Tromso is one of Norway’s most popular city break destinations. It’s also its largest settlement inside the Arctic Circle and one of the best places on the planet to see the Northern Lights, which regularly appear from November to March. Easy to reach from Oslo or by direct flight from London Gatwick or Luton, a stay here can be combined with a number of wilderness lodges and adventures further afield, which provide the ideal contrast to Tromso’s city centre bars and bustle.

Norway's Northern Lights capital

With its lively bars and first-class restaurants, Tromso makes for a superb winter city-break destination, and a long weekend offers the chance to experience all manner of fun-packed adventures in the snow. There are Arctic classics such as snowmobiling, husky sledding and reindeer sled rides, while the harbour is a haven for wildlife, with everything from humpbacks to orcas feeding in the chilly Artic waters between October and February. Further afield, a trip to the Lyngen Alps offers everything from distillery tours to snowshoe hikes. And, in the evenings between October and March, there's the chance to head out to locations around the city to take in the Northern Lights' brilliant shades of blue, green and yellow, all set against a starry sky.

Beyond Tromso

While weekend breaks remain popular, there are more and more opportunities for longer stays in the Tromso region, and beyond. Perhaps you'll even set out on a cross-border adventure to Sweden, pairing Tromso's aurora delights with a stay at the original ICEHOTEL in neighbouring Sweden. Closer by, Malangen Resort offers winter trills and a spectacular fjord setting, while in the mountains, the wood-cabin cosiness of Lyngen Lodge provides fireside relaxation and the chance to really get away from it all. Speak to our Norway specialists about the available options.

Tromso in summer

While Tromso is known as a winter destination, in summer it's just as magical. Visitors can hike in the coastal mountains, kayak inland rivers or among skerries in the Norwegian Sea, and even fish for cod, halibut and salmon. And, between June and July, it's all enjoyed beneath the dazzling beauty of the Midnight Sun.

Tromso under the Midnight Sun