Tromsø has a reputation to live up to as the capital of the Arctic Circle and, according to some, the most eccentric town in Norway. Here is where history meets Scandinavian art de vivre, where excitement meets pure astonishment, and where all Nordic experiences start.
Are you tempted to spend a long weekend exploring Tromsø? Here’s all you need to know to make the most of your 72 hours in the northernmost city of Norway.
Kaffebønna’s coffee
Café Bønna
Both of these charming coffee shops in Tromsø are visually pleasing and provide coffee that will ward against the expected chills (this is the Arctic, after all). Kaffebønna also runs a bakery downtown where they do everything themselves in the purest Norwegian manner, so don’t fight your inner voice urging you to buy their delicious treats.
Museum of Polaria
From the adventurous trips to the Svalbard islands to the science underlying the phenomenon known as the Northern Lights, the museum rightly named is devoted to Northern Norway and all of its facets. For children and their young-at-heart parents, there is also the chilly fish aquarium with its now-famous trio of seals.
Using Tromsø Outdoor for Snowshoeing
For their two-hour snowshoeing excursion, Tromsø Outdoor doesn’t bother to transport guests very far out of town; instead, they led me directly to their backyard, where my small party and I interacted with locals during their daily ski outing.
It should be understood that the one sport I truly adore is snowshoeing. This is quite a statement, if you know me at all!
Tour of the Northern Lights with Guide Gunnar
The majority of visitors to Northern Norway come to see this. You are receiving the expertise and experience of a former Norwegian military tough guy who has been leading Northern Lights trips for the past ten years when you work with Gunnar. “He’ll take you to Finland if he has to!” he said, in case the Tromsø weather forecast didn’t work out for you.
At Smørtorget, coffee
Smørtorget
One of my favorite spots in the city is this. With its indie music and plenty of candles, this café, artist studio, and vintage store exudes coolness and is very Scandinavian. They have an especially tasty soy latte. Their enormous floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for observing people.
Tromsø Villmarkssenter dog sledding
Watch this video before you even consider calling dog sledding cruel. If these puppies aren’t the epitome of joy and readiness, I’m not sure what is. They adore doing this, and it’s what they live for. Watching them prepare and become excited for the voyage is a lot of fun!
However, self-driven sleighs can be labor-intensive, particularly when there is a new covering of snow. You’ll have to assist these dogs uphill because they can only carry you so far with a foot of powder. It was definitely a workout for me!
You know what, though, made it all worthwhile?
Sleigh rides >>> post-ride cuddles.
Have dinner at Pastafabrikken.
Since fish can only be eaten so many times a day! This restaurant is the perfect spot to relax after a full day of activities because it serves fresh pasta meals in a lovely setting.
Lyngsfjord Adventure offers reindeer sledding and snowmobiling.
Although it takes more than an hour and a half to get to Lyngsfjord Adventure’s basecamp, the trip farther across the Arctic mainland is rather breathtaking, and the end result makes the detour worthwhile. After a 4-kilometer ride through some of Finnmark’s most breathtaking landscapes, you will get to meet the native Sami people and their herds of reindeer at Camp Tamok. You can also remain a little longer and have a long, roaring snowmobile ride to get your heart racing!
Dine at Skirri
With its stunning modern decor, stunning views of the Tromso fjord, and a large and reasonably priced lunch menu, this restaurant has it all. You’re in luck if the fish gratin is available!
Shop at Mathallen for Norwegian specialties.
Mathallen
Plan a visit to Mathallen’s deli, which is next to their renowned restaurant, if you simply cannot get enough of Norwegian and Arctic cuisine. Many seafood items, cheeses, and savory and sweet delights that are influenced by traditional northern Norwegian cuisine may be found here.
Tromsø Friluftsenter’s Northern Lights tour
I ended up sitting in the snow and sobbing in awe during my trip with Tromsø Friluftsenter, despite the fact that you can’t judge a Northern Lights-focused tour operator by the show you’re getting (these displays are notoriously difficult to predict, as they require a very precise combination of both clear skies and strong solar winds). This journey to one of their base camps includes a covered lavvo tent with a crackling fire, along with warm drinks and cake.
Travel advice for Tromsø
Lunch discounts will become your new favorite if you’re on a tight budget. In Tromsø, dinners can be somewhat pricey, but most restaurants have a number of reasonably priced lunch alternatives that are available until five o’clock.
Hildr Gastro Bar, Emmas Drømmekjøkken, and Bardus Bistro are a few more excellent dining options.
For the best views, don’t hesitate to roam about Tromsø’s streets. I
