Experiences
Tromsø in winter: cable car views, northern lights and polar night
Blue light at midday, the aurora in the evening and a city that never hibernates. The best things to do in Tromsø in winter, and where to stay.
It is half past twelve in the afternoon, and the sky is pink and blue. The sun has not risen for weeks, yet the light is more beautiful than ever. Down in town the cafés are full, the Arctic Cathedral glows across the strait, and in a few hours the sky may turn green. Tromsø in winter is not dark. It is magical.
Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and one of the best places in the world for the northern lights. Here are the best things to do on a winter break, from the cable car and Polaria to husky sledding and saunas in the harbour.
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The best things to do in Tromsø in winter
Book the experience: See tours and activities in Tromsø
Fjellheisen
The view from Storsteinen over Tromsø.
Ride the Fjellheisen cable car
The cable car from Tromsdalen takes you up to Storsteinen in a few minutes. From here you see the whole city, the fjords and the mountains, and on clear evenings it is one of the best aurora spots in Tromsø. There is a café at the top.
The Arctic Cathedral
The Tromsø Bridge and the Arctic Cathedral in winter light.
The Arctic Cathedral and Polaria
The Arctic Cathedral is Tromsø’s most famous building, with its great stained-glass window and concerts during the polar night. Across the bridge is Polaria, an Arctic experience centre where you can see bearded seals and learn about the northern seas.
The Polar Museum by the harbour tells the story of trappers and expeditions, and Mack’s Ølhallen is a classic spot for a beer afterwards.
Reindeer
Reindeer in the snow outside town.
Husky sledding, reindeer and the aurora
Husky farms and Sámi reindeer camps are a short bus ride from town, and most tours pick you up in the centre. In the evening, aurora tours head out of the city, sometimes all the way to Finland when clouds hang low along the coast.
Read more in our guide to husky sledding in Norway and Lapland.
Sauna in the harbour
Tromsø now has its own floating saunas in the harbour. Warm up, jump into the Arctic Ocean and repeat. It is Tromsø’s answer to a spa, and the perfect end to a cold day.
Where to stay in Tromsø in winter
Stay central to walk to restaurants and get picked up for tours at the door. If you want the aurora outside your window, stay out of town.
The Dock 69°39
The roof terrace overlooking the strait.
The Dock 69°39 by Scandic
One of Tromsø’s newest hotels sits by the harbour near the Polar Museum, with two restaurants, two bars and a roof terrace facing the strait. You stay right in town with views of the mountains.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Dock 69°39
Home Hotel With
Home Hotel With sits on the quay.
Home Hotel With
Home Hotel With sits on the quayside in the centre, with breakfast included and the evening buffet the Home hotels are known for. A good choice for value.
Book your stay: See rooms at Home Hotel With
Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
The Radisson Blu is central with views across the strait and two restaurants. Guests highlight the helpful staff, and the tour buses are a short walk away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
An hour west of town lies Sommarøy, with white beaches, the open sea outside and hardly any lights. Here you can watch the aurora without getting on a bus.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
When is the best time to visit Tromsø in winter?
Late November to mid January: polar night, Christmas atmosphere and blue light at midday.
February and March: longer days, often more snow and an active aurora. Many think this is the best time.
Late January: the Northern Lights Festival fills the city with concerts as the sun returns.
Tromsø in winter FAQ
What is there to do in Tromsø in winter?
Ride the Fjellheisen cable car, visit the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria, go husky sledding, reindeer sledding and whale watching, and chase the northern lights at night. Finish with a harbour sauna.
How long is the polar night in Tromsø?
The polar night lasts from late November to mid January. The sun does not rise, but there are a few hours of blue light around midday.
Can you see the northern lights in Tromsø city centre?
Yes, when the aurora is strong. You will still see more from the top of the cable car or on a tour out of town.
How many days do you need in Tromsø?
Three to four days give time for the city, a couple of tours and several evenings with a chance of the aurora.
Where should I stay in Tromsø in winter?
Stay central, at The Dock 69°39 or Home Hotel With, to walk everywhere and get picked up for tours. Sommarøy Arctic Hotel is the choice if you want the aurora outside your door.