Best Activities to Try in Tromsø, Norway

Nicknamed the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø lies 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest cultural and urban hub in Northern Norway. Often called the capital of the Arctic, the city has long been the launch point for polar expeditions and is world-famous as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis between September and March.

But Tromsø is more than a Northern Lights destination. The city boasts a top-class aquarium, fascinating museums, and even the world’s northernmost botanical garden. Outdoors, the options are endless: dog sledding, glacier hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and much more. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, culture, or natural wonders, this guide to the best (winter) activities in Tromsø will help you make the most of your Arctic adventure.

Snowmobiling in Tromsø

Norvegian Travel

Snowmobiling in Tromsø is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the Arctic wilderness. Think of it as a motorized sled — once a vital means of transport for locals, now also an unforgettable adventure for visitors. With the roar of the engine beneath you and endless white landscapes stretching ahead, snowmobile tours let you race across frozen plains, weave through valleys, and climb toward mountain views that few ever get to see.

In the Tromsø region, you’ll find two of the best places to try snowmobiling:

• Camp Tamok - Just 1.5 hours south of the city, snowmobiling in Camp Tamok is all about vast snow-covered plains framed by dramatic peaks like Tamokfjellet, Vassedalen, and Finndalen. Many tours here also include a special trail to the breathtaking Tromsø Ice Domes, an extraordinary hotel and bar carved entirely from snow and ice each winter.
• The Lyngen Alps - If you’re drawn to dramatic mountain scenery, snowmobiling in the Lyngen Alps offers trails that wind past rugged peaks such as Trollvasstinden and Sofiatinden, across frozen lakes like Jægervatnet and Trollvatnet, and deep into true Arctic wilderness. Along the way, you may even spot wildlife like reindeer, moose, or sea eagles, with a well-deserved break for hot coffee in the snow.

The prime season for snowmobiling runs from December to March, with tours typically priced between €150 and €300 depending on length, guides, and extras — a small price for one of Tromsø’s most iconic Arctic adventures.

Dog Sledding in Tromsø

Tromsø Villmarksenter

Few experiences capture the spirit of the Arctic quite like dog sledding in Tromsø. Once essential for travel and hunting, mushing has transformed into one of the region’s most iconic adventures. Guided by energetic Siberian Huskies or sturdy Alaskan Malamutes — breeds born to run through snow and ice — you’ll glide across frozen landscapes under star-filled skies or even the shimmering Northern Lights. The dogs’ enthusiasm is infectious, and working alongside them is as liberating as it is unforgettable.

Some of the most popular camps for dog sledding within a 1–2 hour drive from Tromsø city center include:

• Tromsø Golf Club
• Villmarkssenter
• Camp Tamok
• Tamokdalen Valley

Transport to and from these sites is usually arranged by the tour operators.

When it comes to options, you’re spoiled for choice. Shorter half-day excursions can be booked as either daytime or evening tours, while more adventurous travelers can opt for two-day safaris or even six-day expeditions that include meals and accommodation. Prices typically range from €170 for short trips to €2,000 for multi-day tours, with the higher-end packages offering a complete Arctic immersion.

After a day on the sled, many tours end with a cozy meal by the fire — often traditional dishes like Bacalao (stockfish in tomato sauce) or Bidos (a hearty Sami stew of reindeer, broth, and vegetables). It’s the perfect way to warm up and savor a taste of local culture after an adventure you’ll never forget.

Snowshoeing in Tromsø

Wandering Owl

Talking about the best activities in Tromsø without mentioning snowshoeing would be impossible. Unlike mainstream sports, snowshoeing is still a hidden gem — but it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore the Arctic. Think of it as hiking with oversized shoes that spread your weight across the snow, using a technique called “flotation” so you don’t sink. Simple to learn and suitable for most fitness levels, it’s the perfect activity if you want a peaceful but immersive adventure.

With snowshoeing in Tromsø, you’ll discover pristine birch and pine forests, spot reindeer, moose, and Arctic birds, and walk across valleys and frozen lakes framed by mountains. Guided tours not only keep you safe but also bring the landscape to life with stories of local culture, wildlife, and Arctic survival. Prices usually range from €100 to €135, depending on the trail.

Popular snowshoeing routes include:

• Kvaløya - Just 25 minutes from Tromsø, this island offers breathtaking fjord and mountain views, plus a chance to spot reindeer, moose, and birdlife. Choose between a daytime hike or an evening snowshoeing tour to catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
• The Lyngen Alps - Snowshoeing in the Lyngen Alps surrounds you with towering peaks and vast silence. Highlights include sweeping views over Ullsfjorden and the picturesque village of Lakselvbukt.
• Tromsø Ice Domes - For a unique twist, try a guided snowshoe hike through Tamok Valley that ends at the spectacular Tromsø Ice Domes. Built anew every winter, this snow-and-ice hotel and bar is a true Arctic wonder. Along the way, guides share survival tips and insights into how snow shapes the region’s ecosystem.

Whether under the midnight sun of spring or the polar night sky, snowshoeing in Tromsø is a quiet yet unforgettable way to experience the raw beauty of the Arctic.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø

Wandering Owl

No trip to the Arctic is complete without a Northern Lights chase in Tromsø. Also known as an Aurora Borealis hunt, this magical experience takes you far from the city lights to maximize your chances of seeing the night sky ignite in waves of green, purple, and pink.

With Manawa, there are several ways to experience the Aurora. Join a minivan Northern Lights hunt, where expert guides drive deep into the wilderness, stopping at the best viewpoints, serving hot drinks, and helping you capture unforgettable photos. For a more immersive option, you can visit Camp Tamok, combining a warm Sami-inspired campfire meal with one of the best locations for spotting the lights. Adventurers who prefer the sea can embark on a Northern Lights boat tour, sailing away from Tromsø’s harbor into dark fjords where the sky feels impossibly close.

The Aurora season runs from September to March, and tours typically last 3 to 9 hours. While sightings can never be guaranteed, local guides use their expertise and weather forecasts to give you the best possible chance of witnessing nature’s most spectacular light show.

Reindeer Sledding in Tromsø

Tromsø Lapland

No matter your age, it’s impossible to think of reindeer without picturing Santa’s sleigh — and that’s part of the magic of reindeer sledding in Tromsø. This unique Arctic activity combines childlike wonder with cultural depth, letting you glide through snowy landscapes in the most traditional way imaginable.

For centuries, the Sami people, the indigenous Finno-Ugric communities of Northern Norway, have relied on reindeer for transport, survival, and culture. Today, you join a reindeer sledding tour for several reasons as it is not only a chance to enjoy a nostalgic ride but also an opportunity to learn about Sami traditions, daily life, and even hear a hauntingly beautiful Joik — a traditional song — if you’re lucky.

Most tours include pick-up from central Tromsø (often outside the Scandic Ishavshotel), followed by a short transfer to a Sami camp, such as the one near Tromsø Golf Club, about 25 minutes north of the city. From there, the adventure begins: a peaceful sled ride through Arctic wilderness, followed by storytelling, a warm meal, and cultural exchange around a fire.

The best time to try reindeer sledding is December to March, when snow conditions are ideal. Prices generally range from €150 to €200, making it one of the most authentic and affordable ways to experience both Arctic landscapes and Sami heritage.

Whale Watching in Tromsø

Arctic Whale Tours

Among the many wildlife encounters the Arctic has to offer, few are as unforgettable as whale watching in Tromsø. Every winter, humpback whales and orcas follow the herring into the fjords around Skjervøy and Whale Island, creating one of the best places in the world to see these giants in their natural habitat.

Climb aboard a comfortable boat and set off through dramatic fjords, watching the snowy mountains roll by as you search the waters for tail flukes and dorsal fins. Some tours even invite you to assist the crew in gathering behavioral observations, offering a fascinating glimpse into marine research. And if conditions allow, you might even hear the hauntingly beautiful songs of the whales echoing beneath the waves.

Tours generally last around 5 hours and cost between €120 and €180, including a knowledgeable guide who will share insights into Arctic wildlife and ecosystems. Whether you prefer to sit back and enjoy the show or get involved in the science, whale watching in Tromsø is a breathtaking encounter with the wild.

From snowmobiling across frozen valleys to dog sledding with huskies, snowshoeing in silent forests, reindeer sledding with the Sami, whale watching in the fjords, and chasing the Northern Lights, in winter the Arctic becomes an adventure playground like no other. These are not just tours — they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that connect you with nature, wildlife, and culture in the far north.

With Manawa, you can easily discover and book the best activities in Tromsø during winter, guided by local experts who know how to make every moment special. Wrap up warm, embrace the Arctic spirit, and let Tromsø surprise you with memories that will last a forever.