10 reasons to visit Tromsø in winter

Do you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, walk in snowy landscapes and experience the cold and crisp air of the North? We give you 10 reasons to visit Tromsø during winter. 

1. The best place to experience the northern lights

Tromsø is located in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, which is the area with the highest probability of seeing the lights. This means that there will always be good chances of Northern Lights, regardless of the sun’s cycles. This natural phenomenon can be observed late August to April, depending on the weather conditions and solar activity. If the sky is clear you might be able to see the Northern Lights right above the city, but to increase your chances we recommend going on a tour away from the bright lights of the city centre.

2. Winter wonderland at a comfortable temperature

Owing to of the Gulf Stream, Tromsø has a milder coastal climate than other destinations at the same latitude. This makes even the middle of winter relatively mild. The average winter temperature in Tromsø is around -4 °C. However, if you chase the Northern Lights, remember the temperature could be anything from -25 °C up to +5 °C. Read more on how to dress in Tromsø here.  

3. Wide range of activities

Tromsø Region offers a wide range of excursions. Whether you’re travelling in small groups, with family or friends, or by yourself you will always find new adventures to join. If you are up for some excitement, try snow mobiling, or dog sledding through our beautiful winter landscapes. Take a hike and enjoy the view while skiing or snow shoeing, or explore the nature and wildlife with a fjord excurision by boat or car. Learn about the Sami history and culture while feeding the reindeer. Chase the northern lights, or combine the experience with an activity. Find your arctic adventures here.

4. Stunning nature and Arctic wildlife

Tromsø is located in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful fjords. The stunning nature is so close that you can admire the landscape from the city centre or from the Cable Car. It is also possible to see sea eagles and seals from Tromsø. Read more about the Arctic wildlife here. Experience whales in their natural habitat from November through January. Read more about whale watching here.

5. Learn about the local culture and history

The people of the North are proud of their culture and history, and are happy to share all aspects of it. Ranging from the Sami culture, to the traditional art of brewing, Polar history, research from the Arctic, and local art. There's always something new to learn about our town. See a list of our attractions here. 

6. A lively Arctic city

Tromsø has a rich cultural life. Several important events are held during winter such as Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF), Polar Night Half Marathon, the Northern Lights Festival, and Sami Week. The New Year’s Eve Concert, and the Northern Lights Concerts in the Arctic Cathedral are also popular amongst visitors and locals. 

Take a stroll though the historical city centre and visit our galleries to browse art from northern Norway or some of our local shops. Read more about shopping here.

Go for a refreshing swim in the ocean combined with the floating sauna Pust, or visit our waterpark Tromsøbadet for more comfortable temperatures.

7. Tasty local cuisine

Start your day off right by visiting one of our many cafés. Tromsø is famous for its record high rate of cafés per inhabitant.

With a good variety of restaurants who proudly serve local delicacies, as well as several international cuisines you are assured to have a nice dining experience.

Tromsø is also known for its lively nightlife. Most of the restaurants, bars and nightclubs are located along the main street, Storgata, making it easy to check out several places in one evening. Read more about restaurants, bars and nightlife here. 

8. Good facilities for accommodation

Tromsø has a wide range of accommodation suitable for all budgets and needs. Choose between one of the 2200 hotelrooms in the city centre, stay in an apartment or spend your days in scenic resorts by the sea or in cabins outside the city. Read more about accommodation here. 

9. Excellent flight connections

There are excellent flight connections several times a day from Oslo (Gardermoen), as well as good connections from overseas destinations such as London (Gatwick), Düsseldorf, Munich, Frankfurt, Helsinki and Stockholm. As a regional hub, Tromsø has many direct flights to other locations in Northern Norway such as Bodø, Alta, Andenes, Kirkenes and Harstad/Narvik. You can also fly from Tromsø to Longyearbyen in Svalbard and get more out of your Arctic adventure. Tromsø Airport Langnes is located just a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Read more about travelling to Tromsø here.

10. Booking, service and quality

You can book either online or at the Tourist Information Office. Our online booking system is safe and secure, and the booking process only takes a couple of minutes. We provide quick and efficient support, and you get a full refund on cancellations made more than 3 days prior to your arrival. Read all about our booking conditions here and book your next adventure here. 

Knowing how you enjoyed your stay in Tromsø is extremely important to us. We work constantly to improve the quality of the service provided by our partners. We know that travelling to Norway can be expensive and we want to offer you the best possible value for money, as well as a perfect and unforgettable experience. Don’t hesitate to send us your feedback on Tripadvisor.