Unforgettable 4 Day Winter Itinerary for Tromsø, Norway

Get ready to dive into a winter wonderland with this adventure-filled 4 day winter itinerary for Tromsø, Norway! You’ll chase the Northern Lights, watch majestic whales, race through snowy landscapes on a dogsled, explore breathtaking fjords, and savor delicious Arctic cuisine (so much fresh fish!). While four days might seem like a lot of time to spend in a tiny little town, there is so much to do and see in and around Tromsø, you won’t regret it. Ready to make some magical winter memories during your 4 days in Tromsø? Let’s plan that trip!

A note about tours: I highly recommended booking well in advance because the tours, particularly the small group tours, will sell out. When booked through sites like Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com, the vast majority of tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand if your plans change. Personally, I also like to book small group tours when available because you get a much more personalized experience.

A note about restaurant reservations: While you likely won’t have any problem with lunch, dinner can be busy during the winter season at Tromsø’s best restaurants. I’d recommend reserving in advance when you can.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links to Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com, which means I get a tiny commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. These are two tour booking sites that I use extensively in my own travel and recommend highly. Thank you for helping me support my travel addiction!

Day 1: Heights and Northern Lights

Morning:

Kick off your 4 days in Tromsø at Kaffebønna Stortorget to grab some of Tromsø’s best coffee paired with hearty breakfast options that’ll fuel your day. After caffeinating, take a walk through the city center to start your day, with its colorful Nordic buildings and unique shops with local Arctic crafts.

Mid-Morning:

From the city center, head over to the stunning Arctic Cathedral. Bus 20, 24, or 28 from Stortorget will get you to the Cathedral in about 20 minutes, or you can walk across the bridge, which will also take about 20 minutes. Afterwards, walk back across the Tromsø Bridge for incredible views of the fjords and mountains.

Afternoon:

The views just keep getting better today. Catch Bus 26 from the city center to the Fjellheisen Cable Car and ride up to the peak for some of the most stunning panoramic views of Tromsø. Grab a bite with a view at Fjellstua Café right at the top, or if you’re heading back into town, NYT is perfect for a hearty lunch.

Evening:

This evening it’s time to chase the Northern Lights! Most aurora tours start around 6:00 PM and pick up from a city center location (often the Scandic Ishavshotel), and they will drop you directly back at your hotel or AirBnB at the end of the night. I highly recommend doing a small group tour rather than a big bus tour. Both Greenlander and Wandering Owl are excellent options—the guides are incredibly knowledgeable about how to find the lights, they know the best spots to drive to, and will take professional photos you can download afterwards.

Some tours will provide tripods if you’re traveling with your own camera equipment and will also provide thermal suits if you need an extra layer of warmth.  These small group tours also include a warm snack and warm drinks (we had delicious vegan soup and hot tea and coffee around a campfire on my tours). Tours can last between 4 and 7 hours depending on how far from Tromsø they’ll need to drive to find the Lights and what time they appear. Unfortunately, sightings are  never guaranteed, but doing an aurora chase tour with knowledgeable guides is a really good way to increase your odds! Book a tour with Greenlander here, and book a tour with Wandering Owl here.

Day 2: Whales and Fjords

Note: whale season in Tromsø is between early November and late January. If you’re visiting outside of those times, it’s definitely still worth taking a boat tour of the fjords surrounding Tromsø.

Morning and Afternoon:

Start your second day in Tromsø with a whale-watching adventure! In addition to cruising through gorgeous frosty fjords in spectactular winter Arctic light, you’ll have a chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and possibly fin whales, minke whales, and sperm whales!

Recommended Whale Watching Tours:

These tours usually take most of the day because the boats travel to the whales’ feeding grounds which is near the small fishing village of Skjervøy, about a 2-3 hour boat ride from Tromsø. While that may seem like a long ride each way, the views from the water of the surrounding mountains are stunning and the ride goes by quickly.

1. Brim Explorer Silent Whale Watching Tour
   This tour offers a unique experience aboard a comfortable, large hybrid-electric catamaran, which creates less underwater noise and is better for the whales. The boat has plenty of indoor warm seating and outdoor viewing decks, with food and drink available for purchase. This was the tour I did and I highly recommend it. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about whales and give a few presentations about whales (in English) during the ride to Skjervøy which were very interesting and helped pass the time.  The boat leaves from the city center in front of the Clarion Edge hotel. Book this tour here.
2. Whale and Wildlife Arctic Safari
   This highly rated tour takes you on a comfortable catamaran, with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and plenty of warm indoor seating and food available for purchase. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the marine life and ecosystem of the Arctic. Book this tour here.
3. Whale Watching RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) Tour
   While this tour is a long day, including quite a bit of time on a bus to get to and from the whale feeding grounds near Skjervøy, the small RIB means you can really get up close and personal with any whales in a way that the larger catamarans cannot. While I did not do the RIB boat tour in Tromsø, I did do one in Iceland, and take it from me, RIB boats are fast and fun! The tour will provide thermal flotation suits to keep you warm on the boat. Book this tour here.

Lunch on the Boat

The catamaran tours sell food on board (and yes, they take credit cards), so you can enjoy a meal while experiencing stunning fjord views. Expect sandwiches, hot drinks, and pastries—perfect for a day on the water. The RIB tour includes a sandwiches, snacks, and hot drinks.

Alternative: Exploring the Fjords

If you’re visiting Tromsø outside of whale watching season, a guided fjord boat tour is still absolutely worth it to see the stunning landscapes from the water and learn about the local ecosystem. Many of the whale watching tour companies use the same boats to run these tours outside of whale watching season, so they’ll generally have lots of warm indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks, and food and drink available for purchase on board.

Recommended Fjord Boat Tours:

1. Fjord Excursion with Brim Explorer
   This eco-friendly boat tour takes you through Tromsø’s stunning fjords, with spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities. The silent electric catamaran (the same they use for whale watching) is a peaceful and sustainable way to experience the fjords and has plenty of comfortable warm indoor seating and outdoor viewing areas. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. Book this tour here.
2. Polar Adventures’ Fjord Cruise
   This tour offers a comfortable and scenic cruise through Tromsø’s beautiful fjords on a comfortable boat with indoor and outdoor seating and lunch included. Book this tour here.

Evening:

After a day at sea, wind down with a delicious dinner at Fiskekompaniet, one of Tromsø’s best seafood restaurants. Whether you go for 4 course or 6 course tasting menu, you can’t go wrong.

Alternative Dinner: If you’re in the mood for a more casual yet equally delicious dining experience, head over to Bardus Bistro. This cozy spot is known for its eclectic menu and warm, inviting atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients. Their craft cocktails are also excellent.

After Dinner:

Blårock Café
If you still have energy after a long day on a boat, catch a show at Blårock Café, a lively bar with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, perfect if you’re in the mood to enjoy some good music and a wide selection of beers.

Day 3: Sami Culture

Morning :

Start your day with a quick breakfast at Smørtorget -a cozy spot known for its homemade pastries.

Head Out for a Sami Cultural Experience

Next, dive into Northern Norway’s indigenous culture with a trip to a Sami camp. The tours below offer transportation from the city center and a stunning ride through the snowy landscapes, and a day packed with unique experiences including:

• Reindeer Sledding: Feel the thrill of gliding through the snow on a sled pulled by reindeer, an ancient mode of transportation still very much a part of Sami life.
• Hands-on Activities: Post-sled, roll up your sleeves for some hands-on fun like lassoing reindeer and traditional crafting. It’s all accompanied by local stories and joiks (traditional Sami songs), giving you real insight into the Sami way of life.
• Traditional Sami Meal: Cozy up in a lavvu, a traditional Sami tent, for a traditional meal by crackling fire, with dishes featuring reindeer meat, fresh fish, and berries.

Recommended Tours:

1. Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Tour: This full-package experience includes everything from sledding and feeding reindeer to enjoying a traditional meal and Sami storytelling. It’s an all-rounder that runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily. Book a tour here.
2. Tromsø Lapland Tour: Similar vibes, similar experiences. Dive into Sami culture with this immersive tour, complete with all the cultural trimmings. Book a tour here.

Fancy Dinner:

If you’re up for splurging, I highly recommend dinner at Smak (booking in advance necessary). The absolute best dining experience I had in Tromsø was at Smak Restaurant, which is a small intimate restaurant with an open kitchen offering a multi course tasting menu that highlights local ingredients. The curated wine pairings were excellent and complemented each dish perfectly. The restaurant is run by husband and wife team Espen and Linda. Espen is the head chef and Linda runs the front of house and is incredibly warm and welcoming.

If you’re in the mood for a more casual yet still excellent dining experience, head over to Art Café Bistro. This cozy spot is known for its eclectic menu and warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal and some local art on the side.

Nightcap

If you’re still up for a bit of nightlife, cap off the evening at Hildr Gastro Bar. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy a craft cocktail or a local beer.

Day 4: Farewell Fjords

The last of your 4 days in Tromsø all about capturing those last Insta-worthy shots in the gorgeous Arctic winter light (trust me, you’ll have plenty of stunning pics at this point), hunting for souvenirs, and maybe even one more glimpse of those elusive Northern Lights. Even if you’re visiting during Polar Night, there is still enough light during the “day” to see, whether you opt for dogsledding or a photography tour.

Morning: Fjord Nature Photography Tour OR Dogsledding adventure

First, Coffee. Before diving into your final adventure, fuel up at Koseverden & Koselig Cafe for some cozy vibes and tasty breakfast options, or head to Kaffebøna for excellent coffee and pastries.

Note: I highly recommend dogsledding if you’ve never done it before. It’s incredibly fun and a unique way to experience the Arctic Circle. BUT, if dogsledding isn’t your thing, or you’ve been there and done that, then definitely opt for a nature photography fjord tour.

Hit the Snow in a Dogsled

Join a dog sledding tour and experience one of the coolest (literally) ways to travel. Led by a pack of huskies, you’ll fly through stunning landscapes, feeling the rush of Arctic air. If you’re concerned about whether dogsledding is ethical (I know I was the first time I did it), rest assured that Norway has strict animal cruelty laws and the dogs are well cared for. Also, you’ll see when you get there, these dogs are high energy and they love love love to run – they absolutely live for it – pulling a sled is not a hardship for them.

Recommended Husky Tours:

1. Arctic Adventure Tours’ Husky Safari
   This tour is known for its well-trained huskies and knowledgeable guides who will teach you how to drive your own dogsled! Enjoy a thrilling ride followed by time to cuddle with the pups and hot cake and warm drinks in a Lavvu. Thermal suits are also provided if you need an extra layer – particularly helpful for blocking the wind! Book this tour here.
2. Norwegian Travel Dog Sledding Adventure
   This highly rated tour offers an authentic experience with professional mushers guiding you through scenic trails – though you’ll be driving your own sled! It includes hot lunch in a Lavvu and they will also provide thermal suits if you need one. Book this tour here.

Fjord Nature Photography Tour

These tours will take you to some of the most picturesque places around Tromsø.

Recommended Photography Tours:

1. Wandering Owl’s Arctic Landscape & Fjord Tour
   This small group tour (8 people max) is perfect for photography enthusiasts. I did this tour on my last day in Tromsø and enjoyed it more than I expected to, mostly because the light in late January was stunning for photography (sunrise, magic hour, sunset, and blue hour all within a few hours of each other). Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the Arctic landscape, and took us to some epic locations to get the best shots. You’ll explore scenic fjords, learn about local history, probably see some reindeer, and enjoy a packed sandwich lunch in the middle of stunning scenery. The guides also take professional photographs that you’ll be able to download afterwards. Book this tour here.
2. Norwegian Fjord Tour
   Another excellent small group option, this tour takes you to some of the most picturesque spots around Tromsø, and includes lunch. A fantastic way to spend your morning. Book this tour here.

Afternoon: Last Minute Souvenir Shopping

Spend the afternoon shopping in downtown Tromsø’s charming shops and boutiques. Hunt for handmade crafts or Arctic-inspired art to bring a piece of your trip home with you.

Evening: Choose Your Adventure

1. Another Aurora Chase:
   Can’t get enough of the Northern Lights? (I, for one, have a hard time imaging getting tired of seeing them – they are truly amazing.) Book another aurora chase! Greenlander and Wandering Owl are my recommendations.
2. Northern Lights from a Hot Tub on a Boat: Another fun Northern Lights viewing option for your final night is a northern lights boat cruise where there’s a hot tub on board and dinner is provided. There’s somewhat less of a chance of seeing the lights from a boat cruise because they don’t have the ability to  travel as far away from Tromsø as the aurora chase tours do, but the lights are often visible from town and this is a really fun and unique experience. Book this tour here.
3. A Cozy Farewell Dinner:
   Not in the mood to spend 5 hours out in the cold again? Or just want to relax on your last night in town? Here are a few dinner options:

Splurge option : Finish your trip with a delicious last dinner at Emma’s Drømmekjøkken, with tasting menu options focused on local ingredients that change weekly.

Other options: Hildr Gastro Bar You may have already visited Hildr Gastro Bar earlier in the week for a cocktail, but it’s worth a visit for the food too. It’s a Norwegian influenced menu with a modern twist in a cozy restaurant. Or try Full Steam Tromsø, an excellent option for local seafood (try the fish stew!), perfect for your farewell dinner.

Nightcap:

Toast to a fabulous 4 days in Tromsø at Aunegården, a bar specializing in Nordic spirits (think aquavits, arctic gins and whiskeys) and craft beers.

And there you have it – an unforgettable 4 day winter itinerary for Tromsø, Norway.

For more info to help plan your 4 day trip to Tromsø, including packing tips, be sure to check out my Tromsø Winter Travel Guide and Tromsø Winter Activity Guide!