A Guide to Visiting Tromsø in Winter (With Suggested Itinerary)

Tromsø had been at the very top of my bucket list before I visited, and when I found reasonably priced flights from London, booking them was a no-brainer. I visited in the peak of winter, during the Polar Night, and have absolutely zero regrets. If I could only spend winter in one country, it would be Norway, and the north is particularly stunning.  

Having said that, I could have been better prepared for my winter trip to Tromsø. Based on what I learned, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to visiting at this time of the year. I recommend visiting Tromsø for at least 5 days, and the tips you read today will help you be fully prepared. 

You’ll learn about what the weather is like, the best things to do at this time, how to survive the Polar Night season, and much more. Plus, you’ll find plenty of original pictures throughout to inspire you for your Arctic adventure. 

Without further ado, let’s get started. 

When *Actually* Is Winter in Tromsø?

Winter in Tromsø generally runs from November through April. As the city is above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon at all from late November to mid-January. This is known as the Polar Night—but contrary to popular belief, it’s not pitch black all the time.

While April marks the start of Spring in more southern parts of Norway, it’s still very much winter in Tromsø. Spring normally arrives around late April or May in these parts of the country (but even then, it can still be quite chilly).

What’s the Weather Like?

While winter in Tromsø is cold, it’s often not as chilly as its northerly latitude would suggest. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures relatively mild, for the most part. When I visited in January, daytime temperatures were around 5ºC (41ºF) and it was about -2ºC (28ºF) at night. This surprised me as it was quite similar to winter in Copenhagen. 

Since it rained in the day and was then below freezing at night, the sidewalks were *very* icy. Moreover, it was stormy the entire week; the wind made it feel colder. 

I did, however, visit during a warmer spell. The temperature is slightly chillier most of the time, with average high/low temperatures being as follows.

Month	Average High Temperature	Average Low Temperature
November	2ºC (35.6ºF)	-2ºC (28ºF)
December	0ºC (32ºF)	-4ºC (24.8ºF)
January	-1ºC (30.2ºF)	-5ºC (23ºF)
February	-1ºC (30.2ºF)	-5ºC (23ºF)
March	1ºC (33.8ºF)	-4ºC (24.8ºF)
April	4ºC (39.2ºF)	-1ºC (30.2ºF)

It does snow in Tromsø, and the surrounding mountains are covered for much of the winter. I experienced a fair few blizzards when I visited. Sometimes, temperatures can drop to -15ºC (5ºF) and below. This, however, is not as cold as some other parts of Northern Norway.

The Polar Night Season

Since Tromsø is 69 degrees north and over 200 miles from the Arctic Circle, it experiences the Polar Night phenomenon. In Tromsø, this runs from around November 27th to January 14th. During this period, the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. 

Many people think that the Polar Night means total darkness, but for the most part, this is not true in Tromsø. You have to go further north (i.e., to Svalbard) for round-the-clock darkness. 

When I visited in January, it was dark until around 09:30. From 10:30 to roughly 13:00, it just looked like an ordinary overcast day. To be honest, I’ve seen darker skies in Copenhagen in November. 

At around 14:00, it was fully dark again. I would imagine that these times would shift slightly if I had gone in December, since I visited toward the end of the Polar Night season. 

One exception is, however, when clouds are lying low. One day, we had a big blizzard and it was literally dark all day. 

What Are the Daylight Hours Like in Tromsø Before and After the Polar Night?

Whether you visit toward the start or end of winter will make a huge difference in how many daylight hours there are. While the sun is barely up for all of November even before the Polar Night, you’ll get 14-18 hours of daylight if you visit in April. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different daylight hours in Tromsø at various points of the winter (as per Timeanddate): 

Date	Sunrise	Sunset
November 1st	08:11	14:42
November 15th	09:26	13:29
November 26th	11:01	12:01
November 27th through January 14th	Polar Night	Polar Night
January 15th	11:24	12:23
January 31st	09:28	14:28
February 15th	08:13	15:44
February 28th	07:13	16:41
March 15th	06:05	17:42
April 1st	05:47	19:50
April 15th	04:41	20:49
April 30th	03:25	22:01

PSA: Vitamin D Is Non-Negotiable

Let’s be honest: You’re planning a trip to Tromsø in the winter for an Arctic Adventure, not to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Bringing Vitamin D (and preferably also Omega 3) is non-negotiable. 

I didn’t take any Vitamin D supplementation with me and felt it within three days. My energy was on the floor, and I also got lots of weird aches in my leg (I always know that I’m Vitamin D-deficient when this happens). It’s probably less expensive to bring Vitamin D from your home country, so be sure to pack it in your suitcase. 

If you forget, you can buy Vitamin D at a pharmacy/apotek in Tromsø. 

Things to Do in Tromsø During the Winter

Now that you know the basics of what winter in Tromsø is like, I’ll share my top recommendations for things to do. Later, I will also mention some of the things that you’re better off visiting Tromsø at different times of the year for. 

1. Feed Reindeer and Learn About Sámi Culture

Visiting a Sámi farm and feeding reindeer was the undisputed highlight of my Tromsø adventure. I had never seen reindeer until this point, and I was so happy when I could finally tick that off my bucket list. This was a truly memorable experience, and they’re such beautiful animals. 

In addition to feeding reindeer, we also learned more about Sámi culture while warming up indoors. We received lunch, too, which was reindeer stew. 

I did the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer experience, which I have written more about here. We were picked up from the Prostneset bus terminal and transported to the farm, which was just outside of Tromsø, along with then being driven back to the city afterward. 

2. See the Northern Lights

I’ve been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights twice (both times in Iceland). One was as part of a tour, while the other was completely unplanned when my girlfriend and I were walking home from dinner in Reykjavík. Tromsø is a great place to see the Northern Lights, too. 

It’s often quite cloudy in Tromsø, which can make it difficult to see the Northern Lights. So, I’d recommend this as a nice bonus to your trip. Even if you don’t see them, Northern Lights hunting is still fun. I was offered a tour by my Airbnb host, who said he’d even drive to Finland to see them if needed 😄. 

Your best bet is to join a tour, as light pollution can limit visibility within the city. I recommend choosing something with experiences that match your interest; unlike Iceland, where you often get a refund if you don’t see the Northern Lights, this is often not the case in Tromsø. 

The Northern Lights are visible in Tromsø between the end of August and the start of April. 

3. A Day Trip to Kvaløysletta

As part of my January trip to Tromsø, I took a day trip to the neighborhood of Kvaløysletta. There isn’t anything to *do* here, so to speak, but the landscapes and photography opportunities are stunning. It’s also very easy to reach from Tromsø, even if you don’t have a car.

The island of Kvaløya itself is popular for day trips from Tromsø, but as it’s relatively big, I’d recommend doing the whole island if you visit closer to Spring instead. Kvaløysletta is fine to visit regardless of when you’re in town, though. 

I recommend leaving earlyish (i.e., around 10:30) if you’re here during the Polar Night season. The streets and sidewalks were also slippery when I visited, so be careful. To get here, you can take the bus from Tromsø’s city center; the journey takes between 20 and 25 minutes.

4. Visit the Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral is the jewel in Tromsø’s skyline, and it’s one of the coolest churches in the Nordic region. Coming here to see the building up close is a must. 

You have to pay an entrance fee to go inside the cathedral, but even if you don’t do that, it’s worth checking out anyway. Once you’ve finished, I recommend going down to the waterfront for some cool views of Tromsø’s city center. 

You can easily reach the Arctic Cathedral by bus; it’s on the other side of the fjord. However, I walked across the bridge instead to take in the views. It was *very* windy, admittedly, but I have zero regrets. 

5. Photograph Tromsø During the Winter

Tromsø gives Bergen a run for its money if we’re talking about what the most beautiful city in Norway is. I seriously considered moving here briefly just to focus fully on photography. Tromsø is particularly stunning during the winter, with cute architecture, intriguing modern designs, and snow-capped mountains. 

I honestly would recommend coming to Tromsø for winter photography alone if that’s an interest of yours, let alone everything else. The darkness adds an eerie feel, especially if you happen to visit during a big snowstorm. Pretty much everywhere is photogenic, so in addition to the Arctic Cathedral and port, I suggest going wherever takes your fancy. 

6. Visit Tromsø’s Bars and Breweries

Tromsø has more pubs per capita than any city in Norway. That may not seem so impressive when you consider that the population is less than 100,000, but you will still find plenty of cool places to go. Since Tromsø is small, many of the bars and pubs are close together; going on a self-guided pub crawl was another enjoyable experience. 

Ølhallen was my favorite pub, and if you have to pick one place, I recommend coming here. Its cozy vibe was the perfect refuge from the howling storm outside, and the beer glasses also looked pretty cool. It’s the oldest pub in Tromsø, too, so you can feel a bit of history when you’re here.

7. Visit the Polar Museum

As soon as I visited Tromsø, my sense of adventure amplified, especially for exploring the Arctic. You will see why so many people have been fascinated by the planet’s most northerly latitudes when you arrive. The Polar Museum is a great place to learn more about the Arctic. 

You’ll find various exhibitions here that teach you about traditions and some of this region’s most influential people. Tickets cost 120 NOK for adults and 100 NOK for students, military conscripts, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Children under 18 go for free. 

The museum is closed on Thursdays.

Address: Søndre Tollbodgate 11B, 9008 Tromsø

Website: https://en.uit.no/tmu/polarmuseet

Map:

8. Go Whale-Watching

Tromsø is a great place for whale-watching, and winter is one of the best times to spot them. Orcas and humpback whales are abundant in the waters around the city, especially between November and January when they feast on the herring fish that migrate around this time. 

Several whale-watching tours depart from Tromsø, and the scenery is worthwhile, even if you don’t see any whales. 

Here’s When Tromsø in the Winter Isn’t a Good Idea…

While I loved visiting Tromsø in the winter (especially during the Polar Night), it’s not the best idea if you’re looking for specific activities. 

1. Don’t Hike in Tromsø During the Winter

Hiking is a terrible idea at this time, for example. Most trails are very dangerous, and the lack of daylight hours makes them even less convenient. Moreover, avalanches in Troms—the county that Tromsø is located within—are a serious threat. Even if you plan to ski, you should still heed the warnings. As a side note, this page is useful for more information.

If you want to hike, visit in the summer instead. This rule applies to pretty much everywhere else in Norway, too. 

2. Longer Day Trips Are Better Outside the Peak Winter Season

Unless you’re taking a tour, longer day trips and exploring the broader region are more difficult in the peak winter season, especially around the Polar Night. For example, while Kvaløysletta is doable, the rest of the island is better explored when you have longer daylight hours.

Besides not having much light, the road conditions can also be very challenging. If you want to do longer day trips yourself, consider visiting in late April or later. 

Packing for a Winter Trip to Tromsø

One thing I did pretty well was to pack appropriately for my trip to Tromsø when I visited in the winter. Based on those experiences, I will share my top suggestions with you in the subsections below. 

1. A Good Sweater

Taking a good wool sweater is a very good idea for your Tromsø trip.. You can buy these while you’re in town, but they will likely cost more. Nonetheless, they can be a nice souvenir. 

I also took a couple of turtlenecks with me. Besides being good while out in nature, these were nice enough to wear while out in town. 

2. Shoe Spikes May Also be a Good Idea

The sidewalks in Tromsø can be very slippery during the winter, and having shoe spikes will significantly reduce your chances of falling. You might feel like you’re about to go for a game of soccer, but at least you’ll be less likely to slip in front of everyone. 

Shoe spikes can be pretty affordable, and you can decide when you’re in Tromsø if you need them. Buying a pair is low-risk, high-reward. You can buy them before if you think you’ll definitely use them.

3. Woolly Socks

Keeping your feet warm is especially important when visiting at this time of year. I recommend a good pair of wool socks as a baselayer; I used both these and then another pair to further insulate. It worked pretty well. 

You can buy wool socks from any outdoor store. However, it’s probably cheaper to buy them before you arrive in Norway. When purchasing them, take the shoes you plan to wear in Tromsø so you can determine if they’ll fit well enough. 

4. Snow Boots

Don’t come to Tromsø in the winter and think you’re getting away with sneakers. Proper boots are wise, and if you can get snow boots, that would be even better. I took a pair of Timberlands for my trip, which worked fine, to be honest. Now, though, I’d probably just wear my hiking boots as they’re more comfortable and better-insulated. 

5. A Winter Coat

I took a thick winter coat with me, which was also waterproof. I bought it a size up, too, so I could dress in layers beneath it. While I used a Tresspass coat, any good outdoor brand will do here. I also like 66ºNORTH, for example.

6. Warm Baselayers and Outdoor Trousers

Long johns and a warm undershirt are necessities for visiting Tromsø in the winter, and I recommend pairing them with some trousers you’d normally wear while out in nature. If they’re waterproof, even better. 

For meals out, you can bring jeans—but I would not recommend wearing them while you’re on Northern Lights tours and whatnot. 

7. Scarves, Hats, and Gloves

While I did well with my packing overall, my choice of gloves was terrible. They weren’t well-insulated, and it got to the point where keeping my hands in my pockets was warmer. Bring gloves designed to withstand winter in regions like Northern Norway; Hestra has a good selection, for example. Again, I’ll recommend 66ºNORTH as an alternative, as I’m basically a fanboy at this point.

A good woolly hat is key, too; I have a nice 66ºNORTH hat that I bought in Iceland. Bring a warm scarf as well. Personally, I like Fjällräven’s outdoor scarves for these kinds of adventures. 

A Suggested 5-Day Tromsø Winter Itinerary

To help you plan your trip better, I’ve put together a suggested itinerary you can follow. You can take what you like and leave the rest; you can also mix and match the days if that works better for you. 

Day 1: Explore Tromsø

Start your adventure by exploring Tromsø. The city itself is quite small and can easily be explored in a day. Wandering along the waterfront is particularly scenic, and be sure to check out its interesting architecture. For example, the main library looks really cool. 

Some parts of the city center can feel utilitarian, but there are plenty of charming spots, too. For example, you’ll find some nice wooden houses by the harbor. The surrounding views in general are also very pretty. 

Tromsø has plenty of nice restaurants; stop by whichever takes your fancy to finish the day. 

Day 2: Dog-Sledding

Tromsø is a great place for dog-sledding, and let’s be real… who doesn’t love huskies? For the second day of your winter adventure, I suggest joining a dog-sledding tour and sampling a taste of the lovely wilderness surrounding the city. 

Most tours will pick you up from Tromsø, and you’ll also get to learn more about the huskies. After you’ve finished, you can go for a nice walk around town and breathe in some more fresh Arctic air. 

Day 3: Kvaløysletta and Northern Lights Hunting

On your third day, I suggest taking the bus to Kvaløysletta after you’ve finished having breakfast. Spend the bulk of your day taking in the surrounding scenery; you’ll need a car to explore more of the island, but the neighborhood itself has a wonderful fjord and mountain view.

You can then head back into Tromsø to prepare for the evening, when you’ll be hunting for the Northern Lights. Since these tours often last a while, you may want to take an afternoon nap. 

Day 4: More of Tromsø and Sampling Its Nightlife

After a couple of days enjoying Tromsø’s nearby surroundings, you’ll spend more time in the city on your fourth day. Consider visiting the Polar Museum (unless your fourth day is a Thursday; if it is, you can go another time). 

Your fourth day is also a good time to cross the Tromsøbrua bridge and visit the Arctic Cathedral. While you’re here, head down to the waterfront as well. You might also want to take the Fjellheisen cable car, which will give you a complete view of Tromsø and its surrounding mountains. 

Later, it’s time to sample some of Tromsø’s nightlife. Start at Ølhallen and head to the street Storgata. I recommend jumping into any pub that takes your fancy; there’s plenty to choose from. 

Day 5: Reindeer

I saved the best until last on my winter trip to Tromsø, and I recommend that you do the same. On your fifth day, head out to feed reindeer and learn about Sámi culture. It’s the perfect opportunity to see reindeer up close, and you’ll have lots of warm and fuzzy feelings inside once you’ve finished. 

You can then head back into Tromsø for a nice final meal before heading home, or—depending on when your flight is—pick up your bags and go to the airport. 

Photography Tips for Tromsø in Winter

Besides planning an unforgettable adventure, you’ll probably want to take amazing photos as memories from your trip. If you’re traveling with a full-frame, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, I’ve put together the following tips to help you take more stunning pictures.

1. You Need a Tripod for the Northern Lights

If you plan to photograph the Northern Lights, you’ll need a tripod. Photographing them handheld is virtually impossible, and in those cases, I actually recommend using your smartphone instead. For example, I found my iPhone to be pretty good at capturing the Northern Lights in Iceland. 

I suggest taking a good fiber tripod, too. I bought a cheap one for this trip, and it broke within a couple of days. Moreover, it was utterly useless when standing on its own in the wind; I had to hold it in my hand to stabilize my camera instead. 

2. Weather Sealing Is a Good Idea…

I used a DSLR camera in Tromsø and got away without using a weather-sealed device, but I absolutely would not do that again. It rained and snowed virtually the whole week, and on another trip, I could easily have destroyed my equipment (especially if it had been colder). 

While weather-sealed cameras and lenses are expensive, I think they’re worth the investment if you want to take photos in harsh conditions. Since the Tromsø trip, I’ve upgraded to the Nikon Z6 II and am really happy with it. The camera survived a trip to the Faroe Islands with no problems. 

3. … So Is Image Stabilization

The main reason I was able to get nice photos in Tromsø is because my tripod basically ended up being a gimbal. When I tried photographing in strong winds, my camera often folded—especially if I went below 1/400s. 

A camera and lens with built-in image stabilization would undoubtedly have made my job easier. I have tested this logic on multiple trips since then with this feature and in harsher conditions, and I’ve been proven right every time. 

If you can’t afford a camera with image stabilization, put your camera on flat surfaces where possible. Alternatively, stabilize your body by wearing warm clothes so you don’t shiver and bringing the camera close to you. 

4. Be Prepared to Bump Up the ISO

If you’re visiting Tromsø during or around the Polar Night season, you’ll probably need to boost your ISO (unless you use a tripod). This is just the reality of shooting in these conditions; you will have very little natural light. 

Best-case scenario, you have a camera where the ISO doesn’t matter too much. My Fujifilm XS-10 was good with this, and so is my current Nikon camera. If not, you can remove unwanted grain with Lightroom. 

Everything You Need for a Winter Trip to Tromsø

Tromsø is magical regardless of when you visit, but there’s something truly special about visiting the Arctic in the winter. My trip here was unforgettable, and I think it’ll be the same for you. From feeding reindeer to taking in some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, winter is a fantastic time to visit. 

Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have all the information you need to book a memorable Tromsø winter adventure. 

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