Tromsø
Tromsø is a city in northern Norway where the season decides what you see: northern lights and polar night in winter, the midnight sun in summer.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Tromsø is a port city in Troms og Finnmark county and the largest city in northern Norway. It sits above the Arctic Circle, on islands joined to the mainland by bridges and a tunnel. Polar explorers, Roald Amundsen among them, sailed from its harbor, and the University of Tromsø is one of the northernmost universities in the world.
The sky is the main reason to go. Northern lights show on clear, dark nights from autumn to early spring. Around midwinter the sun stays below the horizon for several weeks, the polar night. From late spring into summer, the sun stays up all night: the midnight sun. In town, the Arctic Cathedral and the cable car up Storsteinen give views over the city and fjord. Plan several nights, since cloud can hide the aurora on any single night.
Tromsø in five
- Chase the lights out of townNorthern lights season runs from about September to early April. Tours and rental cars drive inland to find clear skies when the coast is cloudy.
- Plan for the polar nightFrom late November to mid-January the sun does not rise, though there are a few hours of blue twilight around midday.
- Take the airport busThe airport is on Tromsøya island, close to the center; the airport bus takes about 15–20 minutes.
- Ride the Fjellheisen cable carIt climbs to Storsteinen above the city for views over the island and the Arctic Cathedral, and runs into the evening.
- Dress in layers for winterTemperatures often sit below freezing and wind makes it colder. Many tours lend thermal suits; ask when you book.
Things to do in Tromsø
See all attractions in Tromsø
Need to know
- Airport
- Tromsø (TOS), about 15–20 min by bus
- Getting there
- Flights from Oslo, about 2 hours; the coastal ship
- Getting around
- Walk the center; local buses
- Best base
- The city center on Tromsøya island
- Time needed
- 3–4 days for the lights
Weather by month
- Festival
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryPolar night ends
- FebruaryLights, snow
- MarchLights, more sun
- AprilSnow, skiing
- MayMidnight sun starts
- JuneMidnight sun
- JulyWarmest
- AugustHiking
- SeptemberLights return
- OctoberLights, autumn
- NovemberDark, snow
- DecemberPolar night
Festivals: Jul Bukta Tromsø Open Air Festival, Riddu Riđđu
Right now in Tromsø
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
4
- Feels like
- -1°
- Humidity
- 85%
- Wind
- 22 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Tromsø
09:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today5°3°100%Monday: Rain. High 5°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue7°2°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 7°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed7°3°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 7°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu3°1°100%Thursday: Rain. High 3°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri5°2°96%Friday: Rain. High 5°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Sat3°-1°100%Saturday: Snow. High 3°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun5°-1°93%Sunday: Snow. High 5°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 93%.
Updated 06:39 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 9.213 NOK
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- JulBukta Tromsø Open Air FestivalTromsø
- JulRiddu RiđđuTromsø
Day trips by train
- Kvaløyaabout 30 to 45 min by carFjord views and small villages on the island next to Tromsø.
- Lyngen Alpsabout 1.5 to 2 hours by carSnow-capped peaks above the fjord, with hiking in summer and ski touring in winter.
- Senjaabout 2 to 3 hours by carBeaches, cliffs and fishing villages, best as a long day or an overnight stay.
Before you go to Tromsø
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Rules for Tromsø, checked
- Norway is in the Schengen area but outside the EU. Check the entry rules for your passport on UDI, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, before you book.Source
- Declare alcohol, tobacco and goods above the duty-free allowances at customs. Check the current limits with Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) before you travel.
- Dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire in Norway. You can also call the ambulance service on 113 or the fire service on 110 directly.
- Service is included in Norwegian bills, so tipping is optional. Rounding up the bill is common.
Plan around Tromsø
Fjords, Oslo, Bergen and the cost of travel
Read the guideLofotenArctic islands, hikes and fishing villages
Read the guideLongyearbyenSvalbard, 1.5 hours by air
Read the guideWestern FinnmarkAlta, the North Cape and Sami Finnmark
Read the guideNarvikThe Ofoten Line port south of Tromsø
Read the guideFinnish LaplandAnother aurora region, across the border
Read the guideSwedish LaplandLights, huskies and the Ice Hotel region
Read the guideTromsø FAQ
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Tromsø?
From about September to early April on clear, dark nights. Stay at least three nights to give the weather a chance.
When is the midnight sun in Tromsø?
From about late May to late July the sun does not set.
Do I need a tour to see the northern lights?
No, but it helps. Tours and drivers follow the forecast inland to clear skies; from town you only see strong displays.
Is Tromsø worth visiting in summer?
Yes, for midnight sun hikes, fjord cruises and long daylight, but there are no northern lights then. Pick winter for the aurora and summer for the outdoors; they are very different trips.
Is Tromsø expensive?
By most standards, yes: lodging, tours and meals cost more than in southern Europe, and tour prices rise in lights season. Book rooms early for February and March, and compare what each tour includes, such as thermal suits.