Tromso is a dream destination for winter lovers, Northern Lights chasers, and Arctic explorers. But before you step into this winter wonderland, there are a few things you should know to make your trip smoother, warmer, and even more magical. Here’s our ultimate guide with practical tips, personal experiences, and insider advice!
1. Layers!!!
If you’re heading to Tromso in the winter, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the snow, so high-quality waterproof, insulated boots with a good tread for traction are a must.
I made the mistake of wearing boots from an unknown brand that claimed to be waterproof – and ended up with wet feet after hours of walking in the snow. Trust me, spend the extra money on quality gear!
Layering is everything! We always wore a base layer of thermals (shirt and leggings), a fleece sweater, and a well-insulated jacket. If you’re too cold, just add one extra layer on top of your thermals for extra warmth.
Bonus tip: Tromso is freezing, but it’s a dry cold. This means it’s less harsh than, say, a windy winter in Amsterdam or Berlin. As long as you layer properly, you’ll be totally fine – even in the deepest winter!
Also, bring a ton of socks – if they get wet, you’ll want to change them ASAP. Make sure to pack thermals, fleece material jackets/sweaters, and definitely warm gloves. Your hands will get cold quickly, and we found hand warmers to be a lifesaver!
Bonus tip: Gloves with touchscreen compatibility will make taking those constant photos way easier (no more taking them off to snap a pic!).
2. There Are Ubers in Tromso
We assumed there weren’t, but surprise! There are Ubers, and they work well within the city. They’re usually fast, except from the airport, where you might wait longer, especially in extreme weather.
Bonus tip: If you’re arriving in bad weather, pre-booking a transfer might be a safer bet.
3. Book Restaurants in Advance
Eating out in Tromsø is expensive – like, really expensive. Even casual spots can feel overpriced compared to other European cities.
If you’re on a budget, consider grabbing food from supermarkets (they have decent ready-to-eat options) or local bakeries. Kiwi and Rema 1000 are also affordable grocery stores.
That said, almost everywhere only accepts reservations, so make sure to book your spots in advance! Most restaurants are easy to reserve through their websites or by phone.
If you’re looking for more tips on where to eat, check out our post on 10 Must-Try Foods in Tromso: What to Eat, Where to Try Them & Photos for the best culinary experiences in the city!
4. You Don’t Need Cash
Tromso is almost entirely cashless. Everywhere takes card payments, and even bus tickets can be bought through the Svipper app.
BUT: If you don’t use the app, you might need cash to buy tickets directly from the bus driver.
5. Book Tours in Advance
If you’re dreaming of reindeer feeding, husky sledding, or Northern Lights chasing, BOOK EARLY. The best-rated tours sell out fast, sometimes weeks in advance.
What to look for when booking:
- Check reviews carefully – not all tours are equal.
- Smaller group tours = better experiences.
- For the Northern Lights, choose a tour with flexible locations. Some will drive hours away to find clear skies!
We booked our tours through GetYourGuide, which made it easy to compare options and read reviews. They had a wide range of activities, from husky sledding to Northern Lights tours.
Need help picking tours? We’ve got a great guide for a 2-day itinerary in Tromso to help you plan all your Arctic adventures.
6. The Northern Lights: Manage Your Expectations
We all imagine dancing green lights filling the sky, but the reality? The Northern Lights are often much weaker to the naked eye than what your camera captures. Phones pick up way more color and intensity than your eyes do!
Northern Lights tips:
- It’s a CHASE, not a guarantee. Even on a clear night, solar activity determines how strong they’ll be.
- You need patience. Some nights are incredible, others… not so much.
- Be prepared for long, cold waits. Standing outside for hours means extra layers + hot drinks are a must!
- Book a tour with a professional photographer! If you want stunning photos of yourself under the Northern Lights, this is the way to go. While you enjoy the show, they’ll handle all the settings and shots – so you can relax and have amazing photos without the stress of adjusting camera settings.
7. Tromso is Hilly & Icy – Get Good Boots!
Tromso gets icy FAST, and with all its hilly streets, you need proper boots to avoid slipping. Ice grips (spikes) on shoes can help, but good traction boots are even better.
Bonus tip: If you’re nervous about ice, walk like a penguin – small steps, weight forward, knees slightly bent. (It works, trust us!)
8. Exploring Fjords Without a Car
Tromso is surrounded by stunning fjords, but most are hard to reach without a car – long bus rides and limited schedules make things tricky.
Luckily, Ersfjord and Kaldfjord are the easiest to visit for an Arctic escape.
Getting there:
- Take a bus to Eidkjosen (where Kaldfjord is).
- From there, we grabbed an Uber to Ersfjord – no buses run there on Sundays, and we wanted to beat the tourist rush. Best decision ever! The fjord was almost empty, just us and the breathtaking views.
Walking route:
- After exploring Ersfjord, we planned to Uber back to Kaldfjord… but no Ubers were available.
- So, we walked 1h 15min along the fjords! It was unexpected, but absolutely stunning. Every turn looked like a postcard.
- If walking isn’t for you, book a fjord tour by boat or minibus instead!
9. Polar Night & Midnight Sun: Know What to Expect
Tromsø experiences extreme daylight changes:
- Winter (Polar Night, Nov–Jan): No real daylight! It stays dark with just a few hours of “blue light.” Super cool, but can mess with your energy levels.
- Summer (Midnight Sun, May–July): No real darkness! The sun never sets, which is amazing but can make sleeping hard.
Pack an eye mask in summer and take Vitamin D in winter to help adjust!
10. Reindeer Hot Dogs Are a Thing
Reindeer meat is a local specialty, and one of the best ways to try it is through a reindeer hot dog – served in a bun with lingonberry sauce or mustard.
Where to try it: The best place is Raketten Bar, known as the smallest bar in the world! This tiny kiosk has been serving locals since 1925 and is famous for its reindeer hot dogs. Expect a 10-50 min wait – it’s a super popular spot!
Final Thoughts
Tromso is absolutely magical, but being prepared makes the experience 100x better! Whether you’re here for Northern Lights, huskies, or fjords, knowing these tips will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your Arctic adventure.
If you’re looking for more tips on the best things to see and do in Tromso, don’t forget to check out our other blog posts: 2 Days in Tromsø: Reindeer Magic, Northern Lights & Arctic Adventures for the perfect itinerary, and 10 Must-Try Foods in Tromso: What to Eat, Where to Try Them & Photos for a foodie’s guide to Tromso’s culinary delights. Enjoy your Arctic adventure!
Anything else you’d add? Let us know in the comments!