Epic 5 Day Winter Itinerary for Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, deep in the Arctic Circle, is a mecca for winter arctic adventures. This 5 day winter itinerary for Tromsø for winter packs in all the essentials—chasing the Northern Lights, feeding reindeer, and boat rides through epic fjords, to name a few. But Tromsø is more than just a convenient home base for arctic activities; it’s a vibrant city set against some of the most spectacular winter backdrops you can imagine. So, get your warmest winter coat ready and let’s plan an epic winter adventure for your 5 days in Tromsø.
A note about tours: I highly recommended booking well in advance because the tours, particularly the small group tours, will sell out. The vast majority of tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand if your plans change. I also like to book small group tours where available because you get a much more personalized experience.
A note about restaurants: While you likely won’t have any problem with lunch, dinner can be very busy during the winter season at Tromsø’s best restaurants. I’d recommend reserving in advance when you can.
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Table of Contents
Day 1: Sights, Heights, and Northern Lights
Morning: Breakfast and City Stroll
Kick off your 5 days in Tromsø at Kaffebønna Stortorget to grab some of the town’s best coffee paired with hearty breakfast options that’ll fuel your day. After fueling up, start your day with a walk through Tromsø’s city center, with its colorful Nordic buildings and unique shops with local Arctic crafts.
Next, head over to the Arctic Cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture you can’t miss. If you’re up for a walk, the cathedral is about 20 minutes from the city center across the bridge. If you want to rest your feet, hop on Bus 20, 24, or 28 from Stortorget; you’ll be at the cathedral in about 20 minutes. Afterwards, walk back across the Tromsø Bridge for killer views of the fjords and mountains—your camera’s going to get a workout on this trip.
Afternoon: High Above the Arctic
Ready for a scenic climb? Catch Bus 26 to the Fjellheisen Cable Car and zip up to the mountain’s peak for some of the most stunning panoramic views of Tromsø and beyond. Hungry? 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 cozy, hearty meal.
Evening: Chasing Auroras
As evening falls (or long after dark depending on when you’re in Tromsø), it’s time to chase those elusive Northern Lights. Most aurora chase tours kick off around 6:00 PM and pick up from a central downtown location, and they will drop you directly back at your hotel at the end of the night.
I’d recommend doing a small group tour and both Greenlander and Wandering Owl are excellent options—the guides are incredibly knowledgeable about how to find the lights, know the best spots to drive to, and will even snap 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 tours also include something warm to sip and nibble on (we had delicious vegan soup and hot tea and coffee around a campfire on my tours), but if you’re someone who gets the munchies, you might want to pack a snack. Tours can last up to 7 hours depending on how far from Tromsø you’ll need to drive to find the Lights and what time they appear. While sightings are of course never guaranteed, doing an aurora chase tour is definitely the best way to increase your odds! Book a tour with Greenlander here, and book a tour with Wandering Owl here.
Day 2: A Day with the Sami
Morning Buzz and a Quick Bite
Start your day right with a bite at Smørtorget -a cozy spot known for its homemade pastries and a warm vibe.
Morning and Afternoon: Sami Cultural Experience
Next, dive deep into the heart of Northern Norway’s indigenous culture with a trip to a Sami camp. The tours below offer transport service from the city center and a stunning ride through the snowy landscapes. Get ready for a day packed with unique experiences:
- 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. This unique experience connects you with the land and the animals integral to Sami culture.
- 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. Think local, think hearty – with dishes featuring reindeer meat, fresh fish, and berries.
Recommended Tours:
- Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Tour: This full-package experience includes everything from sledding and feeding reindeer to enjoying a traditional meal and Sami storytelling. Book a tour here.
- 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.
Dinner options:
Splurge option: If you’re up for a fancy and delicious tasting menu, head to Emma’s Drømmekjøkken with tasting menu options focused on local ingredients that change weekly.
Other dinner options: Skarven Biffhus: Up for a sophisticated meal in a rustic setting? This place is known for its steaks and seafood. Huken PUB: If you’re after a more laid-back dinner, head here for some hearty pub grub and a good beer.
Nightcap
After a day steeped in Sami culture, kick back at Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub. It’s the perfect spot to sip some local brews in a laid-back vibe.
Day 3: Sleds and Seals
What’s on the docket today? A mix of adrenaline-pumping dog sledding, some museum time, and a fancy dinner.
Morning: Wild Rides
First things first, caffeine! Swing by Risø Mat & Kaffebar a cozy café with delicious pastries (seriously, try the cinnamon buns) and strong coffee to kickstart your day.
Hit the Snow in a Dogsled
Ready to dash through the snow? Join a dog sledding tour and experience one of the coolest (literally) ways to travel. Led by a pack of huskies, you’ll whiz 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:
- 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. - 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.
Lunch
Feeling peckish? Head over to Mathallen for local delicacies served up with a modern twist, or drop by Skarven Kro, a favorite spot for some of the freshest seafood around.
Afternoon at the Aquarium
Next up, warm up and wander through the Polaria Arctic Aquarium. This place is a must for anyone curious about Arctic marine life. You’ll see the resident bearded seals showing off their underwater acrobatics and fish that thrive in chilly waters. There are also interactive exhibits to learn about the Arctic ecosystem. And don’t miss the panoramic cinema where you can catch stunning films about the Arctic.
Getting There: Polaria is a 15-minute walk from the city center, or you can take Bus 34.
Dinner Options:
If you’re up for splurging, I highly recommend dinner at Smak Restaurant (pics from my dinner there above). Smak was the absolute best dining experience I had during a week in Tromsø. It’s 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 so 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, warm, inviting atmosphere, and great food. 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 brew.
Day 4: Fjords and Whales
NOTE: Whale season in Tromsø is between early November and late January. If you’re visiting outside of those times whale watching tours won’t be running but it’s still absolutely worth taking a boat tour of the fjords surrounding Tromsø.
Morning and Afternoon: Whale Watching Boat Excursion
Kick off the day with an epic whale-watching adventure! These boat tours offer a chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close against the backdrop of stunning fjords.
Recommended Whale Watching Tours:
The tours usually last several hours because the boats travel to the rich feeding grounds where the whales congregate near Skjervøy, about a 2-3 hour boat ride from Tromsø. This extended travel time is necessary to reach these areas where whale activity is most abundant and predictable. 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.
- 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. - 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. - 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.
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. You’re also welcome to bring your own food. 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 a wonderful way to see stunning landscapes from the water, learn about the local ecosystem, and enjoy the serene beauty of Tromsø’s fjords. 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 and food and drink available for purchase on board.
Recommended Fjord Boat Tours:
- 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. - 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.
Dinner Options
After a thrilling day at sea, wind down with a delicious dinner at Arctandria Sjømat, one of Tromsø’s top seafood restaurants. Every bite here is a taste of the Arctic. (Arctandria Sjømat Restaurant is part of VertsHuset Skarven, which also houses BiffHuset (Steakhouse) and Skarven Pub og Kro.)
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:
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 looking to enjoy some good music and a wide selection of beers.
Day 5: Farewell Fjords
The last of your 5 days in Tromsø is all about capturing a few more Insta-worthy shots (you’ll have many at this point already, I promise), hunting for souvenirs, and maybe even one more glimpse of those elusive Northern Lights.
Morning: Fjord Nature Photography Tour
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.
Fjord Nature Photography Tour
Kick off your last full day in Tromsø with a fjord nature photography tour. These tours will take you to some of the most picturesque places around Tromsø.
Recommended Photography Tours:
- 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 absolutely 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. - 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: 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 Own Adventure
- Another Aurora Chase:
Can’t get enough of the Northern Lights? (Honestly, I have a hard time imaging getting tired of seeing them – truly amazing.) Book another aurora chase! Greenlander and Wandering Owl are my recommendations based on experience. - Northern Lights from a Hot Tub: 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 usually 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, but the lights are often visible from town and this is a really fun unique experience. Book this tour here.
- 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 dinner at Fiskekompaniet, one of Tromsø’s top seafood restaurants. Whether you go for 4 course or 6 course tasting menu, every bite here is a taste of the Arctic. Highly recommended!
- Other options: 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. Alternatively, Full Steam Tromsø is an excellent option for local seafood (try the fish stew!), perfect for your farewell dinner.
Nightcap:
Toast to a fabulous 5 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 epic 5 day itinerary for your visit to Tromsø in the winter!
For more info to help plan your 5 day trip to Tromsø, including packing tips, be sure to check out my Tromsø Winter Travel Guide and my Tromsø Winter Activity Guide!