Tromso

Tromsø is a city of contrasts — where Arctic wilderness meets lively cultural life, and where you can chase the Northern Lights in winter or bask in the Midnight Sun during summer. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø is a year-round destination that offers unforgettable adventures, warm hospitality, and a genuine connection to nature.

Despite its remote location, Tromsø surprises visitors with its buzzing food scene, dynamic festivals, and easy access to fjords, mountains, and wildlife.

Getting to Tromsø is easier than you might think. The city is served by Tromsø Airport Langnes, with direct flights from Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki, as well as several other European hubs during the peak seasons. From Oslo, it’s just under two hours by plane. Once you land, the city centre is a short 10-minute taxi or airport shuttle ride away.

You can also arrive via a scenic journey on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry, which sails north and south along Norway’s rugged coastline — a perfect twin-centre idea when combined with Bergen or the Lofoten Islands.

Tromsø sits on an island surrounded by dramatic mountains and is connected to the mainland by an iconic arched bridge. At the heart of the city lies a charming centre with wooden houses, lively bars, local boutiques, and inviting cafés.

Key highlights include the Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum, and the Fjellheisen Cable Car, which takes you up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords — an absolute must, day or night.

From late September to early April, Tromsø is one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights. With high solar activity and clear Arctic skies, this region offers nightly opportunities to witness this natural wonder.

In summer (late May to mid-July), the sun never sets — giving you the rare chance to hike, kayak or whale-watch under the Midnight Sun. Whether you’re dog sledding through snowy forests or paddling a fjord at 11pm in daylight, the Arctic experience is always magical.

Wildlife lovers can spot reindeer, sea eagles, whales (especially in winter), and even try king crab fishing or husky safaris with local guides.

Tromsø may be small, but it’s culturally rich. The International Film Festival (January) and Northern Lights Festival (February) attract global artists and visitors. There’s also a growing foodie scene, with restaurants serving Arctic delicacies like smoked cod, reindeer stew, and wild berries.

Be sure to try the local speciality — Boknafisk (semi-dried cod) — or warm up in a cosy café with Norwegian waffles and cloudberry jam.

Tromsø has a sub-Arctic climate, but it’s milder than you might expect due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Winters are snowy and magical, with average temperatures around -5°C, though it can drop lower in inland areas. Summers are cool and fresh, averaging 12–15°C, but the Midnight Sun makes it feel warmer and more energising.

Despite the latitude, Tromsø is a lively, liveable Arctic city — perfect for those who want a balance of adventure, nature, and Nordic charm.