A little advance planning hurts no one – even if it’s for a summer vacation next year!
Hence, we have curated the ultimate travel guide for summer activities in Tromsø. As the midnight sun graces the skies, the Norwegian gem comes alive with opportunities for outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.
From hiking up the majestic mountains to cruising through enchanting fjords, Tromsø has something for every nature enthusiast. Not to forget the scrumptious local delicacies and vibrant nightlife of this Arctic city.
So, without further ado, let’s get right into the best summer activities in Tromsø according to Norwegian travel experts at Tromsø.nl
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⏰ Looking for some epic summer activities in Tromso? I highly recommend cuddling with the huskies and their puppies! There’s nothing quiet like puppy love on a vacation! 🐾
Table of Contents
Top 13 Summer Activities In Tromsø
There is no shortage of summer activities in Tromsø, Norway. The weather is great so most people spend a lot of time outdoors. Plus the sun quite literally never sets! That gives you plenty of time to do things though it does mess with your sleep cycle quite a bit. This is especially true if you aren’t used to the extra long days.
1. Catch The Midnight Sun
From May 20-July 22, Tromsø experiences the mesmerizing midnight sun (24 hours of daylight), with June 21 being the longest day. The closer you are to this date, the more daylight you’ll enjoy.
However, keep in mind that the constant daylight may disrupt your sleep schedule, so always carry a sleeping mask. Most accommodations should have blackout blinds too but do confirm in advance.
That said, the extended daylight hours offer a unique advantage, allowing you to explore Tromsø to its fullest. Plus, the sky turns into an ethereal palette of red and yellow, imparting a warm glow to the mountains and fjords nearby. As such, we highly recommend midnight sun night cruises and hiking trips, most of which offer complimentary snacks and beverages.
2. Head Out On An Arctic Road Trip
Take a car or a caravan and head out on a road trip. Trust me, this is one of those summer activities in Tromso that just keeps giving!
If hiking sounds too tiring, embark on an Arctic road trip with your family or friends. You can head over to Kvaløya Island for a private picnic. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for reindeer, moose, and sea eagles, and keep your cameras ready throughout!
Note that the journey may take 2-5 hours depending on the duration and number of halts you take in between.
Recommended Tour: Kvaløya 4×4 Artic Road Trip
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (483 Reviews) Price: $147 per person Duration: 4-5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Kirkegata 2 Details: Read more on Viator!
Now we fully understand that you may or may not be confident getting out on the roads with a vehicle.
If you aren’t, don’t be disappointed because there are some great tours that head out every day.
One of the best ones is the Kvaløya 4×4 Arctic road trip. This is a small group tour that is capped at 8 people so its pretty cozy.
The tour leaves from Norway and takes you Kvaløya island so you get to see beyond Tromso. The tour takes the coastal route which means you have plenty of opportunities to see the dramatic Norway landscape.
“We went on the tour as family of 4 plus 2 other guests. One of our children is only five years old so we weren’t too sure how it would go beforehand. It went perfectly.
Our tour guide Hannah was marvelous and took us on a very scenic trip, where we stopped at waterfalls, fjords and hard lunch on a beautiful sandy beach as well as seeing reindeers on the road we were on.
I highly recommend this tour and think it would make anyone’s stay in Tromsø more complete by also exploring the spectacular surrounding area nearby. We were blessed by good weather and Hannah was very welcoming and caring, with great knowledge of the local area.”
Davide (read more reviews now!)
Since you are in a 4×4, you get to head out on some of the rural roads and see some really offbeat spots. A big bonus is the fact that you don’t have to carry anything! Lunch, snacks and hot drinks are all covered under the cost. All that you have to do is turn up!
3. Attend A Tromsø Summer Festival
For a culturally enriched experience, we recommend joining any one of the summer festivals in Tromsø. A great option is the Karlsøyfestival on Karlsøya island in August. This music and culture festival is a hit among tourists because it focuses on the region’s art, music, and politics. Can the summer activities in Tromso get any better than this?
Another recommendation is the Riddu Riddu festival in Manndalen, just 2 hours from Tromsø, held in July. Here, you can take advantage of free on-site camping while enjoying performances by indigenous musicians.
In the same month, you can sign up for the Bukta music festival on Telegrafbukta Beach, as it promises an exciting lineup of new artists.
4. Hike Up The Steep Cliffs
Norway has some of the most beautiful landscapes and hiking is definitely one of the summer activities in Tromso that you should try!
Never tried hiking for how exhausting it gets? Well, there’s always a first, and let that be a summer hike in Tromsø!
First of all, the mild summer temperature in the region offers favorable hiking conditions. Neither will you have to dress up in multiple layers, nor will you end up in a pool of sweat after the hike.
And since there won’t be any snowfall, you will not have to worry about slippery and dangerous terrains. Do watch out on rainy days, though!
You can see why this is one of the top summer activities in Tromso that outdoorsy people enjoy.
5. Cool Off In An Arctic Beach
For a complete Tromsø summer experience, visiting the beaches is a must. Although it may not be as warm as a typical beach, exploring the numerous sandy shores in the Tromsø region is worthwhile.
For instance, Telegrafbukta is a great pick, located in downtown Tromsø on the southern tip of Tromsø island. You can indulge in activities like swimming, volleyball, and sunbathing and call it a day with a toasty campfire.
You can further hitch a ride to Sommarøy and Kvaløya islands to soak up some sun while surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal clear waters.
6. Marvel At The Arctic Cathedral (a.k.a. Tromsdalen Church)
The Arctic Cathedral, an iconic tourist attraction in Norway, is sure to fascinate you with its unique architecture. Despite its modern appearance, the cathedral dates back to 1965.
Situated in the eastern part of Tromsø, in the Tromsdalen Valley, it’s easily accessible from the city center by crossing a large bridge. Note that the opening hours vary throughout the year, so check in advance before reaching the location.
7. Camp In The Wilderness
Camping is another one of those unforgettable summer activities in Tromso that should be on your list.
What’s a trip to Tromsø if you don’t venture out at night to witness the captivating midnight sun?
That said, camping in Tromsø becomes an ideal choice during this season, as the warm temperatures create a pleasant tenting experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Arctic wilderness. Plus, Norway’s “right to roam” policy allows for hassle-free camping, ensuring you find a suitable spot to spend the night.
And if tenting isn’t your cup of tea, consider renting a cabin near Tromsø for a luxurious “glamping” experience!
8. Relax At The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden
If you want to get close to nature without indulging in adrenaline-racing activities, explore the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, the world’s northernmost garden, and a rare free museum in Tromsø.
Here, you can marvel at various Northern Norwegian, Antarctic, Arctic, and alpine plants, flowering from May to October. And the best part? The onsite café operates during summer months only and sells the most scrumptious sweet treats.
9. Go Cruising And/Or Fishing
Cruising around in winter is chilly but due to the great weather, it is one of the top summer activities in Norway.
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (20 Reviews) Price: $160 per person Duration: 4 hours 30 min 📍Meeting Point: Hermes II Details: Read more on Viator!
Exploring the Arctic landscapes by boat is enticing year-round, but a fjord and wildlife cruise becomes especially delightful during Tromsø’s summer. The warm and sunny weather enhances the experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable than in winter.
While whales may not be visible during summer months, multiple cruising tours promise fantastic sightseeing opportunities and generous lunch and snack offerings. But due to the popularity of such cruise trips in summer, we recommend booking tickets well in advance.
10. Take A Cable Car Ride
Going up Mount Storsteinen via the Fjellheisen cable car is a top-notch activity in Tromsø, suitable for all seasons. Book one for you and your family and revel in stunning vistas of the city, islands, and fjords from the summit. And if you’re lucky, you could even catch a unique elevated view of the midnight sun!
11. Visit The Polar Museum
A must-visit during your Tromsø summer trip is The Polar Museum, a captivating attraction resembling a large red barn situated along Tromsø harbor. Here, you can immerse yourself in the history of Tromsø as the 19th-century Arctic gateway and discover how animals were trapped in the past.
Overall, the museum offers valuable insights into the rich heritage of old Tromsø and is a fascinating addition to your itinerary.
12. Cross The Tromsø Bridge
Bridge of city Tromso, Norway aerial photography. Tromso is considered the northernmost city in the world with a population above 50,000.
Northern Norway boasts numerous bridges, primarily due to the importance of driving as a major mode of transportation in the region. Unlike the south, where trains and buses are more common, the north, beyond Bodo, relies heavily on road networks.
Among the impressive bridges in the region is the Tromsø Bridge, constructed in 1958. It leaves a lasting impression on visitors, even those who may have witnessed equally beautiful structures in the Lofoten islands.
As such, an enjoyable addition to your itinerary is a stroll across the Tromsø Bridge, conveniently leading to the Arctic Cathedral and Fjellheisen. Keep your cameras at hand, as the bridge offers splendid views that shouldn’t be missed. After all, if it’s not on Instagram, it never happened!
13. Pet The Huskies
Don’t forget to cuddle some huskies. It’s one of the best summer activities in Tromso!
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (39 Reviews) Price: $126 per person Duration: 4 hours 30 min 📍Meeting Point: Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø Details: Read more on Viator!
Although dog sledding is out of the charts in summer, travelers can still meet the dedicated husky dogs that excel in their winter work. You can even witness adorable husky puppies undergoing training!
Most tours offer an invigorating walk through Norwegian nature, accompanied by Alaskan huskies and their adorable puppies from the training site. Depending on the package you choose, the hike may take around 1-2 hours, making it a fantastic summer activity, especially for kids.
“Excellent from start to finish. Professional, well organized, FUN! Loved training the older puppies and taking the 5-week ones out for a walk was the best. All the adult dogs were also super friendly. Nice lunch too.”
Susan (read more reviews now!)
Moreover, the tour may include transportation from Tromsø to the husky farm and a delightful lunch for a complete and unforgettable experience.
Summer Activities In Tromsø – Packing List
Summer in Tromsø is rather mild, so make sure you bring light jackets and warmer clothes for layering when the temperatures go down. Consequently, here’s a brief list of things you should pack for a perfect vacation in Tromsø.
So make sure that you take a look at this list when you start narrowing down on all the summer activities in Tromso that you do not want to miss!
- Light and breathable clothing, like T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc.
- Layering options, like windproof jackets, sweaters, and cardigans, etc.
- Gloves and a summer hat
- Comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots
- Swimsuit (for those brave enough to take a dip in the Arctic waters!)
- Sunglasses
- Jeans
- Insect repellent for outdoor excursions
- Sunscreen with high SPF to protect against the strong summer sun
- A small umbrella or travel-sized rain poncho
⏰ Looking for some epic summer activities in Tromso? I highly recommend cuddling with the huskies and their puppies! There’s nothing quiet like puppy love on a vacation! 🐾
As you can see, Tromsø comes alive with an array of thrilling summer activities that cater to every adventurer’s heart. Exploring sandy beaches, attending vibrant music festivals, and savoring the beauty of the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden are just a few of the many delights that await visitors.
So, whether you seek adrenaline-pumping escapades or serene moments in nature, Tromsø is the place to be. What are you waiting for now? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
