16 Great Reasons Why Tromso in Summer Is Worth Visiting
Summer in Tromso is the perfect time to visit, and this post highlights why spending time under the midnight sun is worth experiencing. Discover why Tromso is so much more than a snowy winter destination, what to do in Tromso in summer and why a trip to Northern Norway in the warmer months should be on every traveller's destination bucket list.
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Is Tromso Worth Visiting in Summer?
Tromso is most definitely worth visiting in the summer months. Forget the woolly hats and layers; there's no snow here in summer, only mild sunny days and 24-hour daylight!
Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø in summer reveals a vibrant, emerald playground of majestic peaks and glacial lakes. Tromso is just a short two-hour flight from Oslo, but it isn't simply a place to visit—it’s a surreal shift in reality. If you want to hike across light-filled mountain ridges at 2:00 AM or cruise underneath a pink sky that refuses to go dark, summer in Northern Norway belongs at the very top of your bucket list.
Visiting Tromso in Summer
With favourable weather, you can experience a side to Tromso summer that isn't possible in the freezing winter temperatures that hit the town. These include riding the mountain cable car for clear city views, hiking the mountain trails, strolling through the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Gardens, and taking to the water on a Midnight Sun boat cruise or a kayaking trip.
I spent 2 days / 3 nights in Tromso in July. It was at the beginning of my summer road trip around the Lofoten archipelago. which also included a visit to the island of Senja.
The summer temperature in Tromso is a far cry from the dark, snowy scenes in winter. A Tromso summer is a mix of hot weather (it reached the high 20s on my visit) and breezy conditions, so a light jumper or jacket is recommended. As you can see by my photographs, I was able to wear a t-shirt at the top of Tromso's highest mountain.
When To See The Midnight Sun in Norway
The only time to see the midnight sun in Tromso is in summer, from the end of May until the end of July.
The midnight sun in Tromso was our first experience of this phenomenon, and it took our brains a while to comprehend that it was staying light all through the night.
I visited Tromso during peak summer in July and was able to stroll around and take photos at midnight.
Travelling from Oslo to Tromso
Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway, located 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle and referred to as the Gateway to the Arctic; however, there are very few direct international flights to Tromsø.
You can visit Tromso by taking a domestic flight from Oslo. There are enough activities in Tromso in summer to make it worth visiting as part of a European city break.
Flights to Tromso via Oslo take 2 hours.
If you are flying into Oslo from the UK, the flight time is 2 hours and 15 minutes, followed by the 2-hour connecting flight to Tromso.
Once you leave the airport terminal in Tromso, queue for the Tromso Airport Bus, which takes 20 minutes to get to the city centre. You will see it to the right of the airport exit.
If you want to take a taxi, you must pre-book one, as they don't wait outside the airport for customers, as in most other destinations.
I booked a taxi, but it never turned up, so we had to join the long bus queue. It was a bit of a disaster, but we were in the land of the midnight sun, so it was all worth it in the end.
If travelling from the UK or further afield, you might consider extending your trip in Oslo, either on your way to Tromso or on your return.
I added three days to the end of my five-day Lofoten road trip itinerary to explore Norway's capital, and I have to say, Oslo in summer is another fabulous place to visit in Norway.
Getting To Tromso By Sea
Many visitors to Tromso arrive by cruise ships, such as Hurtigruten, or by long-distance ferries from other Norwegian destinations.
Please note: there is no train station in Tromso.
Summer Driving in Tromso and Beyond
Tromso is a compact, walkable city, so you won't need to drive.
Tromso has a good bus system. Purchase tickets at bus stop ticket machines, on board (cash only), or through the Troms Mobillett app.
We found the mobile app to be the easiest way to purchase bus tickets.
Taxis are also available, with many Tesla vehicles, which is a significant step up from my local UK taxi firm.
If, like me, you are setting off from Tromso on a road trip to the Lofoten islands, you can hire a car from several points in the city. The most convenient car hire in Tromso is by the visitor centre in the harbour.
Driving in summer is great. All the snow has melted, and the scenery is beautiful. The roads are all well-maintained. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
You could also pick up your rental car at the airport. There are several car rental companies, including Thrifty, Hertz and Europcar.
Best Accommodation in Tromso
Accommodation in Tromso ranges from luxury to mid-range hotels and private rentals.
I stayed in the Comfort Hotel Express for my first night in Tromso. The bed was comfortable, and the receptionist was very helpful, recommending a couple of places for morning coffee (we love good coffee!).
A short walk from the Comfort Express is the fabulous 4-star Clarion Hotel The Edge; I stayed here for two more nights in Tromso.
It offers stunning views across the harbour to the Arctic Cathedral and the mountains, and is within walking distance of the main landmarks.
Other premium hotels around the harbour include Scandic Ishavshotel, Radisson Blu Hotel and Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora.
Private rentals such as the Red Old House are available in the local neighbourhood.
What To Do In Tromso in Summer
Experience the midnight sun - a natural Tromso summer activity
While visitors are more likely to visit Tromso in winter to see the Northern Lights, the midnight sun is equally impressive and is a unique Tromso summer experience.
It may not supply the vivid colours of the Aurora Borealis, but it gives 24 hours of daylight in Tromso. This means the sky never goes completely dark!
Visitors to Tromso can see the night skies turn a blueish-yellow hue between the end of May and the end of July.
If it is the first time you have witnessed the midnight sun, it can be a bit confusing for your brain to take in, but after a couple of days, you will forget that the skies at night are usually dark.
Experiencing this phenomenon is one of the best reasons to visit Tromso in the summer and should not be missed.
During my visit, I could still wander around town at 1 am, taking photographs; I can't say that's something I have done anywhere else in the world!
The midnight sun and aurora borealis occur naturally in the Northern Hemisphere due to the planet's tilt at certain times of the year. Seeing either is an activity worthy of any traveller's bucket list.
Take a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car for the best views over Tromso
One of Tromsø’s most popular tourist attractions is taking the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, 421 m above sea level. The trip to the upper station, Fjellstua, takes four minutes.
From the top, the views are breathtaking. You can spot the Arctic cathedral, the bridge and the hotels lining the harbour; from so high up, it looks like a toy town.
On a clear summer's day, the islands of Kvaløya and Tromsøya can be seen in the distance, as can the mighty mountain, Tromsdalstinde.
You can take a little walk around the summit.
There are a few benches to take a moment and enjoy the scenery, as well as a glacial lake and alpine flowers.
For hikers, there are trails to explore.
At the summit, there is a large outdoor terrace, a cafe serving light bites, and the all-important toilets.
Hike the mountain trails in summer for a breath of fresh air
If you love hiking, you can ascend Mount Storsteinen on foot rather than by cable car.
A small trail starts behind the cable car entrance station and leads through pine trees.
If you are feeling adventurous, you could even do a midnight sun hike. Imagine hiking in the middle of the night and it still being light!
See the stunning architecture of the Arctic Cathedral
Tromso's landmark is the Arctic Cathedral.
Sitting in the shadow of Storsteinen Mountain, it can be seen from every part of the city, even when arriving by plane.
A visit to the cathedral can easily be combined with a cable car ride.
The cathedral, also known as Tromsdalen Church, was constructed in 1965 and is architecturally spectacular.
The modern design evokes Arctic nature through metal, concrete, and glass.
In winter, it is illuminated to brighten the dark skies, and in summer, it hosts Midnight Sun concerts for all to enjoy.
The interior is a little underwhelming compared to the exterior; however, it has a beautiful glass mosaic window, the second largest in Europe.
The stained glass window depicts God's hand reaching down and releasing three rays of light: one through Jesus, one through a man woman and one through a woman.
Cross the Tromso bridge and enjoy the view
The Tromso Bridge links the city by car, foot and bike to the Arctic Cathedral and the cable car.
Walk across the 3,399-metre span for fabulous views of the sea.
Be sure to walk on the south side of the bridge so you are in the correct position to photograph the cathedral from a distance.
Crossing the bridge is breezy, so hold on to your hat!
Visit an arctic beach in Tromso and cool off in summer
Yes, that's right, beaches on the outskirts of town are a magnet for locals and tourists during the summer in Tromso. Relax on white-sand beaches and swim in refreshing turquoise waters.
Explore Tromso town in the warm summer weather
Tromso is a walkable city, making it easy to explore on foot. At its heart is Storgata, lined with cafes, restaurants and alpine clothing stores.
In winter, Tromso is a popular place to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities, but still seeing ski suits and winter woollies displayed in shop windows on a hot day in July seemed strange. Nevertheless, it didn't stop me from buying a pair of thermal gloves to take back to England!
You'll also see polar bears and trolls outside shops, a reminder that you are in Norway's northernmost region; however, in summer, they seem out of place!
The world's most northernmost Lutheran cathedral sits proudly in the town centre.
It was built in 1861, and its yellow clapboard facade and neo-Gothic architecture invite you to look inside and enjoy a few moments of tranquillity.
On a summer's day, you can hop aboard Ishavstoget, the Arctic tourist train, and take a quick journey around all of Tromso's best sights mentioned in this post.
See Verdensteatret in Tromso. It is Norway's oldest cinema building, which is still in operation.
Pop into Biblioteca if you are a fan of libraries. You will love the modern lines of the city's library, which is close to the harbour.
If you are a fan of Nordic architecture, the city has plenty of interesting buildings to see, both historic and modern. It also seems to have quite a few places of worship!
See Norwegian street art - one of the free Tromso activities
I love European street art, so I was pleasantly surprised to see some incredible street murals in Tromso.
I wouldn't have thought this sleepy town on the edge of the Arctic Circle would have so many images painted on its walls, but it does!
It is nice to wander around town on a summer's day and see how many pieces you can spot.
The street art, skateboarders, artisan coffee and vintage shops give Tromso a slight urban vibe, moving away from its traditional fishing community identity.
Spend time in Tromso harbour
Tromso Harbour is the city's hub, where you will find hotels, restaurants, museums and boat tours.
It is only small, so it won't take long to explore, but it is a nice mix of historical landmarks and modern architecture.
Enjoy a glass of wine on one of the outdoor terraces and watch the pleasure and fishing boats go about their daily business.
Order a hot dog and a cool beer and sit outside the world's smallest bar
Adding a hot dog stand as a reason to visit Tromso may seem strange, but this charming 100-year-old building is one of the city's landmarks, close to the harbour.
It has gained recognition for serving some of the best hot dogs in Norway, and by all accounts, Norwegians know a thing or two about hot dogs.
This tiny hotdog stand also serves beer and hot chocolate, making it a cute place to visit while in Tromso, and it claims to be one of the smallest bars in the world.
Walk in the summer sunshine to Prestvannet Lake
On our first afternoon in Tromso, the sun was out, and we chose to walk to Prestvannet Lake.
We followed the roads up from Storgata, which took us higher and higher above the city. The views back to the mountains are incredible.
The walk is steep and tiring on a warm day, so bring water and snacks and wear a hat. It should take you around 2.5 hours to visit the lake and return.
On the walk, you will also see Tromso's traditional wooden clapperboard houses painted in rainbow colours.
Many of them are painted red, a reminder that Tromso was once a major whaling centre, when whale and other animal blood was mixed with paint for buildings.
I have to say that while the views during the walk and the clapboard houses were good to see, the lake itself was underwhelming.
I would recommend skipping it if you are pressed for time and instead enjoy a boat trip or visit one of the museums in Tromso.
Discover the best museums in Tromso
Tromso has a centuries-long history of Arctic exploration, sealing expeditions (now thankfully stopped), and Scandinavian culture and folklore, so it also has plenty of museums to visit!
Here are four of my favourites:
Polaria museum
The Polaria Museum is a must-see when you visit Tromso for its futuristic architecture as much as its exhibits.
Designed to resemble icebergs pressed against one another, it is a stunning building and the most-visited attraction in Tromso.
It is on the waterfront, a short walk from the main harbour, and houses exhibitions on Arctic nature, animals and hunting.
See bearded seals and cold-water fish up close as you walk through their watery world.
MS Polstjerna
This is more of an immersive experience than a museum; nevertheless, it is a chance to board the MS Polstjerna to discover what life aboard such a sealing vessel would have been like.
It's hard to comprehend that this ship was in use until 1981 for catching seals.
Polar Museum
This small red wooden museum near the harbour is an interesting attraction in Tromso.
It contains facts and displays surrounding Arctic and polar expeditions.
You can learn about Roald Amundsen, the famous Norwegian Arctic explorer who was the first to reach the South Pole.
He is well-loved in Tromso, and you will see a couple of statues dedicated to him in town.
Troll museum
One museum in Tromso that is not to be missed is the Troll Museum.
It focuses exclusively on trolls and fairy tales, offering a whimsical look at Norwegian folklore and beliefs. Fun for adults and children!
Immerse yourself in nature at the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden
If you love visiting botanical gardens, a great reason to visit Tromso in summer is to see the Arctic-Alpine Garden in full bloom.
Just outside of town and part of the city university, this botanical garden is like no other.
And that's because it is the world's northernmost botanic garden.
Huge rocks, bridges, waterfalls and ponds are planted with arctic and alpine plants from all over the northern hemisphere.
Visitors can see that, despite the freezing winter temperatures in Tromso, plant life returns in abundance in the summer sunshine.
The gardens are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The gardens are one of the best free things to do in Tromso.
Cafe Hansine Hansen, located in the white building, is open during the day from June to August.
In the summer, when the midnight sun is out, visitors can see the gardens at night if they wish. How cool is that!
Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is free to enter and can be found at Stakkevollvegen 200
9019 Tromsø.
Enjoy Hand-Brewed Craft Coffee in Tromso
If you have visited other Nordic cities, you will know that the artisan coffee shops are fantastic, and Tromso is no different.
We tried out some of the best coffee shops in Tromso and can say they were all great.
Riso
Two Riso branches are located in Tromso, offering coffee and light bites. Take a moment to savour the hand-brewed craft coffee before continuing to explore Tromso.
Find Riso at Strandgata 32, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Smortorgat Kaffe and Mat
On entering this coffee shop, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in the wrong place, mainly because you must walk through a vintage clothes store to get to the cafe.
Nevertheless, the two blend seamlessly, and the coffee shop serves a great flat white. Try the porridge for a healthy breakfast; it is delicious.
Find Smortorgat Kaffe and Mat at Fredrik Langes gate 9, 9008 Tromsø
Kaffebønna
With two Kaffebønna branches in Tromso, the owners are on to a winner.
The branch by the Clarion Hotel has sea views and serves excellent coffee and pastries. If you can get an outside table, you can sit, sip, and watch the world go by.
Find Kaffebønna at Storgata 71, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Try Norwegian Food in Tromso
There are some fantastic places to eat in Tromso, and in summer, you can sit on the restaurants' outdoor terraces and enjoy a meal with the sun on your face.
During my three days in Tromso, I tried each of these restaurants, and they were all good.
Maskinverkstedet was where we ate lunch after visiting the Arctic Cathedral and riding the cable car.
It is located near the bridge, in an area that appears to be undergoing regeneration.
The restaurant's interior looked very plush, but we chose to sit on the terrace because it was a gorgeous, warm summer day.
Restaurant Skirri - Set in the harbour, we enjoyed lunch and wine on the terrace on another warm afternoon.
Fresh produce landed from the waters surrounding Tromso, and tasty treats make this restaurant popular with tourists and locals.
Pepe's Pizza Restaurant - I didn't intend to eat pizza in Norway; however, after visiting the Botanical Gardens late one evening, we decided to grab something simple and ended up at Pepe's Pizza!
Pepe's has an extensive menu; we opted for a huge and delicious pizza with Chinese toppings. This is a good option if you are on a budget, as eating out in Norway can be expensive.
2-Day Tromso Itinerary
To help you plan your trip, here is my recommendation for what to do in Tromso in summer, based on the activities I experienced while I was there.
Day 1: The Iconic City & High Altitudes
Morning: Harbour & Historic Streets. Start by exploring the harbour, taking in the views of Arctic vessels and the sea. Wander through the city to spot Norwegian street art and stop by the world’s smallest bar (Raketten) for a hot dog and a cold beer.
Afternoon: Museums & Coffee Culture. Dive into the local history at the Tromsø museums (like the Polar Museum). Afterwards, duck into a local spot for a hand-brewed craft coffee to recharge.
Evening: Architecture & Island Views. Walk across the Tromsø Bridge (enjoying those sea views) to reach the Arctic Cathedral. Once you’ve admired its stunning architecture, head to the Fjellheisen cable car.
Late Night: Midnight Sun Summit. Ride the gondola up for the ultimate view of the town below. Since you have 24 hours of light, take a late-night stroll around the summit to find alpine flowers and enjoy the Midnight Sun from the outdoor terrace.
Day 2: Arctic Nature & Coastal Serenity
Morning: Botanic Beauty. Head to the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden. It’s the northernmost in the world and home to unique plants, including the blue Himalayan poppy. Be sure to grab a snack at Hansine Hansen’s café right on the grounds.
Afternoon: Lakeside Peace and Harbour Views. Walk up to Prestvannet Lake for a bit of tranquillity and nature spotting. Head back to the harbour and relax with a cold drink as you watch the world go by.
Evening: Local Flavours & Fjord Sails. Enjoy a final dinner of traditional Norwegian dishes in the city centre. To end your trip on a high note, book a Midnight Sun boat cruise to see the majestic mountains and glacial lakes from the perspective of the fjords.
Night: The Midnight Hike (Optional). If you still have energy, skip the cable car and hike the mountain trails up or down. There is nothing like being deep in a pine forest at 1:00 AM with the sun still shining through the trees.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Wow your Tromsø post was perfect! I have it bookmarked.
I am so glad you enjoyed reading it and that you have bookmarked it for the future. I am sure you will love visiting Tromso.
Excellent piece Angie! I’ve never been to Norway, but I’ve always thought about it! The midnight hike sounds great as do all the other ideas! Thank you
You are welcome, Jane. I think you would love Norway as a road trip. The scenery is stunning.
I have wanted to go to Tromso for ages! I figured to see the Northern Lights but the 24 hours of sun would be amazing too!
Timing on this post is perfect for me. we have been talking about Norway and Svalbard in summer '24. Tromso would be a perfect part of that itinerary. I'm saving for all the great info. Thanks.
Fantastic, We also wanted to incorporate Svalbard, but Covid rules were too stringent, so we decided to leave it for another trip. I also urge you to add Lofoten to your itinerary; it is incredible. https://whereangiewanders.com/14-great-reasons-to-visit-the-lofoten-islands-in-summer/
Wow- I had no idea this city was located in Norway...looks so beautiful...popular with cruise ships form some of your photos? I would love the arcitecture tour..great way to learn about the history of the area
It is on the list of stops for cruise ships heading further North to the Arctic and Svalbard. Its a perfect city to spend a few days in as I did at the beginning of a road trip, plenty to do and see and stunningly beautiful
I would LOVE to do a midnight sun hike!! That sounds amazing!! I really loved all of your photos.
Summer definitely looks like the best time to visit, what a beautiful place! Seeing the midnight sun would be a great experience. I also love that it's a walkable city!
I'd want to visit in the summer just because it's SOOO much daylight! The sun makes me happy hahah. It sounds perfect to see all the beautiful hike views!
Oh, it is perfect - I would go back again and again if I could!
Thanks for sharing! Tromso looks so lovely hope to visit it one day.
Tromso in summer looks absolutely beautiful! I would love to take a midnight sun cruise!