Experiencing the Polar Night in Tromsø is like stepping into a magical winter wonderland. From the end of November to mid-January, the sun never rises above the horizon, casting the city in ethereal twilight hues and making it the perfect Arctic escape. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 things to see and do in Tromsø during this unique time of year.
1. Chase the Northern Lights
No visit to Tromsø is complete without witnessing the Aurora Borealis. If you're visiting Tromsø in winter, chances are the Northern Lights are the main reason you're there.
Join a guided Northern Lights tour to maximize your chances of spotting the lights in all their glory. Whether by minibus, snowmobile, or boat, watching the vibrant colors dance across the Arctic sky is an unforgettable experience.
We saw the lights 3 nights our of 7 (twice from our Airbnb, and then once during the tour).
2. Explore Tromsø City Centre
We recommend spending at least 1 or 2 days exploring Tromsø city centre by foot. It's a beautiful city and worth a visit.
Here are the top places we recommend visiting ⬇️
Tromsø City Library and Archive
@TootlyTravels
This had to be one the most beautiful libraries I've been to (with Copenhagen library). You can enter the building for free and wander around, as long as you stay mindful of the people in the library who may be there for tudying and/or reading.
PRO TIP:
We recommend taking the stairs all the way up to the last floor for the best view.
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3. Whales Watching in Skjervøy 🐳
ITINERARY
. Go on the boat at
. 2.75 hours at sea from Tromso to Skervoy
. About 2.5 hours around Skjervoy
. 2.75 hours back
Whales Watching around Skjervoy
@TootlyTravels
Each year from November to February, the killer whales and humpback whales can be found around the fjords in Northern Norway (around Skjervøy) as they hunt the spawning Herring.
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Visiting during the polar night doesn't mean you won't see anything! While the sun will never rise above the horizon, you will still see breathtaking sunrise and sunset than can last for 2-4 hours.
Please note that these are wild creatures and seeing them is never guaranteed. We did lucky and saw them a few times (humpback whales) we didn't see orcas.
The price was 000NOK per person and included hot drinks.
4. Visit the Arctic Cathedral
Arctic Cathedral
@TootlyTravels
This is one of Tromsø’s most iconic landmarks. Officially named the Tromsdalen Church, but also known as the Arctic Cathedral, its daring design was inspired by ice and snow.
Entrance fee: NOK 80
Opening Hours 2024
January 1 – March 31: 11:00-17:00 (Wed. 14:00-17:00, Sun . 13:00-17:00)
April 1 – May 31: 13:00-17:00 (Wed. 14:00-17:00)
June 01 – August 15: 09.00 – 18.00 h. (Sun 13.00 – 18.00 h.)
August 16 – Dec 31: 13:00-17:00 (Wed. 14:00-17:00)
The church, which was opened in 1965, is visible from all over Tromsø, thanks to the strip lights integrated between the 11 panels that make up the walls, which shine as darkness falls.
One of the most unusual features of the church is the east-facing glass mosaic which makes for a spectacular sight when Tromsø’s famous Midnight Sun glimmers through it.
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5. Discover Sami Culture
6. Take a Day Trip to Ersfjordbotn
We made a day trip by bus to Ersfjordbotn (just an hour away from Tromsø city centre) and we were amazed by this small village. It was so picturesque and it felt like we were in a very remote part of Northern Norway even if we were just a 30 min drive away from Tromsø.
Ersfjordbotn
@TootlyTravels
Ersfjordbotn is a serene fjord near Tromsø surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and tranquil waters, making it a perfect winter escape. My husband and I visited in late November to experience its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Its accessibility by bus made it ideal for a relaxing car-free day trip.
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We've also curated a Car-free Day Trip to Ersfjordbotn (Winter Edition) as well as a 1-Day Kvaloya Island Itinerary by car (it's also doable by bus but needs more planning and 2 days, all the details are included in our guide) ⬇️
If you're visiting Tromsø this winter and looking for the best day trip away from the city, look no further than the fishing village of Ersfjorbotn! In our guide, you'll find our curated 1-Day Itinerary.
In November 2024, my husband and I travelled to Tromsø’s for a week and decided to leave the city for a day to explore the serene beauty of Ersfjordbotn—without a car! Just 20 kilometres away from Tromsø, this picturesque fjord was the perfect destination for a quiet and stress-free getaway.
We hopped on a local bus, enjoying the snowy landscapes along the way. We strolled along the shore, marvelling at how still and serene everything felt. A stop at a cosy café warmed us up with coffee and pastries while we soaked in the stunning views.
Ersfjordbotn was everything we hoped for—peaceful, beautiful, and so easy to reach. This trip reminded us that sometimes, slowing down and going car-free can make the journey even more special. If you’re in Tromsø, I highly recommend it!
If you're visiting Tromsø in summer and looking for a day trip away from the city, look no further than Kvaløya Island! In this guide, you'll find our complete 1-Day Itinerary.
This 24-hour Summer Itinerary captures the essence of Kvaløya Island during the summer months, where the Midnight Sun allows you to explore to your heart’s content. Whether hiking to panoramic viewpoints, strolling through picturesque streets, or simply enjoying the Arctic wilderness, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories.
Kvaløya Island in summer is a paradise for outdoor lovers. With the Midnight Sun providing extended daylight, there’s plenty of time to explore its pristine beaches, charming villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you’re hiking up mountains or relaxing on the beach, this itinerary offers a little bit of everything. Make sure to bring a camera, comfortable footwear, and a sense of adventure to make the most of this unforgettable day!
7. Go Dog Sledding
8. Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car to Storsteinen
The Fjellheisen Cable car was closed during our visit due to a snow storm so we were unable to visit Storsteinen but we've heard positive things about it. The view from the mountain (it's apparently one of the best spots with the beach one to see the northern lights in Tromso) and they're both accessible by bus.
Storsteinen
@TootlyTravels
Going up the viewpoint on Stornsteinen mountain is a must-do in Tromso.
You can get there either with the Fjellheisen cable car (it only takes 4 minutes) or by hiking the sherpa steps (sherpatrappa) or hike one way and take the cable car on the way back
Open daily 10:00 am to 23:00 pm
Cafe open from 10 am to 10 pm
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Fjellstua Café Og Restaurant
@TootlyTravels
If you're able to visit ..., you can take a break from the cold and wind by having a coffee or snack at Fjellstua Cafe (the views are spectacular).
PRO TIP:
If you're visiting at night in search of the NOrthern Lights, the cafe is a good spot to stay warm while waiting as it's open until quite late).
OPENING HOURS: 10am - 23:30.
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9. Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
10. Watch the sunset from Telegrafbukta beach
Telegrafbukta Beach
@TootlyTravels
We've heard from our Northern Lights tour guide that Telegrafbukta is THE best spot in Tromsø to watch the northern Lights as well as the sunset (it's also known by locals as THE PLACE to go to watch the last sunset of the year before polar night).
We went there for the last sunset of the year in 2024 and it was the most magical sunset ever.
It's totally free to visit, open 24/7 and accessible by bus.
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Where to stay?
We've curated a list of places we recommend if you're staying in & around Tromsø ⬇️
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