Tromsø Experience Guide: The Best Things to Do in the Pearl of the North

Tromsø Experience Guide: The Best Things to Do in the Pearl of the North

In Tromsø, you don’t have to choose between a city vacation or nature experiences. Arctic Tromsø has fun activities in the city and nature for both adults and children!

Ice, Ice, and More Ice

Did you know that the Sami have more than 300 words for snow and ice? Tromsø is the largest Sami city in Norway, with just over 1,500 Sami residents. Therefore, it is fitting that you can witness the magic of snow and ice when you visit this northern paradise. Here are some of the coolest ice-filled experiences Tromsø has to offer:

Magic Ice is a Nordic winter wonderland built from several tons of natural ice. The art gallery features statues and stories that allow you to follow in the footsteps of explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. You will be able to learn about the Norwegian adventurers and admire the formations carved out by renowned artists. Finish your visit in the cool ice bar, where you can enjoy the signature drink straight from a glass made of ice. And by the way: don’t worry about freezing, as Magic Ice hands out winter-designed ponchos along with gloves before you enter.

Tromsøbadet offers delightful bathing experiences year-round. This is a favorite destination for families and for those seeking a little extra well-being. Here you can enjoy the outdoor pool regardless of the season, and test your limits in the cold pool. You will also find a variety of lovely sources to warm up, such as the heated cave, various saunas, and warm hot tubs. If you are a true toughie, you can head down to the harbor in Tromsø where you will find the sauna Pust, and jump into the icy sea afterward!

The Arctic Cathedral actually contains no ice but is still included on the list because of its beautiful name. The Arctic Cathedral is a masterpiece from 1965 that you must visit when you are in Tromsø. Inspired by Arctic nature and covered with glass mosaics, the church is one of Norway’s top architectural highlights.

The Magical Northern Lights

When the winter season is underway in Tromsø, there is especially one thing visitors want to experience: the dancing northern lights. To understand more about the northern lights and the magical phenomenon you might be lucky enough to witness, it’s wise to first visit the Arctic University Museum of Norway. Here you will learn more about everything from myths to facts, as well as ongoing research. You can also try to create your own northern lights inside the plasma chamber, and you will definitely get even more out of the live show in the sky with all the knowledge you learn here!

The northern lights season in Tromsø stretches from September to mid-April. The polar night is from November 27 to January 15, which means it is dark around the clock. To witness the northern lights, it must both be dark and clear in the sky. If you come to Tromsø solely to see the northern lights, the polar night might give you the best chances. Generally, winter is a great time to visit Tromsø, as it is a landscape filled with glittering snow with many activities that satisfy any adventurer’s lust. It’s recommended to try out skiing in Tromsø Alpine Park! Long Nights with the Midnight Sun The other high season in Tromsø is summer, and visitors can look forward to the sun never setting. This is perfect for long mountain hikes in the surrounding area so you can experience the nearby nature and enjoy the picturesque landscape. You can choose when you want to start or finish your trip, as the light will be with you the entire time! Some of the easiest summit trips around Tromsø go to Tromsdalstinden and Sørtinden, while the most experienced can enjoy the view from Hamperokken.

During the summer, the enticing food festival SMAK also takes place. SMAK is a North Norwegian food festival where Storgata in Tromsø is filled with the best from the North Norwegian kitchen. There is an opportunity to participate in dessert courses or throw yourself around all the tasty booths offering samples. For the kids, there are many activities to join, and for the adults, there are both locally brewed beer and exciting local dishes on the menu. Don’t forget to swing by the Mack beer stand – and if you don’t visit during festival days, you can always try beer tasting at Mack Brewery when you are in Tromsø!

Exciting Experiences Close to Wildlife

You are almost guaranteed to see reindeer along the road when you drive, especially in the summer. Often the reindeer block the road, and then you just have to be patient until they move. If you want to get even closer to the reindeer, you can join Sami experiences. Then you get to feed reindeer and be part of driving a reindeer sled.

Another high-speed activity is dog sledding. There are many operators in Tromsø that offer dog sledding, and you might even make a new four-legged friend! Dog sledding is done with husky dogs, a breed that is cuddly, friendly, and most importantly: loves to run.

Many dream of spotting whales on a whale safari in Tromsø. Between November and January, it’s whale season in Tromsø, where it’s possible to see orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales. However, there is no whale guarantee, but you are absolutely guaranteed a spectacular trip out on the Arctic Sea!

Learn More About Wildlife

Polaria is a perfect place to understand life in the Arctic, in addition to learning about the climate and environmental research that is underway. The experience center is part of the Norwegian Polar Institute, and offers interactive experiences for both adults and children. You will find knowledge-based exhibitions and an aquarium that boasts most fish species and shellfish found in the Arctic regions, as well as Arctic flora that exists under the sea surface. You will also be able to meet four playful seals that live in their own seal pool. The seals train several times a day, and you can witness both the training and the feeding.

If you want to get close to predators from the North, the world’s northernmost wildlife park will be perfect. In Polar Park, you can actually enter the enclosure with the wolves, where chances are high that they will even cuddle with you. A free guided tour will also make it possible to get close to lynx, bears, Arctic foxes, and wolverines. Don’t be fooled by it being the world’s northernmost wildlife park; it is also a completely different wildlife park than you have ever witnessed. The park has the world’s largest area per animal, a whole 1100 acres in 12 enclosures. The point is not to confine the animals in captivity, but to showcase the animals in their natural surroundings. Because of this, you will exclusively find animals that originate from the North in the wildlife park.

Tromsø offers a wide range of activities and experiences all year round. There is always something to do, so let your Arctic adventure begin!