Holiday in Tromsø
City in Norway — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇳🇴
Country
Norway
Type
City
Best time to travel
September to March for Northern Lights and winter activities. May to July for midnight sun and hiking.
Budget/day
Getting there from Germany
Flight from Oslo 1.5h, direct flights from Munich/Frankfurt seasonally. Hurtigruten postal ship as an experiential alternative.
Deals for Tromsø:
What makes Tromsø special as a destination?
Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic," is one of the northernmost university cities in the world and the perfect starting point for some of the most spectacular natural phenomena on our planet. Located at 69° north latitude, this vibrant Norwegian city offers the best of both worlds: Arctic wilderness and urban culture. The city is primarily known as one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights. From September to March, the Aurora Borealis dances in green, purple, and red veils across the dark sky — an experience that takes your breath away. Numerous tour operators take visitors to the best observation points away from the city lights. But Tromsø has much more to offer than just the Northern Lights. The Arctic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece from the 1960s, rises with its distinctive triangular facade and the huge glass mosaic like a stylized iceberg on the shores of the Tromsø Sound. The Fjellheisen cable car takes visitors to Storsteinen, where a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, the surrounding fjords, and the snow-covered peaks of the Lyngen Alps awaits. In summer, on the other hand, the sun does not set for two months. The midnight sun bathes the Arctic landscape in an unreal golden light, allowing for hiking, kayaking, and whale watching at any time of day or night. The surrounding islands and fjords are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Polaria experience center and the Polar Museum tell the stories of great Arctic expeditions and life in the polar region. The Mack Brewery, the northernmost in the world, invites tastings, while the surprisingly vibrant culinary scene delights with Arctic specialties such as reindeer meat, king crab, and stockfish. The compact city center, with its colorful wooden houses from the 19th century, gives Tromsø an almost southern charm — a fascinating contrast to the rugged Arctic surroundings. Tromsø proves that life high up north is anything but barren and monotonous.
What are the top highlights in Tromsø?
The top highlights in Tromsø include Northern Lights, Arctic Cathedral, Midnight Sun, Fjellheisen Panorama, Whale Watching.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Northern Lights
One of the best places in the world for Aurora Borealis observations from September to March
Arctic Cathedral
Iconic landmark with a triangular glass facade — a symbol of Arctic architecture
Midnight Sun
From May to July, the sun does not set — surreal hikes and kayaking in eternal light
Fjellheisen Panorama
Cable car to Storsteinen with a 360-degree view over fjords, islands, and mountains
Whale Watching
Orcas and humpback whales in the fjords off Tromsø — particularly impressive from November to January
Hotels in Tromsø
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Reise-SIM für Tromsø
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Tromsø?
The best time to visit Tromsø is September to March for Northern Lights and winter activities. May to July for midnight sun and hiking.. 10-18°C, 24h daylight In winter: -4 to 0°C, polar night November-January
Recommended travel time
September to March for Northern Lights and winter activities. May to July for midnight sun and hiking.
Summer
10-18°C, 24h daylight
Winter
-4 to 0°C, polar night November-January
How much does a holiday in Tromsø cost?
Budget travellers: 80-120 €/day, mid-range: /day, luxury: 300-500 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
80-120 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
300-500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Tromsø?
Flight from Oslo 1.5h, direct flights from Munich/Frankfurt seasonally. Hurtigruten postal ship as an experiential alternative.
Book a package holiday to Tromsø
Compare thousands of package holidays to Tromsø and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Tromsø?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Book Northern Lights tours: Organized tours with experienced guides greatly increase the chances — they know the best cloud-free locations
Dress warmly: In winter, temperatures of -10°C are common. Thermal underwear, down jackets, and good gloves are essential
Experience dog sledding: A tour with huskies through the snowy Arctic is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Northern Norway
Visit Mack Brewery: The northernmost brewery in the world offers tours and tastings — a must for beer lovers
What should you eat in Tromsø?
Typical specialities in Tromsø: King Crab — Freshly caught from the Arctic Ocean — the tender, sweet meat is an Arctic delicacy, Reindeer Goulash — Tender reindeer meat in dark sauce with lingonberries and root vegetables, Stockfish (Tørrfisk) — Air-dried cod — the traditional staple food of Northern Norway since Viking times, Fish Soup — Creamy soup with various Arctic fish species, shrimp, and fresh dill, Cloudberry Cream — Dessert made from golden cloudberries with cream — the "Arctic raspberry" tastes uniquely sweet and tart.
These specialties you must try!
