Things To Do In Tromso In Winter: A City Guide For Tourists

Tromso is a city in the northern Norwegian province of Troms, situated on the island of Tromsoya. It is the largest city in Northern Norway and the third-largest city in Norway, with a population of about 75,000 people. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromso is known for its stunningly beautiful winter landscape, with snow-covered mountains and an abundance of Northern Lights.

Tromso has a long and storied history, with archeological evidence indicating that the area has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age. In the 19th century, Tromso was an important trading port and gateway to the Arctic, as well as a major hub for fishing and whaling. Today, it is a major tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique winter wonderland.

Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, Tromso enjoys long periods of summer daylight and just as long periods of winter darkness. This makes it an ideal destination for many winter activities, from skiing and snowshoeing to sledding and ice skating. There is no shortage of things to do in Tromso in winter, and it can be difficult to decide how best to spend your time. To help you make the most of your visit, here is an in-depth guide to the things you can do in Tromso in winter.

Aurora Hunting

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Tromso in winter is Aurora hunting. Also known as the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that occurs when electrically-charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere, creating a stunning light show. The Northern Lights are best visible between November and March, when the nights are darkest and most conducive to aurora sightings.

Tromso is one of the best places in the world to witness this incredible spectacle. It is located so far north that it is bathed in near-constant twilight during winter months, making it ideal for night sky viewing. Although sightings are not guaranteed, there are many ways to maximize your chances of spotting the Northern Lights in Tromso.

One way is by going on an organized Aurora Hunting tour with a local guide. These tours are typically offered by tour companies and include transportation to a dark spot on the outskirts of the city with a good view of the night sky. The guides have extensive knowledge of Aurora sightings, so they can often tell you when and where to look for them. They can also provide you with expert tips on how to take the best photos of the Northern Lights.

Another way to increase your chances of seeing Aurora Borealis is by planning your trip around the Aurora forecast. Many websites provide Aurora forecasts for different locations around the world, so you can check which days are most likely to yield a light show. If you want to plan your trip around an Aurora forecast, be sure to make your hotel reservations in advance, as many visitors come to Tromso in winter specifically for aurora hunting.

Skiing & Snowshoeing

Tromso is surrounded by some spectacular skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The area has some great ski resorts, such as Fjellheisen and Narvikfjellet, both of which offer a variety of ski runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There are also several backcountry skiing options in the surrounding mountains, such as Blaamannen and Rutenfjellet, where skiers can explore untouched terrain and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

For those who prefer something a bit more leisurely than skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing in Tromso as well. Many of these trails are located close to the city center, and they offer stunning views of the mountains, forests, and fjords that surround Tromso. One of the most popular trails is Blaamannen Trail, which winds through a forested valley and offers breathtaking views of both Tromso city and nearby mountains.

Ice Skating

Tromso is home to several ice rinks where visitors can go ice skating during their visit. Most of these rinks offer both public skating sessions and ice hockey leagues for those who wish to get a bit more serious about their skating. The largest and most popular rink is Ishallen Skøytebane, which has two ice rinks and also offers a variety of other activities such as curling and ice-sculpting classes.

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than ice skating at an indoor rink, then you can also try your hand at ice fishing or go on an ice-skating tour on nearby frozen lakes or rivers. Ice fishing is one of the most popular winter activities in Norway, and it offers a unique chance to experience nature up close while waiting for that elusive catch. For those looking for even more adventure, you can go on an ice-skating tour on one of the many frozen lakes or rivers in the area. These tours often include traditional Norwegian meals cooked over an open fire on the ice, creating an unforgettable experience.

Sledding & Dog Sledding

Sledding is another great way to experience Tromso in wintertime. The city has several sledding hills that are open during winter months, and many are close to downtown so you don’t have to go far to find them. One great spot is Skansen Park, which has a large sledding hill that is perfect for families with young children who want to take it slow or for thrill seekers who want to go fast!

If you’d like to experience something truly unique while in Tromso, then you should try your hand at dog sledding. Dog sledding tours are offered by several tour companies in Tromso, and they range from short one-hour rides around town to multi-day trips through the surrounding wilderness. Dog sledding gives you an incredible chance to experience Arctic nature up close while harnessing the power of some very special dogs!

Popular Tours

Northern Lights Tour From Tromso

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Tromso, then look no further than this incredible Northern Lights tour from Tromso! This three-hour tour takes you out of town into the wilderness surrounding Tromso where you’ll have a better chance of spotting Aurora Borealis. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will share their knowledge of the local area and teach you about the Northern Lights phenomenon while you search for them in the night sky. The tour includes transportation out into dark spots with great views of the night sky as well as hot drinks and snacks so that you can stay warm while experiencing this unique natural phenomenon. Book a Northern Lights Tour From Tromso here.

Snowmobile Tour From Tromso

For those who want even more adventure from their visit to Tromso, this snowmobile tour from Tromso is sure to deliver! This three-hour guided tour takes you out into some of Norway’s most spectacular Arctic nature on two powerful snowmobiles. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will share their knowledge of the local area while you explore pristine snow-covered forests, majestic mountains, and beautiful lakes that cannot be reached any other way during wintertime. The tour includes all necessary equipment as well as hot drinks and snacks so that you can stay warm while experiencing this unique Arctic adventure! Book a Snowmobile Tour From Tromso here.

Reindeer Safari From Tromso

This Reindeer Safari from Tromso will take you into some breathtaking Norwegian scenery while giving you a taste of traditional Sami culture! During this two-hour tour you’ll be accompanied by experienced local guides who will share their knowledge about reindeer husbandry as well as Sami culture and folklore while giving you a chance to get up close with these amazing animals. You’ll learn about reindeer herding techniques before taking off on an exciting ride through some stunningly beautiful snow-covered landscapes. The tour includes all necessary equipment as well as hot drinks and snacks so that you can stay warm while experiencing this unique Arctic adventure! Book a Reindeer Safari From Tromso here.

Conclusion

Tromso truly has something for everyone during wintertime – whether you’re looking for an unforgettable Aurora hunting experience or something more leisurely such as skiing or sledding there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful northern city. With its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why Tromso has become one of Norway’s most popular winter destinations. So if you’re looking for something special from your next winter getaway – look no further than Tromso!