Norway Is A Total Bucket-List Destination - Here Are 8 Amazing Things To Do In Tromsø

It's time to chase those lights ✨

Tor Ivar Naess

I’m Hanifah and I love to travel. It’s always been my dream to see the Northern Lights in person, and trust me, I’ve tried*. So when I got the chance to visit Tromsø, Norway, I couldn’t resist to catch a glimpse of the wondrous Auroras.

Instagram: @its_hanifahh

*I went to Iceland back in 2023, and while it was beautiful, it was a Northern Lights-free zone. Luckily for me, this trip was a different story. All the light chasers will be glad to know that now's the perfect time to go on a mission to find them – scientifically speaking. Sunspots, which result from twisting magnetic fields on the sun, boost the chances of seeing the illustrious Aurora. According to experts at Expedia, we're currently heading towards a solar maximum at the end of the solar cycle, which means for the next couple of years, we'll be seeing more sunspots and solar storms, meaning more chances to see the lights!

And the Northern lights aren't the only wonder to behold in Norway – here are some amazing things to do in and around Tromsø!

1. Go dog sledding

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Picture this: dashing through gorgeous snowy plains, led by five adorable huskies, the moon looking down on you from a glorious pink sky. Sounds magical right? Before the sledding, I imagined sitting passenger side of a Santa-style sleigh, I was a bit taken aback when I found out I’d be driving the sled! There's nothing to worry about though – the dogs love running and they know the route really well. All you've got to do is hold on, let the adorable huskies do the work, and let your true adventurer come out.

Top tip: After the sledging, stick around to get to know the dogs – they are named individually, live in personalised kennels and there’s even a crèche where you can pet all the husky puppies!

2. Take in the views from Fjellheisen Cable Car

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Tromsø is a glorious city but it’s only got a few hours of bright daylight, so you wanna be in the right place at the right time to catch all the views. Where's the right place? I hear you ask. Well, the Fjellheisen cable car boasts the most beautiful views in Tromsø, and they're not exaggerating. From the viewing platform, you can take in panoramic views and some gorgeous sky colours, and then warm up with a hearty fish soup in Fjellstua Café.

Top tip: The cable car is open from 10am-12pm daily. I'd recommend planning your journey to coincide with the sun going down, and seeing the breathtakingly beautiful sky turn from blue to pink to orange.

3. Visit Camp Tamok and learn about the Sami culture

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Originating from the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, the Sami are an indigenous people with a rich cultural heritage. Renowned for their deep connection to nature, these communities have mastered the art of reindeer herding, a practice that has sustained them for centuries. The Sami people's unique traditional attire not only reflects their heritage but also exudes a captivating blend of style and tradition. 

At Camp Tamok, we met Carolina, a young local Sami woman whose been herding reindeer her entire life, and hearing about her experiences was so cool. She told us about her people’s traditions – from the history behind their unique dresses to her reindeer antler dagger. There’s so much to learn about the rich culture, and some delicious traditional Sami dishes to warm up with, too.

Top tip: Make sure you try the tunnbröd! It's a traditional Nordic flatbread and it's delicious dipped in soup.

4. Spend 24 hours on the Arctic Sea

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Tromsø is right in the Arctic Circle, so it would just be a missed opportunity to not take to the high sea and feel the touch of crisp fresh air on your skin. We took a voyage on the MV Quest, once I got over the initial seasickness, I couldn’t help but feel like a real adventurer. This isn't your average cruise – it's a mix of luxury and wild explorations. As you take a journey off the beaten path, the terrain of the MV Quest is yours to explore – you're even welcome to visit the captain at the helm!

Top tip: Wake up early and head to the cosy observation deck to watch the moon disappear and the sun rise, it’s magical.

5. And catch a glimpse of a whale

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Let’s be real, spending the night aboard a ship is fantastic, but the best part of being at sea is the nature. There are dozens of majestic creatures who call the Norwegian Sea home, from orcas to sperm whales, and a whole lot of dolphins. I always hear stories about whale-watching excursions that end with zero sightings, but it was a different story on the MV quest. Our expedition leader, Victoria Melluish (a legit marine biologist!), was on deck to give us a fascinating lecture on all the wonderful mammals around us, as well as expert tips on how to identify the different species. 

Top tip: Capturing the whales on camera is a must, but nothing compares to taking in the beauty of a tail flip with your bare eyes.

6. Go reindeer sledding

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Hands up if you ever thought reindeer were fictional mythical creatures. Okay, just me? Well, after meeting them, I fully understand why Rudolf and Co are associated with such a magical holiday. While the dogs had enthusiasm, the reindeer had a serenity that made taking in the glorious sights around us just that more special, plus they’re super cute. All the sightseeing can take it out of you, and I can't think of a better way to take a quiet moment than to lay on sledge and go on a meander with some reindeer.

Top tip: Just like the huskies, the reindeer are really friendly and love meeting people. If you stick around after the ride you can feed them – they'll eat right out the palm of your hand!

7. Chase the Northern Lights

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We went to Tromsø on a mission, and that involved taking a 1.5-hour drive out of the bustle of the town in -22° weather in search of those elusive Aurora. Yes, it was cold, but it was worth it. If you book a light chase, you’ll get taken out to the best spots with the clearest skies, which gives you the best opportunity to see the lights dancing in all their glory. We spent about two hours out under the sky, and the lights just kept getting brighter and brighter. There isn’t any light pollution so it’s the perfect opportunity to gaze at the stars and take in the wonders of nature, too.

Top tip: The night mode on a regular camera phone is the perfect setting to capture the lights in all their glory (I took these on an iPhone 13!). The longer the exposure time the clearer the picture will be, so I recommend taking along a tripod or camera brace, as holding your hand still in freezing weather is no easy feat. 

8. Warm up in a cosy lavvu

Tor Ivar Naess

The lavvu is a traditional Sami tent designed to keep the blistering cold winds out, and let me tell you – it does the job. It's the perfect base to keep frostbite at bay when you're chasing the lights. Our guide set up a fire and gave us hot chocolate to keep cosy, and the experience just wouldn't have been the same without it. Reindeer herders live in lavvus in temperatures of -50°, so it's safe to say you'll be kept nice and toasty inside.

Top tip: Okay so we didn’t have this, but if I knew the fire would be so great, I'd have brought along marshmallows to toast!

Have you visited Tromsø? Share your top recommendations in the comments below!