About Tromso
Tromsø Municipality is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Tromsø. Other notable settlements in the municipality include the villages of Bjerkaker, Ersfjordbotn, Jøvika, Kaldfjord, Kjosen, Kroken, Kvaløysletta, Lakselvbukt, Melvika, Movik, Oldervik, Sandneshamn, Sjursnes, Sommarøy, and Tromsdalen.
Places to visit in Tromso
-
Arctic Cathedral
ReligiousA striking modern church with a triangular roof and a huge glass mosaic. Attend one of the evening concerts, especially beautiful during the polar night.
-
Fjellheisen
ViewpointA cable car that climbs to a mountain ledge above the city, with views over Tromsø and the fjords. Go in the evening to see the northern lights or the midnight sun.
-
Polaria
MuseumAn Arctic aquarium and experience center with bearded seals and exhibits about polar research. Time your visit for the seal feeding, which is a highlight for children.
-
Tromsø University Museum
MuseumA museum of Arctic natural and cultural history, with exhibits on the northern lights and Sámi culture. It is a good indoor option on a stormy day.
-
Tromsø Cathedral
ReligiousA wooden Gothic Revival church in the city center, one of the largest wooden churches in Norway. Pop in during a walk through the center for a quick look.
-
Kvaløya
Nature · 15 mi from centreA large mountainous island west of the city with fjords, beaches, and good spots for northern lights viewing. Drive or join a tour to get away from the city lights.
-
Lyngen Alps
Nature · 31 mi from centreA dramatic range of jagged peaks and glaciers east of Tromsø, famous for ski touring. Visit on a day trip by car or tour to enjoy the scenery.
-
Sommarøy
Beach · 23 mi from centreA small fishing island with white sand beaches and clear water, an hour's drive west of Tromsø. Bring a picnic and warm clothes, as the weather can change quickly.
Things to do in Tromso by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
-
Outdoor activities & Adventure 5 experiences Arctic Fjord - Guided Tour by Bus -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 3 experiences Arctic Fjord - Guided Tour by Bus -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences Chasing the Northern Lights - The Ultimate Polar Experience
- Over 6 hours 4
- 3-6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 2
- Small group 2
- Private 1
Top experiences in Tromso
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Polaria Experience: Discover the northernmost Aquarium and Museum in the Arctic
From $40 per adult
From Domkirka to the Arctic Cathedral: Tromsø in a Snapshot
From $79 per adult
Northern Light - Private Night Tour
From $1,771 per adult
Northern Lights - Guided Tour by Bus
From $147 per adult
Magic Ice Tromsø - Ticket
From $31 per adult
Northern light - Small Group Tour by Minibus
From $208 per adult
Arctic Fjord - Guided Tour by Bus
From $160 per adult
Where to stay in Tromso
Popular hotels in Tromso, out of 36 properties you can book.
Scandic Ishavshotel
From $363 per night
Quality Hotel Grand Tromso
From $335 per night
Thon Polar
From $293 per night
Home Hotel Aurora
From $393 per night
The Dock 69 39 By Scandic
From $403 per night
Thon Hotel Tromso
From $383 per night
Home Hotel With
From $415 per night
Clarion Hotel The Edge
From $460 per night
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso
From $314 per night
Radisson Blu Tromso
From $471 per night
Quality Hotel Saga
From $352 per night
Enter Amalie Hotel
From $381 per night
Best time to visit Tromso
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Tromso is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 58–67°F and rain falls on about 16 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Tromso weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 51° 40° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 52° 36° 12%
- Fri 23 Oct 43° 35° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 44° 36° 22%
- Sun 25 Oct 48° 36° 14%
- Mon 26 Oct 43° 35° 17%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Norwegian krone (NOK)1 US dollar ≈ kr9.42
- Languages
- Norwegian, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk
- Calling code
- +47
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/OsloUTC+2
- Capital
- Oslo
Upcoming public holidays in Norway
- Christmas DayFørste juledag
- St. Stephen's DayAndre juledag
- New Year's DayFørste nyttårsdag
- Maundy ThursdaySkjærtorsdag
- Good FridayLangfredag
- Easter SundayFørste påskedag
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Tromso
These are the airports closest to central Tromso. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- TOS Tromsø Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
Getting around Tromso
Generally, most things in Tromsø's compact centre are within walking distance. However, there is also a good network of buses. In summer, you can rent bikes, and in winter you can rent cross country skis, both allowing you to roam the built-up areas of Tromsø.
By bus
Buses are plentiful, very reliable and generally run until midnight; some lines also operate around the clock for trips to/from the airport and on weekends. Tickets can be purchased from a range or locations or through the Entur-based Svipper smartphone app. As of May 2026, cash payment is no longer accepted on busses and only a few busses are testing onboard payment by credit card.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis all over town, however, you will probably have to wait in line if you plan on taking a taxi home after a long night out. This especially goes for Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as these days are particularly busy.
By train
There is no train, although there is a pub called Jernbanen (the train station), 3.48 metres above sea level. The project planned in 1872 has never been built.
Tromso travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Tromso?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Tromso is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 58–67°F and rain falls on about 16 days a month.
What is the weather like in Tromso?
July is usually the warmest month in Tromso, with average highs of 67°F (19°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 16°F (-9°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 207 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Tromso?
Tromsø Airport (TOS) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of Tromso.
What currency is used in Tromso?
Tromso uses the Norwegian krone (NOK). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ kr9.42.
What time zone is Tromso in?
Tromso uses the Europe/Oslo time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Tromso?
Generally, most things in Tromsø's compact centre are within walking distance. However, there is also a good network of buses. In summer, you can rent bikes, and in winter you can rent cross country skis, both allowing you to roam the built-up areas of Tromsø.
What are the best places to visit in Tromso?
Top sights in Tromso include Arctic Cathedral, Fjellheisen, Polaria and Tromsø University Museum. A striking modern church with a triangular roof and a huge glass mosaic. Attend one of the evening concerts, especially beautiful during the polar night.
What are the top things to do in Tromso?
Popular experiences you can book in Tromso include Polaria Experience: Discover the northernmost Aquarium and Museum in the Arctic, From Domkirka to the Arctic Cathedral: Tromsø in a Snapshot and Northern Light - Private Night Tour. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Tromso?
The most popular types of experiences in Tromso are outdoor activities & adventure (5), zoo, aquarium & nature (3), day trips & excursions (2) and tickets & attraction passes (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Tromso?
Popular areas for hotels in Tromso include Tromso. Well-reviewed options include Scandic Ishavshotel and Quality Hotel Grand Tromso.
How many hotels can I book in Tromso?
Destina Holidays currently lists 36 properties in and around Tromso, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
