Sitting over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, you might think Tromsø isn’t a place for the faint of heart but this Norwegian city is surprisingly cosmopolitan for its gaudy latitude (there’s a reason they call it the "Paris of the North").
Many visit for natural phenomena like the northern lights and midnight sun but there’s plenty to do here when not peering at the sky. From rural reindeer feeding with traditional Sámi herders to Arctic fishing trips in Tromsø’s spectacular fjords, the activities here are unique to this wild and fascinating region.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tromsø.
Tromsø’s extreme location means its seasons are particularly distinct, especially winter and summer.
If you’re interested in seeing the northern lights, then anytime between October and April can work. More specifically, late November to mid-January sees polar twilight where the sun remains below the horizon and there’s only a faint glow of light during the day.
Conversely, summer brings the warm glow of the midnight sun from late May to mid-July where activities can run all “night” long.
The shoulder seasons are often the most highly recommended times to travel in Europe, but in Tromsø’s case it’s prudent to make the most of its special position and enjoy the extremes.
If catching the northern lights is your priority, then a longer stay will give you a higher chance. However this isn’t a cheap destination, so most people stay no more than a week. Overall, I’d say around four days is about ideal.
Rural activities mean there’s scope for day trips and drives, meaning you don’t need to limit yourself to this small city. Throw in boat cruises too and you’ll easily fill time in between viewing the night sky.
Sámi Week in February is a great opportunity to learn about local Sámi culture, while music comes to Tromsø every August with the Tromsø Jazz Festival and RAKETTNATT, Northern Norway’s biggest music festival.
Almost everyone traveling to Tromsø will arrive at Tromsø Airport. Airport Express buses leave for the city center regularly (you can’t miss their bright red paint job), while taxis are available too but are far more expensive.
Tromsø is compact and very walkable, though you may want to take a bus if you’re planning on a wind-blasted walk across the bridge from the island to the mainland. Tickets for local buses can be purchased from ticket machines, the Svipper app or on board (note that this option is cash-only).
Tromsø’s waters might be freezing but they’re also home to a plethora of marine life including cod, herring, halibut, salmon and even basking shark. Several companies offer fishing trips out into the fjord with a chance to do a spot of Arctic fishing in good company,
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