Tromso Travel Guide – Things to do in Winter and travel tips

Tromso (Tromsø) – where do I even start? The snow draped mountains, the stunning fjords or the scenic drives? Or shall I talk about the Northern lights twirling in the sky and the dreamy snowy evenings that awaken a child-like joy? Words falter when I try to capture the magic of this place. It’s overwhelming, in the best possible way.

Tromso had been high on my bucket list – for its true Arctic winter experience and the chance to witness the mystical aurora. But it delivered so much more than I had dared to dream. Even now, I can smell the freshly baked bread wafting through crisp mornings, feel the gentle warmth of the winter sun breaking over the harbour and hear the crunch of snow on walks that led nowhere, yet everywhere. And those cold, silent nights – somewhere in the middle of nowhere, wrapped in layers, sipping hot chocolate under a starlit sky – still tug at me.

Tromsø, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful winter destinations. And if you’re planning a visit, here’s our heartfelt guide, straight from the magic we lived.

Reaching Tromso

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Tromsø is by flight. Tromsø Airport (TOS) has limited direct connections to select European cities, but is well-connected domestically, with regular flights from major Norwegian cities like Oslo and Bergen. 

To reach Tromso, first fly to Oslo. Then take a 2 hour flight from Oslo to Tromso. However, if you have another day to spare, we recommend taking the scenic route, Oslo-Bergen-Tromso. For this, take the train from Oslo to Bergen first and then a 2 hour flight from Bergen to Tromsø. The Oslo-Bergen railway route is considered one of the most scenic in the world. The journey takes about 7 hours, passing through fjords, little villages and postcard like views. 

Things to do in Tromso

Reindeer feeding and learn about Sami culture

You can’t leave Norway without meeting the reindeer! Ever since I saw them “flying” Santa’s sleigh (in movies of course, they felt almost mythical to me, especially with their majestic, branching antlers. So, when the chance came to see them up close, I just couldn’t miss it. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the Sami people, the Arctic’s indigenous community with a very unique culture and age-old ties to reindeer herding.

Many tours from Tromso offer visits to Sami camps, where you can feed reindeer, hear Sami stories, and even go reindeer sledding. Some evening tours also include dinner and the chance to see Aurora if you visit in peak Winter time. We visited a family-run camp just a few kilometres from Tromsø, with hundreds of Reindeer in a very scenic setting. Feeding them was fun as they are quite enthusiastic eaters. One even tried to climb onto Sush just to get to the food.

Afterwards, our Sami host shared insights into the lives of these shy creatures and herding practices while we sipped on hot tea inside the traditional tent. It was a fascinating experience, making us ponder how deeply human survival has been intertwined with animals for ages!

Book a Sauna session

After a day of adventures, nothing beats unwinding in a sauna, followed by a cold plunge into the icy Arctic sea. Or let’s be honest, sometimes just a quick butt dip. Either way, it’s an experience like no other. Tromso has two floating saunas near the harbour – Vulkana and Pust – both offering direct access to the sea and panoramic views of the scenic surroundings.

We chose a two-hour session at Vulkana, a former fishing boat now transformed into a spa. Inside, there is a traditional wood-fired sauna, a Turkish Hammam, and a hot tub on the deck with gorgeous Arctic scenery. And when the heat gets intense, climb down the stairs for a dip in the icy waters or take the full plunge if you’re feeling brave! 

The day we visited, it was cold and rainy, and the warmth of the sauna was so comforting. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the people we met – travellers from different corners of the world, sharing stories and laughter. When I hesitated to take the cold plunge, they cheered me on and even volunteered to click our pictures. It was more than just a sauna session – it was an experience we would love to repeat again.

Experience Ice floating

If you’re up for a unique adventure, ice floating in Tromsø is a must-try! I had long dreamed of this experience after discovering the icebreaker cruises and arctic floating in Finland. But with steep prices and mixed reviews, I held back, until I found this small-group tour in Tromsø at one fourth of the price. Bonus: it included photos, snacks, and hot drinks!

So, coming to the experience, a 30-minute scenic drive from Tromsø brought us to a frozen fjord. After a briefing session, we suited up in striking red survival gear and then the real fun began. Floating effortlessly in the icy water for almost an hour, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and chunks of ice just felt surreal. Though our hands and feet still felt a little cold, the weightless, worry-free sensation was unbeatable. Read More….

For more such destinations around the world, refer our other blogs here.