The ultimate 3 day Tromso, Norway itinerary and everything else you need to know

Tromso, Norway is often a traveler’s destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Located 350 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, Tromso is known to be one of the best places to witness the elusive Aurora Borealis. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to see the lights from your hotel room. Tromso has more to offer than just the Northern Lights, including cultural experiences with the indigenous Sami people, reindeer farms, beautiful churches, and fjords surrounded by snow capped mountains. Here is my 3 day itinerary for Tromso, Norway including what to do, where to stay, how to get around, and everything else you need to know.

Best time to visit Tromso, Norway

If you’re like me, seeing the Northern Lights is your reason for visiting Tromso. The best time to visit to see the lights is between September and April. If you’re not brave enough to face the arctic weather, summer is also a great time to visit Tromso for hiking, experiencing Midnight sun, and numerous festivals.

Arriving in Tromso, Norway

Most likely you will arrive in Tromso, Norway by flight at the international Tromso Airport. Once you’ve exited the airport, take time to admire the beautiful snow-covered mountains and the lights of Tromso in the distance.  Both Airport Express Tromso and the Tromso city bus offer rides from the airport into the city center frequently throughout the day and into the late evening.

Where to Stay in Tromso, Norway

For easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and excursion pick up/drop off locations, stay in the city center. Below are three conveniently located accommodations in central Tromso, one at each price point.

Best restaurants in Tromso, Norway

I was only in Tromso for 3 nights and had quite a difficult time due to the time change. I didn’t dine out as much as I would on a typical trip. For example, I think one evening I ate lunch meat with cheese and potato chips from a grocery store just because I didn’t have the energy to research restaurants or to sit down in a restaurant. However, I did enjoy dining at 3 restaurants while in Tromso. 

• Storhus: a coffee house with freshly made pastries during the day and a pizza restaurant in the evening is not to be missed. All their pizzas look delicious. I love truffles so I had the Troffel Salami—also not to be missed. Storhus offers dine-in and take-out. I highly recommend booking reservations online in advance for dine-in.
• Burgr: a small burger restaurant decorated in vintage video game paraphernalia. This restaurant brought back many memories of my childhood playing the original Nintendo and Atari. The menu offers nine different burgers,  including one vegetarian option, French fries, onion rings, and creamy milkshakes. 
• Egon Restaurant: attached to Thon Hotel Polar, this restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out. The large menu includes multiple beers on tap, burgers, pastas, Asian-inspired dishes, pizza, and seafood—something here for everyone. 

Finally here is my 3 day Tromso, Norway itinerary

Day 1 in Tromso

After eating breakfast at your hotel, start your day bright and early with a trip to a reindeer farm. The Tromso: Reindeer Feeding and Sami Cultural Experience begins with pickup conveniently located outside the Radisson Blu. When you get on the bus, sit on the left side to enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, crystal blue fjords, and the possible sighting of wildlife.

Reindeer Feeding and Sami Cultural Experience

Once at the reindeer farm you can donn borrowed winter gear, including snowsuits, toboggans, boots, and gloves. I was pleasantly surprised that they offered plus-size gear. After a quick introduction and overview of the property, reindeer, and rules from a Sami you will be allowed to enter the fenced area. Once in the fenced area, you are surrounded by a herd of reindeer eagerly waiting to be hand fed. After you’ve had the opportunity to feed the reindeer, take as many photos as you like with these majestic animals, and feel like your cheeks are frozen, you will enter a traditional Sami tent. Back in the tent, you can warm up with hot cocoa or tea and reindeer stew served with fresh bread (vegetarian is available) while listening to a Sami person share information about their culture. You will get to see original Sami items including dishes and clothing. After the presentation, spend some time chatting with other tourists before boarding the bus back to the Radisson Blu.

Northern Lights Tour

Later that evening, once the sun has gone down and you’ve eaten dinner, head out to see the Northern Lights. I highly recommend doing a Northern Lights tour on your first night in Tromso so that if you’re unlucky with seeing the lights you can try another night, though most tour guides will communicate throughout the evening with other guides in an attempt to find the best viewing location. Make sure to dress warmly in layers. A base layer made of merino wool will keep you the warmest. Don’t forget to pack a tripod, extra batteries or a battery pack for your cell phone/camera because the cold drains batteries quickly.

Day 2 in Tromso

Cable Car Ride

After breakfast in your hotel, hop on the city bus, and head to Fjellheisen. Hop on a 4-minute cable car ride that connects a residential neighborhood to Storsteinen (big rock in English), a large mountain more than 1300 ft above sea level. Cable car tickets can be purchased the day of by either cash (NOK) or credit card. After you’ve reached the top of the mountain and exited the cable car you’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, the clearest fjords imaginable, and the famous Tromso Bridge. Warm up inside at Fjellstua restaurant with a warm beverage while enjoying the views.

Arctic Cathedral

Once you’ve taken the cable car back down, brave the cold and walk twelve minutes to Arctic Cathedral. Most likely you’ve already seen the outside of the cathedral because it’s visible from numerous sights in Tromso, like the Tromso Sound and Tromso Bridge. The inside is more beautiful than imaginable. Make sure to take time to enjoy the glass mosaic. The mosaic was designed to represent three rays of light from God’s hand: one through Jesus, one through a woman, and one through a man. It’s stunning. Inside there are also a large prism chandelier, oak pews, and or organ consisting of 294 pipes. You can also get to the cathedral by bus if the cold is too cold for a walk. 

Explore city center of Tromso

Next, head into the city center for lunch and some shopping. The streets are lined with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Make sure to stop by Raketten Bar, the “tiniest bar in the universe.” It’s a great place to warm up, sitting next to their open fire pit with spiced wine or cocoa. This tiny place also claims to have the best hot dogs in the world, serving soy- vegan, reindeer and beef, or pork and beef versions. Window shopping is a delight in Tromso. Typical souvenirs, like magnets and shot glasses, are available as are wool knit garments, locally made candy, and home goods. Also, while in the city center make sure to visit the harbor.

Magic Ice

If you weren’t successful in seeing the Northern Lights last evening head out again to chase the Aurora Borealis. Another evening attraction is the popular hangout spot Magic Ice, the northernmost magic ice gallery. Upon entrance, you are given a winter poncho and gloves to wear for warmth while you enjoy cocktails from glasses made out of ice while enjoying views of the ice bar. Winter hours are daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. except Friday and Saturday when the gallery closes at midnight.

Day 3 in Tromso

Arctic Nature Tour

After breakfast head out to see the beauty of Tromso outdoors. If time is limited, The Arctic Nature Tour through Northern Horizon is a great option. This five-hour tour is a great experience that includes learning about the history of Tromso, visiting multiple breathtaking sights, including crystal clear fjords, and a beach picnic lunch (vegetarian) with warmed beverages. The tour leaders are equipped with photography gear and shortly after the tour send a Dropbox link with pictures of the tour, including any pictures of you.

If you have more time check out a whale watching, dog sledding, or snowmobiling tour. I always like to book tours through Get your Guide or Viator.