First-time aurora hunters wanting easy access, city comforts, and world-class guiding
About Tromsø
Tromsø, Norway's Arctic capital, is consistently ranked among the world's best destinations for northern lights viewing. Located 350km north of the Arctic Circle at 69.6°N, it benefits from high geomagnetic latitude and over 200 clear nights per year. The polar night runs from late November to mid-January, offering round-the-clock darkness ideal for aurora hunting. Beyond the lights, Tromsø serves as a hub for whale watching in Kvalfjord (November–January), husky safaris, and snowmobile tours across the Lyngen Alps. The city itself is vibrant with excellent Arctic cuisine, craft beer scenes, and museums. The Fjellheisen cable car gives panoramic views over the city and fjords. With direct international flights and a compact, walkable city centre, Tromsø is the most accessible Arctic aurora destination in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -4°C | Polar night | High |
| Feb★ Best | -4°C | 18h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -2°C | 12h | High |
| Apr | +2°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +6°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep★ Best | +8°C | 6h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +3°C | 12h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -1°C | 18h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -3°C | Polar night | High |
Activities
Getting There
Direct flights from Oslo (2h), London, Stockholm, Copenhagen. Well-connected international airport. Easy to navigate by bus or taxi.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Aurora Cabins
- ✓Boutique Hotels
- ✓Northern Lights Lodges
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $180/day in Tromsø. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Vulkana Drift
Søndre Tollbodgate 3 a, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
spa
Aera - Panorama glass lodge
Ullstindveien 736, 9022 Krokelvdalen, Norway
lodging
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel Tromsø AS
Skipsholmvegen 22, 9110 Sommarøy, Norway
hotel
Scandic Ishavshotel
Fredrik Langes gate 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
hotel
AMI Hotel
Skolegata 24, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
hotelTA Storgata City Apartments
Storgata 104, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
hotelThon Hotel Polar
Grønnegata 45, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
hotelRadisson Blu Hotel, Tromso
Sjøgata 7, 9259 Tromsø, Norway
hotelComfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø
Grønnegata 35, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
hotelBnb Tromso
Strandvegen 45, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Restaurant Smak AS
Stakkevollvegen 39, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
restaurant
Bardus Bistro
Cora Sandels gate 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
cocktail bar
De Tre Nonner Sky Bar & Restaurant
Mellomvegen 50, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
scandinavian restaurant
Yalla Habibi Restaurant
Storgata 102, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
middle eastern restaurant
Fiskekompaniet
Killengreens gate, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
seafood restaurantMathallen Tromsø
Grønnegata 60, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
restaurantMaskinverkstedet
Nordøstpassasjen 49, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
restaurantHildr Gastro Bar
Skippergata 11, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
restaurantRestaurant Skirri
Kystens Mathus, Stortorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
restaurantThe Social Bar & Bistro Tromsø
Kaigata 6, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
restaurant🎯Things to Do(9)
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Spiritinthesky.Northern Lights & Fjord tours.
Skolegata 43, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
point of interest
Enjoy the Arctic
Grimsbyvegen 60, 9011 Tromsø, Norway
point of interest
The Green Adventure
Dramsvegen 72, 9009 Tromsø, Norway
tour agency
Northern Soul Adventures
Kirkegata 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
point of interest
Arctic Circle Tours Tromsø
Skolegata 24, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
point of interestAmazing Arctic
Kirkegata 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
point of interestArctic Adventure Tours
Straumsvegen 993, 9105 Kvaløya, Norway
tour agencyChasing Lights
Storgata 64A, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
tour agencyTromsø Arctic Reindeer
Fv53 1570, 9023 Krokelvdalen, Norway
point of interestNearby Destinations
Lyngen
Ski mountaineers, photographers, and aurora chasers seeking dramatic scenery without the crowds
Abisko
Aurora purists who want scientifically the clearest skies on Earth for northern lights viewing
Senja Island
Adventurous travellers who want Lofoten-quality scenery without the crowds
Narvik
History enthusiasts and skiers who want genuine Arctic atmosphere without the tourist crowds
Related Destinations
Svalbard
Bucket-list adventurers wanting the ultimate Arctic experience with maximum aurora intensity
Alta
Clear-sky aurora chasers who want maximum viewing nights and lower prices than Tromsø
Hammerfest
Curious travellers who want genuine Arctic town character and a quirky Polar Bear Society membership