Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tromso?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tromso?

Many travelers spend at least 4 or as many as 7 days in Tromso during their visit. After all, the remote town has plenty to explore such as the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, and the small town charm.

Tromsø is a city in Northern Norway, within the Arctic Circle. Many visitors come to see the Northern Lights or experience and Arctic adventure such as dogsledding or exploring the fjords. There are also museums related to the Arctic environment and other outdoor adventures.

Do you have one or two days to visit Tromso? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Tromso?

Tromso, a small town brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the remote town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 4 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the town. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Tromso

When visiting Tromso, you absolutely can't miss the Northern Lights as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

Tromso is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Northern Lights Walking Tour ($111)
  • Brews and Views City Walking Tour in Tromsø with Beer Tasting ($166)
  • From Tromso all- inclusive Midnight sun cruise by Boat ($125)

Tromso is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Tromso?

A weekend is generally not enough time to take in the beautiful scenery, get out into nature, explore the small town, and sample the delicious cuisine in Tromso. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy popular activities such as the gorgeous scenery, the hiking, the small town charm, and the restaurant scene. To genuinely appreciate the highlights of the remote town, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for at least 4 or as many as 7 days here. After all, With its wealth of sights and attractions, Tromso is a top choice for tourists. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

Tromso, NOrway Tromso, NOrway

How to spend 2 days in Tromso

With a weekend (two to three days) in Tromso, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Tromso sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Midnight Sun Hiking Tour from Tromso ($135)
  • Forest Hike with Arctic Outdoor Skills and Campfire Coffee ($98)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Brews and Views City Walking Tour in Tromsø with Beer Tasting ($166)

The public transit in Tromso is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Tromso, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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