Itineraries for Your Trip to Tromso
1 Day in Tromso for First Timers
Way up in the Arctic north of Norway, Tromso can seem a world away for most travelers. At least that’s how it felt to me coming all the way from Australia, braving the unfamiliar cold to see this impossibly distant place and its famous northern lights. Fortunately, Tromso exceeded expectations, and not just as a base to see the auroras, but as a small city in itself.
Since Tromso is such a long journey—no matter where you’re coming from—it’s crucial you make the most of your time there, especially if you only have one day in Tromso. Follow our 1-day Tromso itinerary for first-timers to set yourself up with the best chance of a successful visit.
Bring all your warm winter clothing, especially if you’re going to be standing around outside at night looking up at the sky.
If you only have time for one thing, make it an aurora borealis quest.
It may not seem as thrilling as chasing the northern lights, but exploring the city of Tromso is the best way to start one day in Tromso for first-timers. Gain context and get a feel for life in the Arctic with a city tour, learning about the region’s culture and wildlife at the Polar Museum, and its expeditionary history while standing around the Roald Amundsen Monument. Allow some time to cross the impressive Tromsø Bridge and see how the sleek Arctic Cathedral, another of the must-see attractions in Tromso, complements the landscape.
Tromso sits on an island, surrounded by fjords and islands, meaning there’s plenty of beautiful landscape scenery nearby waiting to be explored. In the afternoon, board the Fjellheisen Cable Car to see Tromso and beyond from the top of Storsteinen. Alternatively, discover the Arctic at sea level with a cruise out onto the Tromso fjords, keeping an eye out for local wildlife or trying your hand at fishing for cod. Best of all, if visiting during the winter, you have the bonus option of whale-watching tours that take you in search of humpbacks and orcas.
You’ve likely been waiting all day for night to fall so that you can go out in search of the aurora borealis. Choose from a variety of northern lights tours and head out to carefully selected locations that offer optimal viewing conditions. However, if your first time in Tromso is in summer, the long days ruin any chance of seeing the phenomenon. Fill your evening instead by making the most of the extended daylight by joining a local food tour or trying a floating experience in a local fjord.
