Top Attractions and Activities in Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø Overview

Tromsø, also spelled Tromso in English, is the third-largest city in the world north of the Arctic Circle. The city extends over two islands and onto mainland Norway. It is home to Ølhallen’s pub, which has an impressive array of Norwegian craft beers on tap. Tromsø is known as one of the premier locations to witness the Northern Lights (also referred to as the Aurora Borealis) during the winter months.

With an abundance of outdoor activities, visitors should ensure they are dressed appropriately for the ever-changing weather conditions. Surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning fjords, Tromsø offers numerous activities and sightseeing opportunities throughout the year. Many cruise ships, particularly those on northern European or Norwegian fjord cruises, make a stop in Tromsø during the summer months, while the Hurtigruten Group ships also frequent the city on both northbound and southbound routes year-round, thanks to the Gulfstream that keeps the sea from freezing.

Travelers aboard Hurtigruten ships traveling northbound have a whole afternoon to explore Tromsø. However, those on the southbound journey only have a brief visit of less than two hours in the evening, which is just enough time to catch the midnight concert at the famous Arctic Cathedral.

Cruise passengers visiting Tromsø during winter on the northbound route can indulge in half-day adventurous activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling.

Guests boarding or disembarking in Tromsø can enhance their cruise experience by spending a night in a Sami camp. Here, they can enjoy rides on reindeer sleds, savor hot Sami meals, and keep an eye out for the Northern Lights. Accommodations are typically in a traditional Sámi lavvo (tent), insulated with reindeer skins and equipped with cozy sleeping bags, offering a warm retreat amidst the cold.

Now, let’s delve into some must-see highlights in Tromsø.

Arctic Cathedral

Constructed in 1965, the Tromsdalen Church, commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen in Norwegian), quickly became an iconic symbol of northern Norway. Although it isn’t technically a cathedral, its nickname has persisted.

The church is situated at one end of the Tromsø bridge overlooking the Tromsø Sound, visible from downtown. The grandeur of the mountains, including the imposing 4,062-foot Mount Tromsdalstind, provides a stunning backdrop.

Visitors spending the night in Tromsø or those aboard a southbound Hurtigruten ship should not miss the opportunity to attend the midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. During summer, the church is illuminated by the midnight sun, while in other seasons, it is adorned with lights.

The architectural design is simple yet striking, capturing the essence of Nordic churches. Behind the altar, the eastern wall features one of Europe’s largest glass mosaics created by artist Victor Sparre. The chandeliers hanging over the pews, crafted from Czech crystal, emulate icicles.

Concluding the day with a midnight concert at this remarkable cathedral is a perfect way to end an exhilarating day in Tromsø.

Tromsø Cathedral

The Tromsø Cathedral is conveniently located in downtown, just a short stroll from the cruise ship terminal. Positioned on the opposite side of the Tromsø Bridge from the Arctic Cathedral, this structure is not to be missed.

As the seat of the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland in the Lutheran Church of Norway, this charming wooden cathedral was completed in 1861. It is notable for being the sole wooden cathedral in Norway.

Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the 600-seat church likely holds the title for the northernmost Protestant cathedral in the world.

Tromsø Harbor and Mountains

Tromsø’s breathtaking harbor is surrounded by mountains, many of which are capped with snow throughout the year. This scenic view captures the area’s natural beauty, even in early July.

Mack’s Brewery

Beer ranks among the best alcoholic beverages to enjoy in Norway. Mack’s Brewery, situated in downtown Tromsø, is a quick walk from the Tromsø Cathedral. Founded in 1877, the brewery was relocated outside of Tromsø in 2012.

The original building still hosts tours, which include a film detailing the beer-making process and an exploration of the microbrewery producing beers named after iconic rock musicians such as Ringo, Elvis, Iggy, and Patti. Mack’s Brewery claims that rock music is the fifth ingredient in their unique blends.

The real highlight at Mack’s is Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub, which opened its doors in 1928. Initially a men-only establishment, it did not include a ladies’ toilet until 1973. Today, it warmly welcomes tourists from around the globe, many of whom indulge in the 67 craft beers from Norway available on tap.

Ølhallen Beer Hall

Many North Americans are familiar with the drinking song, “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.” While Ølhallen doesn’t have quite that many varieties, it boasts an impressive 67 different Norwegian craft beers on tap.

This pub features more craft beer options than any other venue in Europe. Guests can opt for a sampler, though choosing from such a vast selection can be challenging. Inform your waiter about your preferred beer types, and they will happily recommend options tailored to your taste.

Kayaking in a Norwegian Fjord Nearby

Subject to the weather in Norway, cruise passengers on northbound Hurtigruten coastal voyages and other ships have the option for an afternoon kayaking adventure from Tromsø. Participants are transported by van for approximately 10 minutes to a beautiful fjord near Håkøya.

This area is favored for kayaking due to its typically calm waters and minimal current, and it also marks the site of the sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz by British bombers during World War II. Tragically, over 1,000 German sailors lost their lives when the ship sank merely 11 minutes after being bombed.

Although most remnants of the battleship were removed after the war, some hull pieces remain in the water, along with a platform constructed for its scrapping. While time didn’t allow a close-up view, the shadow of the platform was visible through the water.

After the German invasion of Norway in 1940, the entire country fell under their control, except for Tromsø, which emerged unscathed. For those intrigued by World War II, a visit to the Tromsø War Museum, which features a permanent exhibition on the Tirpitz, is a worthwhile experience.

The tour company provides two-person kayaks outfitted with rudders easily controlled by foot pedals for the kayaker seated at the back. This feature is especially helpful for beginners, as maintaining a straight course is often one of the biggest challenges faced by tandem kayaks.

Kayakers are also supplied with pants, jackets, boots, and kayak “skirts” designed to keep water out. Each kayak includes a dry compartment for storing cameras. While it rained during the excursion, the lack of wind made it a comfortable experience.

Upon completing the kayaking adventure, participants enjoyed hot coffee, tea, and a slice of homemade chocolate cake. There’s something truly delightful about indulging in decadent foods after an exhilarating activity.

This kayaking trip traces a route along the coastline with participants paddling out and back along the same path. The only difficult part involved navigating under road bridge pilings.

This tour is ideal for both novice and experienced kayakers; those who paddled faster simply got to enjoy more time savoring cake. As they paddled, guides shared the story of the battleship Tirpitz and pointed out colorful starfish in the clear waters, making for a memorable experience in Tromsø.

Where to Dine

Located right on the water, Tromsø features numerous restaurants serving excellent fish dishes. Moreover, as one of the largest cities in northern Norway and a vibrant university town, visitors can find a diverse array of cuisines and price options in Tromsø.

During a 36-hour stay in Tromsø before embarking on the Hurtigruten ms Richard With coastal liner, travelers enjoyed two remarkable fish dinners and a memorable reindeer burger for lunch.

The reindeer burger depicted above was sourced from Skirri Restaurant, located on the waterfront close to the Radisson Blue Hotel where visitors stayed.

For a delightful dining experience, patrons are encouraged to visit the Aurora Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where they can indulge in a mixed green salad topped with smoked salmon, stockfish (dried codfish) reconstituted and baked with bacon and onions, accompanied by a refreshing fruit salad. The cod is exquisite, and who can resist a good bacon dish?

Fiskekompaniet also stands out as one of Tromsø’s premier fine dining and seafood establishments. Diners should opt for the fixed course dinner, which begins with a delightful green salad topped with smoked salmon, followed by a tantalizing main course of baked redfish in a crab and lobster vinaigrette, paired with boiled potatoes and carrots. To finish, dessert offers a rich and delicious chocolate treat.

Each of these three culinary establishments offers an excellent choice, but rest assured, Tromsø is home to a plethora of remarkable dining options.