a red fire hydrant in the middle of a snowy field

When taking a trip internationally, get protection from one of the top travel insurance carriers. You can get a 5% discounton Heymondo, the sole insurer that pays doctor bills up front for you,HERE!

Taking a Tromso tour is an easy way to explore this Norwegian city. Located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso is surrounded by islands, fjords, and the sea, so there are lots of things to see and do in the area.

It likely comes as no real surprise that tours of the Northern Lights from Tromso are some of the most sought-after excursions, particularly since Tromso is regarded as one of the prime destinations worldwide to view the Aurora Borealis. A lot of visitors travel to Tromso with the intention of catching a glimpse of the dancing celestial show in the sky.

Of course, you’ll also locate plenty of other tour options related to Tromsø. Whether you want to make friends with huskies, visit the nearby fjords, or go snowmobiling, there are excursions in Tromso that will match your interests. Keep reading to find out the best guided tours in Tromso to see wildlife, discover the area’s beautiful natural landscapes, embark on sporty adventures, and more.

10 best tours in Tromso

If you’re looking for activities in Tromso, you won’t be let down. The city provides a wide range of tours of many distinct types. To help you find the premier ones, I`ve narrowed down the list to the 10 best tours in Tromso:

  1. Northern Lights excursion
  2. Whale Watching Trip
  3. Husky tour
  4. Fjord and wildlife scenic tour
  5. Reindeer tour
  6. Midnight cruise
  7. Arctic nature tour
  8. Snowmobile tour
  9. Snowshoeing tour
  10. Tromso Ice Domes excursion

1. Northern Lights tour, the most popular Tromso tour

If you visit Tromso in winter, you’ll likely come to view the Northern Lights in Norway. Book this all-inclusive excursion, and give yourself the best chance to see the aurora up close.

a snow covered landscape with a lake and mountains

A minivan will select you up from downtown Tromso and transport you far from the light pollution of the city center. Your guide will explain the science behind the aurora and share some local myths and tales.

While observing the Northern Lights in the night sky, you`ll be able to gather around an outdoor fire and enjoy hot dogs, soup, marshmallows, and warm drinks, even though the thermal outfits provided on the excursion should keep you quite comfortable.

If the aurora can be seen, portraits will be taken of the group and guidance provided for independent photos. A tripod can even be borrowed if needed.

  • Highlights: Aurora hunting with guide, hot drinks and snacks cooked over a campfire, personal aurora photos, transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Number of participants: 21
  • Price: $151+

Additionally, an article exists on the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso for investigating alternatives .

2. Whale Safari, the best Tromso tour

Arranging a whale watching tour is a popular activity to do from November to early February, which is whale watching season in Tromso. This fjord cruise and whale safari boat tour is one of the best Tromso whale watching tours because, in addition to spotting marine wildlife, you get to admire the natural landscapes surrounding Tromso a person on a surfboard in the water

While sailing through the fjords on a catamaran, a guide will explain the local fishing culture and natural environment. You’ll also be able to watch presentations on whales and Arctic wildlife.

If you happen to spot any whales or killer whales from the viewing areas while staying protected in warm winter gear, you can photograph them from the indoor or outdoor viewing decks. Hot drinks and snacks are available when hunger or thirst start to set in.

  • The highlights included sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, porpoises alongside warm drinks like coffee, tea, and biscuits along with transport to and from Tromso.
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Number of participants: Varies depending on vessel size (12/30/144)
  • Price: $155+

Our article on the best whale watching tours in Tromso has plenty of other possibilities if you require them .

3. Husky Dog Sledding Adventure, a great Tromso tour

Exploring local cuisine is a thrilling part of visiting somewhere new, and New York City`s famed dishes will satisfy any craving. With its rich history and cultural diversity, the city holds many scrumptious foods and renowned places to partake, so experiencing the flavors of one of the leading food cities in the USA is a must.

two dogs sitting on a sled in the snow

A shuttle will pick you up from downtown Tromso and drive you to the husky kennel on the nearby island of Kvaløya. After changing into the provided winter gear, including thermal suits, boots, socks, hats, and gloves, you’ll meet the huskies.

Before embarking on your sledding excursion, your guide will give a brief demonstration and then you’ll be taken to your sled and dog team. As you set off on the trail, with the option to switch between being a passenger or driver, the guide will accompany you along the way.

When you arrive back at the kennel, you’ll finish up your adventure with hot drinks and chocolate cake inside a Sami lavvo with a warm fireplace.

  • Highlights: Self-drive husky sledding, meeting huskies, hot drinks and chocolate cake, transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Number of participants: 16
  • Price: $210+

4. Wildlife and Bird Fjord Cruise, one of the best excursions in Tromso

View Tromso and the surrounding region from a new angle on this all-inclusive wildlife and bird fjord cruise. Admire the fjords and mountains as you sail on the Arctic Sea and keep an eye out for marine wildlife, such as puffins, seals, sea eagles, and otters.

a large bird flying over a body of water

As part of this Tromso boat excursion, you’ll enjoy drinks, snacks, and a fish lunch. You can either remain inside the heated cabin or wrap up in one of the insulated bodysuits provided and head outside onto the deck. If you’re lucky, you may just see pilot whales and dolphins in the water and reindeer on the coast.

  • Highlights: Wildlife viewing boat tour; views of the fjords and mountains; beverages, snacks, and lunch; transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Number of participants: 30
  • Price: $142+

5. Reindeer Sledding with a Sami Guide, one of the most popular tours in Tromso

This renowned Tromso reindeer tour offers more than a casual meeting with these animals. Reindeer herding plays an important cultural role for the Sami people, an indigenous group of Scandinavia, so this experience involving reindeer sledding and feeding also provides a beneficial chance to learn more about the Sami lifestyle.

a statue of a bear sitting in the middle of a field

You will drive from the center of Tromsø to the seaside reindeer camp, where your guide will take you on a snowy trek pulled by a reindeer-drawn sled. When you return to the camp, you will get the opportunity to see the reindeer up close and feed them lunch. Once you have had your fill of reindeer fun, head inside a lavvo (Sami tent) for a traditional meal.

As surrounded a campfire enjoying coffee and snacks, the Sami guide will share folktales and discuss Sami culture before performing traditional songs.

  • Highlights: Reindeer sledding and feeding; Sami storytelling; lunch, coffee, and snacks; transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Number of participants: 100
  • Price: $152+

6. Midnight Cruise, one of the best Tromso tours

If you visit Tromso in summer, there is no way you will be able to miss seeing the midnight sun, since it is quite impossible to overlook 24 hours of daylight. Still, why not enjoy the sun on a Tromso boat cruise?

a large body of water with mountains

During this nighttime boat tour, travelers will sail through the fjords while taking in views of mountains and a stunningly colorful sky. There may be opportunities to see wildlife like sea eagles, eider ducks, or guillemots along the way. Passengers can find a spot inside the heated lounge area or on the outdoor deck and help themselves to hot drinks and snacks to remain energized throughout the cruise.

  • High Points: Midnight boat trip, drinks and snacks, transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Number of participants: 25
  • Price: $142+

7. Arctic Nature Tour, the best Tromso sightseeing tour

Explore the vicinity of Tromso and view everything from magnificent fjords and towering peaks to expansive beaches and quaint villages on this Arctic environmental tour.

a fire hydrant in the middle of a snow covered field

As part of this small group Tromso fjord tour with a maximum of 15 individuals, your guide will indicate the most scenic spots in Northern Norway and provide sufficient time to roam around and snap as many pictures as desired. Photography equipment such as a tripod can even be borrowed to take images to an enhanced level.

During the scheduled lunch break, get comfortable and enjoy hot drinks, a sandwich, and cookies. The tour guide will take several photographs of you and the group to keep as souvenirs from the trip. Best of all, at the end of the tour you’ll be taken back to your lodging in Tromso.

  • Highlights: Fjords, mountains, beaches, villages; sandwich, cookies, and hot beverages; transportation to and from Tromso with drop-off at your lodging
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Number of participants: 15
  • Price: $131+

8. Snowmobile Safari in the Lyngen Alps, the best Tromso snowmobile tour

If you’re up for adventure, there’s nothing like this snowmobile tour in the Lyngen Alps. Not only will you get to see amazing mountain scenery on this Tromsø activity, but you’ll also learn about Norwegian folklore and trolls.

a row of skis sitting on top of a snow covered slope

You’ll take public transportation from Tromso to Breivikeidet, where you’ll then catch a ferry to Svensby (the ferry ticket is provided with the cost of the tour). After you arrive at the base camp, your guide will demonstrate how to utilize a snowmobile before you hop on for an exhilarating ride. Be sure to capture photos along the route!

Upon returning to base camp, you’ll be served a hot meal before heading back to Tromso.

  • Highlights: Snowmobile tour of the Lyngen Alps; warm gear; hot lunch, hot beverages, and snack; transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 5 to 6.5 hours
  • Number of participants: 20
  • Price: $215+

9. Snowshoeing Tour, the best Tromso winter tour

The holiday classic production of The Nutcracker can be experienced at various venues all across the different districts of New York City, such as the prestigious Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. Additional options involve Kings Theatre in Brooklyn and Queens Theatre in Queens. Tickets are available here, and purchasing them ahead of time is advised.

people riding skis on top of a snow covered slope

Head to the countryside and hike up a small, manageable mountain using snowshoes (or just boots if there’s no snow). Enjoy the sweeping views and look out for hares, reindeer, eagles, and other wildlife.

Your Tromso expedition guide will photograph you during the hike, ensuring you`ll fondly recall your energetic trek achieving the summit of a Norwegian mountain. At the top, reinvigorate with a sandwich, pastry, and hot drink before descending. This definitely ranks among the premier activities in Tromso during winter.

  • Highlights: A snowshoe hiking tour was offered where participants could take souvenir photos and receive a homemade sandwich, pastry, water, and hot drinks in their backpack; transportation to and from Tromso was included as well.
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Number of participants: 8
  • Price: $125+

10. Ice Domes with Overnight Stay, the best Tromso tour package

If you had a look at the top hotels in the city of Tromso and want something a little different, stay in an ice igloo and enjoy private tours and meals with this Ice Domes overnight stay and tour package.

a very dimly lit room with a building behind it

Not many highly esteemed Tromso tour packages incorporate a privately guided exploration of the Tromso Ice Domes as well as a private snowshoe hunt for the Northern Lights. In addition, this Tromso excursion offers a complimentary beverage at the Ice Domes’ ice bar and a warm dinner cooked over a campfire.

After an active day of exploration, you’ll settle into your double room crafted of ice and snow and snuggle beneath a reindeer pelt. The next morning, you’ll be treated to a hearty breakfast and lunch before returning to Tromso.

  • Highlights: Guided tour of the Tromso Ice Domes; snowshoe hunt for the Northern Lights; accommodation at Tromso Ice Domes; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a drink at the ice bar; transportation to and from Tromso
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Number of participants: 2
  • Price: $1,420+

We have a guide on lodging options in Tromso, but if you’re searching for the top Northern Lights accommodations in Norway, take a look at our guide.

I hope you’ve found a Tromso activity or two to reserve for the next time you visit Tromso. Any of the activities in Tromso above are deserving of doing, and whichever one you decide to participate in, I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring and gaining more knowledge about the area.

Enjoy your time in Tromso!