7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is one of Norway’s most popular destinations for seeing the Northern Lights, trying new winter sports, and introducing yourself to Arctic culture. But traveling to this northern city comes with a few surprises that are both amazing and challenging.
If you’re planning your first trip or just curious about life above the Arctic Circle, here are the things I wish I knew before traveling to Tromsø.
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1. Where exactly is Tromsø?
Tromsø is located 217 miles (350 km) north of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the northernmost cities in the world. Despite its far-north location, it’s surprisingly accessible and well-connected via flights from Oslo and other European cities.
I put off traveling to Tromsø my first couple trips to Norway because it was so far away, but we actually found very affordable flights from London, England leaving from Gatwick and flying back to Luton. Don’t limit yourself to just flying to Tromsø from other Norwegian cities.
As for the city, it is spread out over Tromsøya Island, which is surrounded by fjords, mountains, and the mainland, where the iconic Arctic Cathedral is located. You’ll want to visit both during your trip to Tromsø to explore the natural beauty and city center. Fortunately, it’s all within walking distance or accessible via the public bus.
2. Weather is milder than you’d expect, but it’s still Arctic.
While you might envision brutal, subzero temperatures, Tromsø’s coastal climate, thanks to the Gulf Stream, keeps it milder than other places at the same latitude, like parts of Alaska or Siberia.
In winter, temperatures average between -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), though the wind chill can make it feel much colder. I think we got down to -20°F with the wind chill. It was cold cold. But, the following week, after we left, it was closer to 40°F.
Summers are also mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). However, the weather can change quickly. Snowstorms can roll in unexpectedly, and icy rain or wet snow is common.
One thing I really wish I knew before arriving in Tromsø was how essential layering is. Even though the temperature may not be as freezing as you’d expect, the combination of wind and moisture makes proper gear a must. Waterproof outerwear and warm layers are non-negotiable, especially when you’re spending almost every waking hour outside exploring!
Daylight hours are… weird.
Depending on when you visit, daylight in Tromsø can be a shock to the system. During Polar Night (mid-November to mid-January), the sun never rises. Instead, the city is bathed in a soft, blue twilight for a few hours each day. It’s a cool experience but can also affect your mood and energy levels if you’re not prepared.
Conversely, during the Midnight Sun (late May to late July), the sun never sets. The sky remains bright around the clock. I experienced this in Iceland, and I have to say it makes the days long for exploration but also messes with your system. A good sleep mask is essential if you’re visiting during this period to help you get some rest.
As for the in-between periods, you will get either very short or very long days. Visiting in early February, we had very short days. This also means very cold days as there is little sun to warm you up.
3. Tromsø is expensive. Budget accordingly.
Norway, in general, is known for its high cost of living, and Tromsø is no exception. Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses. Budget hotels or hostels start at around 1,000 NOK ($100 USD) per night, while mid-range hotels can cost between 1,500-2,500 NOK ($150-$250 USD).
Dining out is also pricey, with basic meals costing around 150-200 NOK ($15-$20 USD) and nicer restaurants charging upwards of 300 NOK ($30 USD) per meal.
Tours and activities can quickly add up, too. Northern Lights tours usually start at 1,000 NOK ($100 USD) per person, while dog sledding or snowmobiling tours range from 1,500-3,000 NOK ($150-$300 USD). However, the experiences are well worth the cost and honestly, some of the best things/only things to do in the area.
To save money, consider shopping at grocery stores like Coop and Rema 1000 for affordable meals or snacks. You can also choose accommodations with a kitchen to help keep costs down.
While I recommend looking for ways to save money, don’t skimp on your activities. One of the best tips for Tromsø is simply that you came all the way to this northern destination to explore it. Do it. Book the Northern Lights tours. Go dog sledding. It’s not worth missing out on the experiences you came for to save a little bit of cash when your overall flight, hotel, and food is expensive.
You don’t need cash, but a credit card is essential.
Norway is almost entirely cashless, which I love. Tromsø is no exception. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere. We’re talking restaurants, taxis, public transport, and even vending machines.
Make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees, bonus points if your card also supports contactless payments as you’ll have maximum convenience. While you’ll rarely need cash, if it makes you feel better, you can pull out a small amount of Norwegian kroner for small purchases. Personally, I didn’t even take out kroner, and it was never a problem.
4. Getting around is easy, but you might want to rent a car.
Tromsø is a compact, walkable city, and getting around is straightforward. We did not rent a car and simply used walking and public transit to get around. The public bus system is efficient and reliable. Just download the Svipper app to buy tickets for the Tromsø bus. It’s cheaper than paying onboard and quite fast and easy to use.
Many of the city’s main attractions are also within walking distance. The only problem with this is that many of the sidewalks are icy in winter. This means you’ll want to wear boots with good traction and even then you may need to bring along ice cleats.
We actually ended up buying ice grips there for like 3x the cost as everything was coated in 1 inch of ice. You couldn’t walk without sliding, and it wasn’t worth risking a broken bone or concussion. I recommend planning ahead. Just make sure to check the type of ice grips you bring to verify if you can put them in your carry on versus checked bag.
Getting Out of the City and Other Transportation Options
While taxis are available, they are expensive. Also, there is no Uber in Tromsø. If you’re planning to explore areas outside the city, like the Lyngen Alps or remote fjords, rent a car. It will give you maximum flexibility and the best pricing. Unfortunately, cars are expensive and driving in Arctic conditions can be challenging.
Search Discover Cars to find the most affordable rental car options.
Most cars around the city have tires meant for winter and ice. This helps conquer the challenges of icy roads and unpredictable weather, but it certainly doesn’t solve it. We actually saw a car park in a parking lot on a hill and slide down the hill into the car next to it. Full side to side contact. Yikes. Don’t know if you want to risk it.
Instead, many people, me included, opt for guided tours. This takes the concerns of getting around out of the picture. This is particularly true for Northern Lights chasing, as local guides know the best spots and safest routes.
Search Viator and Get Your Guide for the best tour options.
5. Where to Stay: In town or in the wilderness?
Where you stay in Tromsø depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Staying in the city center is best for convenience. You’ll have easy access to restaurants, museums, and tours that depart from the harbor area.
Popular hotels like Radisson Blu, Clarion Hotel The Edge, and Scandic Ishavshotel provide great views and comfortable accommodations. Budget travelers might prefer Smarthotel Tromsø or Enter Backpack Hotel.
For a more secluded experience, you can stay outside the city in cabins, glass igloos, or lodges in nearby areas like Sommarøy or the Lyngen Alps. Check out these incredible places to stay in Tromsø.
These remote locations offer better chances to see the Northern Lights without light pollution. Unfortunately, they often require a rental car or relying on shuttle services provided by the accommodations.
We ultimately opted to stay just out of the city center in a cabin at Tromsø Lodge and Camping. It was within walking distance and on the bus line. What I learned was… we really should have rented a car to get there due to the icy sidewalks making it so difficult to get around. That being said, we bought ice grips, and it was fine. A week later, all the snow and ice apparently melted.
Search for accommodations on Booking.com.
It has tons of choices and one of the best cancellation policies.
6. There’s more to do than just Northern Lights.
While the Northern Lights are the main attraction, Tromsø offers a range of activities that make it a year-round destination. Dog sledding and reindeer sledding provide a unique Arctic experience, and some tours even include cultural insights from the indigenous Sami people.
Fjord cruises showcase the region’s stunning landscape, while the Arctic Cathedral and Fjellheisen Cable Car offer panoramic city views that are especially magical during the Polar Night.
If you’re visiting between November and January, you can also go whale watching to see orcas and humpback whales. In the summer, the Midnight Sun allows for hiking and exploring under endless daylight. Best of all? It gives you even more time to enjoy Tromsø’s natural beauty.
Northern Lights Chasing: It’s not guaranteed.
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is a dream of many travelers, me included. But it’s not as simple as just showing up and looking up. I wish I had known how much patience it takes. You may have to wait for hours (or days) in freezing cold conditions, and even then, cloud cover can ruin your chances, no matter how strong the aurora forecast is.
For the best odds, book a tour or even multiple nights of tours. Weather conditions vary greatly from night to night. Some tour companies will even “chase” the lights, where guides drive you to clear skies, sometimes even crossing into Finland to find the perfect viewing spot. The hunt is part of the thrill, so get on board and get ready to wait, staring at the sky.
Learn all about seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø.
7. Packing for Tromsø
With the wild weather, packing for Tromsø requires some forethought. Thermal base layers are crucial, even in the milder winter temperatures. Waterproof outerwear is a must to handle the snow, rain, and wind. Insulated, waterproof boots with solid grip will keep your feet warm and safe on icy sidewalks.
Don’t forget warm accessories like gloves, hats, scarves, and even hand warmers. I took my hand warmers on our Northern Lights chase, and it was 100% worth it. Ice cleats or grips can also be invaluable for navigating slippery streets if you hit snow or ice.
If you’re planning to photograph the Northern Lights, a good camera and tripod are essential. Some tours will provide the tripods, or even pictures, but the camera, you’re on your own! Fortunately, my iPhone was able to capture them pretty well!
Explore More of Norway
Tromsø is a magical destination. Go for the Northern Lights. Stay for the full Arctic Circle experience. Explore the fjords. Get to know the Sami culture. Feed the reindeer. Eat the reindeer. There’s really no end to the possibilities in this far out place, but remember, it’s cold. It’s icy. It’s unpredictable. Plan accordingly. It is in the Arctic Circle after all!
Hopefully these these tips about Tromsø help you know what to expect before you get there. Plan better. Pack smarter. Get the most out of your trip. Tromsø is an adventure worth every chilly moment, and if you can, explore more of Norway while you’re there!
- How Expensive is Tromsø, Norway? Plus, 9 Tips to Save Money in Tromsø
- 8 Amazing Places to Stay in Tromso: Hotels for Your Bucket List
- 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Tromsø, Norway
- 19 Best Things to Do in Tromso, Norway: Season-by-Season
- How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
- Do It Yourself “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour: A Day Trip Itinerary
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway
- Oslo to Bergen: Driving One of the Most Epic Road Trips in Norway
- 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Bergen, Norway
- The True Cost of Visiting Bergen, Norway: Know Before You Go!
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