3 Days in Tromsø: The Perfect Tromsø Itinerary

Get ready to explore with this Tromsø itinerary. From adventures chasing the Northern Lights to exploring less-visited spots, let’s go!

Maybe you’ve heard that the next couple of years is prime time for seeing the northern lights. Norway offers some of the best locations to view the Aurora Borealis, so it’s the perfect place to try your luck. 

I just got back from chasing northern lights in Tromsø, and let me tell you – there’s so much more to do here. Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely incredible, and I spent a borderline unreasonable amount of time checking the Kp-index and comparing it to the predicted cloud cover to give me the best chance at seeing them. Spoiler alert: that was a major success.

But the capital of Northern Norway and its 74,000 inhabitants make a great all-around destination for a holiday.

Featuring mountains, fjords, and stunning wildlife north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a nature lover’s dream. But it’s also home to charming restaurants, cool hotels, and the world’s northernmost brewery and university. 

After months of research and hours of conversations with locals, I want to share all my secrets on how to plan the perfect Tromsø itinerary in just 3 days.

Tromsø Itinerary 

Day 1: Sightseeing and Unwinding

Start your holiday off on the right foot by sailing through the fjords, cruising up a mountain on a cable car, and seeing what Norwegian sauna culture is all about.

Sail Out of the City on a Polar Fjord Tour

Kick off your trip north of the Arctic Circle by taking a polar fjord tour and experiencing the nature and wildlife scene that makes Tromsø one of the most spectacular destinations in Europe.

You start your 5 hour tour in the harbour – venturing out to see the incredible mountains and magical, icy waters that make this area one of the most photogenic places you’ll ever visit. 

It’s a birdwatcher’s dream destination, too. Keep your eyes open for sea eagles, ducks, and even puffins (from March to August).

Polar Adventures offers several different tours, so research ahead to see which is best for you. They also feature a whale-watching safari from November to mid-January (which I missed, but I hear it’s absolutely fantastic).

Alternatively, you can take a Midnight Cruise, which is a wonderful way to see the fjords under the Midnight Sun in the summer months – the perfect way to round off day one of your itinerary. 

Arctic Cathedral

Shaped like a bright, gleaming iceberg against the dark winter sky, Tromsdalen Church (better known as Arctic Cathedral) is a beautiful example of Modern architecture designed by Jan Inge Hovig.

The sharp lines and tapering columns on the sides give way to an extraordinary glass mosaic on the eastern wall. It was actually added a few years after the building went up, when artist Victor Sparre created the 23-metre-high masterpiece.

It looks especially impressive when the building is open. Bright lights inside illuminate the picture of God’s hand reaching down and projecting 3 rays of light onto Jesus and 2 other figures.

The Tromsøysund parish church is beautiful inside and out. 

The crystal prism chandeliers, nearly 3,000-pipe organ, and unique triangular interior are all features I wish I could’ve seen myself. Sadly, I arrived just minutes after closing time.

Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

Climb up over 420 metres (1,380 ft) high on the Fjellheisen Storsteinen to see some of the most scenic views of Tromsø from above.

This is a fun activity any time of day, as long as there’s no cloud cover blocking your view. I didn’t have great luck in the beginning, but after hanging around throwing some snowballs at each other, we got super lucky and the clouds broke.

Looking down at the city from across an Arctic canal was beautiful, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting.

You can get to Fjellheisen from downtown by car in about 10 minutes. It costs 415 NOK (£30) for a round-trip ticket, but you can also hike around 40 minutes up or down the mountain.

Relax and Unwind at Sauna Pust Tromsø

Sauna culture is a huge part of life in Norway (and most of Scandinavia). It makes total sense. The frigid temperatures during many months of the year make it really appealing to head inside a much warmer room.

Sauna Pust Tromsø is the best place to relax after a long day of hiking. It’s a floating sauna in Tromsø harbour, with clean and comfortable benches offering incredible views of the mountains and city lights around you.

Alternatively, if you want a full spa experience, the spa at Enter St Elizabeth Suites opened earlier this year. It has an outdoor jacuzzi, swimming pool, cold plunge, heated pools, and relaxation lounges in a former nun-run hospital that’s now a nice boutique hotel.

The best part? You can actually take a plunge into the arctic waters between sweating it out in the spa. Amazing. You can do this anytime from 6 am to 10 pm, and you can reserve a spot on their website.

Dinner at Mathallen Tromsø

Mathallen Tromsø is an example of the exciting dining scene in Tromsø and contributes to its reputation as the Paris of the North. The small restaurant by Gunnar Jansen is located in the centre of town and has drawn in visitors and local clientele since 2015. 

If you didn’t already know, Scandinavian food has been earning a reputation for quite some time. This restaurant showcases the fresh flavours and ingredients that put it on the map. The seasonal menu is available coursed out or à la carte. If you choose the latter, you’ll enjoy a 6 or 4 course meal with local seafood and meats expertly prepared and plated.

I went with the burger, which for 290 NOK (£21) was actually a great value. The portion was generous, came with fries, and the flavours were top notch.

Beers at Ølhallen

To experience a little local history and folklore, head into a local watering hole. No matter how many days you’re in Tromsø, make it a point to visit Ølhallen, the oldest bar in the city.

Welcoming customers into the cosy basement of a longstanding brewery since 1928, you’ll know instantly why it’s still going strong.

The world’s northernmost brewery, and serves over 70 beers from a top-notch draft system downstairs. They don’t serve food, but that’s ok because you (hopefully)  just ate at the best restaurant in Tromsø.

Day 2: Day Trip to Kvaløya and Sommarøy 

I think a big mistake people make on most Tromsø itineraries is not stopping to see more of the surrounding areas. 

I made it a point to visit as many as possible, and a day trip to Kvaløya and Sommarøy is a great way to see the mountains, fjords, and northern lights outside of the city.

Learn About Sami Culture at the Sami Reindeer Experience

Sami Culture dates back over 2,000 years in Scandinavia and Russia. Sami people migrated across from these areas, and roughly 30,000 of them settled near Tromsø, Norway.

The culture relies heavily on reindeer for clothing and food, and has for centuries. Some stopped and became “Sea Sami”, but the “Reindeer Sami People” began raising the reindeer for food and transport. 

Although there were only 500 tame reindeer centuries ago, there are now as many as 200,000 in Norway. 

The herds travel between the coasts and prairies, finding areas abundant with food in the summers when they eat more. Because of this, reindeer aren’t (by definition) wild, and feeding them is best from December to March, as conditions aren’t ideal for them to thrive at other times. 

You can feel the respect they have for the animals when you take a guided tour with Wandering Reindeer.

I did this on my recent holiday in Tromsø, and it was a highlight of my trip. Listening to the herder call to the reindeer in his native language was fascinating. Then, we had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to feed reindeer in the middle of this winter wonderland. 

We then got to go inside a Lavvu (traditional Sami tent similar to a tipi) and listen to our Sami guides practice yoik, their native music performed by singing.

The reindeer experience is a fascinating opportunity that’s a must-do. Even better? The guided tour also takes you to a couple of other incredible locations outside of Tromsø. 

Exploring a Traditional Fishing Village in Sommarøy

Next up on the tour? Visit the islands of Sommarøy. I might not have made it over here if it wasn’t for our expert tour guide, but trust me – it’s a must when you’re in Tromsø. 

Connected via bridge to Kvaløya, Sommarøy is a small fishing village with colourful houses, beautiful sandy beaches, and a mountainous backdrop tucked away behind the deep blue Arctic waters. 

Historically 80% of the economy revolved around fishing, and it’s still completely fundamental to keeping the economy on these small islands going strong.

I only spent a couple of hours here, walking around and watching the bustling fishing village go about its day, but I can see why you’d want to stay longer. The scenery is stunning and reminded me of a fair amount of other fishing towns I’ve explored on the Lofoten Islands.

If you decide to visit on your own, you can paddle out from the white sands on a kayak or take a guided tour through the fjords from Tromsø. It’s also a good spot to view the northern lights during the right time of year.

Photograph the Northern Lights From Ersfjord View Point (Or Just Photograph the View)

When spending 3 days in Tromsø, each new day means new opportunities to see the northern lights. Ersfjord View Point on Kvaløya is a perfect place to stop on your way back to Tromsø on your second day.

Because it’s located away from any major city and positioned between an amphitheatre of snowy mountains, you will also enjoy stunning views of the Northern Lights (on a clear evening).

But I personally recommend stopping here on your way to Grøtfjorden. This gives you a chance to photograph the spectacular scenery where the snow-capped mountains meet the deep, dark waters in the fjords.

And at Grøtfjorden

I searched and searched and found the perfect spot to take a wander and capture some photography near Tromsø. You should too.

Grøtfjorden Viewpoint (and the road leading to it) offers incredible views of the fjords, with their snow-white mountains and mysterious waters below.

You can get to Grøtfjorden from Sommarøy in about an hour and pass through Ersfjord View Point on your way. I took my time and captured some gorgeous photos before the sun went down, flying the drone to get a great look at the highways leading to the edge of the water.

Allow plenty of time because it’s a really great area to hike around, too. You can try this moderate trail, which climbs up around 1,300 feet for some stunning views of the fjords (in the summer months and in daylight, obvs).

This area is also a stunning place to see the northern lights, so you do stick around for beautiful views after dark.

Day 3: Hiking and Museum Tour

It’s your last day in Tromsø, so make the most of it. Day 3 of this Tromsø itinerary is perfect in the winter or summer, with sightseeing and adventure you can experience any time of year.

Morning Road Trip Into the Lyngen Alps

The Lyngen Alps is a gorgeous stretch of mountains northeast of Tromsø, with peaks reaching over 1,833 metres (6,014 feet) high. Because they are some of the tallest mountains in the area, they are wildly popular with locals and tourists looking for a little outdoor adventure.

Chatting with locals, I discovered something I hadn’t heard much about before: ski touring. If you’re an expert skier with top-notch stamina, you can hike up the snowy mountain and descend down to some of the best back-country skiing in the world.

If this isn’t you (this isn’t me either) you can still thoroughly enjoy a day trip to the Lyngen Alps.

Want an easier way to do it? You can also go on a snowmobiling tour to experience the backcountry as well, which looks like a blast. 

In the summer, you can hike up the mountains for beautiful wildlife and fjord photography. Accommodations are plentiful at the base of the mountains in Lyngseidet, like these charming cabins on the water.

Even driving around the mountains is a real treat. Driving on the meandering highways around the frozen mountains truly puts things in perspective.

I took a slight detour to Otertind Mountain, where the sharp twin peaks offer amazing photo ops and plenty of hiking opportunities.

Walk Through the Tromsø Ice Domes 

Once you’ve driven through the Lygen Alps, keep driving to discover the famous ice domes down the  

This is one of my favourite things to do in Norway, so if you have an extra day (or want to try to fit it into your Tromsø 3-day itinerary), visiting the Tromsø Ice Domes is a must.

So, what exactly are the Tromsø Ice Domes? Possibly the most adorable seasonal hotel anywhere in the world.

Every year, this remote stretch of the Tamok Valley becomes a tourist hot spot when an entire hotel is literally carved out of ice from scratch, complete with ice sculptures and coloured lighting. A series of 3 domes holds charming hotel rooms, each with incredible detail etched into the walls.

I only spent about 30 minutes here (and it was freezing), but you can spend the night here if you want. Or just walk around and marvel at images of icy forests, reindeer, and Viking ships etched into the walls.

There are no snacks or anything for sale at certain times of the day, so pack food for lunch or dinner with you. If you happen to be around between 11:00 and 12:00 and 15:30 and 17:00, a hot meal is available if you book ahead.

You can make a full day of your visit by adding on one of the optional snowshoeing, dog sledding, or snowmobiling tours.

Visit Tromsø’s Museums

Tromsø boasts some lovely museums, which allow you to break up outdoor activities when you visit. Frankly, this is perfect for the icy afternoons if you’re there in the winter. 

So, which museums are my favourite? Here’s a few you won’t want to miss.

Local History and Photography at the Perspective Museum

I think the Perspective Museum is worth a visit once you get back into town. Why? The small museum has a collection of photographs throughout the museum, showcasing what life was like in Norway and other areas around the Arctic Circle in the 20th century.

The 19th-century cottage was once the home of local novelist Sara Fabricius, whom you might better know as Cora Sandel. 

It costs 80 NOK (£6) and is open every day except Mondays.

Learn About Hunting in the Arctic at the Polar Museum

The Polar Museum is a long-running collection of scientific artefacts and displays that have been one of the largest museums in Norway since the 19th century.

Nicknamed the Arctic Gate, Tromsø was the centre of hunting expeditions for tourists in the Arctic Circle dating back to the mid-19th century. This collection showcases that unfortunate history.

It’s not an easy museum to walk through, but that’s precisely the point. 
Seeing how people hunted and trapped animals for sport, some nearly to extinction, is an important reminder about why sustainable travel and eco-conscious tourism are so important.

Troll Museum

A museum about trolls, you say? Count me in. Located near many of the main attractions downtown, this is a really fun exhibit that uses art and AR to help bring legends and fairytales related to trolls alive.

The Arctic University Museum of Norway 

Visit this museum to learn more about wildlife and the Northern Lights before you set off on hikes in the nearby areas. It’s a bit outside of downtown, so you’ll need your car to get there.

Seafood Dinner at Fiskekompaniet

Once you get back into Tromsø, it’s time to explore and see a bit more of the city itself. Fiskekompaniet is a popular waterfront restaurant that’s an excellent choice for dinner.

Book a table in advance, and you’ll enjoy incredible views of the harbour at dusk while noshing on delectable seafood plates.

Order the fresh catch of the day, sample pours from the impressive wine list, and see for yourself why this is one of the most popular spots in town for tourists and locals alike.

Finding the Northern Lights 

Let’s be honest. You likely came to Tromsø to find the Northern Lights. But should you DIY or go on a tour? It’s really up to you.

I went off on my own on my last trip, and after endlessly studying the weather, using the Windy App, and having some old-fashioned good luck, I was able to see them from a couple of locations. 

You can drive to nearby areas, like Oldervik, or go on a tour. If you choose a tour, you can go in a minibus or a coach (the latter is cheaper). 

Polar Adventures expert guides will help you by scouting out the prime locations to see the aurora borealis from September 1st to March 31st. This is a great call if you don’t want to spend hours on apps putting in some serious work. 

Have More Time? Add These To Your Tromsø Itinerary 

Snowmobiling Tour

If you have a little extra time, you can tack on a snowmobiling tour to your visit to Tromsø. This is a fantastic way to see more of the surrounding area and can really help you access areas you can’t reach on foot or on paved roads.

You have a couple of different options for this. 

If you added the Ice Domes to your 3-day itinerary in Tromsø, I highly recommend booking a snowmobiling tour. You can do this during the day or night, each offering its own advantages.

Personally, I’d go with a northern lights chasing tour on the snowmobiles. You’ll zip through the valleys and forests with a guide, finding places to see the sky dance with amazing shades of green and deep blue.

Alternatively, you can head out on a snowmobiling tour from the Lyngen Alps on a daytime wildlife viewing tour of the fjords.

Husky Tour

Another popular activity in Tromsø is taking a Husky tour. While the winter activity isn’t originally from Norway, it’s no doubt a huge attraction in the Arctic Circle.

It’s a great way to see the surroundings and get into the backcountry for a peaceful afternoon in the woods. 

This guided dog sledding tour is a great option because you head out from Tromsø on a 4-hour tour that’s easy to fit into any itinerary. It includes a snack and hot chocolate in a Sami Lavvu and is run by a reputable family who’s taken care of huskies for years.

Handy Tips for Planning Your Tromsø Trip Top Tips

• Accommodation is rather limited, so be sure to book in advance.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Windy app is the best and most accurate for predicting wind and cloud cover if you have the paid version.
• Plan your trip broadly from late September to late March to see the Northern Lights or from May 20th to July 20th to experience the Midnight Sun.

What to Pack 

Layers are key when you’re trying to stay warm. Norwegians have a saying, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing – in other words, come prepared and bring the following:

• Hiking boots (or winter boots) with good grip.
• Dress in many layers, it’s the key to staying comfortable. Pack short and long sleeves, thermals, and sweaters.
• Winter hat and gloves. And hand warmers (!)

Getting Around 

I recommend hiring a car for the duration of your trip – particularly if you’re visiting for more than a couple of nights. 

If you visit from October to April, prepare for snowy and icy conditions. Get a car with winter tyres and 4WD in the winter months. 

Read More Norway Travel Guides 

• Unmissable Things to Do in Norway
• The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide: What to See + Insider Tips for Your Trip
• A Snowy Sami Reindeer Experience in Tromso, Norway
• 15 Incredible Things to Do in Tromso, Norway in Winter

Tromso Itinerary – Map

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