Tromsø in the middle of winter?  Isn’t it just dark? Is it possible to see the city properly? Anything to do? Do not worry, people in Tromsø cannot be stopped by either the darkness or the cold, they love their winter activities! Actually, winter in Tromsø can offer a lot of fun! 

Here is our tips:

1. Arctic city experiences

If it is perhaps a little too sour outside, it is perfect to pull into the Polar Museum and take off your outerwear. Here our own cultural history is conveyed; touching stories about wintering, polar expeditions and research that have shaped the world as we see it today.

Replicas of men, women, boats, and materials that were important for life in the Arctic Ocean and in the Arctic, provide a thorough experience of the hard life in the north.

2. The Arctic Cathedral - Tromsø's Eiffel Tower

Tromsø is often called "Paris of the North", and in that case the Arctic Cathedral must be Tromsø's answer to the Eiffel Tower. Like a floating iceberg, the Arctic Cathedral towers over Tromsø's horizon, and perhaps precisely in the time of darkness it comes all the way to its right, where it lights up in the winter darkness. The cathedral opened on November 19, 1965.  This masterpiece was designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, who says to have taken his inspiration from the form on the island Håja. Victor Sparre is the artist behind the glass mosaic that will represent the hand of God from which three luminous rays emanate: one through Jesus, one through the woman and one through the man. The stained glass-window is truly a unique sight and is something you cannot miss in the Arctic city.

3. The Northern Lights

Northern lights tourism has long been a concept in the north, and tourists come from far and wide to experience the celestial phenomenon that rules the winter sky north of the Arctic Circle.

If you join in the search for the natural phenomenon, you can be lucky to experience the dancing light that multiplies across the winter sky. The areas around Tromsø are blessed with optimal conditions for seeing the northern lights with minimal light pollution.

4. Festivals and cultural events you will not find anywhere else

Festivals can be so much, but in Tromsø they really hit the big time when there is something to celebrate. They have not cowardly laid out all the festivals for the summer - something you can enjoy as a brave winter tourist. 

The Northern Lights Festival started as a classical music festival in honour of the Northern Lights in 1988, but has developed into an extensive ten-day music festival that has become one of the highlights of the dark ages. It goes off the stack at the turn of the month January / February.

Sami Week is another event you should not miss in early February. Like an Arctic winter market, the whole city is turned upside down with reindeer racing down the main street, Storgata, and the National Championships in lasso throwing. A festival completely different from all the other festivals you have been to. 

See what’s on in Tromsø! 

5. Football match in the snow  

A football match at Alfheim Stadium is a must if you love football.  When the local team, TIL, plays, the mood is a high  - regardless of the weather.

6. A taste of Sami culture

The Sami culture is diverse, but perhaps not so familiar to most people. If you participate in an excursion with Tromsø Lapland,  you get to experience the culture up close. For example, you can join a reindeer sleigh ride and learn how to throw a lasso, eat Sami food and hear real Sami yoik.

7. The Arctic palate

After a day with focus on Arctic experiences, it is important to replenish the Arctic taste. You do this at Bardus Bistro , where almost all the ingredients originate from the Tromsø region.  The food is seasonal and varies from lamb or cod to mussels steamed in white wine. The chefs like to excite and surprise as much as they like to satisfy the taste buds.

8. Nightlife

After dinner you MUST test Tromsø's famous nightlife. This is exactly what has given the city the nickname "Paris of the North". We suggest you keep an eye on where the locals are going. They usually have an excellent sense of direction when it comes to partying and fun!

Whether it is the dance of the Northern Lights, architectural masterpieces or the joy of life and the raw humour you only find in Northern Norway that lures you north, then the "Paris of the North" is truly a city that must be experienced.  

Widerøe is happy to fly you to Tromsø when you feel the northern life calling.