Tromso is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations and it's easy to see why. It's surrounded by gorgeous nature, including mountains, fjords and fishing islands.
Whether you're planning a trip in winter or summer, here are some great things to see and do in Tromso. These will help you make the most out of your time in the Northernmost city in the world.
Fjellheisen Cable Car
The Fjellheisen Cable Car in Tromso is a must-see for anyone visiting the Arctic region. Its cabins are decorated with crystals on both the outside and inside. When the cars reach a height of 170 metres, their floors turn transparent to allow you to see the glaciers below.
The cabins are designed by Paolo Pininfarina, a member of the famous Italian design dynasty. They were created to set new standards in luxury travel and are a must-do for visitors of this stunning location.
The car itself is connected to the cable through a slot like a third rail in the center of the tracks. A long lever retracts a yoke, lined with replaceable steel dies around the cable, and it grips so tightly that there is no slippage at all.
Mack’s Olhallen
Tromso is a gateway to the Arctic, home to a vibrant cultural scene, a lively downtown reminiscent of Paris and a host of natural wonders. Its reputation as a Northern Lights destination is largely due to a wildly varying weather pattern that makes it one of the world’s best spots to see this dazzling show.
This city boasts a unique array of attractions including two months of Polar Nights, the Northern Lights and a spectacular winter festival. In addition to the famously blue fjords, the city is surrounded by stunning islands and mountainous landscapes.
In order to take advantage of these amazing natural surroundings, many people make the choice of a whale watching tour in Tromso. These tours are designed to show off the best of Norway’s fjords and coastline, while also allowing you to witness some of the majestic marine life that is found in the Arctic. The best time to go is November to January, though you can spot humpback and killer whales all year round in some areas of the country.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is a popular attraction in Tromso and one of the most exciting ways to experience the Arctic. The fjords surrounding Tromso are home to hundreds of whales, chasing spawning herring and gliding through the clear waters.
On a group whale watch tour, you travel by boat until you reach prime feeding areas, where your guide will point out spouts and flukes. The guides will also tell you about the area’s history and ecology, making for an unforgettable day out.
The best time to see whales is in December and January, when the animals are well settled and their numbers are higher. However, wildlife can be unpredictable and you may not get to see all the whales you want.
It is important to choose a whale watch operator that takes the wellbeing of the whales and dolphins seriously. A good operator will be happy to sign the IceWhale Code of Conduct, an ethical standard for all whale-watching activities in the region.
Hiking
Hiking in Tromso is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy a different experience. There are lots of hiking tours available that will appeal to everyone, including families, couples and solo travellers.
For example, the Tuno hike is an easy trail for all ages and abilities, with a mainly grassy path that doesn’t require trekking shoes or a lot of giddiness. The landscape is lovely, and you can stop for refreshments along the way.
Whale watching is a popular activity in Tromso, especially between November and January when large populations of whales are present. These marine mammals come to the fjords north of the town, attracted by the abundance of herring in the area.
Most of the Tromso whale watching tours depart from the city centre and take a day to reach the best spots. Tours are run by local operators and offer an ethical and environmentally friendly experience.
