Winter Days in Tromsø, Norway: 2 Day Itinerary
Hei Norway
Last year, I finally crossed Norway off my bucket list, and it was truly a beautiful, frozen adventure. Our journey started in Kirkenes, a small town just 16 km from the Russian border, where we visited during the Easter holidays. A friend of ours was working at the Kirkenes Snow Hotel – yes, a hotel built entirely out of snow! While we opted for a warmer (and less expensive) stay, we fully embraced Nordic adventures: dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and chasing the Northern Lights. Witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the Arctic sky was pure magic.
Kirkenes to Tromsø: a Coastal Adventure
After our Arctic adventures in Kirkenes, we boarded the M.S. Richard With Hurtigruten, a coastal ship offering breathtaking views of Norway's coastline. A few nights at sea brought us to Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic – a charming city located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. With snow-capped mountains in every direction, Tromsø felt like a winter wonderland straight out of a postcard.
Tromsdalen Church aka the Arctic Cathedral
Where to Stay in Tromsø on a Budget
Norway is notoriously expensive, but savvy travelers can keep costs in check. Our budget ranged from 130€–150€ per day, covering accommodation, food, transport, and attractions. We booked an apartment at Skaret by Vander Apartments – modern, central, and oh-so-hygge. While we loved the space, we learned the hard way that ground-floor rooms can be noisy (hello, early morning grocery deliveries!). Pro tip: Request a higher floor for a quieter stay.
Now let’s get into how we spent 2 days in Tromsø!
Day 1: Exploring Tromsø
Arriving in Tromsø at midnight, we woke up to a stunning Arctic scene. After grabbing groceries and a quick breakfast, we set off to explore. Spiked shoes are a must for navigating the icy sidewalks here!
Polaria Arctic Aquarium
Our first stop was Polaria, a unique Arctic aquarium and educational center showcasing Norway's marine life. From jellyfish to king crabs, the exhibits were fascinating, but the highlight? Watching seals get fed! Pure, childlike joy seeing these cuties come up for their daily fish.
Rakettkiosken: The World's Smallest Bar
Next, we wandered into Rakettkiosken, an iconic tiny bar in Tromsø city center. The menu? Mulled wine and reindeer-beef hotdogs. A strange combo? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
Fjellheisen Cable Car: Best Views in Tromsø
In the afternoon, we headed to the Fjellheisen Cable Car, which offers unmatched panoramic views of Tromsø and its fjords. The gondola ride took us to Storsteinen Mountain, where we spent time hiking and playing in the snow. Before heading back down, we enjoyed a cozy kaffepause (coffee break) at Fjellstua Café.
View of Tromsø from the top of Fjellheisen Cable Car
What I wore* (temps: -5° to -10°C):
Thermal leggings & long-sleeve top
Hiking pants
Down jacket + winter jacket
Warm gloves, hat, and tube scarf
Merino wool socks
Sturdy hiking boots
*Pro tip: Layers are your best friend when visiting Norway in winter!
Day 2: Exploring Beyond the City
Sommarøy Island: Arctic Beaches & Road Trip Views
Inspired by Tromsø's natural beauty, we rented an electric car and set off to Sommarøy Island, just an hour away (36 km drive). Fun fact: Norway is an EV paradise, with charging stations as common as gas stations. As a first-time EV driver, I was nervous, but the trip was smooth sailing.
Even in winter, Sommarøy's white sand beaches were breathtaking. The contrast of crystal-clear Arctic waters against snowy hills made for the perfect picnic spot. Here is a link to our route in case you want to follow in our tracks.
Inspired by Tromsø’s beauty, we rented an electric car and drove to Sommarøy Island, just an hour away (36 km). Fun fact: Norway is an EV paradise, with charging stations as common as gas stations. As a first-time EV driver, I was nervous about running out of charge in the middle of nowhere, but it was honestly smooth sailing. Here’s to hoping that the future of transportation is renewable and energy-efficient!
Fjord-Hopping: Sørskaret & Skulsfjord
On our way back, we stopped at some stunning fjords and viewpoints. Sørskaret and Skulsfjord were particularly picturesque. Don't forget your camera! The whole drive, including stops, took about three hours. (Here’s our Google Maps route if you want to follow in our tracks!)
Olhallen BrewPub: The Northernmost Brewery
To wrap up our 2 days in Tromsø, we visited Olhallen BrewPub, the world's northernmost brewery. Sampling Norwegian craft beers in a cozy, lively atmosphere was the perfect ending. Bonus? We even snapped a photo with a polar bear (okay, it was a statue, but still).
Final Thoughts: Is Tromsø Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether chasing the Northern Lights, exploring Arctic nature, or just soaking up the city's cozy charm, Tromsø is an unforgettable destination. I’m already looking forward to visiting again, but next time, maybe in the Summer months! Here is a quick recap for you:
FAQs About Visiting Tromsø in Winter
Q: Is Tromsø expensive to visit?
A: Yes, but with smart planning (like booking apartments with kitchens and using public transport), you can manage costs. Expect to spend 130€–150€ per day on a budget.
Q: When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
A: The best months are September to March, with peak visibility from November to February.
Q: Do I need a car in Tromsø?
A: Not for the city itself (it's walkable, and buses work well). But for day trips like Sommarøy or fjords, renting a car is a great idea.