10 Reasons why you should visit Tromsø

The vibrant city of Tromsø is located 350 kilometers (217.48 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Called the Paris of the North, it offers visitors a unique blend of modernity and tradition, enhanced by unparalleled natural beauty.

Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Tromsø at any time of year.

1. Northern lights

Tromsø is situated in the middle of what's known as the Northern Lights Oval. This is an area around Earth’s magnetic pole where the probability of seeing aurora borealis is the highest. If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, then make plans to visit Tromsø between October and March. This timeframe will give you the best chance of seeing the northern lights with your own eyes.

2. The midnight sun

For about 70 days from mid-May to late July, the sun never sets in Tromsø. During these weeks of endless daytime, many activities and attractions are open at all hours to take advantage of the natural light. For something a little different, try hiking, practicing yoga, going kayaking or any number of outdoor activities under the midnight sun. Experiencing 24 hours of daylight is a unique adventure—just make sure you have blackout curtains when you're ready to get some sleep!

3. Outdoor activities

There is never a shortage of activities for outdoor enthusiasts in Tromsø. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing, biking and dog sledding are all easily accessible. For those seeking guided or group tours, single and multi-day excursions are available to book with local guides. Some popular choices are fjord cruises, snowmobile safaris, whale watching and northern lights photography tours.

4. Events and festivals

No matter what time of year you visit, there are festivals and events happening throughout the city. Some popular winter events are the Tromsø International Film Festival, Northern Lights Festival, Sámi Week and Arctic Snowshoe Race. In the warmer months Tromsø residents and visitors look forward to the Spring Festival (Vårscenefest), Midnight Sun Marathon, Tromsø Jazz Festival and the Northern Norwegian Food Festival.

5. Sámi culture

The Sámi are the Indigenous people of the North. Their traditional homeland encompasses the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the northwestern tip of Russia. Tromsø is in a region called Sápmi, which is where the Sámi people have traditionally lived for thousands of years. There are many tours offering respectful and authentic ways to experience Sámi culture in and around Tromsø. Reindeer are central features in Sámi culture and popular attractions include reindeer feeding and reindeer sledding.

6. Milder coastal climate

Although Tromsø is well within the Arctic Circle at 69.6 degrees latitude, it has surprisingly mild winters with average temperatures around -4 degrees Celsius (24.8 degrees Fahrenheit). This is thanks in part to the warm ocean currents of the Gulf Stream. In fact, Norway has the warmest climate in the world—for its latitude, that is! The mild temperatures year-round keeps Norway's coast largely ice-free, which has allowed Indigenous populations and settlers to thrive in the north. It's also one of the reasons Tromsø is such a great place to live and visit.

7. Beautiful nature

Tromsø is gorgeous year-round and you don't have to travel far out of town to experience the best of what this region has to offer. The two most famous fjords in Tromsø are Balsfjord and Malangen, both just south of the city. And if you're on a hike or nature walk, keep watch for native plants specially adapted to life in the arctic.

8. Arctic wildlife

Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Tromsø is blessed with an abundance of wildlife on land, in the sky and under the sea. Thanks to guided tours, visitors are able to see some of these northern animals up close. This includes huskies, reindeer and whales. Travel a bit further away from town and you may be able to spot (at a distance) wild arctic foxes, lynx, wolves, muskox, seals, bears and grouse.

9. Lively city life

The area surrounding Tromsø is wild and raw, but the city center itself is urban and modern. Some popular attractions within the city limits include Polaria, the world’s northernmost aquarium, The Polar Museum, Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden and the famous Arctic Cathedral.

10. Flight connections

Tromsø airport connects this northern city with the rest of Norway and Europe with dozens of domestic and international flights arriving and departing every day. From this hub, travelers can easily fly to the capital city Oslo or even smaller destinations, such as Alta, Kirkenes and Svalbard. International routes are also available, including to London, Düsseldorf, Helsinki and Stockholm.

With plenty to offer every type of traveler, in every season, there is never a bad time to visit Tromsø, Norway.