Things to Do in Tromsø
Experience More of Tromsø
During winter, Tromsø is surrounded by fjords, mountains and Arctic landscapes, with plenty to experience both during the day and after dark.
If you are joining us for a whale safari, there are several activities that can fit naturally around your time at sea.
Here, we share a selection of local experiences and operators that we think can make your stay in Tromsø even more memorable.
Northern Lights with Arctic Aurora Tours
One of the most natural experiences to combine with a winter whale safari is a Northern Lights tour.
After spending the day exploring the fjords and looking for whales, you can head out again in the evening in search of the Aurora Borealis with our local partner, Arctic Aurora Tours.
Based in Tromsø, Arctic Aurora Tours specialises in small-group Northern Lights experiences. Their guides follow weather and cloud conditions throughout the evening and adjust the route depending on where they believe the best opportunities may be.
That can mean travelling along the coast, into the fjords or farther inland in search of clearer skies.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed. Part of the experience is simply leaving the city lights behind, spending time in the Arctic landscape and seeing where the evening takes you.
What You Can Expect
Their Northern Lights experiences focus on smaller groups and a more personal atmosphere.
Depending on the tour and conditions, the experience may include:
- Small-group Northern Lights chasing
- Local guides
- Professional photos from the evening
- Help with photographing the Northern Lights
- Thermal suits
- Hot drinks and food or snacks
- Local stories and information about Northern Norway
- Stops away from city lights when conditions allow
Whale Watching by Day, Northern Lights by Night
Whale watching and Northern Lights tours work particularly well together because they take place at different times of the day.
During our winter whale safari, you travel aboard MS Alba into the fjords of Northern Norway in search of orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife.
Later, a Northern Lights tour takes you away from the harbour and city lights and into the Arctic night.
This gives you the opportunity to experience two very different sides of winter in Northern Norway during the same trip.
You can choose to do both experiences on the same day. If you have enough time in Tromsø, spreading them across separate days can make for a more relaxed stay.
About Arctic Aurora Tours
Arctic Aurora Tours is a local Tromsø operator specialising in Northern Lights experiences.
Their tours are designed around smaller groups, local knowledge and flexible routes based on the conditions each evening.
We are happy to recommend them to guests looking for an evening activity to combine with their whale safari.
Operated by Arctic Aurora Tours
Explore Northern Lights TourMore Things to Do in Tromsø
There is much more to experience around Tromsø during the winter season.
As we continue working with selected local operators, we will add more experiences to this page that complement a stay in Northern Norway.
These may include activities such as dog sledding, reindeer and Sámi experiences, Arctic sightseeing and other winter adventures.
Our goal is not to list every activity available in Tromsø. Instead, we want to highlight experiences that fit naturally alongside a whale safari and can help our guests make more of their time in the region.
Planning Your Stay in Tromsø
If whale watching and the Northern Lights are both important parts of your trip, we recommend allowing yourself several days in Tromsø whenever possible.
Weather, sea conditions, whale movements and cloud cover can change quickly during an Arctic winter. Having some flexibility in your itinerary gives you more opportunities to experience what you came for.
A winter day could look like this:
Daytime
Explore the fjords on a whale safari aboard MS Alba.
Evening
Head away from the city in search of the Northern Lights.
Between your activities, take some time to explore Tromsø itself, enjoy its restaurants and cafés, and experience the atmosphere of one of Northern Norway’s most popular winter destinations.
Coming to Tromsø for Whale Watching?
Our winter whale safari departs from Tromsø aboard MS Alba and takes guests into the fjords in search of orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife.
The experience includes experienced marine guides, heated indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks and a hydrophone onboard.
Join Us on the Water
Whether you're traveling as a couple, family, or solo adventurer— We’re ready to welcome you aboard.
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