Norway · Arctic Norway
Tromsø travel guide
The northern lights capital of the Arctic
Northern lights over Tromsø. Photo: The Municipality of Tromsø, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tromsø is a lively Arctic city 350km above the Arctic Circle, and one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights from September to March.
Days are short in winter, but there's husky sledding, whale watching (November to January), Sámi reindeer camps and the Arctic Cathedral. In summer, the midnight sun shines all night.
What Tromsø is known for
- Northern lights
September to March.
- Huskies
Dog-sledding trips.
- Whales
Orcas and humpbacks in winter.
- Arctic Cathedral
A striking church.
Top things to do in Tromsø
Where to stay in Tromsø
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Best time to visit Tromsø
Best value: Oct. September to March for the northern lights; June and July for the midnight sun.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 3h 15m from London to TOS, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Walk the centre. Tours pick up from hotels.
Good to know
- Book several nights to improve your chances of the lights.
- Wear thermals, hats and gloves.
- There's polar night from late November to mid-January.
Tromsø FAQ
When is the best time for the northern lights?
September to March.
How many nights in Tromsø?
Three to five.
More places in Norway
BergenCity · Western Norway
The western fjordsNature · Western Norway
The Lofoten IslandsIsland · Arctic Norway
OsloCity · Eastern Norway
StavangerNature · Western Norway
Back to the Norway travel guide + Add Tromsø to your bucket list