Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re dreaming of a magical Arctic getaway during winter, let us whisk you away to Tromso, Norway, through our unforgettable 2-day journey. Packed with reindeer encounters, Northern Lights chases, and breathtaking fjord walks, this itinerary is your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Tromsø.
Whether you want to explore the Sami culture, chase the Aurora Borealis or immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Arctic, we’ve got you covered.
Introduction: Arrival in Tromso
Stepping off the plane in Tromso, you’re just a short ride away from the city center – and getting there is easy! You’ve got plenty of options from the airport to Tromso, but some are better than others depending on your arrival time.
You can take a shuttle bus for around 11 EUR one way, but if your flight is delayed, this might not be the best choice since it runs on a set schedule.
Public transport, on the other hand, works perfectly fine – it runs every 15 minutes and takes about the same time to reach the center (around 15 minutes) since there aren’t many stops along the way. Just grab a one-way ticket through the Svipper app for about 4.5 EUR, and you’re good to go!
We arrived after midnight, though, and the buses had stopped running. There are taxis at the airport, but since a lot of people land at the same time, you’ll likely have to wait in line outside in the cold – plus, they can be pricier. That’s why it’s better to call instead.
We called Tromso’s most popular taxi service at +47 03011 (or you can use their free app Taxifix or book online). The wait was around 20-30 minutes, and the ride took about 10-15 minutes, costing us 32 EUR.
Another tip? Just chat with some people in the taxi queue and offer to share! Everyone’s heading to the city center anyway, and almost all hotels are close to each other. Later, we also found out that Uber works in Tromso, though the wait time might be longer – still, a good backup option if you arrive late!
Day 1: Reindeer Magic and Dancing Northern Lights
Morning: Reindeer Sledding & Sami Culture Tour
We kicked off our Arctic adventure with a once-in-a-lifetime reindeer meeting, sledding and Sami culture experience. The tour started was a highlight, offering a chance to get close to over 300 reindeer, so everyone had plenty of opportunities for amazing photos!
Despite being a big group, there were enough reindeer for everyone, and you could really interact with them. The purpose of the activity was to feed the reindeer, which made it even more special.
Duration: 5 hours (including a 30-minute bus ride from Tromsø)
Price: Around 150 EUR (1,740 NOK) per person
Included: Transportation, Reindeer sledding, Sami cultural talk, reindeer feeding, lunch (reindeer stew or vegetarian option), hot drinks
The experience started at 9:45 AM with a short drive outside of Tromso to a remote camp where the reindeer awaited. We opted for the 10-minute sled ride, which was perfect for the freezing temperatures.
Those who chose the longer 30-minute ride later regretted it, as reindeer don’t run; they walk in slow circles, making it quite monotonous and extra cold in the wind.
The Sami cultural session was fascinating. We learned about the Sami people’s history, language, and traditions, and gained a deeper appreciation for their way of life, including how they sustainably care for and use every part of the reindeer.
The guides shared incredible insights into the Sami culture that really made this activity memorable.
Insider Tip: Dress warmly! Layers are key, even with thermals, thick gloves, and hats, because the Arctic wind bites hard.
Afternoon: Exploring Tromso’s City Center
After the reindeer adventure, we warmed up with a quick coffee stop before heading out to explore Tromso city. The city is small but packed with charm, and walking around in the snow felt magical. Here are some top sights we visited:
- Tromsø Harbor – A winter wonderland with colorful houses and snowy boats
- Tromsø Bridge – A scenic walk with incredible fjord views
- Arctic Cathedral – A stunning architectural gem (entrance fee: 4 EUR / 50 NOK, but we admired it from the outside)
For the walk back from the Tromso Bridge, we decided to take the bus since the bridge is a bit long for a return trip, and it was a fast way to get back to the city center.
We used the Svipper app again, and a one-way ticket cost around 4-5 EUR. Keep in mind that you can still buy a ticket from the bus driver, but they only accept cash in NOK!
Before heading back, we stopped by the smallest bar in the world to try a reindeer hot dog! It was a unique experience, though a bit overpriced at around 4-5 EUR per hot dog.
Be prepared to wait, as there’s usually a line, and it can take 20-30 minutes to get served. Still, it was fun to try, and they also serve some nice drinks!
Evening: Chasing the Northern Lights
No trip to Tromsø is complete without a Northern Lights tour! We joined a small group tour, making the experience feel cozy and personal.
Duration: ~8 hours
Price: 190 EUR (2,200 NOK) per person
Included: Transportation, campfire, reindeer sausages, hot chocolate, professional photos
Now, let’s be real – this is a chase, not a guaranteed show. We hopped between different locations, eyes glued to the sky, hoping the Aurora would make an appearance. Some stops had us waiting over an hour in the freezing cold, fingers crossed for a break in the clouds.
At one point, we gathered around a campfire, grilling our own reindeer sausages (so good!) and sipping hot chocolate while the anticipation built.
Reality check: The Northern Lights often look much weaker to the naked eye than they do in photos. Cameras pick up the colors more vibrantly, so don’t expect a neon green sky like in postcards.
If you want stunning shots, book a tour with a pro photographer – so you can focus on soaking in the magic without stressing over camera settings.
Insider Tip: Thermal socks and gloves are a must – trust us, standing in Arctic temperatures for hours is not a vibe if you’re underdressed!
Day 2: Fjords, Sky-High Views & Husky Hugs
Morning: Kaldfjord & Ersfjord Walk
Tromso is surrounded by stunning fjords, but most of them are tricky to reach without a car – long bus rides and limited schedules make it a challenge.
Luckily, Ersfjord and Kaldfjord are the easiest to get to and the perfect choice for a breathtaking Arctic escape.
- Getting there: We took a bus to Eidkjosen, where Kaldfjord is, but since it’s pretty small, we immediately grabbed an Uber to Ersfjord – no buses run there on Sundays, and we wanted to get there before the tourist rush. Best decision ever! We had the place almost to ourselves, just us and the stunning fjord views.
- Walking route: After soaking in Ersfjord’s beauty, we planned to Uber back to Kaldfjord, but… no luck. No Ubers available. So, we had no choice but to walk – an unplanned but absolutely stunning 1h 15min trek (though let’s be real, it took us longer because we kept stopping for photos). The path runs right along the fjords, making every step feel like a postcard moment. If walking isn’t your thing, a guided fjord tour by boat or minibus is a great alternative!
Afternoon: Fjellheisen Cable Car – The Best View in Tromso
If you want the ultimate view of Tromso without a crazy hike, the Fjellheisen Cable Car is the way to go! It’s the only easily accessible spot to see the city from above, and trust us – it’s so worth it.
That said, you won’t be the only one with this idea. This place gets busy, so book your tickets in advance to skip the hassle.
Price: Around 47 EUR per person (we recommend booking in advance)
Shuttle Bus: There’s an 8 EUR shuttle bus, but honestly, you don’t need it – regular public transport gets you there just fine, and you are not dependent on a set schedule!
At the top, the panoramic views over the fjords are breathtaking (literally, if the wind hits you just right). We stayed for about an hour, soaking it all in. If you can, time your visit for sunset – watching the sun dip behind the Arctic landscape is pure magic!
Husky Farm Visit & Cozy Arctic Vibes
Instead of a full-on dog sledding tour, we went for a husky farm visit, which meant more cuddles and less racing.
We had about an hour to hang out with the dogs, but since they had a busy day pulling sleds, most of them were tired and snoozing in their houses (and we were told not to disturb them). Still, the few playful ones we met were adorable!
Duration: 4 hours (including a 30-minute bus ride from Tromsø)
Price: 100 EUR (1,200 NOK) per person
Included: Transportation, playing with huskies, dinner, hot drinks, camp fire, sledging
It was pretty cold and dark, so taking pictures was tricky, but the atmosphere was magical. There was even a chance to see the Northern Lights – though luck wasn’t on our side that night. Some people on the tour swore they saw a glimpse earlier, though!
To warm up, we first enjoyed dinner in a super cozy tent, where we savored a traditional Bacalao fish stew – perfect for the chilly evening.
Afterward, we gathered around a campfire to roast marshmallows and share stories about the Northern Lights. Hot drinks kept our hands from freezing, and there was even a small sledding hill where we raced down on plastic bags – such a fun and unexpected addition!
Insider Tip: If you want to interact with super energetic huskies, a daytime dog sledding tour might be a better option!
Late Night: Prostovenet Lake & The Northern Lights Chase
After the husky farm visit, we weren’t quite ready to call it a night. We decided to make one last dash for the Northern Lights, heading to Prostovenet Lake – one of Tromso’s best places for Aurora hunting.
We braved the freezing cold for about two hours under a crystal-clear sky, eyes glued to the heavens… but no Northern Lights for us that night. The Aurora clearly had other plans! However, some lucky folks on our tour caught a glimpse later on.
If you’re not ready to hit the hay and still craving a bit of magic, Prostovenet Lake is the place to be. It’s accessible by bus, and on the way back, we took a peaceful 30-minute walk, which turned out to be the perfect way to end our adventure.
Optional Day 3 & Things We Wish We Had Time For
If you’re staying for a third day or if you have extra time during your trip, here are a few activities we wish we had time for:
Telegrafbukta Beach: Yes, Tromsø has beaches! This one is also a great spot to catch the Northern Lights or enjoy a peaceful sunset.
Tromsø Ice Domes: A breathtaking ice hotel with beautifully sculpted rooms, an ice bar, and an ice cinema! Definitely a must-visit for a unique Arctic experience. However, it is temporarily closed, so keep an eye for updates if you plan to visit.
Polaria Museum: A unique Arctic experience with interesting exhibits. If you plan well in advance, try to book the “Ice to Meet You” experience, where you can see seal feeding from the front row and meet the Bearded Seals! Only a few people are allowed per day, so book early!
Troll Museum: A fun and interactive way to learn more about Norwegian folklore, myths, and legends. Great for kids and adults alike!
Perspektivet Museum: A hidden gem showcasing historical and modern photography exhibitions about life in Tromso and the Arctic.
The Polar Museum: A deep dive into Arctic history, with exhibits on explorers, whalers, and polar bears. A must for history buffs!
Final Thoughts
Tromsø completely stole our hearts. From reindeer sledding and Sami culture to chasing the Northern Lights and walking through stunning fjords, this Arctic adventure was nothing short of magical. Whether you visit in winter for the snow-covered wonderland or during the summer for the Midnight Sun, Tromso has something unforgettable to offer. We hope this itinerary helps you plan your dream Arctic trip!
Would you add anything to this list? Let us know in the comments!