Things to Do in Tromso

Tromso is a small city in the Arctic, but it’s home to some great activities. Whether you’re into exploring nature or simply want to relax, there’s something for everyone!

One of the best things to do in Tromso is go whale watching. You can book tours with various tour companies in the area.

1. Whale Watching Tours

Seeing whales in their natural habitat is one of the highlights of Tromso and a great reason to visit the Arctic. During the winter, humpback whales and orcas migrate towards Norway’s coast to feed on herring. There are plenty of whale watching tours in Tromso that offer this amazing opportunity to admire these creatures up close.

The best time to see whales in Tromso is between November and January. While it’s impossible to predict exactly when they will appear in the area, they are more likely to be there during these months. The light is also much better during this period, making it a lot easier to spot them!

You can book your whale watching tour online today and enjoy an incredible arctic experience. Many tours last for hours and take you into a spectacular setting of fjords and snow-covered mountains.

If you want to experience whales up close, look for a boat that is silent and uses a hybrid engine. This eco-friendly option can help you avoid disturbing the whales’ environment, which is important because they can be very sensitive to loud noises.

Another option is to go on a whale watching trip in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). These boats are small and are able to navigate the waters more efficiently, which means that you’ll have a much greater chance of seeing these majestic creatures.

The best whale watching tours in Tromso are those that are run by local operators. This will give you a more ethical experience and will ensure that the animals are treated with respect. You’ll also be able to meet local people who will tell you about their experiences.

Tourists usually book a hotel in Norway in advance online, compare prices, ratings and reviews. For example, in Oslo you can book Amerikalinjen Hotel from 162 euros per night.

2. Mack’s Olhallen

A visit to Tromso isn’t complete without a trip to the iconic Mack’s Olhallen, one of Norway’s oldest pubs. As well as being a great place to drink, it’s also a quirky history lesson and an interesting way to learn more about the brewing traditions of the Arctic.

The beer hall is based in the cellar of Mack’s Brewery, which until not too long ago was the world’s northernmost brewery. It offers 67 rotating Norwegian beers on tap, and around 15 of these are produced next door at the brewery itself.

You can enjoy your beer on the cosy wooden bar or in the dining area. The atmosphere here is incredibly relaxing and the staff are happy to explain any of the beers they have on offer.

It’s a really quaint and traditional place but it has an impressive selection of micros from all over Norway, as well as some 'Arctic tapas' like reindeer carpaccio and cold-smoked salmon. The food is surprisingly good and the service is friendly, so it’s a great place to relax after exploring the city.

If you’re looking for something a little more sociable, there are a few bars that have a great selection of drinks and are popular with locals. Heidi’s Bier Bar is a popular club with a cool DJ, and Blarock Cafe has a wide range of beer and wines on offer.

Alternatively, you can opt for a 3-hour beer tour, which takes you around three atmospheric pubs and bars. You’ll taste ten different beers, including one from the world’s northernmost brewery, and learn about the region’s brewing traditions while you explore Tromso on foot. You’ll also get to sample some 'Arctic tapas' as you walk along the way.

3. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a great way to spend the winter months while in Tromso. It can be a little intimidating to tackle the frozen lakes, but with the right equipment and an understanding guide, you’ll be set up for success.

During the winter, fishermen can catch everything from trout to halibut to coalfish. The best part is that you can do it all in the Arctic — the same place where you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of the Northern Lights.

In the northern parts of Norway, the ice is thick and stable enough to fish on. There are also many different types of ice fishing devices that make it easier to navigate the waters. You can even fish in the dark!

A good ice fishing guide will help you find the best spots and show you how to use the various ice tools. This is one of the most fun activities to do in Tromso and can be a great way to spend time with friends or family.

There are thousands of frozen lakes in Norway, so it’s easy to find a good spot to try your luck at catching the big ones. Some of the more popular options include Lake Mjosa, Jonsvatnet, and Tinnsja, which all have their own special features.

There’s nothing better than getting out into the fresh air to enjoy some snow-covered vistas while trying your hand at something that the locals are proud of. The ice fishing industry in Norway is booming, and you’ll often see guides demonstrating their latest gadgets. From ice augers to ice drills, you can find everything you need to make your next trip to the arctic a success.

4. Boat Rides

A boat trip around Tromso can be a great way to experience Northern Norway. There are plenty of different tours to choose from, and you can enjoy a scenic cruise and wildlife viewing. If you’re looking to see the Northern Lights, there are many tours that offer this option as well.

Whether you want to go on a whale watching tour, or just see the Aurora Borealis, there are several boat tours available in Tromso. These trips can be as short or as long as you would like them to be, and can include meals and drinks.

The best boat tours to view the northern lights are those that take you outside of the city lights and away from light pollution, so be sure to check the weather forecast before booking your trip. Once the skies are clear, you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

You’ll also want to bring some camera gear, especially if you’re planning to do this during the winter months. Set up your camera with autofocus, use a fast memory card, and make sure to use RAW mode, as these will help you pull out more detail in your photos.

Another good idea is to look into the possibility of taking a reindeer sledding tour in Tromso, as this will allow you to do some more wildlife viewing. Most of these tours run in the winter, and some will even offer a chance to see the Northern Lights as well.

For a really unique experience, you can also go on a polar fjord cruise and visit the ice. This will allow you to view the beautiful arctic landscapes and get to know the area’s wildlife and culture. The cruises are led by expedition team members, and they will give you a lot of information about the Norwegian coast and its wildlife.

5. Northern Lights

Tromso is home to one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, which can be a magical experience. But if you want to see the Auroras up close and personal, it’s important to plan well.

To view the Northern Lights, it’s important to make sure that you’re in a place with clear skies. It’s also important to know that the lights are more visible in darker surroundings. This can be difficult to do in a city like Tromso, so it’s better to try and find somewhere with clearer skies outside of the city center.

If you’re interested in photographing the Northern Lights, it’s crucial to take along a camera that can be used in manual mode and with a wide-angle or pancake lens. You’ll also need a tripod and a remote to help you set up your camera.

You’ll also need to adjust the ISO settings and length of exposure. This can be tricky, especially if you’re a beginner, but it’s worth learning how to do it before trying to capture the aurora.

Finally, you’ll need to make sure that you’re wearing warm clothes and a hat. This can be a bit challenging in Tromso, as the weather can be cold, but if you take these steps, you’ll have a much higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights!

The next time you’re in Tromso, don’t forget to book a tour for the chance to see the Northern Lights. These tours will give you the chance to see them up close and personal, while also providing transportation, snacks, photos, and more! You’ll also have the chance to learn more about Northern Norway and its unique culture.