About Tromsø
Tromsø is an Arctic city in Northern Norway, surrounded by fjords, mountains and coastal landscapes. The region changes significantly throughout the year, from the Midnight Sun in summer to the Polar Night and Northern Lights during winter.
Visitors can explore Tromsø city, travel through the surrounding fjords and islands, go fishing, join Northern Lights tours or visit coastal areas such as Kvaløya and Sommarøy. The combination of city life and easy access to nature makes Tromsø a popular base for exploring Northern Norway.
Key Facts About Tromsø
- Location: Tromsø is located in Northern Norway, with much of the city situated on Tromsøya island. Tromsø Bridge and the Tromsøysund Tunnel connect the island to the mainland.
- Population: Tromsø municipality has around 80,000 residents and is the largest municipality by population in Northern Norway.
- University: Tromsø is home to UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the world’s northernmost university.
- Northern Lights: Tromsø lies within the auroral zone, making the region well located for seeing the Northern Lights when weather and solar conditions allow.
- Midnight Sun: From late May to late July, the sun remains above the horizon in Tromsø, providing daylight throughout the night.
History of Tromsø
- Early history: People have lived in the Tromsø region for thousands of years. Sámi and Norse communities have both played important roles in the area’s history.
- City status: Tromsø received city status in 1794. Fishing, trade and maritime activity contributed to the city’s development during the following centuries.
- Arctic expeditions: During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Tromsø became an important base for expeditions into the Arctic. Its location and maritime knowledge made the city useful for explorers travelling north.
- Fishing and trade: Fishing has long been important to Tromsø and the surrounding coastal communities. Over time, the city also developed into an important centre for trade and services in Northern Norway.
Nature Around Tromsø
- Mountains: Mountains surround Tromsø and shape much of the local landscape. Kvaløya, the mainland and nearby islands offer mountain scenery throughout the year.
- Fjords: Fjords and sounds surround the Tromsø region, creating a varied coastline with sheltered bays, open water and small coastal communities.
- Islands and beaches: Kvaløya and Sommarøy are known for their coastal landscapes, beaches and fishing communities. Both areas are easily reached from Tromsø by road.
- Arctic wildlife: Depending on the season and location, visitors may see reindeer, sea eagles, seals, porpoises and other wildlife around Tromsø.
Outdoor Activities in Tromsø
- Northern Lights tours: From autumn through winter, Northern Lights tours take visitors outside the city to search for clear skies and suitable viewing conditions.
- Fishing: The waters around Tromsø offer opportunities for sea fishing throughout the year. Common species include cod, pollock, halibut and other seasonal fish.
- Winter activities: Dog sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are among the activities available around Tromsø during winter.
- Summer activities: During the Midnight Sun season, visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing and sightseeing throughout the long summer days.
- Sightseeing: Kvaløya, Sommarøy and the surrounding fjords are popular areas for road trips, photography and exploring the coastal landscapes around Tromsø.
Arctic Wildlife
- Marine life: The waters around Tromsø are home to many marine species. Depending on the season and location, visitors may see porpoises, dolphins, seals and occasionally whales.
- Birdlife: Sea eagles and many species of seabirds can be seen around the coast, fjords and islands surrounding Tromsø. Migratory birds also arrive during the warmer months.
- Reindeer: Reindeer can often be seen around Tromsø and Kvaløya, particularly outside the more populated areas. Many reindeer in the region belong to Sámi herders.
- Wildlife sightings: Wildlife is part of the natural environment, so sightings vary with the season, location and conditions.
Tromsø’s Role in Arctic Research
- Northern Lights research: Tromsø’s location within the auroral zone has made the city an important centre for Northern Lights research. Local research institutions study the aurora and the upper atmosphere.
- Arctic environment: Researchers in Tromsø study climate, marine ecosystems and environmental changes across the Arctic.
- Space and satellites: Tromsø also plays a role in satellite research and data collection, supported by its northern location and established research community.
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway: The university is an important part of Tromsø’s research environment, with work covering Arctic science, technology, marine research and other fields.
Events and Culture in Tromsø
- Northern Lights Festival: Held every January, this event features classical, jazz, and contemporary music performances. Furthermore, it attracts international artists from around the world.
- Sámi Week: Celebrated in February, this festival showcases Sámi culture, including reindeer racing, joik singing, and handicraft markets.
- Tromsø International Film Festival: As one of Norway’s largest film festivals, it takes place in January, focusing on movies from polar regions and beyond.
- Midnight Sun and PolarNight Marathons: Tromsø hosts running events in both summer and winter. The Midnight Sun Marathon takes place in June during the Midnight Sun period, while the PolarNight Marathon is held in January during the Polar Night.
Explore Tromsø and Northern Norway
Tromsø offers different experiences throughout the year, from the Northern Lights and winter activities to the Midnight Sun, fishing and summer sightseeing. The city also provides a convenient starting point for exploring Kvaløya, Sommarøy and the surrounding fjords.
If you would like to explore beyond the city, Tromsø Explorer offers private fishing tours, Northern Lights tours and sightseeing tours for private groups.
Discover our private tours