Where to Stay in Tromsø, Norway: Places & Areas For Your Trip

Tromsø is a stunning destination, no doubt about it, but you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to choosing where to stay. Should you plump for accommodation in the city centre, or opt for somewhere a bit further out of town, lured by the promise of watching the Northern Lights from your bed? This guide explores the different areas in and surrounding Tromsø so you can choose the best area for your trip.

Only 2,200 km from the North Pole, you’ll want to know about your different options when it comes to Tromsø, if only because the area is quite spread out. While there are charming mountain villages and idyllic cabins by the Arctic Sea, there are vast stretches without any restaurants, resorts, or (frankly) people.

So, which part of Tromsø or the surrounding area is right for you? It depends a lot on what you want to see and the specific activities you want to schedule.

Downtown Tromsø is perfect for a weekend getaway. There’s plenty of accommodation available in the city centre and nearby areas like Tromsøya offer an urban holiday where you can still get fantastic views of the northern lights.

Alternatively, travellers looking for epic hikes, kayaking, or snowmobiling in the Arctic wilderness might want to choose places like the Lyngen Alps or Senja (more on these below).

Julianna feeding reindeer — On my most recent trip to Tromsø

Throughout the course of several trips, I’ve spent time exploring popular areas near Tromsø and learned from locals how to navigate this vast landscape. Now I’m going to share my secrets about where to stay and what to do when you visit.
Grab your hiking boots, snowshoes, and camera. We’re going to one of the most scenic areas in Norway.

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Best Places to Stay in Tromsø

Want to take a quick peek at the best places to stay in Tromsø? Here are my top picks:

Best Places to Stay in Tromsø, Norway – Top Picks	Hotel
Best Overall Hotel in the City Centre	Enter St Elizabeth Suites
Best Hotel for Seeing the Northern Lights	Aera Hotel
Best Budget-Friendly Comfort	Moxy Tromso
Best Hotel for Hiking	Hamn i Senja

Downtown Tromsø

Best For: An easy city break

Tromsø isn’t named Paris of the North for no reason. The city of nearly 70,000 inhabitants is far less remote than you might guess from its location 350 kilometres from the Arctic Circle.

The area’s history dates back over 11,000 years, and the Sami people have called the surrounding areas home for over 2,000 years.

But what is Tromsø like now? I’ll let you in on a little secret. I think it deserves a lot more hype than it gets.

Walking around downtown near the harbour, you’ll experience a cheery vibe with friendly locals and visitors going about their days. There are some great restaurant choices, educational museums, and boutique hotels that are a great landing spot for looking for places to stay in Tromsø.

Burger at Matthallen — Dinner at Matthallen

I didn’t spend much time downtown on my most recent trip, but it’s well worth booking a few nights based on what I saw. In short, it offers many of the things you know and love about a European city break, but with fewer crowds.

It’s also easy to get to surrounding hikes and northern lights vistas by car. This charming city in Northern Norway offers the perfect balance of urban and rural activities.

Downtown Tromsø Highlights

Perspective Museum – Learn more about the history of Tromsø and the Arctic Circle through photographs at this important museum downtown. It’s also the home of author and artist Cora Sandel, with an exhibit dedicated to her life works.
Ølhallen – Pints at the northernmost brewery in the world? Yes, please. Step down into this basement taphouse, and you’ll instantly see why it’s been going strong for nearly 100 years with its 70 delicious draft offerings.
Mathallen Tromsø – This small, popular restaurant is located in the centre of town and offers guests a chance to try local cuisine by a local, celebrated chef. I opted for the burger (delish) but you can go full-on with a 4 or 6-course tasting menu.
Polar Museum – Nicknamed the Arctic Gate, Tromsø played a central role in the mid-19th-century hunting tourism boom. You can see photos and exhibits dedicated to the grim past of trapping and hunting for sport at this local museum.
Tromso Cathedral – This 19th-century Protestant church is a beautiful wooden building with a Gothic-Revival facade. Inside, beautiful details are etched into the wooden balconies and window frames, along with a painting named Resurrection by Adolph Tidemand.
Fiskekompaniet Restaurant –This popular restaurant is located right downtown and serves up fresh seafood from the boats arriving in the nearby harbour. It’s open from Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, but you’ll want to book ahead.

Suggested Places to Stay in Downtown Tromsø

Enter St Elizabeth Suites

Mid-Range

This former nun-run hospital is now a new and stylish hotel in the heart of downtown. I enjoyed my stay and thought the service was friendly and the rooms comfortable. The restaurant upstairs was good and had killer views through the large windows, but (sadly) the destination spa hadn’t opened on my last visit.

Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø

Luxury

This lively hotel in the heart of downtown offers guests several dining options, including a pizzeria and brewpub on-site. Rooms have tasteful Scandinavian designs, and you can opt for exceptional views of the harbour below.

Scandic Ishavshotel

Mid-Range

If you’re looking for beautiful accommodation in Tromsø, Scandic Ishavshotel is the perfect choice. Located right on the harbour, it offers idyllic views of the fishing houses and boats. The beds are cosy, and there’s a workspace that looks right out into the port for inspiration.

Clarion Hotel The Edge

Mid-Range

The Edge is a modern hotel in the heart of downtown Tromsø with a popular restaurant and bar. You can book a room with breakfast included and choose from budget-friendly singles or deluxe double rooms.

Tromsø Island (Tromsøya)

Best For: Urban Green Spaces

While most of the activities, dining, and accommodations are located downtown, you can find some nice Tromsø accommodation elsewhere on the island. It’s actually a large area with over 8 square miles of land and a few neighbourhoods with hotels and things to do.

Tromsøya is a great option for exploring local suburban life and finding charming local parks and vast open spaces to enjoy the beauty of the Arctic Sea and fjords around Tromsø.

If you stay in the areas of Tromsøya outside of downtown, it’s an excellent starting point for day trips on E8, which leads to major highways going nearly any direction. This is the place to stay if you want budget accommodation with lots of amenities on-site and easy access to day trips and travel.

You can also find some great hotels near the airport, which reduces your travel time before and after your flights.

Tromsøya Highlights

Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden – This hidden gem is on the northeastern side of the island and boasts a beautiful collection of flowers, trees, and landscape. It’s the northernmost botanical garden in the world (bucket list tick) and completely free to visit.
VardenToppen – This popular lookout point is a great place to photograph the mountains and inlets surrounding Tromso. You can hike up this short trail for panoramic vistas from one of the highest points on the island.
Telegrafbukta – On the southwestern tip of Tromsøya, this urban green space is the perfect place to take in mountain views from the rocky beach or public jetty. It’s an excellent place to see the northern lights and a hidden gem spot for checking out a sunset.
The Arctic University Museum of Norway – This cool museum features in-depth exhibits on wildlife and the northern lights away from downtown. It’s only 110 NOK (£8) and has free parking.

Suggested Places to Stay in Tromsøya

Moxy Tromso

Mid-Range

This stylish hotel has affordable rates and everything you need, from the 24-hour front desk service to AC and WiFi. The rooms are small but soundproof, making them a great place to catch up on sleep after a long flight.

Pingvinhotellet UNN Tromsø

Mid-Range

The decor is a bit basic, but this budget-friendly spot is a comfortable hotel with plenty of parking, 24-hour check-in, and a restaurant on-site with complimentary breakfast. It’s located right off E8, making it a perfect option for getting to and from nearby northern lights viewing points and attractions.

Kvaløya

Best For: Experience Sami Culture

Kvaløya is a large island located just west of Tromsø, under 20 minutes from the airport. Reaching the island, you can immediately sense the history, with Sami people calling this location home for over 2,000 years.

This is an area to choose if you want to experience local life and traditions, while on your holiday in Tromsø. But it also offers plenty of excellent places to stay, accommodating travellers of nearly any budget.

The island is one of the largest in Norway, spanning nearly 285 square miles. As such, you want to narrow down where to stay in Kvaløya when you plan your trip.

If you want to base yourself near the famous Sami Reindeer experience, I suggest the western side of the island, near the town of Brensholmen. But you can base yourself in many other locations around the island. Kvaløya has lots of accommodation to choose from (and the yoga studios and spas rank among the best near the Arctic Circle).

Kvaløya Highlights

Sami Reindeer Experience – The first people to come to Norway over 2,000 years ago, the Sami culture still thrives in Northern Norway. This tour shows the importance of reindeer to the Sami people, which they tamed for food, clothing, and transportation hundreds of years ago.
Ersfjord View Point – This is the place to see northern lights while staying on Kvaløya. The remote vista overlooks a bay with a mountain backdrop and hardly any lights to distract from the nighttime views.
Grøtfjorden – Head up to the northernmost part of the island to find Grøtfjorden. This remote village and viewing point is at the literal end of the highways. This makes it an amazing place to capture aerial shots of the mountains, sea, and paved roadway from a drone.
Sommarøy – Just off the coast of Kvaløya, the small island of Sommarøy houses a charming fishing village with colourful houses, sandy beaches, and charming restaurants like Anne-Grete Jensen Havfrua Kro, making it a great day trip.
Husky Tour – Though not traditionally part of Sami culture, dogsledding is extremely popular near the Arctic Circle. This guided tour brings you through the backcountry of Kvaløya on a guided tour.

Suggested Places to Stay in Kvaløya

Yggdrasil Farmhotel Retreat, Spa & Yoga

Luxury

Located on the southwestern side of the island, this spa resort is the definition of cabin chic. Hardwood from floor to ceiling, epic ocean and mountain views, and access to outdoor saunas near the fjords put this at the top of the Tromsø where-to-stay list.

Steam Pier

Mid-Range

A true bargain accommodation, the ocean-view suites overlooking the Tromsø Harbor are an excellent starting point for a weekend in Kvaløya. Rooms feature contemporary Scandinavian design, kitchenettes, and absolutely incredible views outside.

Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø

Mid-Range

Technically in Sommarøy, this charming fishing village accommodation puts you right on the edge of the ocean in cosy, modern rooms and suites. Opt for a terrace or balcony for views of the fishing town and Arctic Sea.

Skittenelv

Best For: Northern Lights Spotting

About 30 minutes outside of Tromsø, Skittenelv is a remote town situated along the Tromsø Sound. There isn’t a whole lot going on around here, I’ll admit – even so, it’s one of my personal favourite areas I’ve stayed in during my Tromsø travels.

There’s only one hotel in town, no main strip of restaurants or bars, and you absolutely need a car when you visit. That said, if you’re looking for where to stay in Tromso for northern lights – this is it. Why? Where there are few people, there is little light.

The area around Skittenelv is teeming with mountain views and expansive skies, with the auroras lighting up the winter months and the midnight sun shining bright in the summer.

Aerial view of the mountains from Skittenelv

It’s a great jumping-off point for spotting the northern lights, and is close to other viewing hotspots like Oldervik.

Just be aware that this is for travellers truly looking to get away from it all. I’m not exaggerating when I say amenities are limited, and there’s only one hotel in the immediate area.

So, if you want access to fine dining, walkable villages, and any semblance of nightlife, this isn’t the area for you. But if you want jaw-dropping morning walks, eyefuls of fjord views and some super-clear night skies for Northern Lights, go right ahead.

Skittenelv Highlights

Tromsø Lyngshest – Visit this small horse farm just down the road from Aera to pet or ride ancient Lyngshorse horses that have lived in this area for hundreds of years.
Oldervik – On my last trip, Oldervik offered the best northern lights viewing spots I found. You can see them from the harbour or find a darker spot nearby, like Nebbelandet Beach.
Aurora Viewpoint – This large parking lot, just between Oldervik and Skittenelv, is another popular aurora vista point. There’s enough space for 10-15 cars, but it can fill up, especially on the weekends.
Santa’s Reindeer Cabin – Just down the road from Æra is another opportunity to feed reindeer and learn about Sami culture. If you’re pressed on time this is a great alternative to a longer guided tour.

Suggested Places to Stay in Skittenelv

Æra Hotel

Mid-Range – Luxury

Æra offers Scandinavian-chic cabins, the best of which have floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking an inlet surrounding the small town of Skittenelv. Amenities and accommodations are pared back, but there is a kitchen, comfy beds and some of the most spectacular northern lights views you could hope for. I highly recommend it.

Senja

Best For: Camping and Adventure Outdoors

If you’re looking for where to stay in Tromsø, consider taking a road trip to one of the nearby islands.

Senja is the second largest island in the country and is packed with fun things to do for travellers with a sense of adventure.

For starters, the remote location, nearly three 3 hours west of downtown Tromsø, makes it a great option for seeing the northern lights. It’s also a great option for visitors who want to take a road trip and see the mountains, fjords, and dark skies.

The area is full of spots to fish, hike, and take in the great outdoors in the vast 612 square miles of land south of the Arctic Circle.

In the winter, stops at places like the incredible viewing platform at Bergsbotn Utsiktsplattform are excellent for checking out the northern lights with a view of the mountains and sea.

In the summer, take advantage of Norway’s Right to Roam, which allows you to go “wild camping” anywhere you want (besides private farms).

Senja Highlights

National Scenic Route – Drive this 102-kilometre stretch connecting the villages of Gryllefjord and Botnhamn. It’s a beautiful drive (and popular cycling route) that takes you through mountains and idyllic seaside towns in Senja.
Segla – This dramatic, angled mountain peak above the Norwegian Sea. You can hike this 2.6-mile trail to the summit vista, which climbs over 1,000 of the 2,100-foot mountain.
Ånderdalen National Park – This national park features ancient pine forests, dramatic mountaintop vistas, and wildlife sightings like red foxes, moose, and reindeer.
Snowshoeing at Camp Fjordbo – Take advantage of one of the most popular winter activities outside and go snowshoeing along the National Scenic Route. This guided tour offers excellent hiking trails and a view of the northern lights from Camp Fjordbotn.
Polar Fjord Tour – Drive around the fjords to get an up close look at Arctic nature and wildlife on a guided tour through Senja and Kvaløya.

Suggested Places to Stay in Senja

Senja Fjordhotell and Apartments

Mid-Range

Stay in picturesque red fishing huts in the fjords near the small fishing village of Stonglandseidet. The rooms are small but modern and comfy, with free parking, WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Hamn i Senja

Luxury

This large property has a room for budget-friendly or luxury travellers. Opt for a Sea View Suite, and you’ll stay in a modern A-frame cabin vibe with luxurious views of the fjords and northern lights.

Skagi Senja Hotel & Lodge

Mid-Range

On the northwestern end of Senja, this resort offers rooms and cabins for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway. The 2-bedroom cottages are spacious and have a sleek Scandinavian aesthetic that is stylish and modern.

Tromsdalen

Best For: Views of Tromsø

Visitors looking for a place to stay in Tromsø to see the northern lights without getting far from the city should not overlook Tromsdalen.

You won’t get the same uninterrupted views of the aurora that you do from more remote locations like Skittenelv, but the views from vantage points across the canal from downtown Tromsø are nothing to scoff at, either.

Tromsdalen is an extension of downtown, just across Tromsø Bridge on mainland Norway.

The neighbourhood offers some spectacular northern lights viewpoints and is also home to some of Tromsø’s most famous landmarks.

You won’t find as much accommodation in this part of town, but that’s part of the appeal. You really get the sense of the local community and small town vibes when you stay in Tromsdalen.

Tromsdalen Highlights

Fjellheisen Cable Car – Get the best views of downtown Tromsø from across the sound on this popular cable car ride. You climb 420 metres (1,380 feet) up, giving you an excellent view of the city, northern lights, or midnight sun (depending on when you visit).
Sherpatrappa – This famous lookout point is accessiuble from a long, steep staircase. It’s a wonderful way to see the skyline of Tromsø during the day or the northern lights once the sun goes down. You can hike a longer 3.4-mile loop to check out more of the area around Tromsdalen.
Arctic Cathedral – Arctic Cathedral, otherwise known as Tromsdalen Church, is a stunning modern cathedral designed by Jan Inge Hovig. The trademark glass mosaic is incredible inside and out of the iceberg-shaped cathedral just outside downtown.
Tromsdalen Kunstisbane – If you are interested in ice skating, Tromsdalen Kunstisbane is the place to do it. Billed as the “world’s northernmost ice skating rink,” why not rent a pair of skates and give it a try for the ‘Gram?

Suggested Places to Stay in Tromsdalen

Tromsø Lodge & Camping

Mid-Range

Set yourself up with outstanding northern lights viewing from these cosy cabins only a few minutes outside town. Nestled between the mountains and sea, the cabins are a bit rustic but do have necessities like heat, a small kitchen, and WiFi.

Villa Havblikk Tromsø

Luxury

This welcoming hotel has an old-school charm, spacious rooms, and views of downtown Tromsdalen. Antique art and chandeliers match the vintage carpeting in the bedroom and tiled bathroom to create a homey vibe.

Hundbergan Apartment

Mid-Range

Hundbergan is located about 20 minutes south of Tromsdalen, and is another great option for a more secluded stay away from downtown. This one-bedroom apartment has a full kitchen, modern artwork, and fantastic views of the mountains and northern lights. It’s an excellent choice if you want to spend a half day at the Tromsø Ice Domes while staying closer to the city.

Lyngen Alps

Best For: Arctic Road Trip

One thing I discovered on my most recent trip is how much there is to do in the areas around Tromso. One of my favourites? The Lyngen Alps.

The Lyngen Alps are a spectacular destination just outside of Tromsø, with outdoor activities available year-round. Thrill-seekers and photographers travel to the long stretch of mountains to hike and snow ski some of the tallest peaks in the area.

On my last visit, I drove from downtown Tromsø, where we took a car ferry to explore the nearby mountain roads. Meandering through towering cliffs up to 1,833 metres (6,014 feet) high, I discovered that the area truly has some of the best scenery in the region.

As I said, if you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you can’t overlook the Lyngen Alps. Glacier treks, backcountry skiing, and walking past alpine lakes on an afternoon stroll are just a few reasons it’s one of the premier areas in Norway for nature lovers.

Deciding where to stay in Tromsø to see the northern lights? You won’t do much better than reserving a cabin in the mountains in small villages like Lyngseidet.

Lyngen Alps Highlights

Steindalsbreen Glacier – Take a challenging but seriously rewarding 7.6-mile hike to see Steindalsbreen Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have up-close views of mountains, forests, and local sheep grazing the tall grass.
Snowmobiling Tour – If you’re not quite up for an afternoon of hiking, don’t fret. You can still see the scenic wildlife of the fjords on a guided snowmobiling tour through the Lyngen Alps.
Ski Touring – Many people head to the Lyngen Alps in the winter to look for the northern lights, and I’m all for it. But the area is also known for an extreme sport known as ski touring. Hardcore skiers hike up one of over 100 different mountains to ski some of the best back-country powder in the world.
Otertind Mountain – When you take a road trip to the Lyngen Alps, be sure to drive an hour south to photograph this 4,449-foot mountain. It features dramatic peaks you can see from the highway or by taking a short hike around.
Tromsø Ice Domes – Tromsø Ice Domes are just over 30 minutes down from Otertind Mountain, but well worth the additional drive. Every year, the ice hotel is built from the ground up and features incredible ice sculptures inside and fun tours like dog sledding and snowmobiling if you want to make a full day out of it.

Suggested Places to Stay in Lyngen Alps

Aurora Fjord Cabins

Mid-Range

Aurora Fjord Cabins boast a picturesque set of raised red fishing houses along the Lyngen Inlet. Definitely opt for a bungalow, which has free parking, a full kitchen, and a jaw-dropping view of the mountains from an outdoor jacuzzi.

Solhov, Castle of the Lyngen Alps

Mid-Range

This 3-star hotel is located just south of Lyngen, with views of the Lyngen Alps all around the property. The location is perfect for outdoor adventurers who want to spend time skiing, mountain biking, or hiking during the day. There’s a seasonal restaurant, beach access, and private parking on the hotel grounds.

Lyngen Alps Panorama

Luxury

If you’re going with a group, or just want a lot more space to spread out, this 3-bedroom cabin in Russelv is perfect. Views are beautiful inside and out, with a massive outdoor deck perfect for setting up a few camera tripods.

Tips for Your Tromsø Trip

What is the Best Area to Stay in Tromsø?

Where to stay in Tromsø depends on the season and why you’re visiting. If you want to see the northern lights, Skittenelv and Kvaløya are your best bets.

That said, there is a ton to do in the area, and I think downtown Tromsø offers the best amenities if you plan to stay longer than 2-3 days.

How Do You Get Around in Tromsø?

While getting around by bus and ferry is possible, you can see much more if you hire a car.

You might want to hire a 4×4 especially if you visit Tromsø in the winter when the roads are icy. All cars come with winter tyres as standard in the winter months, but do check before you set off.

How Long to Stay in Tromsø

Choosing the right length of time in Tromsø comes down to which area you decide to stay in and what you plan to do.

If you’re staying in downtown Tromsø, I think 3 to 4 days is enough time to plan a couple of day trips to surrounding areas, see the northern lights, and check out the museums and food in the city.

Have a little more time? Add a couple of days if you want to explore Senja.

Now that you know where to stay in Tromsø, it’s time to start planning your trip!

Whether you want to plan a city break downtown or a longer trip to areas like Senja or the Lyngen Alps, it’s well worth a visit.

I hope this guide helped show you that there is a whole lot more to this charming city near the Arctic Circle than northern lights and the midnight sun.