Comparison · Oslo vs Tromsø · Norway
Oslo 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: Orjanarvola, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Oslo for Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and free sights; choose Tromsø for Northern lights and Midnight sun. Oslo is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,148 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,148 km
- Less expensive
- Oslo
- Best time for Oslo
- May–September
- Best time for Tromsø
- January–March and June–July
Side by side
| Oslo | Tromsø | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Norway | Norway |
| Known for | Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and Vigeland sculptures | 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 | $250–$400 | $280–$450 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 15°C (59°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Beaches | Huk | Telegrafbukta |
| Airports | OSL, TRF | TOS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Oslo for…
Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and free sights. Oslo sits at the head of the Oslofjord, with a compact centre running from the Central Station along Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace. The waterfront has been rebuilt over the past two decades: the marble Opera House, the MUNCH museum and the Deichman…
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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
| # | Oslo | Tromsø |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo Opera House | Northern lights tours |
| 2 | MUNCH | Arctic Cathedral |
| 3 | National Museum | Fjellheisen cable car |
| 4 | Vigeland Park | Sherpa steps |
| 5 | Akershus Fortress | Polaria |
Food compared
| Oslo | Tromsø |
|---|---|
| Brown cheese | Arctic char |
| Norwegian waffles | Skrei and mølje |
| Fish soup | King crab |
| Shrimp sandwich | Sautéed reindeer |
Which is cheaper?
Oslo is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 per person there, against $280–$450 in Tromsø (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Oslo on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,148 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Oslo or Tromsø cheaper?
Oslo is usually less expensive: about $250–$400 a day mid-range against $280–$450 (estimates).
+Is Oslo or Tromsø better for a first trip?
Pick Oslo for Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and free sights, or Tromsø for Northern lights and Midnight sun.
+How far is Oslo from Tromsø?
About 1,148 km in a straight line.