How To Spend 3 Days in Tromsø – Winter Itinerary

Often called the Paris of the North or the Capital of the Arctic, Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic Circle and a top-destination for viewing the Northern Lights.

I recently returned from chasing the northern lights in Tromsø, and there’s so much to enjoy beyond just the lights. In winter, Tromsø transforms into a magical place with snow-capped mountains, long nights, and a variety of unique activities. It’s no surprise that this small city in northern Norway is a top destination for winter travel.

3 days in Tromsø is enough time to experience the best of this Arctic city. This action-packed itinerary includes all the best things to do in Tromsø in winter and the best tours in Tromsø.

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Day 1: Fjord Cruise, Downtown Tromsø, and Northern Lights Tour

Day 1 of this Tromsø 3 day itinerary explores some of Norways most beautiful fjords and then you’ll explore the iconic Arctic Cathedral. End your day with the ultimate bucket-list activity – chasing the Northern Lights!

Polar Fjord Tour

Start your 3 days in Tromsø with a Polar Fjord Cruise. These cruises provide a unique opportunity to witness breathtaking landscapes and Arctic wildlife up close. The tours typically begin at the harbour and take you through stunning fjords framed by towering mountains and icy waters.

This 5-hour tour takes you to Kvaløya Island, located in the heart of Tromso’s stunning fjords. Along the way, you can stop to take photos, observe wildlife like reindeer, seals, and dolphins, taste traditional Norwegian foods, and visit charming villages such as Ersfjordbotn. Plus it’s a small-group tour, with hassle-free round-trip transfers from Tromsø.

Remember to dress warmly, as the temperatures can be quite chilly, especially when out on the open water.

💡 Don’t miss out! Book your Polar Fjord Cruise day trip online here!

Tromsø Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral, officially known as Tromsdalen Church, is a distinctive landmark in Tromsø, Norway. Built in 1965, this iconic structure was designed by the renowned architect Jan Inge Hovig.

Its architectural style resembles an iceberg, with a series of striking triangular shapes. The cathedral’s bright white façade stands out against the dark winter sky, making it one of the most recoginizable buildings in the city.

The interior features include crystal prism chandeliers and a nearly 3,000-pipe organ. The entrance fee for those not attending services is 50 NOK, with a slightly higher fee for special events or concerts.

→ Planning Tip! The cathedral closes at 5pm, so if you want to explore inside, make sure you get there before 5pm. Otherwise you can admire the church from the outside, which is especially beautiful at night time!

Chase The Northern Lights

One of the reasons I wanted to visit Tromsø is to witness the Northern Lights. Tromsø is in the Arctic Circle so it is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see this beautiful natural phenomenon.

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere and colliding with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. This collision creates dazzling displays of dancing lights in various colours, including green, pink, purple, and blue.

It is said that seeing the Northern Lights for the first time is an unforgettable experience, and I can confirm this! I saw the Northern Lights for the first time in Tromsø, and I’ve since been lucky enough to see them two more times here in Canada. The sky lights up with vibrant colours and moves in a mesmerizing way, almost like a dance.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is between September and March when the nights are longer and darker. To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, I recommend booking a tour.

One of the things I love about this Northern Lights tour, is the guides will take you away from light pollution and to the best viewing spots. Plus, the tour guides can advise on best camera settings, and even offer hot drinks and snacks to keep you warm while waiting for the lights.

❗️Book Ahead: Secure your spot and book this Tromsø Northern Lights Tour in advance to avoid missing out!

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Day 2: Sami Reindeer, Polar Museum, Ølhallen

Day 2 of this Tromsø itinerary starts with a visit to a traditional Sami reindeer farm, then you’ll explore some of Tromsø’s best museums before finishing the night at the world’s northernmost brewery!

Sami Reindeer Experience

The Sami Reindeer Experience in Tromsø offers a simple yet profound experience with the unique traditions of the Sami people. The Sami people have a special bond with reindeer, which has been a significant source of income for many living in northern Norway.

When you join this tour, you will get the chance to feed and interact with the reindeer, learning firsthand about their habits and importance to the Sami culture.

I loved petting and feeding the reindeer when I was in Tromsø. On the day we visited, they were very hungry and I got swarmed by reindeer! But don’t worry, they are just like dogs, very friendly and if you need to push them away you can (I definitely needed to!)

The experience doesn’t stop at feeding; you can enjoy a sled ride through winter landscapes, and then head inside for a reindeer stew! After you have eaten, everyone will go back into the big Lavvu (traditional Sami hut) and gather around the fire to listen to storytelling and Yoik (singing)

I would recommend dressing warm and for wet conditions. On the day I visited it hailed down pretty hard, and the ground was very icy. We got completely pelted on during the sleigh ride, so don’t expect snowy conditions, as it’s not guaranteed. Make sure you don’t miss out, and book this Sami reindeer tour online in advance.

👉 Recommended Tour: Book your Sami Reindeer Sledding Experience online in advance!

Explore One of Tromsø’s Museums

Polar Museum

Visiting one of Tromsø’s many museums is a great way to escape the cold, and learn about its history all at the same time. I chose to explore the Polar Museum which highlights the hardships that explorers faced in their journeys to the North Pole. It’s a great way to gain insight into Norway’s past.

The Polar Museum offers an in-depth look at the region’s unique maritime history, wildlife, and notable expeditions. Visitors can delve into the lives of trappers, hunters, and explorers who braved the harsh polar environment, and learn about the tools and techniques they used.

The museum’s exhibits highlight the significant role Tromsø played as a gateway to Arctic exploration during the polar expeditions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Emphasis is placed on sustainability and the consequences of historical hunting practices, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation today.

Troll Museum

The Troll Museum in Tromsø offers a fascinating look into Norwegian folklore and mythology. Conveniently located near the centre of Tromsø, this unique museum provides insights into trolls, one of Norway’s most enduring cultural myths. Here you can discover captivating stories and legends about these mythical creatures through a mix of artwork, storytelling, and augmented reality.

Perspective Museum

The Perspective Museum in Tromsø is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the photographic history of Norway and the surrounding Arctic regions. Housed in a 19th-century cottage that was once the home of the acclaimed novelist Sara Fabricius, better known as Cora Sandel, the museum exhibits feature an extensive collection of photographs that provide a portrayal of life in the Arctic during the 20th century. Open daily except Mondays, the Perspective Museum delivers an enriching experience at the affordable price of 80 NOK.

📌 Related Read: Best Things to do in Tromsø in Winter

Drinks at Ølhallen

Next on this 3 day Tromsø itinerary, is the famous Ølhallen pub, the northernmost brewery in the world. Established in 1877, it has become a key part of Tromsø’s culture. With over 200 years of brewing experience, this brewery offers a variety of unique beers, from light ales and lagers to dark stouts.

This pub has a very traditional feel about it, which I loved (especially being from England). I also loved that the selection of beers was pretty big. They also had quite a few ciders, which is great for anyone who’s not overly fond of beer. And I can confirm the ciders were just as good!

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Day 3: Tromsø Ice Domes, Tromsø Town, & Fjellheisen Cable Car

Your last day in Tromsø will be exploring the iconic Tromsø Ice Domes, sampling reindeer hot dogs at Norway’s smallest bar, and watching the sunset from the Fjellheisen cable car!

Tromsø Ice Domes

Today you’ll be exploring the famous Tromsø Ice Domes – a unique winter experience that you won’t find anywhere else. So, what are the Tromsø Ice Domes? They are a unique hotel built every year in the Arctic Circle from ice and snow. These impressive structures change their theme each season, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

A night in this hotel will set you back around $1,200 a night. But I recommend taking a day tour to the Tromsø Ice Domes to experience them in full without the high price tag. On this tour you can explore all three domes, including the bedrooms. You’ll learn about this years ice carvings, get to sample a non-alcoholic shot, and eat a reindeer stew lunch!

👉 Don’t miss out! Book your spot on this Tromsø Ice Domes tour to avoid missing out!

Explore Tromsø Town

After your morning tour of the Tromsø Ice Domes, take some time to experience the local town. I loved the town of Tromsø, it is so picturesque and felt like being in a fairy-tale. I recommend walking around the charming streets, taking in the colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere. We stopped by the Tromsø Cathedral which is located in a beautiful square, and the Tromsø Library. Don’t forget to stop by some of the local shops to find unique souvenirs.

→ Planning Tip! Explore Tromsø town on this 2.5 hour walking tour!

Raketten Bar & Pølse

Next head to Raketten Bar & Pølse – this kiosk has been a part of Tromsø’s history for over 100 years and was reimagined in 2014 as “Norway’s smallest bar.” It’s a charming spot that’s hard to miss, often with lines on weekends.

At this historic kiosk, you can order their famous reindeer hot dogs (with pork and veggie options available) or grab a mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep you warm in the winter. I decided to get one of their hot chocolates which we enjoyed by the fire.

💡 Top Tip! Consider joining a food tour to experience the best local food in Tromsø!

Fjellheisen Cable Car

End your last day in Tromsø with a a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. This cable car takes you to the top of Mount Storsteinen, where you can see the most beautiful views of Tromsø.

You can get to Fjellheisen from downtown by in about 10 minutes. There is a ticket option that includes a shuttle to and from the cable car, it costs 595 NOK ($55 USD) for a round-trip ticket. Once you reach the top, you can explore an indoor seating area and an open-air observation deck to enjoy the panoramic views of Tromsø. There’s a small restaurant serving sandwiches, and hot drinks.

→ Planning Tip! It’s recommended to visit around sunset or during the polar night’s golden hour for the best views. Make sure to check the weather in advance, as clouds can obscure the view.

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Where To Stay In Tromsø

Where to eat in Tromsø

Backstübe

Backstübe is where we had breakfast most mornings in Tromsø. This place was so good it was hard to steer away and try somewhere new! Backstübe is a bakery and coffee shop, where you self-serve yourself. There were soooo many types of breads, pastries and cakes here. They also servce really good coffee, the iced mocha was the best I’ve had. I highly recommend picking up extra snacks here for any tours you are going on.

Biffhuset Skarven

Although many of the tours include a lunch of reindeer stew, I really wanted to try reindeer steak while I was in Tromsø. Biffhuset Skarven is where we found some of the best reindeer on our trip! They also have other traditional Norwegian dishes like minke whale and clipfish.

When is the best time to visit Tromsø?

Winter is the best time to visit Tromsø, because it’s the best time for seeing the Aurora Borealis. I visited in January which is during the Polar Night, which is experienced between December and January. It was a unique experience to see the town lit up by Christmas decorations and street lamps even during the day!

The sun would rise around 10am and set between 3 and 4 pm, we only got around 5 hours of sunlight a day, so just keep this in mind if visiting during this time. It was a unique experience to see the town lit up by Christmas decorations and street lamps even during the day!

If visiting between November and December, or February onwards, you will get more hours of daylight as well as better winter conditions, like snow. In January we experienced mostly rainy conditions so much of the snow had melted or turned to ice.

Final Thoughts

There is a lot to do in Tromsø, and this 3 day Tromsø itinerary hits all the must-do spots in the city. I hope this post has helped you plan your trip and given you some ideas on what to do in Tromsø.

Tromsø has plenty more to offer beyond the attractions and activities listed. If you have extra time, consider going winter hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or joining one of the popular snowmobile tours. Have a great time exploring this beautiful winter wonderland!