Tromsø Tours in Norway

Frequently Asked Questions About Tromsø Norway tours

You might have a few questions before booking your Tromsø trip with Nordic Visitor. Read on for answers to these common queries. You can also find more practical tips and highly recommended attractions in this Norway Travel Guide.

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1. Where is Tromsø?

Tromsø is located in Northern Norway, around 350 kilometres (217 miles) above the Arctic Circle — putting you right in the heart of the Arctic.

This lively city is the largest in northern Scandinavia and a top base for exploring the wild north. Perched on the island of Tromsøya and framed by towering mountains and deep fjords, it’s a place where nature and culture meet.

You’ll find easy connections by cruise or flight from southern Norway, making it the perfect starting point for your Arctic adventure.

2. What is there to do in Tromsø?

From September to March, Tromsø transforms into a snowy Arctic playground with unforgettable winter experiences.

One of the top things to do is to head out into the wilderness on a small-group northern lights tour led by a local expert guide. You could also go dog sledding, meet friendly reindeer, or head out on a whale watching trip.

Back in the city centre, dive into local history at the Polar Museum, admire the striking Arctic Cathedral, and learn about the indigenous Sami culture. Between adventures, warm up in cosy cafés, browse galleries and museums, or sample Arctic cuisine at one of Tromsø’s restaurants

• Get inspired by these top things to do in Norway in winter or summer
• Related: Amazing things to do in Tromsø

3. Are northern lights tours worth it?

Absolutely! Going on a northern lights tour increases your chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Guides can interpret weather and solar activity forecasts to take you to the spots where you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.

A Tromsø northern lights tour is particularly worthwhile because Tromsø sits right in the centre of the northern lights zone. This means you can see the aurora even when solar activity is relatively low.

The city's location 350 kilometres (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle puts you in prime aurora territory. Plus, with its coastal location, you’ll easily be able to move away from cloud cover, either by boat or car.

• Check out this guide for more information about the northern lights in Norway

4. When can I see the northern lights in Norway?

You can see the northern lights in Norway from late September to late March, with the best months for viewing being from October to February. In Tromsø, the aurora season runs from mid-September to late March when darkness returns. You could potentially still see auroras in early April, although the chances decrease.

Meanwhile, continuous daylight during the summer months of May to September makes seeing the northern lights impossible. Expert-led winter northern lights tours improve your likelihood of a sighting outside of the peak viewing season.

• Related: Best time and place to see the northern lights in Norway

5. Can I choose the arrival date?

Of course! Depending on the trip and season, you’ll find that most packages have daily departures. This means you can pick the arrival date that works best for you from each tour’s online availability calendar.

If you have a specific date in mind, be sure to book early to secure your ideal departure.

6. Can I customise my tour?

Yes! You can customise your tour during the booking process by adding extra nights or fun excursions, such as dog sledding or snowmobiling. Or, if you have something particular in mind, just ask your travel consultant, who will be happy to help.

You might also like to join a guided northern lights tour, whale-watching excursion or a trip to discover the local Sami culture. Just tell your travel consultant what matters to you, and we’ll craft a trip that’s all about you.

7. What should I pack and wear for a trip to Tromsø?

What you need to pack depends on the time of year you travel to Norway. The unpredictable weather means it’s a good idea to carry a small rucksack with spare warm and waterproof layers.

 If you’re visiting in winter, here’s a basic packing list:

• Thermal base layers
• Insulated winter boots
• Warm and waterproof winter coat
• Thermal hat, scarf and gloves
• Thick woollen socks
• Sunglasses
   

For more information, check out this Norway packing guide.