5 days in Tromsø

Day by day

1. Day 1: Arctic Cathedral and Fjellheisen cable car

   Arctic Cathedral, Fjellheisen cable car and Sherpa steps, then Northern lights tours in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Arctic Cathedral

      Walk over the Tromsø Bridge in about 20–25 minutes for the classic view of the cathedral with the mountains behind, then continue to Fjellheisen. (45 minutes, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Fjellheisen cable car

      Go up before sunset in winter, or late in the evening between late May and late July, for the most dramatic light. (1–2 hours, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Arctic char

      Restaurants serving Arctic cuisine along the harbour and Storgata.

   4. Afternoon

      Sherpa steps

      Climb up and take the cable car down to spare your knees, and do not attempt it when the steps are icy. (1–1.5 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Northern lights tours

      Book on your first night, so a cloudy night leaves room to try again, and choose an operator that offers a retry if you see nothing.

2. Day 2: Dog sledding and Polaria

   Dog sledding, Polaria and Polar Museum, then Midnight sun in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Dog sledding

      Wear the thermal suits and boots the operator provides; you sit still for long periods and the wind chill on the sled is intense. (4–6 hours including transfers, expensive).

   2. Late morning

      Polaria

      Time your visit for a seal feeding session, which children love. (1.5–2 hours, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Skrei and mølje

      Seafood restaurants in the centre during the winter skrei season.

   4. Afternoon

      Polar Museum

      Combine it with a walk along the old harbour and the wooden houses around Skansen. (1–1.5 hours, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Midnight sun

      Take the cable car or climb the Sherpa steps around midnight for the sun circling low over the islands.

3. Day 3: Tromsø Cathedral and Reindeer and Sami culture visits

   Tromsø Cathedral, Reindeer and Sami culture visits and Whale-watching trips, then Ølhallen in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Tromsø Cathedral

      Look in during the day, then return at night when the church is lit against the snow. (20–30 minutes, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Reindeer and Sami culture visits

      Choose a camp run by Sami herders, where you hear about reindeer husbandry directly from the families involved. (3–5 hours, expensive).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: King crab

      Seafood restaurants in Tromsø, and on king-crab fishing safaris further north.

   4. Afternoon

      Whale-watching trips

      Choose an operator that explains where the whales are this season, and dress for hours on a cold deck. (6–9 hours, expensive).

   5. Evening

      Ølhallen

      Ask for a tasting paddle to try several local beers without paying Norwegian prices for full pints.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Sommarøy

   About 1 hour by car each way. Getting there: Car or guided tour; infrequent buses.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Sommarøy

      About 1 hour by car (Car or guided tour; infrequent buses); about 60 km.

   2. Day

      Sommarøy

      A fishing village on a cluster of low islands with white sand beaches and turquoise water, reached by a scenic drive across Kvaløya past Kattfjord and Ersfjord. Best for couples, beach and quiet stays.

   3. Evening

      Back in Tromsø

      Dinner: try Sautéed reindeer.

5. Day 5: Prestvannet and Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

   Prestvannet, Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden and Telegrafbukta, then Storgata in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Prestvannet

      Walk the loop on a summer evening, or bring snowshoes or skis in winter. (1 hour, free).

   2. Late morning

      Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

      Visit in July for the best flowering, and combine it with the university area at Breivika. (1 hour, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sautéed reindeer

      Traditional Norwegian restaurants in the centre.

   4. Afternoon

      Telegrafbukta

      Bring a flask of something hot and look south-west for the aurora on a clear night away from street lights. (1 hour, free).

   5. Evening

      Storgata

      The main street and its side streets have most of the city's bars, pubs and late-night venues, all within a few minutes' walk.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Northern lights tours, Dog sledding and Whale-watching trips before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Sentrum keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Tromsdalen ($$) suits budget, quiet stays and families. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 31–44 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 0 hours in January to 24 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Tromsø
• 2 days in Tromsø
• 3 days in Tromsø

Questions travellers ask