5 Magical Days in Tromsø: Your Complete Arctic Adventure Guide
I moved back to the UK from Australia in December 2024, and one of my main goals since returning has been to explore destinations closer to home. So, when my mum floated the idea of a trip to Norway over Christmas, the travel planner in me kicked into overdrive. Within days, flights were booked, and we were set to make the most of my time off before returning to full-time work in February. As for my mum? She simply fancied a holiday!
We chose Tromsø, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Arctic" and the northernmost city in the world. Tromsø offered an irresistible mix of dramatic fjords, a strong chance to witness the elusive Northern Lights, and bucket-list-worthy Arctic activities like reindeer feeding, husky dog sledding, and whale watching.
View of the Northern Lights from the Plane
Our timing couldn’t have been more unique, as we arrived at the very end of the polar night season. This natural phenomenon plunges Tromsø into darkness from late November to mid-January each year. Technically, the polar night had ended the day before our arrival, but thanks to the surrounding mountains, Tromsø wouldn’t see its first glimpse of the sun for another week. That special day is called Soldagen—or "Sun Day"—and is celebrated with Berliner doughnuts and gatherings to witness the sun’s return.
We knew Tromsø would be cold, with temperatures forecasted to dip as low as -12°C, so packing smart was essential. (If you’re planning a trip, check out my comprehensive Tromsø winter packing guide here for tips on what to bring.) Despite our short 5-day stay, we managed to fit in so many incredible experiences, and I’m here to share them all with you.
Below, you’ll find my 5-day Tromsø itinerary packed with recommendations, activity details, prices, and links to everything we enjoyed. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, exploring Arctic wildlife, or just looking for a snowy escape, this guide will help you make the most of your Tromsø adventure.
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CONTENTS:
Cute shops in Tromsø’s Old Town
GETTING THERE
✈️We flew with WizzAir from London Luton direct to Tromsø.
💰The flights were £231pp for a return flight with 20kg of hold luggage.
🚘We parked out car at Luton Airport for 5 nights using AirParks and it cost a total of £23.
🚌We got the bus from Tromsø Airport to our accommodation using the Svipper App. All bus fares cost around £1.50pp.
🛌Our hotel was called Enter Skansen Hotel and cost £434pp for 5 nights including breakfast. The hotel was directly on Storgata which is the main ‘high street’ so we could walk into town within minutes. The rooms were clean, the staff were friendly and the bathrooms had heated floors! I would highly recommend.
DAY 1
Our first day in Tromsø kicked off with a Free Walking Tour of the city, where we dove into its rich history, architecture, and culture. Walking tours are my go-to when visiting a city for the first time—they’re a fantastic way to get your bearings and pick up local recommendations for your stay. While these tours are advertised as "free," it’s important to note that the guides rely on tips to make a living. If you enjoy your experience, plan ahead and tip generously!
After the walking tour, we needed to warm up, so we headed to FINT Kafé & Bar. As a self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast, I was thrilled to find this café, one of the few spots in Tromsø serving matcha lattes. Paired with a freshly baked cinnamon bun, it was the ultimate cozy treat.
Northern Lights Tour with Get Your Guide
Smallest House in Tromsø on our Free Walking Tour
Next, we visited The Polar Museum on our guide’s recommendation. For just £8 per person, we explored fascinating exhibits on Arctic expeditions, daily life, and adventures from the 17th century to the present day. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s rich history and the challenges of life in the far north.
Before our evening adventure, we grabbed a quick dinner at Størhus, a wood-fired pizza restaurant with a strong focus on sustainability. In fact, they’re working to become Tromsø’s first plastic-free restaurant—a mission we were happy to support. The pizza was absolutely delicious and fueled us up for what was to come.
The highlight of the day was an Aurora Borealis Tour, booked through Get Your Guide for £130pp. While the weather didn’t look promising, we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during our flight into Tromsø! Our guides went above and beyond, even driving us across the border into Finland in search of clear skies. We managed to see a faint display of the aurora and captured some beautiful photos. Paired with hot chocolate and cookies under the Arctic sky, the experience was magical and worth every moment.
DAY 2
The Oldest Pub In Tromsø
After a late return from our Northern Lights adventure, we started the next day at a slower pace. Following a hearty hotel breakfast, we wandered through Tromsø’s charming old town, exploring its many gift shops and wool stores. Norway is renowned for its high-quality wool, and with my mum being an avid knitter and me just starting to learn, this was the perfect opportunity to stock up on yarn for future projects.
Once our shopping bags were full, we headed to Svermeri Kafé, a cozy spot known for its fresh fish soup and baked goods. The soup was incredible—hearty, flavorful, and the perfect way to warm up on a cold Arctic day. If you’re visiting, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Setting of the Midnight Concert at Tromsø Cathedral
Next, we made our way to Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub, which serves beer from Mack’s Brewery, the second northernmost brewery in the world (it held the top spot until a brewery opened in Svalbard). The pub’s atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and we couldn’t resist trying a flight of Mack’s beers. It was so good that I even broke Dry January for it! If you’re a beer enthusiast, Ølhallen is a must-visit.
Dinner that evening was at Hav Sushi & Ramen, where we enjoyed some of the freshest sushi imaginable. The flavors were exceptional, and it was a refreshing change of pace from the heavier comfort food we’d been indulging in.
Our day ended on a high note with a midnight concert at Tromsø Cathedral, where local musicians performed traditional Norwegian folk music. The intimate setting and soulful music created a magical atmosphere, offering a unique cultural experience beyond the usual winter activities. Tickets were around £20 per person, and while staying up past 11 p.m. might be a challenge for some, it’s an event I’d absolutely recommend if you have the chance.
DAY 3
Today was all about experiencing Tromsø’s breathtaking natural beauty with a Guided Fjord Tour Expedition to Kvaløya and Sommarøy Islands. The tour was wonderfully intimate, with just eight participants, which allowed us to ask plenty of questions and tailor stops based on group preferences and the weather.
We visited stunning photo stops, spotted reindeer roaming the snowy landscapes, and even enjoyed a hot soup lunch on a snow-covered beach. The scenery was absolutely magical, and it left me dreaming about returning in the summer to see these landscapes in a different light. The tour cost £100 per person and was worth every penny for the unforgettable experience.
Houses on Sommarøy Island
Buildings on Kvaløya Island
Snowy Beaches on Sommarøy
After returning to the city, I couldn’t resist grabbing another matcha. This time, I visited Nice to Meet U, one of the only other places in Tromsø I could find offering matcha. I splurged £10 on a Crème Brûlée Matcha with coconut milk, and let me tell you—it was worth every penny! It might just be the best matcha I’ve ever had.
Pust Sauna
Feeling the need for some relaxation, we headed to Pust, a floating sauna in Tromsø’s harbor. For £25, we enjoyed an hour switching between the toasty warmth of the sauna and the invigorating chill of the Arctic Ocean. The contrast was exhilarating, and the experience of plunging into the icy water surrounded by snow-covered mountains was nothing short of magical. Pust offers both quiet and social sauna options, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re visiting Tromsø, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.
We initially planned for an early night to recover from our activity-packed days, but my Aurora app showed a high chance of Northern Lights activity. We quickly laced up our hiking boots and trekked 25 minutes to Prestvannet Lake, one of the best spots for Aurora viewing due to its minimal light pollution. We were lucky enough to catch another glimpse of the lights before the clouds rolled in, capping off our day with yet another Arctic highlight.
DAY 4
Reindeer tucking into their food at the reindeer ranch
Our final full day in Tromsø began with a visit to the Tromsø Visitor Centre to collect Polar Certificates. I’ll admit, the child in me was excited about this memento, but when we discovered the certificates cost £14 for essentially a personalized piece of paper, we decided to skip it. Instead, we redirected our morning to Risø Café, which came highly recommended for its cinnamon buns. Unfortunately, they didn’t quite match the perfection of those at FINT, but the hot chocolate was exceptional, and the cozy atmosphere made it a worthwhile stop.
Our last big activity was a Reindeer Ranch & Sami Cultural Tour, which turned out to be a fantastic alternative after our originally planned snowshoeing tour was canceled due to wet snow. The experience began with feeding the reindeer—a mix of chaos and fun as the feisty animals jostled for food. Once they calmed down, it was an absolute joy to interact with these beautiful creatures.
After feeding the reindeer, we gathered inside a traditional Sami lavvu (tent) to warm up with reindeer stew and learn about the fascinating Sami culture. Hearing stories from the indigenous Sami people and gaining insight into their traditions made this one of the most enriching parts of our trip. This activity cost £115 per person, and I’d highly recommend it for anyone looking to combine hands-on fun with cultural education.
For our final dinner in Tromsø, we treated ourselves to cocktails and a delicious meal at Walter & Leonard. The food was outstanding and easily the best of the trip—an indulgent way to celebrate the end of an incredible Arctic adventure. For dessert, we decided to mix things up and headed to the world’s northernmost McDonald’s, where we couldn’t resist trying the unique menu items like a Cookie Dough McFlurry and macarons. It was a fun, lighthearted end to a day filled with memorable experiences.
DAY 5
Our final day in Tromsø coincided with a special event: the official end of the polar night, known locally as Soldagen. On this day, the sun makes its first appearance above the horizon since November, and locals celebrate with Berliner doughnuts and gatherings. Although our flight wasn’t until the evening, we made the most of our last hours in this magical city.
‘Gateway to the Arctic’ Art Installation looking over the Arctic Cathedral
We began the morning with a peaceful walk along the harbor, taking in the stunning pink and purple hues of the Arctic skies. Tromsø’s winter light is nothing short of enchanting, especially on a day like Soldagen. Along the way, we stopped at the Gateway to the Arctic, an art installation by Marit Bockelie that beautifully frames the surrounding waters (check out the photos—it’s a must-see!).
After breakfast, we crossed the Tromsø Bridge to the mainland, where we visited two of the city’s iconic attractions. First, the Arctic Cathedral, a striking architectural masterpiece with a unique triangular design that stands out against the snowy landscape. Then, we took the Fjellheisen Cable Car up Storsteinen Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Tromsø and its surrounding fjords.
At the mountain’s summit, we warmed up with hot chocolate and Berliner doughnuts at the cozy café while soaking in the views one last time. It was the perfect way to reflect on our trip and appreciate the beauty of this Arctic gem.
Back on Tromsø Island, our final stop was Raketten, the city’s smallest bar, famous for its reindeer hot dogs and mulled wine. We’d been eager to try this quirky spot all week but had missed out due to long queues. Luckily, we got our chance on our last day, enjoying a delicious and uniquely Norwegian lunch that served as the perfect farewell meal.
As we headed to the airport, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences Tromsø had given us. From chasing the Northern Lights to feeding reindeer, exploring fjords, and learning about Sami culture, our five days in Tromsø were unforgettable. It was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation—and we already can’t wait to return someday.
TIPS FOR TROMSØ
🤳Download the Svipper App for bus tickets and the Aurora App for Northern Lights predictions.
📲Use Airola for E-Sims for Norway / Europe.
🎥Watch my YouTube video on what to pack for the cold weather!
👍Follow my Instagram and Tiktok for lots more Tromsø content.
BREAKDOWN OF COSTS
✈️£231pp return from London with 20kg of luggage.
🛌£434pp for 5 nights in the centre of Tromsø with breakfast.
🍴£213pp for mostly dinners and a few cafe stops.
🦌£454pp on a total of 8 activities.
🚌£8pp total on buses.
🎁£10 on souvenirs for my boyfriend!
SUMMARY
Tromsø offered the perfect Arctic adventure, combining stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and winter activities. We explored the city on a walking tour, chased the Northern Lights, visited fjords and reindeer ranches, and learned about Sami culture. Highlights included panoramic views from Storsteinen Mountain, cozy Arctic cafés, and celebrating Soldagen, the return of the sun after the polar night.
From reindeer hot dogs to sauna swims in the Arctic Ocean, Tromsø delivered unforgettable moments that made our winter getaway truly magical.
HEY, I’M LOZ!
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This is an insight into the life of a girl who likes to get lost. I write about all things travel and the outdoors. If you like my content please subscribe and if you really like it, please buy me a coffee so I can continue making content for you!