Are you looking for the best things to do in Tromso, Norway, for first-time travelers? Well then, here are my personally curated top picks from my recent Tromso trip.
Top Things to do in Tromso, Norway
As this was my very first trip to Tromso, I wanted to cover all the usual Tromso attractions. However, with just 4 days in the city and an overflowing list of items to add to the itinerary, I had to cherry-pick the best ones.
Witness the Spectacular Northern Lights
No doubt this was our primary agenda for the entire trip (which covered parts of Finland as well). Spotting the magical aurora borealis was what pushed us to plan a trip to Scandinavia in sub zero temperatures.
So all our activities and tours in Tromso revolved around hunting Northern Lights. Even if we went to feed reindeer, learn about sami culture or visit a husky farm – we had to take tours which had a chance of spotting the surreal lights aka places with open skies.
You need to be at the right place at the right time, and you can actually just look up and spot these lights.
However, you need to get a little further from the city of Tromso to avoid all the light pollution. So any open natural spots are perfect for viewing the lights. If you want to DIY, you can simply rent a car in Tromso and go about your adventures.
However, I would highly recommend going with the experts – atleast for the first time. So that you can understand what Northern lights apps to download, how to gauge activity and what kind of spots to go to.
Until then, please book one of these highly rated Northern lights tours in Tromso which I have personally tried and cherry picked for my readers. Most of these tours are based completely on my personal experience so you can read my pro’s and con’s and make an informed decision.
If you simply want to book the very same northern lights tour we were on, check it out here – Minivan Aurora Excursion with Warm Suits and Photos.
We picked this tour because we wanted to go in a small group, needed warm waterproof full suits and professionally shot photos. This checked all the boxes for us.
Feed Reindeer
This was my first time seeing reindeer in real life and as a wildlife enthusiast, I was thrilled to bits. However, as an ethical wildlifer (As much as can be), I wanted to only feed these cuties and not ride them.
I had a chance to do so when I booked this amazing reindeer feeding tour with a chance of Northern Lights.
This gave me a chance to get up close to the reindeer, feed them, play with them, and also see the gorgeous lights. What more could one ask for?
Learn about Sami Culture
This very same tour I embarked on for reindeer feeding, also offered an insight into Sami culture – the nomadic tribe of the region.
It was very interesting to learn about their nomadic lifestyle, their clothes, how they hunt, what they eat, how they survive in harsh climates and their customs.
You can book this very tour to enjoy sighting lights from the Sami village and feeding their reindeer.
Visit a Husky Farm
With Huskies as well, we just wanted to play with them and not do husky sledding, only for ethical reasons even though we were told the dogs actually enjoy it. So, I would not comment on the ethics behind it.
We found a husky farm with great difficulty as most of online tours were only for dog sledding.
So, that evening we embarked on our – Aurora Husky Visit at Villmarkssenter. This was a 4 hour tour where you can meet huskies at a husky farm. We didn’t want to do reindeer/ husky sledding so we chose to just meet/ feed these cuties.
At Villmarkssenter, we first watched a movie about Sled dog race and then we got to play with the huskies – while it was snowing in.
We kept in mind (before booking the tour) to select an activity where there was a chance to spot the Northern lights and one that provided overalls.
This was a great call as it was snowing hard and we were out in the cold feeding hundreds of dogs. Our clothes were absolutely dry and intact underneath our waterproof overalls.
This also allowed us to make snow angels and play in the snow.
Overall, I was not happy with the tour as there were 200+ Alaskan huskies cramped into a small space in small cages. As a wildlife lover, I always enjoy seeing animals in their natural habitat but I understand huskies can rough it out.
Try the Fish Soup Balcalao
In the same husky village of Villmarkssenter we enjoyed a warm local fish soup called Balcalao.
This staple Norweigien stew is tomato based and is a hearty filling meal in itself. We enjoyed it with a side of garlic bread which added to the flavor and enjoyed it by a warm, cozy bonfire.
Try a Cocktail at a Nordic Bar
After a day of shopping in Tromso, I wanted to quench my thirst in a local drinking hole. Enter – a typical Nordic Bar, bang in the middle of city center – Huken Brygg.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an authentic and traditionally decorated Nordic pub. Think polar bear skins adorning walls, wooden beer kegs, piano on the ceiling (Yes! on the ceiling – as decor) – I was gaping in awe and surprise.
After a hearty meal of reindeer meat on baked potatoes and local confections, I can safely say that adding a visit to a typical Nordic pub must be on your Tromso itinerary.
Shop for cute Tromso Souvenirs
Tromso has so many cute souvenir stores you will be spoilt for choice.
Plus from the list of Tromso souvenirs, there’s always so much to choose from – warm winter clothes made of reindeer fur / skin, cutest troll magnets, reindeer antler artefacts, viking rune jewellery, dried Norwegian cod, whale /moose salami, and so much more.
Eat the Best Hot Dogs in Tromso
Actually these are the best hotdogs in the world – found in Tromso, Norway at the cute little street side kiosk called – Raketten Bar & Pølse.
I tried their most popular reindeer and beef hotdog after waiting in queue for 30 mins. It was definitely worth the wait and surely one of the best Tromso things to do.
The kiosk is open from 12 noon till 7 pm and almost always has a mad queue, so prepare to wait with your waterproof wind jackets.
Make Snow Angels and Snow Bunnies
Since my friend who was traveling with me was bunny crazy, not only did we go in search of the Arctic hare everywhere, but we also made snow bunnies and angels all around.
It was my first time to enjoy fresh soft clean snow and I was absolutely delighted to play around.
Whale watching tour
This is one thing we did not personally try in Tromso but is a highly rated Tromso attraction for sure. I did my research and here are some top rated Whale watching tours in Tromso to try –
Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat
From Tromsø: Whale Watching Safari on High-Speed Catamaran
From Tromso: Whale Watching in Magic Skjervoy
Walk around Tromso
Walking around Tromso city center is so much fun. Just ensure you have a good waterproof parka as it can rain or snow at any time and umbrellas are pretty useless in the wind.
The first thing we did when we stepped out of our hotel was to go to the corner side pub – Rorbua for shots of Hennessy. This would ensure we stay warm in the Tromso weather.
Then we would walk around looking for food, souvenirs, coffee or beer. The city center is not too big and easy to navigate on foot. With the lovely snow capped mountains in the backdrop, it makes for a pretty picture all day long.
Visit the Troll Museum
If you have ever wondered about the cute mystical creatures called Trolls, deep rooted in Scandinavian folklore, then, a visit to the Troll museum in Tromso city center is a MUST.
You can take photos with Trolls on display and even color trolls or play games in the game room. Okay, I admit it is mostly for kids or adults (with kids) but hey, we are kids at heart – so it totally counts.
This is also one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Tromso as the museum is indoors and you can spend hours (if you want) just taking photos or making art there.
Click here to buy entry tickets to Troll Museum Norway.
Where to Stay in Tromso Norway?
After just spending a couple of days in Tromso, I can safely say that Radisson Blu Tromso is the absolute BEST place to stay in Tromso, hands down.
The biggest perk of this hotel is its central location. Almost all Viator/ Getyourguide and local Tromso tours start from the hotel. So its pretty convenient to just layer up and walk down to the front gate for your pickup.
Plus the views from the room are exceptional and the breakfast buffet is extensive. Staff at reception and buffet are smiling and friendly which is a big plus.
Click here to book Radisson Blu Tromso at lowest rates.
Since we could not get all 3 nights at Radisson Blu, we had to grudgingly move to a different hotel for our last night – Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso. However, we were not disappointed. It didn’t compare to Radisson but it was a comfortable stauy at a lower price tag.
Perks of staying at Comfort Hotel Xpress – Good location bang in the city center (however a 10 min walk from tour pick up points) and pocket friendly if you are seeking a budget stay in Tromso.
Click here to get best deals on Comfort Hotel Xpress .
So pick one of these tried and tested options, or choose from a wide variety of hotels in Tromso, Norway by clicking here.
This was my handpicked list of things to do in Tromso, Norway. I am sure if I had more time in the city, I would have done much more. Have you visited Tromso? Tell me your favorite things to do in the city.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
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