Tromso, Norway is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The city is located in the Arctic Circle and is known for its stunning scenery and being one of the best places in the world to see the amazing Northern Lights.
We loved our time in Tromso because you are still surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Norway, but you also get the best of being in the city too.
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The Best Things to do in Tromso
There are many things to do in Tromso, but here are some of the best:
1) See the Northern Lights
One of the most popular things to do in Tromso is to see the Northern Lights, it is one of the very best places in the world to see them.
You can either do your research and pick a spot to try and see them for yourself, or there are many guided tours on offer that can take you to the best spots to see the Northern Lights.
If you visit Tromso in the autumn/winter months, between September – April, when they sky is dark enough, there’s a high chance you will catch a sight of the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is truly a sight to behold and is definitely one to tick off your bucket list.
2) Take a cable car ride
For stunning views of Tromso and the surrounding area, take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. The trip takes just a few minutes, and you can enjoy panoramic views from the top. There is also a cafe at the top.
If you would like to know more information about the cable car, you can check out the official website and also buy tickets here – Fjellheisen
You can actually also hike up to the viewpoint too, if you didn’t want to get the cable car.
3) Go on a whale watching tour
Tromso is one of the best places in Norway to go whale watching. There are a number of tour companies that offer trips, and you’re sure to see some amazing wildlife.
Different types of Whales appear at different times of the year, however, generally the best months to see Whales in Tromso is between the end of October – January.
Tromso is right in the North of Norway, and the Northern Coast of Norway is the best place to see Whales, so not only is Tromso one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, but it is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these mighty mammals.
4) Visit the Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral is a beautiful place of worship and is well worth a visit. It’s located just outside of town and is a popular spot for aurora viewing.
The Arctic Cathedral was built in 1965 and the architecture was inspired by Arctic nature.
You have to cross over the Tromso Bridge to get over to the Cathedral, which is a pretty cool thing to do also because you get some great views from the bridge.

5) Visit the Tromso Museum
The Tromso Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of this region.
The museum has a variety of exhibits that showcase the different aspects of life in Tromso and is predominantly about science and nature in Norway as well as the people of Norway.
If you’d like to check out any of our other blog posts all about Norway, including our Best Norway Road Trip Guide, you can check them out here – Norway – Three As A Bird – Van Life Travels
6) Visit the Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Arctic. It’s located in an old whaling station and has a number of interesting exhibits.
The Polar Museum tells the story of Arctic Trappers. Trappers are people who catch wild animals in traps. A trapper’s cabin from the 1900’s has been reconstructed so that you can see how they would survive the arctic winters with hardly any supplies or any contact with the outside world, focusing only on tending to their animal traps.
7) Go dog sledding
One of the most popular tourist activities in Tromso is dog sledding. There are a number of companies that offer tours, and it’s a great way to see the surrounding countryside. It’s also a lot of fun!
8) Go cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in Tromso, and there are a number of trails to explore. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

9) Shop for souvenirs
Tromso has a number of shops selling traditional Norwegian souvenirs. You can find everything from hand-knit sweaters to reindeer skin rugs.
10) Sample some local food
Tromso is known for its fresh seafood, and there are a number of great restaurants to try. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the local specialties.
Summary
These are just a few of the best things to do in Tromso. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in this beautiful city and we think that Tromso is a must-visit place in Norway.
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I have always wanted to travel and luckily I always got to travel to some amazing countries while I was growing up with my family and this really encouraged me to continue this and get out into the world on my own when I was older.
My goal growing up was really to see as much of the world as I could, but then I started going to work and really concentrating on my career and travel took a back seat. I still tried to get away a few times a year but I always knew there was an end goal which was to travel as much as possible.
So I got my head down and worked as hard as I could as an e-commerce manager. I have always been techy, I love computers and websites, so that’s where it gave me the idea to start this blog and also have my own web design agency. If you want to check it out or need any help then please take a look rrwebdesign.co.uk (shameless plug there)
But after covid, we both knew this was now the right time to take the leap and go and see the world after being trapped inside our house and working from home for a couple of years. We realised more than ever that you only get one life and you really need to make the most of it and do what you love!
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