Guest post from Niels
I am happy to publish this guest post from Niels, the owner of Dog Sledding Tromsø in Norway. You find all about family activities in Tromso Norway. Niels lives in the beautiful area -Tromsø, where fjords and towering mountains, are dominating the landscape. Therefore what a better way to find out from a local, about the best family activities in Tromsø.
Thank you Niels
Known as the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø is a vibrant city in Norway and the gateway to the breathtaking views of the arctic scenery. Set against the backdrop of beautiful fjords and towering mountains, Tromsø offers you a location that’s perfect for winter sports and cold-weather adventures.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what’s jollier than a long vacation with your loved ones?
But all of us can agree that the worst part about a vacation is planning. From deciding where to go to arguing on what to do- the initial stage is pretty exhausting, both mentally and physically.
Hence, we have prepared this brief yet informative guide on the best eight family activities in Tromso Norway, during winter or summer.
Tromsø, a.k.a. the “Paris of the North,” is one of the few places in the world that witnesses long periods of only daylight and only darkness. So, whether you visit the city during summer or winter, you are sure to have an experience of a lifetime.
So, without further ado, let’s see what Tromsø has in store for you and your family!
What To Do In Tromso?
Tromsø strikes the perfect balance between picturesque natural beauty and bustling city life with its vibrant cafes and shops surrounded by snowclad mountains and icy waters. Naturally, there’s a lot you can do here, so we’ve divided the list of things to do in Tromsø according to two major seasons.
Where Best to Stay in Tromsø
Tromsø is not just a place somewhere north in Norway. Tromsø has many family friendly activities which makes it the perfect place to visit. Brows through the Hotel map below and find your perfect hotel in Tromsø.
Winter Family Activities In Tromsø
For the best family activities in Tromsø, reindeer feeding and dog sledding, have to be on your list of things to do in Norway.
1 Dog Sledding in Norway
Did you know dog sledding is one of the oldest modes of transportation and a tradition in Norway? No wonder this winter activity is on every tourist’s bucket list, and there’s no way you can leave Tromsø without indulging in some adrenaline rush!
According to your schedule, you can choose between half-day and full-day dog sledding tours. We especially recommend this activity for dog lovers since you’ll get some time beforehand to befriend the husky team that’ll be taking you around the arctic landscapes.
But if you’re not confident about your sled controlling skills, fret not because a guide/driver accompanies each sled. Plus, you will be given all the essential equipment to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Finally, the tour is concluded with some hot beverages and freshly baked treats to warm you after the chilly ride!
2 Watching The Northern Lights in Tromsø
Thanks to its location surrounded by snowy peaks and clean air, Tromsø serves as the perfect spot for catching this fantastic natural phenomenon. We recommend saving this activity for the last day to end your trip with a sight you’ll never forget.
Tromsø has multiple Northern Light tours to offer- from sailing excursions to reindeer sledding tours. Each tour is accompanied by selected amenities and professional guides to ensure you make the most of your vacation.
Additionally, with the pitch-black sky serving as the perfect backdrop for the Tromsø Northern lights, we think this activity will be ideal for photography enthusiasts, too. Since the city is located directly under the Auroral Oval, you are sure to catch some Instagram-worthy shots and make all of your friends jealous!
Moreover, if you’re short on time, you can always sign up for a Northern Lights cruise. This way, you can witness the Aurora borealis while sailing on a luxurious catamaran, sipping on some delicious wine, or enjoying a steaming dip in a jacuzzi.
3 Spending A Night At Tromsø Ice Domes
Tromsø is a winter wonderland in its true sense with intricately carved Ice Domes, rebuilt each year for a unique experience for every traveler. The artwork of the dome follows a theme, which represents the culture, tradition, and wildlife of the area.
For this winter activity, you’ll have to book an overnight stay at the Tromsø Ice Domes, wherein you’ll check into the ice hotel. The tour guides will walk you through the location and talk about its construction process, the history of Tromsø and the arctic animals, etc.
Thereafter, depending on the tour you choose, you’ll be able to indulge in some frosty fun and frolic with activities like snowshoeing, reindeer feeding, dog sledding, and more. With a professional guide by your side, you may even learn how to light a fire in the chilling temperature, which we think is a survival hack everyone should know!
And in case you’re wondering, the beds in the ice domes are topped with reindeer skin, a comfy mattress, and expedition sleeping bags to keep you toasty through the night.
4 Embark On A Snowmobile Safari in Tromsø
If you are an adrenaline junkie and dog sledding didn’t quite hit the spot, we recommend going all out on a snowmobile safari in Tromsø.
The activity starts with a ferry ride wherein the guide will announce the safety instructions. Once you reach the location, you’ll receive the safety gear and equipment, and a two-person snowmobile.
Initially, you’ll be led to an easier terrain for practice and building up your confidence. Once you’re ready, you can crank up the speed and dash through the snow-clad terrains. In fact, you can increase the thrill further by opting for the evening tour, wherein you can soar through the moonlit cliff!
Summer Activities In Tromsø
Despite being more popular for its winter activities, the summer months in Tromsø offer better opportunities for whale watching, attending concerts, and more.
1 Whale Watching in Tromsø
Whale watching in Tromsø is another popular tourist activity that can be done all year round. However, your chances of catching a glimpse of sperm whales may increase during the summer.
Since whale watching is an environmental activity, rest assured that your enjoyment is not causing any danger and discomfort to the aquatic mammals. But you must be cautious while choosing a whale watching tour in Tromsø because there are many travel agencies out there that may not be registered, experienced, or ethical.
Also, remember that while the guides will try their best to sail through herring-rich fjords to ensure a successful whale watching trip, one can never provide a 100% guarantee. However, some tours offer a free tour again in case of a no-show!
Additionally, you must be careful of your belongings and avoid getting near the side of the boat. We understand that a once-in-a-lifetime experience like whale watching in Tromsø can excite anyone, but it’s always better to be on the safe side… literally!
2 Cable Car Ride to Storsteinen
What’s better than riding a cable car to witness the panoramic view of the city surrounded by fjords, mountains, and crystal clear water?
Considering how the best time to visit Norway is from May to September due to the mild weather, a cable car ride with your family is an ideal summertime activity. And Tromsø has a lot to offer in this regard as well.
A cable car tour typically takes 2-3 hours, making it suitable for those who are short on time. While the lower station is usually around the mainland, the upper station depends on the tour package you choose. However, no matter the location, you can expect a spectacular view of the city from a high altitude.
Pro Tip– try visiting Storsteinen on a cable car between mid-May to mid-July to increase your chances of witnessing the fabled midnight sun. While the waters in the north glisten under the sunlight, the peaks will remain in the dark. Trust us- you wouldn’t want to sleep on this sight!
3 Attend a Music Festival Or Cultural Event in Norway
Tromsø offers a vibrant cultural heritage, with festivals and events taking place throughout the year. While the Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Northern Lights Festival are held during winter, the summer months are occupied with numerous concerts like the Bukta Open Air Festival.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a midnight concert in the Arctic Cathedral or run across the city while witnessing the Arctic contrasts in the Midnight Sun Marathon. But if you want to end your vacation with a bang, make sure to stick around for the Tromsø Annual Beer Festival, which is organized in August every year.
4 Visit The Skansen House in Tromsø
Visit the oldest house in Tromsø, originally a customs station now a coffee house. The Skansen House was constructed in 1789 and makes a picturesque tourist attraction to date. Besides being a structure of historical importance, today, it serves as a cafe and park, ideal for picnics.
However, note that the cafe operates during the summer months only. Yet, it has managed to earn quite a fan following, owing to the traditional delicacies and the overall cozy vibe.
Conclusion on the 8 Best Family activities in Tromsø, Norway
With that, we come to the end of this informative guide covering some interesting family activities in Norway. We hope our suggestions will help you plan the perfect holiday for your family!
But before we sign off, we’d like to reiterate that Tromsø is a cold region, so even if you visit during summer, it’s best to carry some warm clothes. This is especially important if you’re planning to visit higher altitudes in a cable car, trying out adventure sports, and more.
With a bit of planning and precaution, nothing can stop you from enjoying a warm family vacation, even in the frosty weath.
Travel Guide to the North
- Visit Lofoten – Good to know before you go
- 10 days in Iceland with Kids – Itinerary
- Golden Circle Itinerary – Iceland trip
- South Coast of Iceland – best Things to See
Check out these these accommodations within Tromsø, Norways for your epic family holiday to Norway.
If we have missed anything out on this post, or if you have some more questions on the Best Family Activities in Tromsø Norway then leave a comment below. It is always nice for others to see some real people conversations.
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Thank you, Never forget to explore!
