during the day and as the lights start to shine at night. This spot is also great for seeing the Northern Lights later in the evening, with the last ride back down at midnight. The cable car is also a favorite for those who want to hike or snowshoe.
Caution: It is very icy and slippery at the top of the mountain. However, there is hardly any protection on the cliff (usually just a thin wire). Therefore, you should definitely wear shoes with a good profile to avoid accidentally slipping!
Prices & travel times for the Fjellheisen cable car in Tromsø:
Round trip 415 NOK (approx. 35 EUR) per adult & 200 NOK per child (3-15 years)
Single trip (it is possible to hike downhill) 270 NOK (approx. 23 EUR) per adult & 130 NOK per child (3-15 years)
Trips take place daily from 10 am – midnight
Aurora Borealis – See the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is a great place to see the magical Northern Lights. However, several things need to happen for this to work. Besides strong solar activity, you need to consider: Are you in the right location? Is it dark enough? Can you see the northern sky clearly? Is it cloudy? Are the lights bright enough to see without special equipment?
You might see the incredible Northern Lights in one spot, while someone just a few kilometers away might only see a dark sky.
To improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, I suggest the following:
→ This live weather and cloud radar – it provides reliable information about cloud coverage in your area
A rental car so you can drive to places with clear skies
A compass – the Northern Lights are only visible when you face north
Patience – the Northern Lights move at an average speed of 400 km/h, so the sky above you can change quickly.
A tripod and a camera or smartphone with long exposure – while the lights may be faint to the eye, you can capture them much more clearly with long exposure.
Tromsø, Norway – My map with the best sights
Map Legend:
blue – Sights in Tromsø
red – beautiful spots & views for your Mini Road Trip from Tromsø
green – spots where we photographed the northern lights
Tromsø combines the charm of a Scandinavian city with amazing nature all year round. I hope this article has shown you it’s beautiful places and given useful tips for planning your trip to Norway!
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