Comparison · Helsinki vs Tromsø · Finland / Norway
Helsinki vs Tromsø
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Michal Pise, Michal.Pise, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Helsinki for Suomenlinna, Saunas and lower day-to-day costs; choose Tromsø for Northern lights and Midnight sun. Helsinki is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,090 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,090 km
- Less expensive
- Helsinki
- Best time for Helsinki
- May–September
- Best time for Tromsø
- January–March and June–July
Side by side
| Helsinki | Tromsø | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Finland | Norway |
| Known for | Suomenlinna, Saunas and Nordic design | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Polar night |
| Best time to visit | May–September | January–March and June–July |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$300 | $280–$450 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 15°C (59°F) |
| Coldest month | February, -2°C (28°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Beaches | Hietaniemi beach | Telegrafbukta |
| Airports | HEL | TOS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Helsinki for…
Suomenlinna, Saunas and lower day-to-day costs. Helsinki spreads across a peninsula and some 300 islands on the Gulf of Finland. The compact centre combines Carl Ludvig Engel's neoclassical Senate Square, Art Nouveau apartment blocks in Katajanokka and Eira, and new landmarks such as the Oodi library and…
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Choose Tromsø for…
Northern lights and Midnight sun. Tromsø sits on the island of Tromsøya about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, ringed by snowy mountains and fjords, and is the largest city in northern Norway. From about September to early April it is one of the most popular bases in the world for chasing…
Top sights compared
| # | Helsinki | Tromsø |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suomenlinna sea fortress | Northern lights tours |
| 2 | Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square | Arctic Cathedral |
| 3 | Uspenski Cathedral | Fjellheisen cable car |
| 4 | Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) | Sherpa steps |
| 5 | Market Square and Old Market Hall | Polaria |
Food compared
| Helsinki | Tromsø |
|---|---|
| Salmon soup | Arctic char |
| Karelian pie | Skrei and mølje |
| Cinnamon bun | King crab |
| Rye bread | Sautéed reindeer |
Which is cheaper?
Helsinki is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$300 per person there, against $280–$450 in Tromsø (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Helsinki on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,090 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Helsinki or Tromsø cheaper?
Helsinki is usually less expensive: about $180–$300 a day mid-range against $280–$450 (estimates).
+Is Helsinki or Tromsø better for a first trip?
Pick Helsinki for Suomenlinna, Saunas and lower day-to-day costs, or Tromsø for Northern lights and Midnight sun.
+How far is Helsinki from Tromsø?
About 1,090 km in a straight line.