People reached the Tromsø area 11,000 years ago. We hear about Tromsø for the first time in 1252, when the first church was built here. The next 550 years, Tromsø was a minor religious centre, as people in a vast area regularly congregated in Tromsø to go to the only church in the area. Trade and industry, however, suffered under the domination of Bergen and Trondheim to the south.

To promote trade in Northern Norway, the 80-person settlement was issued its city charter in 1794. Initially hindered by the Napoleonic wars, the city soon developed into a small trade centre with connections from Arkhangelsk to Central Europe, and from 1820 onwards, Arctic trapping was a major industry. Early visitors, who probably didn't expect people in Tromsø to eat with a knife and fork, dubbed the city the "Paris of the North" in complete surprise that French was spoken, fashions were more or less up to date and people knew what was happening down below the Arctic Circle.

Expeditions

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A number of expeditions made Tromsø their starting point in the first decades of the 20th century. Explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen frequently recruited sailors in Tromsø. However, the biggest drama took place in 1928, when the airship Italia crashed in the ice near the North Pole, and rescue expeditions were sent out of Tromsø.

Tromsø is found some 2,200 km south of the North Pole, in the far north of Norway. The distance south to the Arctic Circle is about 350 km.

Most of Tromsø is situated on the small island of Tromsøya, in English often adapted to "Tromsø Island". This low island is 10 km long, and contains both built-up areas and birch forests, as well as the airport. The city centre is located in the south-eastern part of the island. This is where you find most of the attractions, shopping, good eating and nightlife. The main artery of the city is the 1 km long Storgata, where most of the people watching takes place (an activity in which tourists play but a modest role).

Elsewhere on the Island, you find the Tromsø Museum on the southern tip, and the Botanic Garden near the University, on the north-eastern side.

On the mainland, east of Tromsø Island, you can find the Arctic Cathedral, the Cable Car, the Military Museum and extensive residential areas. The island is connected to the mainland by the 3 km long Tromsø Sound Tunnel and the 1016-m-long Tromsø Bridge.

Winter in Tromsø is not as severe as other cities at the same latitude due to the Gulf Stream. Average January temperatures hover around −4 °C (25 °F). The coldest temperature record of Tromsø is −18 °C (0 °F). Rain and temperatures up to 6 °C (43 °F) are not unusual, even in mid-winter. Usually, there are large quantities of snow between December and May, and in April 1997, the snow depth in the city was 2.4 m (7.9 ft).

The summer temperatures are highly variable. Overcast, chilly and drizzly days are interspersed with beautiful, warm, sunny days. The July average is +11 °C (52 °F) and the heat record is +30 °C (86 °F).

The city enjoys midnight sun from May 18 to July 26. During this period, the sun is always above the horizon. Popular viewpoints include the Tromsø Bridge, the front of the Arctic Cathedral and most prominently the Upper Station of the Cable Car, but it can be seen at most points in the city area. Due to the topography, you cannot see the Midnight Sun in large parts of the east side of the Tromsø Island, including the upper reaches of the city centre. Modern construction has also blocked off the Midnight Sun from most of the main street.

In winter, the sun is below the horizon between November 26 and January 15. Because the city is surrounded by mountains, the period is prolonged a few days. In the city centre, the sun is not visible between November 21 and January 21. However, there is some daylight for a few hours, and often there are beautiful colours at midday.

• Visit Tromsø website

• 69.68138918.9177781 Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS  ^IATA). All international and domestic flights land at the small, modern Langnes Airport. There are about 10 daily departures from Oslo, by SAS and the low-cost carrier Norwegian Norwegian. There are flights from Svalbard (Spitsbergen). The city also has connections from Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Gdansk (WizzAir), Helsinki (Finnair) and Stockholm and Copenhagen with SAS. In the winter there are additional flights from London Gatwick (Norwegian), London Luton (WizzAir), Munich (Lufthansa), Zurich (Swiss air), Brussels (SAS) and Gran Canaria (Norwegian). In the summer there are weekly flights from Alicante (Norwegian) and irregular flights from other European destinations. The commuter airline Widerøe has routes from several other North-Norwegian airports, mainly STOLports. Widerøe and SAS offer a direct route to Tromsø from Bergen, and Widerøe offers a summer route to Sandefjord. SAS and Norwegian have a route to Trondheim. Check the Avinor webpages for updated information on timetables to/from Tromsø. (updated Jul 2019)

Budget-conscious travellers should have the lower summer fares in mind, usually available in July/August. Furthermore, there are plenty of cheap tickets available in the Northern Lights months of January/February. Festivals, however, fill up the planes quickly. Friday and Sunday, planes are full all year. Some budget airlines promote the rather distant TRF, Torp Airport, in Sandefjord as "Oslo Airport". Nearly all flights to Tromsø, however, leave from OSL, Oslo Airport Gardermoen. Only Widerøe has a direct route from TRF (Summer). Connections between Torp and Gardermoen are time-consuming. Budget-conscious travellers can, if lucky, find last-minute charter tickets to and from Turkey, Spain, Greece and various other charter destinations.

There is no train all the way to Tromsø. Take a bus from the railheads in Fauske, Narvik and Rovaniemi. Check the timetable.

• The Swedish railway network has a branch line to Narvik, 4 hours by bus south of Tromsø. There are 2–3 buses a day to Narvik, depending on the day of the week. As of 2017, the bus from Narvik to Tromsø costs 375 kr for adults and 188 kr for children, tickets are sold by the driver, you can pay by credit card. As of 2018 the trains arrive at 12:58 and 17:37, but the last bus departure is 15:23 so do take the early train, except on Sundays when the last bus departure is 18:43. The closest bus stop is on Korensgate, in front of the Storsenter, a 5-minute walk from the train station. Sometimes the train is very late, so then you would need unplanned accommodation in Narvik.
• There are trains from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (a sleeper for two costs about €200). There are bus connections from there onward to Tromsø in summer (Jun–15 Sep) by Eskelisen Lapin Linjat and in winter (Dec–Mar) by The Arctic Route. There are services year round to Kilpisjärvi at the border; you could take a taxi or hitchhike from there to E6. It is possible to take the car on the train as well, see below.
• To reach the Norwegian network, go to Fauske from Narvik by bus. If you arrive in Fauske by night train from Trondheim, it takes most of the day to reach Tromsø.

The roads up to Tromsø are in good condition, but it is a long drive from Southern Scandinavia. When in Tromsø, renting a car is an option. In June, July and August, prices are high and reservation is a must. The rest of the year, it is relatively cheap (around 1000 kr) for a small car for a whole weekend. Make the reservation in the office hours before 16:00 on Friday. The application Qpark is being used as digital subsitute (Four digit codes on Lightposts for the specific streets) when you need to drive within Tromsø and paying to stay parked.

Driving in winter usually poses no problem – more than anywhere. However, the occasional snow storm closes the roads for shorter periods. This is broadcast on radio, but if you don't speak Norwegian, the petrol stations along the route are well updated.

There is one daily bus from Alta. There are three daily buses from Narvik. They might combine with the train from Sweden and buses from Fauske (Bodø, with train from Trondheim).

In summer (Jun–15 Sep), there is a daily bus by Eskelisen Lapinlinjat from Rovaniemi, Finland. In winter (Dec–Mar) the route is served by The Arctic Route. In spring and autumn, you must go via Tana and Alta, the former with connections from Finland all year.

The legendary Hurtigruten ships stop in Tromsø. The northbound ships arrive daily at 14:30 and continues at 18:30 to Skjervøy, Hammerfest, the North Cape and Kirkenes. The southbound ships arrive at 23:45, and depart at 01:30 in the night, to Finnsnes —, Lofoten, Trondheim and Bergen all year round.

These ships depart from the Prostneset terminal (Samuel Arnesens gate 4-5), less than 290 m (310 yd) from the church.

Rarely, some departures are cancelled in winter when harsh weather prevents any boat or ship to sail. Otherwise, the service is punctual. There is no luggage storage service for the southbound coastal express, but the Rica Ishavshotel allows non-guests to store their luggage there. You can check times either with the Tourist Information or at the Hurtigrute website .

Due to a building project at Prostneset (near Kirkeparken), this embarkment area will be modified by late 2018.

Cruise boats for all parts of Europe and North America often often moor in Tromsø, too.

For  Hurtigbåter services, see below: Get around – By ferry

Buses are plentiful, very reliable and generally run until midnight; some lines also operate around the clock for trips to/from the airport and on weekends. Buying a 90-minute ticket costs 39kr when bought from one of the locations listed here^{[dead link]} or through the Troms Mobillett^{[dead link]} smartphone app. Choose credit card payment rather than prepay account else you'll have to pay 200 kr upfront. You can also pay on the bus for 60 kr one way, but only cash is accepted. If you are planning to use the bus frequently, it would be wise to purchase a 24-hr ticket for 110 kr or a 7-day ticket for 270 kr instead. Single ticket prepaid 25 kr (Off-peak: M–F 09:00–14:00 and 17:00–01:00).

Many routes have the city centre in the middle of their route, therefore it is essential to catch a route in the right direction. If it says 'via sentrum' it might already have been there and drives away from the centre, e.g., 42 (Stakkevollan) is driving to a residential area on the Tromsø island, 42 (Storelv) is driving to Kvaløya. The ride from Storelva to Stakkevollan takes 45 minutes.

From the city centre:

• Bus 28 (Solligården), 26, 20 (Kroken), and 24 (Kroken) are found in the Sjøgata/Havnegata street just down below the Torget (Main square). Any one of these is good for the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen).
• Bus 26 goes to the Cable Car from Peppe's Pizza near Torget (The Main Square). Ask for a "Fjellheisbillett" (Cable Car Ticket). This includes a return bus ticket and the Cable Car ride, and is cheaper than buying each ticket individually.
• Bus 37 goes to The Tromsø Museum. It leaves from Fredrik Langes Gate, just down below the Åhléns outlet.
• Bus 20 (Stakkevollan) and 21 (UiT/UNN) goes to the University. For the Botanic Garden, take the 20/21 to the (Bankrupt) Planetarium, walk down the nice foot path, enjoy the Garden and take bus 20 or 42 (Storelv) back into town.
• Bus 34 from the southern end of Sjøgata (opposite Dolly Dimple's), just up from the Tourist Information for a tour of the Island. It takes you around the southern tip to the shopping centre of Jekta, from where there are lots of buses back into town: 24 (Kroken sør) and 26 (Kroken) tae rather long detours through several residential areas (26 also passes the Carmelite nunnery), 28 (Solligården) and 40 (Sentrum) take a somewhat more direct route, while 42 (Stakkevollan) takes you to Polaria and then downtown through a tunnel (with two roundabouts inside). Lots of scenery and cityscape for 34 kr.
• Bus 20 (Stakkevollan) from Fredrik Langes gate or 42 (Stakkevollan) from Sjøgata to Stakkevollan Skole, walk up the hill at the water reservoirs and watch Northern Lights to the north (less light pollution than elsewhere on the island).
• Bus 20 (Kroken) or 24 (Kroken) from Havnegata to Tromsø alpine centre

There are plenty of taxis all over town, however, you will probably have to wait in line if you plan on taking a taxi home after a long night out. This especially goes for Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as these days are particularly busy.

The rest of the time, there are plenty of taxis. Call them at 77 60 30 00. It is, however, cheaper to just go to a taxi stand and pick one up. Taxis are metered, and completely safe.

• Uber

There is no train, although there is a pub called Jernbanen (the train station), 3.48 metres above sea level. The project planned in 1872 has never been built.

• Hurtigbåtene (The express ferries) are quick catamaran boats, of great benefit for those living here or visiting the area: they ply the waterways north and south of Tromsø. There are four daily departures from Tromsø to Harstad via Finnsnes, Brøstadbotn and Engenes (two services only on Saturdays and Sundays). The catamaran to Lysnes departs twice a day (once on Sundays), making a loop between the peninsulas south of Tromsø, with calls at Vikran, Lysnes and Tennskjær, and back: a scenic ride. A single daily service links Skjervøy to Tromsø once a day, via Finnkroken, Vannvåg, Nord-Lenangen, Arnøyhamn, Nikkeby and Vorterøya (two departures from Skjervøy to Tromsø on Tuesdays and Thursdays). The route differs according to the day. The boats are operated by Torghatten Nord. The Hurtigbåter depart from the pier facing Kaigata, by the Hurtigruten terminal
• Fergene (ferries) ride four to six times a day from Bellvika (also called Belvik, on the northeastern peninsula of Kvaløya), a 25-minute drive northwest of Tromsø, to Vengsøya (70 inhabitants, according to the last census), Musvær (a tiny island where just 2 inhabitants live), Laukvika (Hersøya), Risøya and Mjølvika (Sandøya). Expect no on-board service, “just” a lovely ride between the islands and the occasional possibility to buy coffee. The ferries are operated by Torghatten Nord.

Note: Where the places above are not islands (øy in Norwegian bokmål and nynorsk, singular indefinite form, suolu in Northern Sámi) by themselves, the name of their island is given in brackets. Names may differ from what timetables indicate, e.g. Bellvika is also spelt (and pronounced) Belvik, Risøya may be Risøy, etc. This depends on the use (or not) of the definite article -a, in many cases, and on the fact that various dialects coexist, together with the Sámi language.

For  Hurtigruten services, see over: Get in – By boat

The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights is a natural light phenomenon in the night sky.

Tromsø is very favorably located for viewing the Northern Lights, but you cannot see the aurora at all times.

• The aurora is visible mostly between 18:00 and 00:00, occasionally between 16:00 and 02:00.
• It has to be dark for you to see it. Between late September and late March, it is dark after 18:00, and you have maximum chances of seeing the lights.
• Clouds obstruct the view of the Northern Lights. October and November are humid autumn months, and often you don't see the lights. From December onwards, the weather is drier. March is the driest month in this six-month period of good chances.
• Conclusion: December to mid/late March are the best times. Pick December/January for atmospheric visits in the dark, or February/March for thrilling outdoor activities. Sporty, outdoorsy people are recommended to come in March, as this month gives the opportunity to do outdoor activities in plenty of sunshine and good weather, and still observe the aurora after dark. The mid term holiday in February in many European countries is also a good time to come.

Tromsø's inhabitants are overwhelmingly Lutheran, and at the same time overwhelmingly secular in attitude. Small communities of other faiths are also present, like around 400 Catholics, and probably a similar number of Muslims. Various non-Lutheran Protestant churches and Lutheran dissenters are also important.

• 69.6480718.98741 Ishavskatedralen (Arctic cathedral), Hans Nilsens vei 41, ☏ +47 47-68-06-68. The city's most photographed building. The striking 1965 structure contains one of the biggest stained-glass windows in Northern Europe, and enjoys a fantastic location on the mainland, just opposite the city centre.  

Other churches in town of note include:

• 69.6487718.956822 The Lutheran Cathedral (Tromsø Domkirka), Storgata 25, ☏ +47 77-66-25-80. The world's northernmost Protestant cathedral, built in 1861. With 800 seats, it's one of Norway's major wooden churches.  
• 69.651718.95693 Cathedral of Our Lady (Vår Frue Kirke), Storgata 94, ☏ +47 77-68-59-05. This tiny church is the seat of the world's northernmost Catholic bishop, and also dates from 1861.  
• 69.648518.92134 The Church of Elverhøy (Elverhøy kirke), Barduvegen 20, ☏ +47 77-66-25-90. Dating back to 1803, it's the oldest church in town. It was built in the city centre, but was moved to a residential area on top of the island.  
• The Carmel Monastery (Totus Tuus), Holtveien 38, ☏ +47 77-69-10-80. The world's northernmost Carmelite nunnery. The nuns have recorded several CDs, and any mass in their chapel is a musical experience. 

Occasionally, Orthodox masses are held on the premises of Kirkens Bymisjon on Jaklins plass. The most welcoming of the two mosques in Tromsø is the Alnor Senter, with prayer rooms for both men and women.

• 69.6348518.911885 Tromsø Museum (University Museum), Lars Thørings veg 10 (Take bus 37 from Fredrik Langes gate), ☏ +47 77-64-50-00. A rather large museum with a number of different exhibits on the North. Look out for their Sami exhibits, the Archaeological Exhibit, Religious art and Northern Lights machine. Avoid Sundays, as weekend daddies let their little monsters run screaming through the exhibits.  
• 69.6522718.963376 Polar Museum, Søndre Tollbodgaten 11, ☏ +47 77 60 66 30. Displays the Arctic hunting that took place from Tromsø, as well as the expeditions to the Arctic. The museum is housed in an old warehouse from 1830. 
• 69.64393418.950897 Polstjerna, Hjalmar Johansens gate 10, ☏ +47 77-62-33-60. 11:00-17:00 June 15th-August 15th (Summer only). A preserved seal hunting vessel, right next door to Polaria. Combined entry with Polarmuseet, Tromsø University Museum or Polaria available. 40 kr. 
• 69.6523318.959228 Perspektivet Museum, Storgata 95, ☏ +47 77-60-19-10. Has temporary exhibits on the North. Their location in an 1838 building in the main street is superb, and there is free admission. 
• 69.6483218.959569 The Northern Norwegian Art Museum (Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum), Sjøgata 1 (The yellow building is found a short walk from the church, towards the water), ☏ +47 77-64-70-20. Has art from Northern Norway from 1800 onwards, and Norwegian art in general. Look out for their temporary exhibits. 
• 69.6455718.9471710 The Tromsø Gallery of Contemporary Art (Tromsø Kunstforening), Muségata 2, ☏ +47 77-65-58-27. Has temporary exhibits of contemporary art. 
• Tromsø War Museum (Tromsø Forsvarsmuseum), Solstrandveien (Bus 28 from the main square), ☏ +47 77-65-54-40. It's in a wartime German bunker, and focuses on the sinking of the "Tirpitz" in 1944. It's open in summer only, because of the temperature. 
• 69.385518.57411 Troll Museum (Tromsø SeaTroll), Kaigata 3 (entrance from the harbour side, on Samuel Arnesens gate). Daily 10:00–18:00. The museum which opened in 2021 features Norwegian folklore traditions. A trip to the troll museum, which claims to be the only one of its kind in Norway, lets the audience view folklore from Norway with augmented reality tablets. Adult 180 kr, free admission for kids under 5 yr; family ticket 2 adults+2 kids is 450 kr. (updated Mar 2022)

• 69.645718.951912 Mack Brewery (Macks Ølbryggeri), Storgata 5 (just in front of the Hurtigbåter quay). Offers guided tours of the brewery. Claims to be the world's northmost brewery, but Svalbard Bryggeri in Longyearbyen is further north. Established in the city centre in 1877, the brewery is still owned by the same family. Monday to Thursday, they offer guided tours at 13:00 if there are at least four visitors. So you risk coming there for your tour, and not getting it. This brewery is looking for an alternative place to set up a new factory, seemingly in Nordkjosbotn (Balsfjord municipality), 70 km (45 mi) to the south. But the city council is striving to keep the brewery in or near Tromsø, insisting on their ties with another famous place in Tromsø, Ølhallen — see below: Drink – Bars and pubs. The debate and the population's relationship with Mack is getting so passionate that some threaten to boycott the brewery’s products if they leave the city. (updated Feb 2022)
• 69.6768218.9755613 The Arctic Alpine Botanic Garden (Arktisk-alpin botanisk hage) (by the university; bus 20), ☏ +47 77-64-57-17. Open 24 hr. The world's northernmost botanic garden. Although not a particularly big garden, it has some interesting features: Free.  
  • The Rhododendron Valley with specimens from the China and the Himalayas, as well as the local variety rhododendron lapponicum.
  • The Himalaya section with the blue poppy (Meconopsis).
  • The friendship garden, with plants donated by the Kirovsk Botanic Garden in Russia, previously the world's northernmost.
  • Various sections of alpine plants and southern hemisphere plants.
  • The pond, surrounded by giant perennials.
  • The traditional garden with plants used in traditional medicine, magics and even as aphrodisiacs.

Café inside the garden (open 11:30–15:30 daily in summer, on Sunday only otherwise).

• 69.6410818.9862314 The Cable Car (Fjellheisen), Sollivegen 12, ☏ +47 77-63-87-37. Daily 10:00-22:00. On Mount Storsteinen. Offers a fantastic view from 421 metres above sea level. In summer, make sure you go up there at midnight. The view from the top is amazing in winter also. You can walk (less than 1h one way). 210 kr (return).  

The extent and quality of parks in Tromsø is no great draw for travellers. There are only a few parks in Tromsø, and they are not very large. Your best shot would probably be the Kirkeparken ("Church park") surrounding the Domkirken. Whenever the temperature exceeds +18 °C, bluish white flesh is frying in the sun.

Kongeparken, the Royal Park, a couple of blocks up from the main street, is curiously empty on warm days. There is also a patch of park down below the Art Society, just south of the city centre. But don't let the kids run wild there; this park is surrounded by heavy traffic.

A much larger park is Folkeparken (the Popular Park), surrounding the Tromsø Museum. This, though, seems like a patch of wild forest saved from development by its park status. When you visit the University Museum, take a stroll down to the Folk Museum, with a few old houses moved here from various parts of the county of Troms. The Telegrafbukta beach is also within easy reach. There is no lack of greenery in the residential areas, and the "Lysløypa" (floodlit ski track) runs from around the Tromsø Museum to the Northern tip of the island. In winter, this is perfect for cross country skiing; in summer the locals enter it on sneakers, mountain bikes and horses. The residents of the residential areas on the mainland and on the Kvaløya Island usually have less than 5 minutes' walk to reach the surrounding forests and mountains.

The nature surrounding Tromsø is spectacular. Mountains, fjords and fauna in an arctic perspective. Just outside Tromsø you can find various birds (sea eagles, puffins, fulmars), musk oxen and the world's largest mammals – the whales.

The reason people go to Tromsø in the winter is to experience the Northern Lights and the spectacular snowy landscapes through various winter activities. The most optimal time for the former is December to March. March and April are good for cross country treks and off-piste skiing.

The winter temperatures hover around -4°C, occasionally dropping to -12/-15°C, or rising to around +5°C. This means it's never too cold to do outdoor activities. Snowmobiles are not allowed in the borough of Tromsø, but in neighbouring Lyngen, you can speed up assisted by Natur i nord

The Tourist Information has a number of activities on offer, and they can usually be reserved on short notice, i.e., Northern lights visits.

The Lyngen Alps and other mountains around Tromsø are among the best places in the world for Off piste. The catamaran Cetacea of Arctic Cruises offers rides from town to the Lyngen Alps in March/April, or you can stay in the Lyngen Area in huts.

• Tromsø Alpinsenter, Jadevegen, ☏ +47 77 60 66 80. The city's ski station. It's not the best ski station in the world, but is more than steep enough for most people. 
• Dog-sledding at the Tromsø Villmarkssenter, Arctic Adventures or Lyngen Outdoor Adventure
• Snowmobiles are not allowed in the borough of Tromsø, but in neighbouring [Lyngen], you can speed up assisted by Natur i nord
• Reindeer sledding at Tromsø Friluftsenter or with Lyngsfjord Adventure in neighbouring Tamokdalen

Seasoned mountaineers should seek out the Lyngen Alps as well as the Keel range close to the Finnish/Swedish border. This requires membership in the Troms Turlag (or its mother organisation, the Den Norske Turistforeningen) and careful planning (help provided by Troms Turlag).

• On a warm summer day, visit the beach Telegrafbukta near the Tromsø Museum. Bring a picnic or barbeque (small disposable grills, available in grocery stores, are popular here). If you dare, take a dip in the water—it may just have reached 11°C/52°F.
• Football: Tromsø IL were promoted in 2020 so they play soccer in Eliteserien, Norway's top tier. Their home ground Alfheim Stadium (capacity 6700) is 500 m west of town centre.
• Go fishing You can try from the shore or even better from a boat. Fewer species are fished than in Southern Norway, but the amount and the size is far better. Common fish are coalfish, cod, halibut and seawolf. Fishing trips are organized by the Tourist Information in summer, but you can just as well go to Hella, next to an ocean current half an hour's drive out of the city.
• Glacier walks in the Lyngen Alps are on offer from Tromsø Villmarkssenter and Lyngsfjord Adventure. Do not go glacier walking without a guide, you might fall into a crack.
• Kayaking is a good idea between the islands off Tromsø, and trips are offered by both Tromsø Villmarkssenter and Arctic Adventure

• Arctic Adventure, Tisnes, Kvaløysletta, ☏ +47 90-01-78-81, per-thore@arcticadventuretours.no. Dog sled tours, glacier walks, kayaking expeditions and hunting. Your best bet if you are looking for more adventurous options. 
• Chasing Lights, ☏ +47 45-08-05-57, join@chasinglights.co. Northern Lights chases with professional photographer and aurora hunter. The only company that provides personalized all-inclusive northern lights holiday packages including accommodation, airport transfer, dog-sledding, reindeer sledding, snowmobiling, fjords excursion, whale watching and ice fishing. 
• Lyngsfjord Adventure, Gamle Helsehus, Oteren, ☏ +47 77-71-55-88, post@lyngsfjord.com. In winter, dog sledding, reindeer sledding and snowmobiling, along with Northern Lights visits are available at this dark location in a dry climate, good for Northern Lights watching. In summer, the adventurous can join glacier walks, mountain hikes, mountain biking and canoeing. 
• Natur i Nord, Nansenvegen 34, ☏ +47 77-66-73-66, ivar@naturinord.no. Fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing courses and snowshoeing. The "Northern Lights Bus" in winter has a high hit rate. 
• Tromsø Friluftssenter, Risvik, Kvaløysletta, ☏ +47 90-01-78-81, info@tromso-friluftsenter.no. Reindeer sledding and Northern Lights visits. Their location to the north of the city lights means they are a good place to watch the Northern Lights. 
• Tromsø Villmarkssenter, Håkøybotn, Kvaløysletta, ☏ +47 77-69-60-02, mail@villmarkssenter.no. Dog-sledding, hiking and sea kayaking. In winter, they run a smooth operation with two daily dog sleddings, in the morning and in the evening. They are a 25-minute drive from the city. 

The cultural centre of the high north of Norway offers some interesting festivals.

Winter fun

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When temperatures are freezing and the night seems endless, enjoying culture is a good idea.

• Tromsø International Film Festival takes place the 3rd week in January.
• The Northern Lights Festival happens in late January/early February
• The Sami week is centered around the Day of the Sami people, on February 6.
• No Siesta Fiesta is a festival of Latin Music, starting with a Samba parade in the snowy main street.
• The Polar Night Half Marathon in early January

Department stores in Tromsø are easy to overview, and hold no surprises. They are convenient for any necessity, though, since they stay open until 20:00 (18:00 on Saturdays).

• Nerstranda (Steen & Strøm), Nerstranda 9 (city centre). Allows shopping until 20:00 at night. 
• Jekta, Heiloveien 19 (near the airport). The biggest shopping mall in Northern Norway. 
• Pyramiden (Amfi), Solstrandveien 47. Sizeable shopping centre on the mainland. 
• EURO Spar, Stakkevollveien Handel (Buss route 34, 'Kræmer'). Grocery store which offers a wide range of items. Cheese and Meat displays/booths as well. Parking space for customers. Staffed and Self-Service checkouts. (updated Jan 2022)

Original buys include:

• Blåst, Peder Hansensgate 4, ☏ +47 77-68-34-60. The world's northernmost glass factory makes original glass objects. They also ship. 
• ^{[dead link]} Kranes Kunstgalleri og rammeverksted, Strandgata 30. The place to look for paintings and sculptures from Northern Norway. 
• Tromsø Gift and Souvenir Shop, Strandgaten 36, ☏ +47 77-67-34-13. Souvenir shop, offers glitzy kitsch with a wink. Great fun, and the place to look for a gift for the person that looks after your cat. 
• Husfliden, Sjøgata 4, ☏ +47 77-75-88-60. Part of a national chain of craft shops. The quality is high, and so are the prices. 

The production of interesting books about the north in Norwegian language is huge. However, the selection of good titles in English is limited.

• Bokhuset, Storgata 86, ☏ +47 7-68-30-36. The best place in town to look for books on Norwegian themes. Most books are in Norwegian, though. 
• Tromsø Museum, part of the University of Tromsø, has a rather good selection of scientific books on the north, again mostly in Norwegian.
• For English-language pocket books, many Narvesen kiosks stock the latest best-sellers (Norwegians buy them too). Bookshops like Bokhuset, Ark and Tromsø Bokhandel (all in the main street) have a bigger selection. Prices hover around kr 100, so you might consider bringing them from home instead.

Since Tromsø has a refreshing climate, the outdoor markets are not all that impressive. Look for the following, though:

• The Main Square (Torget) has numerous souvenir sellers in summer. Russian souvenirs including knitwear and Sami souvenirs are on sale. Due to the northern location, local vegetables are of limited volume. However, in August and September, little turnips and carrots that are crunchy and tasty are for sale. In late July you might want to look for northern strawberries.
• The fish port sells cod, coalfish and shrimps directly from the boat. This is not the biggest fish market in the world, but the catch is direct from the sea. If the boats are all gone by the time you visit, go to Dragøy next to the dockside. Here you get good quality fish, they can even make you a picnic of varied fish and seafood. Another interesting place to purchase interesting food are the lorries selling fish, particularly during the winter cod fishery. Cod flesh, liver, roe, tongues, stomachs and chins are on sale. Ask how to bread your cod's tongue right to get that crunchy taste.
• Before Christmas, the farmers from the inland valleys visit. In addition to Christmas trees, they sell local cakes and sweets.
• Julemesse is another pre-Christmas speciality, and means a small craft fair. The knitting ladies from the whole area sell their mittens, tablecloths, etc., and the income is often goes to charity. An excellent way to stock up on original Christmas presents, and see traditional crafts.

Budget-conscious visitors should avoid anything named "restaurant". Instead, all the cafés in town are good for a quick bite. Expect friendly service at the counter; table service is a luxury in Norway. Expect to pay around 100 kr for a filling meal.

The canteen for employees in the town hall serves reasonably cheap food, and there is also the student canteens at the university campus. It's possible to buy hot food in many supermarkets, and the price may be a bit lower than buying something in a café. Several greasy spoon bakeries and cafés serve the infamous tacobolle (taco bun), a doughy bun with mince, tomato sauce and cheese. Highly uncultured, but yummy, for 30 kr. Both Yonas and Peppes Pizza have lunch buffets (eat as much as you can) during the daytime on weekdays, for around 100 kr. Peppes Pizza has free internet as well.

In this category expect sit-down friendly service and prices varying from 150–230 kr for a filling plate of food. Italian food is not found in the city centre, but a few places in residential areas serve up thin, Italian pizza and pasta. Picando and Allegro are found on the mainland side, and La Speranza is found at Håpet on the west side of the Island. On Kvaløya, Thai food is found at Ban Thai where Kusaya prepares tasty home cooking from her homeland in a rather unassuming restaurant (Bus 42 takes you there). Finish off with some Thai karaoke. Chinese food is available at Choi's Kjøkken and Shanghai, both situated in the north of the city. Mains here start at 130 kr. More upmarket alternatives include Tang's, Lotus. Authentic Thai food is found at Thai House Restaurant. Steakhouses are popular (many people that cook good fish at home, prefer a good steak when they go out). Expect no local character.

• 69.6470318.9564647 Arctandria, Strandtorget 1, ☏ +47 77-60-07-28. M–Sa from 16:00. has a lot of local fish specialities, as well as a humorous menu. Before Christmas, their lutefisk buffet is heaven for some, and hell for others. (updated Jan 2023)
• 69.65000418.9600758 Fiskekompaniet Sjøsiden, Sjøgata 17B, ☏ +47 77-68-76-00. Daily 15:00–23:00. It has excellent fresh fish, and a menu of modern Norwegian cuisine. Seafood is considered an aphrodisiac, and after their delicious seafood platters, you're ready for anything. (updated Jan 2023)
• 69.64695818.956499 Skarvens Biffhus, Strandtorget 1, ☏ +47 77-60-07-20. Daily from 15:30. In a 1820s wharf house. Has thick steaks, but also specialises in goat meat. The waiters are humorous and professional. (updated Jan 2023)

The price difference between mid-range and splurge is not that big, making the occasional splurge a good value. Local fish options can be found in Full Steam and Skirri in the east side of the island.

• 69.65006418.95774110 Compagniet, Sjøgata 12, ☏ +47 77-66-42-22. M–Sa 17:00–23:00. Situated in a merchant's home from the 1830s. Doubles as a nightclub in the weekends after 22:00. (updated Jan 2023)
• 69.64842318.95618511 Emmas Drømmekjøkken, Kirkegaten 8, ☏ +47 77-63-77-30, post@emmas.as. T–Sa from 17:00. A fantastic restaurant that has got excellent reviews in the Oslo press. A main course is around 280 kr (Feb 2022), but compared to what you get and the standard of service, it's not that much. The restaurant is housed near the Tromsø Cathedral, in the house a red storefront. Look out for their excellently matched 5-course menus. The lunch menu isn't bad either, and comparatively cheap. (updated Jan 2023)
• 69.6543418.9607312 Cous restaurant (Cous), Storgata 132 (entrance from Storgata, ground floor). Restaurant and delivery kitchen. Italian menu. From 110 kr; Sep 2021. (updated Jan 2023)
• 69.67418.92513 Egon Restaurant (Egon Jekta), Karlsøyvegen 12 (inside Jekta Shopping mall). Egon is a restaurant with vintage interior, with visible wood pillars and small nooks around the restaurant. (updated Jan 2023)

Cafes stay open from lunchtime, and typically serve good value food and coffee specials before they turn into crowded bars at night. Being flexible is the key to survive the stiff competition in Tromsø.

• Blå Rock, Strandgata 14, ☏ +47 77-61-00-20. Su-Th 11:30–02:00, F 11:30-03:30, Sa 15:00–02:00. The place for burgers, lots of international beer, rock'n'roll and concerts. A piercing in your ear (or somewhere else) will make you fit in. 
• Driv, Storgata 6, ☏ +47 77-60-07-76. M 18:00–23:]0, Tu–Th 15:00–23:00, F Sa 15:00–03:00. The Student House. An ambitious concert programme, quiz nights, karaoke nights. Excellent place for the 18–30 years old. The number of visitors varies drastically depending on the occasion. The bartenders are all student volunteers, and the kitchen serves burgers, sweet potato fries, and pizza. 80–130 kr for drinks. (updated Apr 2015)
• Flyt, Sjøgata 25, ☏ +47 77-69-68-00. M Tu 11:00–23:00, W Th 11:00–24:00, F 11:00–03:30, Sa 12:00–03:30, Su 15:00–23:00. content=sports a sport's theme, with off-piste skis decorating the walls, and cool recordings from the slopes entertain on every flat screen. Go there for a burger in the afternoon, or to hang around with the extreme sporters at night.. 
• Paletten, Storgata 51, ☏ +47 77-68-05-10. M–Th 11:00–01:00, F Sa 11:00-03:00, Su 12:00–01:00. A football pub with two large outdoor terraces, also serves food during the day 
• Kaffebønna, Strandtorget 1 & Stortorget 3, ☏ +47 77-63-94-00. M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00. If serves no alcohol, but serves up smart coffee, Italian ice cream, pain au chocolat and plenty of sandwiches. Minimalist décor and cool staff (occasionally too cool). 
• Perez, Skippergata 6, ☏ +47 92-23-33-13. At the northern end of the city centre, is tiny, but manages to offer lunch specials, coffees and a sophisticated wine selection. Loud and full in the evening, so keep your stomach in! 
• Skansen Kafé, Tollbodgate 8. M–W 11:00–18:00, Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Housed in the annex of the oldest house in town. In summer, they serve fantastic shells and other lunch specials, along with good wine and coffee. In winter, they close, though. 
• Skarven, Strandtorget 1, ☏ +47 77-60-07-20. Daily from 11:00. Another long-timer. Serves good food, including loads of fish (an welcome respite from the feta cheese and olive fare of the other cafés), and loads of beer way into the night in a 1920s margarine factory. The crowd is grown-up and well-heeled, but just as loud as the rest. 
• Sånn, Erling Bangsunds plass 1, ☏ +47 77-69-10-80. M–Th 11:00–24:00, F 11:00–01:00, Sa 12:00–01:00. at the upper end of the Main Square is another example of the Tromsø receipt: A good lunch menu (with realatively good prices), coffee specialities and a cool bar in the evening. 
• 69.385118.57151 NO. 24, Strandgata 24, ☏ +47 77-65-85-20. M-Th 11:00–02:00, F Sa 11-03:30, Su 13:00–02:00. For the 20- or 30-somethings, usually well-dressed. Their sheltered outdoor terrace with winter heating circumvents the smoking ban. Have some pasta with the after-office crowd, or taste some wine in the evening. (updated Feb 2022)
• Kafé Verdensteatret, Storgata 93b, ☏ +47 77-75-30-90. M–Th 11:00–02:00, F Sa 11:00–03:30, Su 13:00–02:00. A friendly, sophisticated, ultra-modern place in the 1916 cinema "Verdensteatret", the oldest functioning cinema in Northern Europe. The sandwiches are good, but the main reason to come here is to hang about for a glass of wine and endless conversation. Thursday night has cheap drinks, with a Mack Pilsner for 55 kr. Friday and Saturday night, the place turns into a cool, crowded hangout. Mixed crowd, mixed ages. 
• Åpenbar, Grønnegata 81, ☏ +47 77-68-46-00. Tu–Th 16:00–01:30, F 15:00–03:00, Sa 14:00–03:00. serves tapas made of seal and other arctic foodstuffs. Nice way to try it out. Rather stylish hang-out in the week-end 

• 69.64738418.9541692 Bastard Bar, Strandgata 22, ☏ +47 90-08-37-99, Post@bastardbar.no. M–Th 18:00–02:00, F 18:00–03:30, Sa 13:00–03:30, Su 13:00–02:00. In a cellar next to the Nerstranda shopping centre and offering one or two live concerts each week, a jam session every other Tuesday and showing English, Norwegian and European football. Bastard has a collection of international beers as well as Tromsø's own Mack. From 129 kr. (updated Feb 2022)
• 69.65072718.9557873 Victoria Fun Pub, Grønnegata 81, ☏ +47 77-68-49-06. M-Th 15:00–02:00, F 15:00–03:30, Sa 14:00–03:30, Su 19:00–02:00. A football place, and can be a fun pub for the not overdressed during week-ends; has a billiards table. 
• Ølhallen (The Beer Hall), Storgata 4, ☏ +47 77-62-45-80. M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–15:00. Both well-known and much cherished by the population, undoubtedly linked to the Mack beer. 
• 69.64765618.9553594 Tromso Jernbanestasjon (Tromsø Railway Station), Strandgata 33, ☏ +47 77-61-23-48, jernbaas@online.no. This bar established itself early as the cool place because of its complete railway thematic décor - especially since there is no train that comes to Tromsø. There are waiters in conductor uniforms and departures to places like Murmansk and Kautokeino are announced regularly through the speaker system. 
• 69.65108818.9584095 Heidi's Bier Bar, Storgata 4 (entrance from Stortorget (the market square), main entrance leads to stairs, the bar is upstairs). F Sa 20:00–03:30. (updated Sep 2021)

During week-ends, the places fill up. However, on a dull Monday, go to cafés to find people.

• 69.65007218.9576416 Compagniet, Sjøgata 12, ☏ +47 77-66-42-22. F Sa 22:00-03:30. Vastly popular with the 25–40 crowd, with lots of 1980s music. This is the place to get back in circulation after the divorce or break-up. 
• 69.64804618.9537547 Gründer By Night, Storgata 44, ☏ +47 77-75-37-64. M–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:30. In the Scandic Grand Hotel. Caters for the more mature audience, and combines style and informality. Their heated smoking terrace with a view might tempt you to pick up the habit. 

• The Chinese restaurant Il Mare doubles as a Latino dance hall on Saturdays. The crowd falls into three categories: the Latino community that always knew how to salsa, the salsa class Norwegians with more sedate hips counting their steps and the curious onlookers. ¡Que empiece la fiesta!
• Despite Tromsø being a tolerant and open minded city, no gay place has managed to stay afloat. Open gays are possibly too well integrated, and closeted gays may be too visible in this, after all, small city. However, gay parties are occasionally organised. The first gay festival, Homsø, took place in 2007. Arctic Pride is also an annual event since 2020, happening in November.

There are few of the really cheap dorm-style places, but the right to access means you can camp mostly anywhere (outside the city centre) for free! (nearest spot 10-min walk uphill from the centre), otherwise try these:

• Tromsdalen Camping, 9020 Tromsdalen, ☏ +47 77-63-80-37, post@tromsocamping.no. It has cabins from simple shacks to two-bedroom bungalows. Cabins:465–1025 kr, tents: 125–220 kr. 

Make sure to contact some of these places as early as possible, since they fill up early. These places more or less have the same rates mid-week and week-end, and do not give particular summer discounts. Private accommodation can be a good alternative. Check out the home page of the tourist board. Most places, though, are rented to students in the school year, and only available in the summer months.

• 69.6505918.949861 AMI Hotel, Skolegata 24, ☏ +47 77-62-10-00, email@amihotel.no. A few minute's walk up the hill from the main street offers tidy, spotless rooms with private or shared facilities. The east-facing rooms have a fantastic view. 540–1090 kr, discounts for students and longer stays. 
• 69.6489418.951092 Smarthotel Tromsø, Vestregata 6, ☏ +47 41-53-65-00. From 950 kr. (updated Dec 2021)
• 69.6482418.953053 Thon Polar Hotel, Grønnegata 45, ☏ +47 77-75-17-00, polar@thonhotels.no. A substantial step up, with rooms on the small side, but always private facilities. Excellent, central location. Fixed low prices; 695 kr single room, 895 kr double room. 
• 69.6538218.960434 Tromsø Activities Hostel, Storgata 47, ☏ +47 98-89-92-68. Quaint hostel with shared dorm beds and facilities. Very close to the bridge to the mainland. From 500 kr. (updated Dec 2021)

Although Norway has no star-rating system, the hotels in this category could be called three star. Expect well-furnished rooms with tiled bathrooms and a good buffet-style breakfast. Double room rates hover around 1200 kr mid-week, but expect substantial discounts in weekends, especially in winter, and during the July/early August holiday period, when business people stay away. The price difference between budget and mid range might be narrowed by major discounts in the mid-range places in July/August and during week-ends the rest of the year.

• Amalie Hotel, Sjøgata 5B, ☏ +47 77-66-48-00, post@amalie-hotell.no. It doesn't look much from the outside, but has good-size well-equipped rooms. 795–1395 kr. 
• 69.6501518.959495 Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Sjøgata 19–21, ☏ +47 77-78-11-00, fax: +47-77-78-11 01, cc.with@choice.no. Small, friendly and smart, and a favourite for many business people. 1120–2415 kr. 
• 69.6474918.95236 Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso, Grønnegata 35, ☏ +47 77-60-05-50. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00 (18:00 on Sunday). A hotel somewhere in between a hostel and a three-star hotel. Free Wi-Fi. From 499 kr. (updated Aug 2015)
• 69.6479718.953547 The Grand Nordic, Storgata 44, ☏ +47 77-75-37-77, resepsjon.gnt@nordic.no. The oldest in town, but has been completely renovated. Some of the rooms are huge. 790–1340 kr. 
• 69.6481518.957768 Quality Hotel Saga, Richard Withs Plass 2, ☏ +47 77-60-70-00, q.saga@choice.no. Spotlessly refurbished, with a friendly ambience. 995–1475 kr. 
• Skansen Hotel, Storgata 105, ☏ +77 62 95 00, post@skansenhotell.no. Close to the city centre. Quality rooms with breakfast and wireless Internet included. 650–1100 kr. 
• Viking Hotel, Grønnegata 18–20, ☏ +47 77-64-77-30, booking@vikinghotell.no. has the ambience of a small, continental city hotel, and has been renovated with lovely rooms. The breakfast room and the reception look more like a guest house, and the exterior is modest. 650-980 kr. 

The top-end hotels are but a small step up from the mid range in price and quality. No hotel in Tromsø is in the absolute top division in the world. Week-end discounts and favourable summer rates can make these hotels an affordable alternative.

• Clarion Hotel Bryggen, Sjøgata 19–21, ☏ +47 77-78-11-00, post.bryggen@choice.no. Decidedly smaller, with modern, stylish rooms, a restaurant, a lobby bar and an outdoor hot tub to kill for 945–2095 kr. 
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso, Sjøgata 7, ☏ +47 77-60-00-00, sales.tromso@radissonsas.com. Check-out: it is stylish and modern with a restaurant, a popular pizzeria and a bar.. 1295–2500 kr. 
• Rica Ishavshotel, Fredrik Langesgate 2, ☏ +47 77-66-64-00, rica.ishavshotel@rica.no. Another full service hotel (bar, restaurant) with a lovely view from the rooms. Their "Skipsbroen bar" is a good place to wait for the Midnight Sun or the odd glimpse of the Northern Lights (the more you drink, the better the chances). 1595–1845 kr. 
• Scandic Hotel, Heiloveien 23, Håpet, ☏ +47 77-75-50-00, tromso@scandichotels.com. 4 km out of the city centre, near the airport and the biggest shopping centre in town, has good-size rooms with a fantastic view, as well as a restaurant. If you drive your own car (free parking!), frequent week-end and summer offers can be a (relative) bargain 790–1080 kr.