Complete guide of Unique things to do in Tromso, Norway (2026)

There are so many adventurous things to do in Tromso that it may feel overwhelming which ones to book and which ones to skip. Here is all the info you need to choose the best Tromso activities.

My visit to Norway changed all perceptions I had of winter. Norway does proper winter, as the Brits would say! Snow-capped mountains, completely iced roads and frozen lakes. The complete package.

If you’re thinking that would imply sitting in a log cabin by a fireside with some hot chocolate and waiting for the Northern Lights to show up, you’re so wrong, as there are different exciting things to do in Tromso.

While many opt to visit Norway because of the Auroras, they are elusive. Many have visited for about a week and have had no luck with the lights!

You shouldn’t let that dampen your spirits, though, as Northern Norway has many once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and if you’re looking to chase just the lights, Tromso is one of the best cities to do so with popular tours like Northern Lights Safari.

However, keep in mind that Tromso is more than just a weekend trip from Oslo! It takes at least an hour by flight to get here.

It is expensive but unique. (But you knew it would be expensive!) There’s quite a spread and it can get tricky when deciding what to invest in, as each is equally tempting.

So, rather than alienating yourself from civilisation and hunting only for the lights, it can be quite an adventure if you opt for some of these things to do in Tromso.

Best things to do in Tromso for adrenaline junkies

Things to do in Tromso – Snowmobiling

This is addictive! And it isn’t too difficult.

While I did not do much of the driving as I found it tough to turn, a quick 10-minute session, a trial ride, and we were good to go. We drove across freshly snowed forests, continued through panoramic landscapes and ended on the top of a mountain looking down on the Fjords.

The air was crisp, and I spent quite a chunk of my time making snow angels and staring into the sea, trying to catch a glimpse of the whales.

It can get quite chilly while you’re driving, and if you’re too close to the person driving in front, you could even be showered with snow.

Ensure to wear helmets that will be provided. Balaclavas and fur hats are provided too, but do carry your own to be safer (as they’re not heavy to take around)

You can also chase the Northern Lights on snowmobiles. Many do provide evening trips.

We ended our ride around a campfire, roasted some sausages and bread and had coffee made with snow – Norwegian style!

Tentative price: approximately £125 per person, with a discount for children. Some may ask you to share while others may give you a snowmobile of your own.

Season: December to March

Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours. It will take longer if you live in the city and have to head off to the outskirts.

We started off with Katharina (who owns about 12 dogs) instructing us on how to prepare the sled and tie the ropes securely. The dogs were super cute, cuddly and raring to go. We were cautioned that they would immediately start running after her, as that is what they were taught to do.

We were always to keep one foot on the brakes.

I chose to sit on the sled which was cosy. You could also opt to stand and manoeuvre the sled.

It may seem easy but manoeuvring a sled is not an easy task. The dogs are powerful and you will get quite a workout! If there’s been fresh snow, you may even have to push the sled uphill.

We rode by the Reisa river, which had been frozen and was now melting away. For a while, all we could hear were the dogs panting and the river flowing by the side. After a while, we reached our picnic spot and had a hearty lunch of roasted ham, cheese and bread around a bonfire.

The dogs were happy to get tidbits, too. Once we were back, we fed the dogs (who made quite a mess) and then played with them for ages.

Definitely a must-do for all dog lovers.

Tentative price: ~£125 per person on a sharing basis.

Season: Mid-October to March

Duration: Apprx. 4-5 hours. Will take longer if you have to head off to the outskirts.

Things to do in Tromso – Cross-country skiing

The Norwegians are very fond of cross-country skiing. In fact, a big group of backpacking skiers visited the lodge we were staying at, as the island has a unique ski slope that ends a couple of feet away from the ocean!

Not an activity you would opt for if you haven’t done it before, but it isn’t something that is restricted only for professionals. You might even end up having fun!

Tentative price: ~£75 per person, designed for beginners

Season: November to April

Duration: Apprx. 3 hours. Ski gear is provided. You can opt to rent ski clothing.

Things to do in Tromso – Reindeer sledding

The Sami are the only people in Scandinavia who are allowed to own herds of reindeer, so the guides are always Sami. It’s a more relaxing experience than dog sledding as the reindeer are in no rush and usually softly plod through the snow.

The guides lead the reindeer and share fascinating tales from their culture.

It’s the perfect activity even if you’ve got kids along.

A surreal experience gliding on a sledge through a forest (or the Lyngen Alps in this case), driven by your own Rudolph!

Tentative price: ~£150 per person, for a minimum of 2 people. Children get a discount

Season: November to March

Duration: Apprx. 5 hours. Transport not included.

Things to do in Tromso – Whale Watching

While there’s whale watching in summer too, the Orca and the Humpback visit in winter in search of Herring and other small crustaceans.

As they come in search of food, they are very active, and there’s always a chance to spot them even till mid-February, as Tromso can offer some of the highest probabilities of whale sightings.

The guides usually take you in a Catamaran, so you needn’t be scared of getting toppled over by a whale

You will not spot Keiko (aka Free Willy), but you might spot one that looks just the same, as you won’t be able to tell the difference!

Tentative price: ~£175 per person

Season: November to January

Duration: Apprx. 2 hours. Transport not included.

Things to do in Tromso – Fjord Fishing

Fishing in the fjords may not be any different, but the chilly air and the possibility of catching salmon are exciting.

We were taken around the Fjord and cast our rods. The water wasn’t calm, and in such situations, the fish swim to the bottom, in search of calmer waters. It took us quite a while to catch our first fish, but it was big!

Although we did not catch any Salmon, we did spot some Salmon jumping frantically in a couple of Salmon farms.

Tentative price: Depends on the hours you opt for

Season: Onwards from March

Duration: Can be customised

Things to do in Tromso – Snowshoe walking

A great activity for anyone who loves hiking and the outdoors. The shoes are adjustable and are worn over your own shoes. They’re pretty light and can be easily trekked with.

Snowshoeing is delightful as it gives you ample time to enjoy the snowy landscapes around, as well as stop wherever you wish to take pictures if required.

We trekked to the top of a tiny mountain and had hot chocolate with some nuts and gazed at the Fjords below, before heading down again.

It was very refreshing. If you’re going uphill, you might want to skip the snow-suit, as by the time we stopped at our pit-stop, I was sweating profusely!

Tentative price: ~£50 per person

Season: November to April

Duration: Apprx. 2 hours to 5 hours depending on the difficulty level.

Things to do in Tromso – A Northern Lights chase

Everyone pays a visit to chase the fleeting lights. And they can be very unpredictable.

I chose a place where I did not need to chase them and only had to step out of my lodge for a sighting. Very convenient and in fact it was even cheaper.

This is because every chase costs about a £100 pounds and sightings can’t be guaranteed. I saw the lights 2 times out of the 7 nights I was in Norway. More about that here.

But I’ve heard the guides are very proactive if you head off on a chase. They drive to the outskirts where city lights are almost nil and it’s dark. If it’s cloudy in a certain region, they will drive you somewhere else.

They keep checking the activity using Aurora Activity and somehow know of the best places where sightings can be guaranteed.

Meals are also provided by a campfire.

The countryside is dreamy at night and your chances will not be affected even if it’s a full moon night.

You can opt to chase the lights on a Snowmobile, skis, Snowshoes or even on Reindeer sleighs.

When we chanced upon the lights, it was an out-of-this-world experience. At first, there were just green wisps in the sky, and then the lights twirled right from one end of the horizon to the other, passing over the lake.

One moment I was screaming in joy and at the other I was speechless. If you’re lucky, the Lady might pay you a visit!

Tentative price: ~£100 per person

Season: September to April

Duration: Apprx. 7 hours including snacks/dinner.

Norway (and all the other Scandinavian countries) have plenty on offer if chasing the lights and enjoying the landscapes isn’t the only thing on your mind. Enjoy the snow, maybe make your own snowman!

Head off for walks, although it may be difficult when the snow melts rapidly at the end of March.

Irrespective of what activity you opt for, the guides are very cooperative and take good care of their guests. Winter wear is always provided by many, so you don’t need to spend a fortune on winter wear if you’re heading from a tropical country.

Norway is a destination you can keep returning to if you fail to see the lights the first time. Be it spring, summer or autumn in Norway, it’ll keep surprising you.

It truly can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, so think, plan and don’t hold back!