10 Best Things to Do in Tromso in Winter

While it may seem counterintuitive, traveling to Tromso during the winter period is absolutely a great idea. Firstly, the months from January through March tend to be the most inexpensive time of year to visit the area. Secondly, winter lines up with peak Northern Lights season as well as whale watching season, two astounding natural phenomena you should not miss.

On top of that, heading to Tromso in winter means you’ll get the chance to experience polar night, or 24 hours of darkness. You can also enjoy some other popular things to do in Tromso in winter like skiing, dog sledding, and even hiking.

I also recommend visiting Tromso in December, since spending Christmas in Tromso is so much fun. Of course, Tromso winter weather can be cold and snowy, so be sure to pack warm clothing that you can layer.

Now, let`s discuss why winter is considered one of the prime periods to travel to Tromso.

1. See the Northern Lights, one of the best things to do in Tromso in winter

Among top winter activities in Tromso is Northern Lights viewing. With darkness for 24 hours under the polar night sky, clear conditions maximize opportunities to see the auroras, given the perpetual night.

Tromso is considered one of the best locations in Norway to view the Northern Lights, so visitors can easily search for the aurora on their own. Alternatively, a stay can be booked at one of the top Northern Lights hotels, such as the Tromso Ice Domes, where observing the display is possible without leaving the room.

Naturally, choosing one of the many Northern Lights excursions leaving from Tromso, similar to this all-inclusive van tour, will notably increase your chances of viewing the aurora. The guides’ specialized knowledge indicates that you’ll generally end up in the proper place at the suitable time to catch the “Green Lady.”

2. Go whale watching, a perfect Tromso winter activity

Winter is pretty much the only time of year to see whales in Tromso, as whale watching season lasts from November to the beginning of February. Take advantage of this seasonal overlap and book one of the top Tromso whale watching excursions.

Even if one fails to observe whales or orcas, these tours providing an excellent chance to catch sight of other Norwegian wildlife and explore the fjords. Just remember to bundle up because the trips commonly last several hours, plus you’ll be in a boat on the water, so temperatures can get quite chilling.

I would very much propose this fjord tour and whale observation boat trip, which was the whale watching excursion we took while we were in Tromso. We managed to see or spy orcas, humpback whales and dolphins during our journey. You will also be given explanations on local fishing customs and culture as well as numerous snacks.

3. Visit one of Tromso’s many museums, what to do in Tromso if the weather’s bad

On days when bitter cold reigns, you likely won’t want to be outside. Instead, head to the best indoor Tromso winter attractions: Tromso’s museums. Beyond allowing you to stay warm inside, these educational and informative institutions will help you learn more about art, history, science, culture, and even Norwegian folklore through fun and interactive exhibits.

Whether you want to discover more about Arctic expedition at the Polar Museum, take on puzzles at the Northern Norwegian Science Center, or admire art at the Tromso Center for Contemporary Art, you’ll find there’s a venue to match nearly every set of interests.

4. Go dog sledding, a fun Tromso winter tour

If you want to try a unique winter activity in Tromso, look into dog sledding. You’ll have the chance to bond with furry canine companions as well as get outside and enjoy the snow. Best of all, you’ll get to observe the wonders of the Arctic wilderness up close as you steer your dog team along a snow-covered trail.

A preferred husky trip for us is this self-managed husky sledding experience, which also ranks among the top tours in Tromso. Besides meeting and touching the huskies, the tour includes a sledding trip and chocolate cake with hot drinks by a fireplace – everything essential for a quality Tromso winter outing!

5. Stay at The Ice Domes, one of the most exciting things to do in Tromso in winter

Confront the wintry severe temperatures head on by staying at the Tromso Ice Domes, one of the premier Northern Lights hotels in Norway. The Ice Domes is lodging created entirely of ice and snow that is rebuilt each autumn, so you’ll never see the equivalent structure twice.

Within the hotel, ice sculptures and art adorn the walls, and you’ll also find an ice bar, restaurant, and ice cinema. Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth signing up for a Tromso winter day tour to explore and admire this icy lodging yourself.

6. Ski in Tromso, Norway, an exhilarating thing to do in Tromso in winter

If there’s one activity you should partake in during winter, it’s skiing in Tromso, Norway. The daring individuals in your group can hit the slopes at Tromso Alpinpark for some downhill skiing and snowboarding. Both skiing and snowboarding gear are available to rent, and you can purchase one-day passes, multi-day passes, or even seasonal passes.

In contrast, those preferring their winter adventures in Tromso to be peaceful and serene should opt for cross-country skiing, which happens to be Norway`s national pastime. It is also a superb way to explore locations too snow-covered to hike on foot.

This cross country skiing tour takes you on the trails near Breivikeidet and the Aurora Alps, a beautiful area. Equipment is provided, and you’ll learn basic cross country skiing techniques before you head off into the wilderness.

If you get very fortunate, you may even be able to see the Northern Lights from the slopes or the trail.

7. Experience polar night, a once-in-a-lifetime Tromso in winter adventure

Until experiencing 24 hours of darkness personally, envisioning a day lacking the sun can prove difficult. The zero hours of daylight throughout December in Tromso are termed polar night, contrasting midnight sun, or 24 hours of daylight, if visiting Tromso in summer.

Experiencing polar night is an exceptional phenomenon that is deserving of witnessing at minimum once. At the very least, enduring total darkness will help cultivate an appreciation for the limited winter daylight hours you have back home.

You can also witness this natural phenomenon if you visit Tromso in January, since Tromso January daylight amounts to only between one and two hours per day.

8. Go reindeer sledding, one of the best Tromso winter tours

The Iberostar Selection Sábila is considered one of the top luxury 5-star hotels in Tenerife, particularly for couples. It’s near Fañabé Beach, thought to be one of the places most worth visiting in Costa Adeje and it’s surrounded by lovely, romantic gardens.

Reindeer herding portrays an important part of Sami life, and your adviser will tell you all regarding Sami culture, along with introducing you to traditional cuisine and music. Of all the Tromso winter outings, this is the one that best combines style and substance.

9. Go snowshoe hiking, a unique way to get in your Tromso winter hikes

Most activities involving winter travel in the Tromso area require either snowshoes or skis due to the substantial snowfall. If skiing is not an option desired, hiking with snowshoes is an enjoyable, uncomplicated way to venture outside and explore without sinking into the snow and getting wet feet.

Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid hiking with snowshoes, some hiking around Tromso can be done year-round with boots and/or crampons.

10. Take the Fjellheisen cable car, one of the best Tromso winter activities

While taking the cable vehicle trip to the summit of Mount Storsteinen is one of the prime attractions in Tromso during winter, it is also one of the prime attractions in Tromso at any time of the year.

The lift experience to the summit only takes 4 minutes, but during that time, you will be able to marvel at the metropolis beneath you as well as the surrounding fjords and highlands. Also, there is regularly the chance to see the northern lights from the cable car or the top of Storsteinen wintertime.

Other tips for visiting Tromso in the winter

To ensure an optimal trip, you need knowledge beyond keeping yourself occupied. Below is more information for planning a visit to Tromso in winter, which includes average temperatures, daylight hours per month, and a proposed packing list.

Tromso winter weather – Temperature & daylight

The optimum time to experience Tromso in winter depends on individual priorities. Winter brings the most snowfall to the Tromso region, resulting in significant precipitation. Moreover, January and February generally see chillier temperatures, while December and March are slightly milder.

The restricted hours of daylight in Tromso in December and January are suited for aurora chasing but less than perfect if you’d prefer to see and accomplish a lot during the daytime. If that’s the case for you, February or March, which benefit from many more daylight hours, would be preferable options for a visit.

*In December and January the fjords are full of whales but the few hours of light make it difficult to see them.

Tromso winter packing list

As you may have assumed, warm layers (lots of wool!) and clothes in stages are key for braving the Tromso winter temperatures. Some things you should pack for your Tromso winter trip are:

• A hat, gloves, and scarf.
• Long underwear and wool socks – the perfect layering elements.
• Wool sweaters.
• A parka.
• Warm and sturdy hiking boots.
• Bring along spikes that attach to footwear for icy or snowy trails.
• Skiing/snowboarding gear.
• A camera for documenting all of your exciting adventures.

Now that you possess all the tips and strategies to arrange your visit to Tromso, you’ll have the ability to appreciate this Norwegian city for the winter wonderland that it is. Don’t allow the restricted daylight hours and icy Tromso winter temperatures discourage you; Tromso in winter is full of charm and activities to do.

Before embarking, be sure to save this map of Tromso onto your device so you can navigate around the city without difficulty.

Enjoy your wintertime experience in Tromso!