This is my first time traveling solo and I’ve been in Tromso for four days now and it’s amazing! I’m really enjoying all the hiking, and the weather has been pretty good too. My only issue is I’m getting a little bit lonely and was wondering if anyone wanted to hang out and get coffee or something like that?
Also, any suggestions on restaurants/coffee shops?
Thanks! 😊
I am comparing Hertz and Enterprise for renting the same car from Tromso airport Norway.
8.10.2026 22:30 --- 12.10.2026 05:30
but the total costs come out to be very different. It seems:
The Hertz supercover is cheaper because it has a 2000NOK deductable, while the Enterprise zero excess has zero deductable.
Hertz seems to have no international driving charges (I plan to drive into Finland and Sweden, but return again at the origin Tromso airport), while Enterprise charges 1000.
The car itself might be cheaper with Hertz.
I am wondering if this big difference in price is too good to be true. Does anyone have any experience with Hertz at Tromso airport? Note that I arrive late at 22:30 and leave early at 05:30. It is good if someone is present at 22:30 during pickup to sort out any issues.
Hey there. Planning to visit between 31Aug and 2Sep.
Is there even the slightest chance for N. Lights at that period? I understand no.
We also plan to visit Polaria, Arctic Cathedral and Polamuseet and I wanted to ask if Polaria is worth the visit.
At last if we don't take the cable car and just hike up the mountain how much time would we need and is it really hard? Thank you
Does anyone know of a Northern Lights tour that will pick up and drop off at the Moxy hotel in Tromso?
My partner and I will be travelling around Europe from Canada for about 3 months, with about a week in Tromso. We have a couple of northern lights tours, a Sami tour etc booked. Living in Canada we obviously have really good winter boots and coats but looking to minimize unnecessary baggage. I know I'd really like to bring my snow pants for the warmth and the have a play in the snow but it seems like a waste to bring them for just a couple of days of use, so wondering if anybody might be able to share?
By that same logic, I'm also hoping I might be able to borrow a tripod for those two northern lights tours we are going on. I'm a photographer and plan on taking lots of photos during the trip but usually I don't need a tripod, but I know for an image of the Aurora I'll need one.
Takk for any help!
Hi friends,
Plan visits around November/December to view this amazing phenomena. As a first timer, would appreciate if most of you could share your experiences during this period last year, and the best mode of probability for example, cruises, Airbnb or chasing the lights on conducted tours. After hearing from any one of you, would love to engage in further conversation. Thanks.
I'm planning on being in Tromso at the beginning of November and I'm looking to do a couple of excursions. I definitely want to do the dog sledding excursions but I was looking at the reindeer tours and it just looks like a meet-and-greet with some really non exciting reindeer sledding that goes in a circle on site. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth it? Or will I be able to see random reindeers in the while while I drive around lofoten.
Hi clever people,
I am planning a trip to Tromsø and Skjervøy for my parents this November. How and when can I reserve tickets for the Rute 3 express boat from Tromsø to/from Skjervøy?
I can see the trip on the Svipper website but cannot figure out how to book. Does booking need to be done in the app, or how does it work?
Hi! We will be in Tromso around mid-October, staying at Scandic Ishavshotel. What are the must do attractions, restaurants, and things to do that time of year? Bonus points if the restaurants have gluten-free options due to an allergy! We of course have Northern lights tours booked, and have looked into the cable car, however, seeing mixed reviews on the cable car due to construction? Any insights into if the cable car is worth it with the construction going on would be great!
We also want to know the best locally owned souvenir shops to avoid the mass-produced touristy shops. Suggestions on other fun, local shops and boutiques would be appreciated as well!
Thanks in advance for any insight on things to do and to avoid as well!
Hi! I’m a new student here at tromso! I lost a very sentimental piece of jewelry in the city the night before yesterday and was hoping someone might have found it.
I had Pres with my faddergruppe at UiT before going to Heidis. I know I had the jewelry on me at Heidi’s as I took it off after a while to keep it safe in my pocket, however, I haven’t seen it since.
It’s an extremely sentimental necklace to me as it’s 3 wedding rings that belonged to my grandparents, so I would be incredibly grateful if anyone found it or happened to see it.
I have checked with Heidi’s and they haven’t found it so I thought I would ask around here just in case someone’s picked it up.
If you think you may have found it, please get back to me! I’m offering a 1000kr finders reward to anyone who returns it!
It would mean a lot to me to get my necklace back!
Thank you so much ❤️
I will freely admit that this question is ironic and perhaps hypocritical, but my wife and I would like to visit when it isn’t too busy with tourists!
I am curious in particular about how busy and crowded the northern areas have ibeen this summer, especially in the past few weeks. I have read that many European travelers have been coming to Northern destinations to escape the heat this summer.
We are interested in some combination of Lofoten Islands region and the Tromso – Reisa national Park – Alta region.
We want to see the incredible natural beauty of northern Norway, hike, bike a little, do some boating, and eat and drink well. (I love salmon and pretty much all smoked fish, but my wife likes the whiter, milder fish like halibut and red snapper).
We will absolutely be respectful and not make a mess. (We live in a US city that attracts a ton of tourists.)
Any recommendations anyone might have or thoughts about the question of how crowded it will be in mid to late September would be greatly appreciated.
Takk!
Mushroom picker stumbled upon heavily littered campsite in the Tromsø wilderness
For subscribers
Nordlys has received several photos of what appears to be an abandoned camping camo in the Tromsø wilderness, not far from a popular recreational area with well-maintained hiking trails in the town.
According to the person who tipped off the newspaper, empty bottles and cans and other rubbish are scattered around a makeshift tent structure that appears to be inhabited.
Nordlys has spoken with the tipster, who was out picking mushrooms in the area when they came across the campsite, well hidden inside the forest.
The site was deserted when the mushroom picker discovered it and is reportedly located in somewhat difficult-to-access, hilly terrain. There is no trail leading to it, but whoever is staying there has apparently been using a bicycle for transportation.
The bicycle is parked next to the tent and must have been brought there through the forest.
Nordlys contacted Henrik Romsaas, an outdoor recreation adviser for Tromsø Municipality, about the matter. He was not aware of anyone living at the location in question, but says it is not entirely unusual for tourists or travellers to set up camp in the Tromsø town.
“You might be surprised by how long some people have been camping outdoors without anyone reporting it,” he says.
He himself has on several occasions been in contact with people who, for various reasons, live outdoors on Tromsø island There can be many different reasons for this, the outdoor recreation adviser says.
“But regardless of the reason, we do not want people camping in the Tromsø island.”
Tromsø Municipality’s local police regulations explicitly state that camping, pitching tents, and similar forms of overnight accommodation are prohibited in public parks, green spaces, and recreational areas within residential districts.
Nevertheless, according to Romsaas, there are still people who push the limits of these rules. In such cases, the police may become involved so they can follow up on any potential violations of the local police regulations.
“We have had cases where people have been ordered to leave, for example at Prestvannet,” he says.
Will look into the matter
The vast majority voluntarily pack up and clean the area when asked to do so. But some campsites has been abandoned and left littered, and the municipality must make sure that it is cleaned up.
Hi all! My family is undecided between these three itineraries (July/august) they look amazing! We are most excited to see Geiranger/ Hellesylt. Can anyone give insight on to which itinerary is best? We wanted to see Iceland too- and wasn’t sure if it was worth it to give up Sognefjord to do so or if that’s a must do. If it’s very similar to Geiranger, we may be ok with sacrificing it for Iceland. Also, is there anything to really do in the arctic circle in the summer time, or is it a waste to head up there if not seeing the northern lights? Thanks in advance!
We were very excited to visit Tromsø but it seems like choosing October has really limited our options of things to do because it isn't a tourist time. Can someone recommend things to do here in October and also advise whether we can get to the polar park without hiring a car? There doesn't seem to be any trips there at this time.
Hi I’ll be in Lofoton from 6th Dec till the 17th on a photography trip.
I looked at historical photos on a webcam site yesterday for the 6th December over the past 5 years.
Last year there was no snow on the ground, but 2024 to 2020 there was.
From a locals perspective, what are the percentage odds of there being snow on the ground during my visit?
Im really hoping to have a fairytale snow type scene to photograph. As an Australian we don’t see snow .
What would be your top recommended ideas for our upcoming trip to Norway - we will be in Tromso for 2 days and nights (Aug 22-24) . We already have Senja and Lofoten islands booked for after that (August 25-29). Thanks !!!!!!
Hi! I live in Copenhagen and planning a group trip up to Tromsø around the new year with a group of 4-6 friends. Seeking advice on our itinerary and how to make the most of the time:
Our potential itinerary for now:
- Day 1 (December 28): Fly in from Copenhagen in the morning, land around 11am. Check into our accommodation, sightsee around the town, relax, then go on a Chase the Northern Lights tour (18:00 to 02:00 I am seeing online) from Viator
- Day 2: Go on a snowmobiling tour OR a guided cross-country skiing through the mountains. Note: our group has both beginner and intermediate Alpine skiers so not sure that the skiing is the right choice. At night, move accommodations into a cabin further out from the city with great views and potentially Aurora viewing of its own
- Day 3: Wake up at our cabin that is in the more rural area. Hike, sightsee, maybe find a nearby farm that has dogs and dogsledding. Trying to avoid the tourist traps but still have adventures outside of Tromsø central town. At night — enjoy dinner, aurora if we can, sauna/hot tub if nearby
- Day 4 (which will be December 31): Fly back to Copenhagen to celebrate the new year
Questions for you all:
- Anything major we are missing from this? For example, there are no whale watches, dogsled rides, glass cabins etc as part of this itinerary…
- anything we could remove?
- Do you agree with having 2 accommodations: one that is in tromsø center, one that is more rural?
- How can we have ample things to do but not do all the touristy traps?
-Locals, any guides you recommend we book with? Or any that are more authentic to contribute best to the economy (for example not AirBnb)?
- best ideas on how to save money while there?
- If you recommend we go to a different spot direct from CPH for the Arctic experience and better Aurora viewing, I am not opposed to it — we are very focused on seeing the lights and having a great authentic experience
Me, my wife and our 2.5 years old toddler are traveling to Norway last week of August. We plan to rent car at Tromso and drive to reine and return car at Bodo (already booked the rental car and ferry to Bodo)
Our planned driving route over 7 days is: Tromso -> Senja -> Andenes -> Svolvaer -> Reine
With two night stay in Tromso, one night in Senja, two nights in Svolvaer and two nights in Reine.
We would love to do some hike (maybe 3-4 miles max per day) each day depending on how much weather permits. We will have a baby carrier and both are somewhat fit so hope to be able to do some hiking.
Would appreciate any suggestions about which hikes or places are good to visit with toddler. Any suggestions about ferries like Senja to Andenes or any other suggestions.
