Our local experts will guide you through unforgettable Northern Lights expeditions and whale watching in pristine fjords.
Our most popular Arctic adventures, loved by travelers from around the world
Join this expert-guided Tromsø tour to chase the Northern Lights in comfort with thermal suits, bonfire warmth, homemade soup, and professional photos included. All with hassle-free hotel pickup and the best chance of witnessing the aurora across hundreds of prime locations.
Experience authentic Sami culture on this half-day Tromsø tour featuring a magical reindeer sledding adventure through snow-covered landscapes, feeding a herd of 300 reindeer, and gathering inside a traditional lavuu tent to savor delicious Sami cuisine while listening to captivating stories and joik songs around the campfire.
Master the quintessential Arctic experience on this small-group tour in Tromsø where you'll learn to mush and control your own team of 5-6 Alaskan Huskies through stunning wilderness for 70-80 minutes, with expert training, all warm-weather gear provided, and cozy cake and hot drinks in a traditional lavvu afterward.
Experience the thrill of spotting killer and humpback whales in their natural Norwegian Sea habitat on this full-day private Tromsø tour, featuring a scenic drive followed by an exhilarating speedboat adventure with thermal flotation suits, hats, and mittens provided.
Discover Tromsø's magnificent fjords on this guided minibus expedition through steep mountains and frozen lakes with multiple scenic stops to spot sea eagles, reindeer, moose, and otters while receiving expert photography tips from a professional photographer, all culminating in a memorable seaside lunch.
Discover the enchanting Tromsø Ice Domes Snow Park on this full-day tour from Tromsø featuring hands-on Arctic survival skills like campfire building, tandem ski racing, exploring illuminated ice sculptures, meeting iconic huskies and reindeer, and warming up with grilled sausages and hot soup around the fire while listening to captivating stories about Norwegian outdoor culture.
Sail aboard MS Tromsø, Northern Norway's historic 1956 explorer vessel with onboard restaurant, bar, and kitchen, on a 3-hour archipelago cruise departing 11:00 AM from Fridtjof Nansens Plass after welcome from Captain Mads Bækkelund and Arctic strawberry drink from the ship's brewery, hearing polar exploration stories with wheelhouse access, spotting whales, seals, eagles, and reindeer, learning about eco-friendly kelp biofuel development, returning 1:00 PM with observation deck socializing, available Wednesday-Saturday May-September and daily November-March, from NOK 790 with cruise, guide, storytelling, and drink included.
Join this once-in-a-lifetime Arctic Ocean floating experience in Tromsø's cold waters with small-group tours and certified guides—no swimming skills required as premium neoprene suits keep you safe and effortlessly floating—immersing in stunning fjord landscapes with evening tours (October-March) offering Northern Lights views, receiving a completion diploma, free photos and videos, hot tea, coffee, freshly made Norwegian waffles, and towel (bring dry clothes recommended).
Soak up Tromsø's spectacular fjord surroundings aboard a traditional wooden boat on this half-day fishing and cruise adventure, trying your hand at cod fishing with provided rods or relaxing on deck or in the cozy lounge, enjoying freshly caught fish served with butter and flatbread in authentic northern Norwegian style if the fishing is good, all while taking in the natural beauty of Tromsø's stunning coastal landscapes.
Increase your chances of seeing the elusive Northern Lights on this small-group excursion from Tromsø, heading out of the city with an expert guide to find the best vantage point away from light pollution, gathering around a cozy campfire to warm up with homemade soup while waiting for the spectacular light show to begin, staying comfortable in provided thermal suits and boots, receiving photography tips for capturing the aurora and professional photos of yourself to download after the tour, all with hassle-free multiple hotel drop-off locations in Tromsø.
Join your Sami guide for an authentic reindeer herding experience on this day trip from Tromsø, traveling by comfortable bus on a short scenic seaside drive to the reindeer camp where your host greets you, hopping on a sled for a magical ride pulled by reindeer through the snow, feeding the majestic herd of 300 reindeer, gathering inside the warm lavuu (Sami tent) around a campfire to savor a delicious traditional hot meal while your guide shares captivating stories about Sami culture and sings joiks—traditional Sami songs—before returning to your Tromsø meeting point.
Chase the mesmerizing aurora borealis aboard Stella Oceana, a custom-built 32-meter luxury yacht designed for intimate groups of up to 12 guests on this exclusive 4-hour Northern Lights cruise, settling into pure indulgence with a private hot tub experience under the dancing lights, savoring delectable traditional reindeer stew and warm drinks, relaxing in the spacious saloon reminiscent of your own living room offering comfort, entertainment, and engaging conversations, with a knowledgeable local captain ensuring the best vantage points for witnessing the northern lights while immersed in the serene arctic fjord landscape, all with personalized service, welcome drink, cookies, and hot beverages included for an extraordinary magical evening in unparalleled comfort and luxury.
Sail silently through Arctic waters aboard a hybrid-electric catamaran on this 7-9 hour whale watching adventure with over 95% success rates spotting Humpback, Fin, Sperm whales, and/or Orcas, departing Tromsø for Skjervøy's icy fjords in heated saloons with panoramic windows, multi-level decks, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary water, cruising 3-3.5 hours to feeding grounds spending 1-1.5 hours observing whales while passionate guides share stories and whale facts, switching to silent electric engine minimizing disturbance following strict responsible whale watching philosophy, capturing breathtaking frozen landscapes and memory-worthy photos with experienced guides (bring warm wool clothing as Arctic waters are cold outside heated areas).
Enjoy the magic of Arctic life through stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, frozen waterfalls and lakes, local bars, fairy houses, and timeless islands capturing breathtaking landscape pictures, with possibilities to spot whales, orcas, eagles, reindeer, and moose along the way, savoring a romantic beach picnic featuring wild local salmon, reindeer and elk meat, local cheeses, crackers, sweet cookies, fruits, coffee, and tea, getting in touch with local life, and experiencing an arctic swimming adventure at the beach on the Sommarøy Islands.
Observe humpback whales and orcas while causing minimal disturbance on this whale-watching cruise aboard a boat with silent hybrid-electric engine, featuring two indoor heated saloons with panoramic windows and three outdoor decks increasing your chances of spotting majestic mammals in their natural environment, with onboard Wi-Fi allowing you to browse while sailing and silent engine technology ensuring no disturbance to the whales, the ultimate choice for wildlife lovers seeking responsible Arctic whale watching.
Picture this: You're standing 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, where the sky dances with emerald curtains of light and the sun never sets in summer. Welcome to Tromsø, Norway's Arctic jewel and your gateway to bucket-list adventures most people only dream about.They don't call it the "Paris of the North" for nothing. This vibrant Norwegian city pulses with energy against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glittering fjords. Here, you can chase the mesmerizing Northern Lights across frozen landscapes, sail alongside breaching whales in pristine Arctic waters, or bask in the golden glow of the midnight sun while the rest of the world sleeps.Tromsø isn't just a destination—it's where nature puts on its greatest show. Whether you're craving the thrill of a husky sled ride, the serenity of a coastal fjord cruise, or the magic of witnessing the aurora borealis paint the night sky, every experience here is authentically Arctic and utterly unforgettable.
Experience unforgettable encounters with whales, reindeer, and unique Arctic fauna in their natural habitat.
Witness the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across Tromsø's Arctic sky during the polar night season.
Explore dramatic fjords, pristine waters, and remote Arctic archipelagos on guided boat expeditions.
Immerse yourself in Sami culture, traditional cuisine, and genuine Arctic hospitality.
Our expert team has been helping navigate and book Tromsø tours and activities for tourists from the US and Canada (and the rest of the world!) for over a decade, ensuring you have a hassle-free trip with everything booked in advance.
With deep knowledge of the Arctic Norwegian region, partnerships with the best local operators, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, we're committed to making your Tromso Arctic adventure truly extraordinary.
Tromso Norway Tours is recognized by leading travel platforms worldwide
Arctic Certificate of Excellence
2024
Booking.com Traveller Review Award
Best Aggregator of Tour Operators in Norway
2023
Excellent Rating All Over Platforms
Recognized at International Tourism Awards
No, you don't necessarily need a car in Tromsø. The city has good public transportation, and several Northern Lights viewing spots are accessible by bus, including Prestvannet Lake (bus 28/40) and locations on Kvaløya island (bus 42/425).
However, a car — or booking a tour — significantly increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, especially if you have limited time.
Tours outperform public transport because of weather flexibility. We chase clear skies within a 200km+ radius, driving to Finnish Lapland, Lyngen, or other regions when Tromsø is clouded over. Public buses only access fixed locations near the city, and coastal Arctic weather changes rapidly. We monitor conditions throughout the evening and reposition to maximize your chances.
Time efficiency is another major advantage. With limited vacation days, tours optimize your Northern Lights window. Bus schedules are infrequent in evenings, and you could spend your entire trip waiting at one cloudy location. You also get the comfort and safety of heated transport, expert guidance on ice conditions, and no risk of missing the last bus back in -15°C weather.
If you're staying 5+ days and enjoy independent adventure, public transport can work. For shorter visits (1-4 nights), our tours provide the mobility needed to actually find clear skies.
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You don't necessarily need to purchase specialized Arctic gear before your trip. Most tour operators in Tromsø provide essential cold-weather equipment like thermal suits, boots, and gloves for activities such as Northern Lights tours, whale watching, and dog sledding. However, we recommend bringing your own warm base layers (thermal underwear), wool socks, a good winter jacket, warm hat, and gloves for everyday exploration around the city. If you prefer using your own gear or plan extended outdoor activities, investing in quality Arctic clothing is worthwhile.
No, Uber does not operate in Tromsø. However, getting around the city is easy and convenient! You can use local taxi companies (book via phone or taxi stands), public buses that cover the city and surrounding areas, or simply walk - Tromsø's compact city center is very pedestrian-friendly. Many tour operators also offer hotel pickup and drop-off as part of their packages, so you won't need to worry about transportation for your booked activities. If you're planning to explore the wider region independently, car rentals are readily available at the airport and in the city center.
While you can try to see the Northern Lights independently, booking a guided tour significantly increases your chances of success. Expert guides monitor weather conditions, solar activity, and cloud coverage in real-time, taking you to the best viewing locations away from city light pollution. They also handle transportation and provide warm clothing and hot drinks, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
As for seeing the Northern Lights on a specific date - nobody can guarantee it. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon dependent on solar activity, weather conditions, and clear skies. However, Tromsø's location within the Aurora Zone means you have excellent chances from late September through late March, especially during the polar night (November to January). For the best odds, we recommend staying at least 3-4 nights and booking multiple Northern Lights tours or activities. Many operators offer free rebooking if the lights don't appear, giving you another chance to witness this magical display.
No, you won't encounter polar bears in Tromsø or mainland Norway. Polar bears live exclusively in the Svalbard archipelago, located about 1,000 kilometers north of Tromsø in the high Arctic. Tromsø itself is perfectly safe for walking around, and the wildlife you might see includes reindeer, sea eagles, various seabirds, and of course, whales in the surrounding fjords during winter months. If seeing polar bears is on your bucket list, you would need to take a separate trip to Svalbard (flights are available from Tromsø). But rest assured, Tromsø offers incredible Arctic wildlife experiences without any polar bear concerns!
Driving in Tromsø is generally safe, but it requires respect for Arctic winter conditions. The roads are well-maintained and regularly plowed, but you'll encounter snow, ice, and potential whiteout conditions, especially from November through April. If you're not experienced with winter driving, we strongly recommend booking tours with professional drivers instead—they know the roads, have proper equipment, and can navigate safely in all conditions.
If you do choose to rent a car, ensure it has winter tires (studded tires are standard from November to April), keep your speed moderate, maintain extra following distance, and always check weather forecasts before heading out. Roads can be narrow and winding, especially along the coast and in fjord areas. During polar night (November-January), limited daylight adds another challenge. That said, thousands of visitors drive safely in Tromsø every year. Just take it slow, stay alert, and don't hesitate to pull over if conditions worsen. For Northern Lights chasing and remote attractions, guided tours are often the smarter, safer, and more relaxing choice.
