If you’re pondering the question, ‘Is Tromsø worth visiting in the summer?’ then I would say it absolutely is. Particularly if you’re looking for a place to escape from the heat and busyness of a European summer.
Serene, scenic, and bathed in the glow of the Midnight Sun, visiting Tromsø in the summer is a time when hiking trails open up, fjords shimmer, and wildlife comes alive. It’s perfect for travellers seeking long days, quiet nature, and a slower pace. We used Tromsø as our base on a recent Northern Norway tour, and were pleasantly surprised at how much this ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ city had to offer.
If, however, you’re chasing the bustling Arctic vibe, dramatic snowy landscapes, or the magic of the Northern Lights, then summer might feel a little too calm. Tromsø in winter truly transforms into a lively Arctic hub, packed with aurora chasers, reindeer sledding, and cosy, candlelit cafés.
So, it truly depends on what you’re looking for in your Arctic adventure. Still undecided? Here’s my round-up of why I think Tromsø is absolutely worth visiting in summer.
Is Tromsø worth visiting in the summer?
Pros and Cons of Visiting Tromsø in Summer
As Tromsø is mostly thought of as a winter destination, there are pros and cons to visiting in the summer. For us, it proved the perfect gateway to the Arctic and Northern Norway and a brilliant place to base ourselves between other destinations in the area.
If you’re unsure, however about a summer trip to the city, here’s a list of pros and cons of visiting Tromsø in the summer.
Pros of Visiting Tromsø in Summer
1. Midnight sun in Tromsø
A visit to Tromsø in the summer means that you get to experience the magic of the Midnight Sun. This happens across all destinations north of the Arctic Circle – including Tromsø – where the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon for the summer months. In Tromsø, the Midnight Sun usually lasts from mid-May to the end of July, peaking during the summer Solstice in June. During this time, expect endless bright days and nights, which is a truly surreal experience.
We had no idea what to expect in Tromsø when it came to the Midnight Sun (we visited in early July), and it turned out to be as discombobulating as we expected. Fortunately, most hotel rooms do have black out blinds but make sure you bring an eye-mask, just to supply extra darkness.
The extra light, although a little confusing, enabled us to see so much more of the city, even touring some of its key sights at midnight, when the city was bathed in a golden light. You can also make the most of the midnight sun with some special midnight excursions, including midnight hikes, kayaking and beach picnics.
2. Tromsø is less crowded in summer
As Tromsø’s peak season is in winter, you’ll find that it is a lot less crowded during the summer months. For some this is a con but I actually really enjoyed the space and calm of Tromsø in the summer and we didn’t find that many shops or restaurants were closed. In fact, there was a huge range of cosy cafes and delicious restaurants to eat in, as well as some great souvenir shops.
Maybe as I was in a group of 14 women, I didn’t notice the quiet streets as much. It might be, therefore, something you might want to consider if you’re solo travelling to Tromsø and are keen for some hustle and bustle.
3. Unique summer outdoor activities
There are plenty of unique summer activities to do on Tromsø that make it a great destination to visit in the summer. In fact, I’d say some of the summer activities in Tromsø offer much more of a chance to explore the area than in winter. These activities include: kayaking through fjords, exploring islands such as Kvaløya, Sommarøy, and Senja, beach trips to beaches such as Telegrafbukta and hiking. For outdoor loving souls, therefore, Tromsø offers so many activities to do in the summer, even if the snow based experiences are a no go.
4. Memorable wildlife watching opportunities
As well as unique activities to enjoy on Tromsø during summer, there’s also opportunities to spot some memorable wildlife. During mountain hikes, you could spot reindeer and even moose, whilst on the water it’s possible to see seals, porpoises and many types of birds, including puffins.
5. Blend the urban with the wilderness
Another great reason to visit Tromsø in summer is the opportunity to enjoy a bit of the urban city, alongside some unique wilderness experiences. We found there was actually a surprising amount to do and see in Tromsø itself, including fascinating polar museums, a thrilling cable car ride and plenty of dining experiences to enjoy. Being able to blend this with wild activities, such as hiking or fjord cruises makes it a really unique destination to explore.
6. Warmer weather and less thermals needed
Tromsø, as expected, is far warmer in the summer, meaning you don’t have to worry so much about what to pack. We found it to be a lot like a mild UK winter, with it feeling much chillier at night time when the winds seem to pick up.
Obviously, you might not be thinking that this is warm at all but compared to an Arctic winter, it’s decidedly balmy. In July, temperatures were around 8-12 degrees but we did notice a notable wind chill during the evenings, so make sure you pack a warm winter’s coat or windbreaker. For the most part, the weather in Tromsø was overcast but we did have one exceptionally sunny day, which was such a treat as we explored the city.
7. Tromsø is cheaper in summer than in winter
Another pro of visiting Tromsø in summer instead of winter is that it’s a lot cheaper. As peak season is in the winter months, you’ll find most things, including accommodation and flights cheaper in the summer months
A 4-day mid-range summer trip (no car) costs around €700–€800. In contrast, a similar-trip in winter for 3 days would be €1,200–€1,500, and for a week, €1,800–€2,200. If you’re really looking for a budget break to Tromso, consider travelling in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, where prices can be up to 3 times lower than in peak season.
8. Great place to base yourself to explore the Arctic Circle
Finally, Tromsø is a great place, more generally, to base yourself if you’re looking to explore the Arctic Circle.
We flew to Tromsø from the UK (connecting through Stockholm on the way out and Oslo on the return journey) and stayed here for a few nights before getting a bus to the Lofoten Islands. We also returned to Tromsø before flying to Svalbard, which was a 1.5 hour flight. If you’re considering including Svalbard on your itinerary, then we highly recommend giving Tromsø a couple of nights too.
Cons of visiting Tromsø in Summer
1. Lacking the “winter buzz”
As Tromsø is a predominantly winter destination, summer in the city does feel decidedly quieter. During our time in Tromsø, we were travelling with a friend who had visited the city in winter too. She agreed that it was a very different vibe, perhaps losing its cosy allure without the snow and cosy hot chocolates. To some, this might feel like a con to visiting Tromsø in summer but it’s really dependent on what your travelling tastes are.
2. Limited tour operators
As summer is not peak season in Tromsø, there are more limited tour operators. We didn’t actually book any tours or activities in Tromsø, instead using it as a base while we explored the Lofoten Islands and Svalbard. Some research, suggests, however that there is less options when it comes to choosing activities. For example, in the summer months there are no tours running for: dog sledding, snow mobiling, reindeer sledding, northern lights tours or ice hotel excursions.
You’ll still find plenty of operators running summer excursions, including boat trips, hiking tours, midnight sun excursions, kayaking, canoeing and nature trails.
3. No Northern Lights
Obviously, as there’s no night in Tromsø during the summer months, there’s also no opportunity to spot the northern lights. This actually takes people by surprise, who presume the Arctic is a forever wintery, dark place. If you’re desperate to tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list, therefore, make sure you defer your visit until winter time.
4. Doesn’t feel like the traditional ‘Arctic’
Summer in Tromsø has a very different aesthetic to the snowy landscapes of winter. Although there is some snow on the surrounding mountains, and there’s a definite chill in the air, Tromsø feels much like a normal European town in the summer months.
The snow and ice of winter is instead replaced by beautiful spring flowers and (while we were visiting) clear blue sunny skies. Indeed, during our time in Tromsø, the day felt like a fresh spring day, which we absolutely loved. If, however, you want the full Arctic experience, complete with snow, ice, thermals and lots of hot chocolate, then make sure you plan your trip for later in the year.
5. Not as photogenic as in winter
I wouldn’t describe Tromsø as particularly beautiful during the summer months. Although there’s definitely some beautiful scenery around, including the mountains, or the colourful houses that line the streets, it’s not as pretty as the snow capped city in winter. The harbour is a working one, so quite industrious, and the main streets are fairly average in terms of photography appeal. That being said, there are still many pretty points, including the Gateway to the Arctic sculpture and views from the cable car.
How many days do you need in Tromsø during summer?
How long you need to stay in Tromsø depends on how many activities you plan to do or how much of the area you’d like to see. For us, we really just used Tromsø as a base for our itinerary in Northern Norway. If, however, you’re looking to really explore the area then I would advise that 3 nights would be more than adequate. This would allow you to not only explore the city but also enjoy a few activities or excursions, like a boat tour, Sami experience or visit a reindeer farm.
What is the weather like in Tromsø in June, July and August?
Summer in Tromsø (June to August) offers a refreshing break from the extreme heat of the rest of Europe, with mild temperatures and endless daylight.
July is typically the warmest month, with average highs around 13–15°C (55–59°F) and lows between 8–9°C (46–48°F). The crisp air is perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Arctic landscape. Although mild, the weather is a real mix of cloudy, rainy, and sunny days. Rain (or we called it drizzle) is fairly common, with around 10–15 wet days per month, so waterproof layers are a must.
The real magic of Tromsø in summer is the Midnight Sun, which bathes the city in 24-hour daylight from late May to late July, creating long, golden evenings ideal for late-night adventures.
What should I pack for summer in Tromsø?
Compared to Tromsø in winter, the summer months are positively balmy. Well, at least not freezing. During our visit in early July, we experienced fairly mild days but with chillier winds moving in at night. I did have to wear a warm windbreaker and woolly hat at times but I didn’t require any specific thermals or outerwear.
Here’s what I would recommend you pack for summer in Tromsø:
- 2 x long sleeve tops for layers
- A warm fleece
- A lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
- A warmer insulated coat (I wasn’t sure I’d need this but I actually did!)
- Woolly hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear (if you’re visiting the sauna!)
- 2 x thermal lined leggings/warm trousers
- Hiking shoes
- Warm socks (not necessarily thermal)
- Lightweight backpack
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Things to do in Tromsø in the summer
Things to do in Tromsø city
Although the city of Tromsø is very small and compact, it actually offers a surprising amount of things for tourists to discover during the summer months. We weren’t expecting a whole lot from the city, instead thinking most of the activities it offered would take us out into the wilderness. We discovered, however, plenty of things to do in Tromsø, which made a lazy day in the city one of our favourite memories of our tour of Northern Norway.
1. Visit the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)
The Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø dominates the skyline of the city. Modern in design, this triangular shaped cathedral is worth a quick 15-30 minute visit. In the summer, the Cathedral also offer midnight sun concerts, which is a truly unique and memorable experience.
2. Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car
During our female only tour to Tromsø, the group were in two minds about whether or not to pay the 445 NOK (£32!!) return ticket ride to the Fjellheisen Cable Car. For a 4-minute ride, this seemed a little too steep for me but some of the group did take the journey on the cable car and said it was a great experience. The cable car takes you 421 metres up, offering you beautiful views out over Tromsø and beyond.
The walk to the cable car from the city is around 20 minutes, so if you have mobility issues or are time poor, you can also arrange a transfer and a pre-booked cable car trip that will take you to and from the city.
Once at the top, there’s a number of activities that can be bookable in advance, such as hiking or even paragliding for those adrenaline junkies amongst us.
3. Visit the Floating Sauna (Pust Sauna)
One of our favourite memories of our time in Tromsø was a visit to its Floating Sauna known as Pust Sauna. Located in the middle of the harbour, the floating sauna offers guests panoramic views out over the mountains and an opportunity to jump into the icy harbour waters.
As there was a group of 14 of us, we opted to book a general communal spot, knowing we’d probably book out the whole of the sauna, which we did aside from one poor, lone Australian male tourist.
It was 120 NOK each (around £9) for an hour’s use of the sauna, which allowed us to get in a good 5 loops of the hot and cold experience. We loved moving between the hot and cold, especially as we could also enjoy the panoramic views around us of the mountains.
4. Tour Mack Brewery – the World’s Northernmost Brewery
During one of our evenings in Tromsø, we swung by the lively Mack Brewery – the world’s Northernmost Brewery. As well as general visiting, you can also book a brewery tour and well as a mini tasting session. An ideal activity in Tromsø for any beer lover who would like the accolade of visiting the world’s “Northernmost Brewery”.
If you’re still craving a beer after the tour, make sure you drop by Ølhallen, Tromsø’s oldest pub, situated next door.
5. Shop on the main street of Storgata
We had a very relaxed afternoon in Tromsø to explore its surprising array of shops and eateries. The main street of Storgata actually has some great shops on it, not only for souvenir shopping but for boutique stores and concept stores more generally. If you’re looking to avoid the cheesy souvenier stores, head to one of the Sámi crafts instead, which offer far more authentic and unique gifts. There’s also a number of local shops selling locally made glass and wool.
Blåst was my favourite store, offering handcrafted glassware. You can also watch artisans at work, before taking home one of the beautifully made pieces.
6. Explore Polaria Arctic Experience Center
The Polaria Arctic Experience Center is a great place to stop by in Tromsø if you want to learn more about the Arctic (and is very family-friendly). Touting itself as an aquarium, educational attraction and museum, this is a great interactive place to come in Tromsø for visitors of all ages.
The aquarium is home to bearded seals, with regular feeding times for visitors to watch, as well as a huge array of fish and sea plants. The café is also super cosy, and a nice place to come after touring the space.
Book your ticket to Polaria
7. Visit the quirky Troll Museum
If you’re looking for a quick and quirky activity to do in Tromsø in summer, then head to the Troll Museum. The Troll Museum in Tromsø – Norway’s first museum dedicated entirely to trolls and fairy tales – is a curious blend of traditional storytelling and contemporary design. Located centrally at Kaigata 3, it offers a whimsical journey through Norse legends in an immersive, family-friendly setting.
8. Enjoy the cosy cafes of Tromsø
One of our favourite activities in Tromsø in the summer was to just wander the many cosy coffee shops, to enjoy another cinnamon bun and steaming mug of coffee. Although it was July, and back home in the UK there was a heatwave, we revelled in sitting in cosy armchairs, in our knitted jumpers and delicious, warm cinammon buns. Our favourite cafes for cosy-vibes in Tromsø were:
- Risø Mat & Kaffebar / Risø Kaffebar – this is very popular with locals who love their filter coffees. Here, they offer the ‘Kalita’, which is crafted ‘pour over’ coffee as well as delicious lunches.
- Svermeri Kafé & Redesign – nestled in one of Tromsø’s oldest wooden buildings, this incredibly cute café gives a very ‘grandma chic’ aesthetic with antiques, and traditional open sandwiches, soups and cakes.
9. Tromsø city center: Urban Floating experience
One very unique activity to do in Tromsø in summer is the ‘Urban Floating’ experience. Here, you get to don a floating ‘rescue suit’ and enjoy the tranquillity of Tromsø harbour, as you bob around on your back. We were desperate to do this as a group but ran out of time, so please do report back if you give it a try.
Book Urban Floating Experience
Summer activities and experiences in and around Tromsø
1. Fjords tour
If you’re visiting Tromsø during the summer, then a fjords tour is a must. Explore the arctic beaches, mountain landscapes and stop for a picnic on one of the day excursions that can be booked from Tromsø.
Book your fjords tour and picnic
2. Midnight Sun Cruise
If you’re visiting Tromsø in the summer, then making the most of the midnight sun is a must. And, what better way to do that than a midnight cruise to enjoy the golden rays as the hours tick over into the early hours of the morning. The cruises take you past sleepy fishing villages and picture-perfect coves, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife, such as puffins.
Book your midnight sun cruise
3. Hike Scenic Trails
If you enjoy hiking, then visiting Tromsø in the summer is ideal. With the majority of snow and ice melted, summer is a great time to explore the surroundings of Tromsø by foot. Popular hiking trails include Fløya and Tromsdalstinden, which provide picture-perfect panoramic views.
4. Blåisvatnet: Guided hike to Blue-ice-lake
Another unique and beautiful activity to do in Tromsø in summer is a hike to the Blue-ice-lake. This is an easy-terrain hike that takes you through valleys and lyngen-alps before arriving at the blue-ice-lake where you can enjoy an icy dip. The whole route is 8km (return), so an achievable adventure for those looking for nature and sparkly, arctic waters.
Book a guided hike to the Blue-ice-lake
Other activities in Tromso in the summer months also include kayaking, canoeing, fishing and paddle boarding trips.
What wildlife can you see in Tromsø in the summer?
You can still see plenty of wildlife in Tromsø during the summer months. Although whale watching tours aren’t running during the summer, you can still see plenty of marine animals, such as seals and porpoises. Sea birds are also incredibly common in the area during this time, where you can spot puffins (we saw many!), golden eagles and arctic turns; who are very loud and hard to miss!
In terms of land mammals, if you’re hiking in the area you could be lucky enough to see moose, reindeer and arctic foxes. Look out for the cute little lemmings too, who can be found living in the surrounding tundra.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Tromsø in the summer?
No, you can’t see the Northern Lights in Tromsø during the summer months. From late May to late July, the city experiences the Midnight Sun, meaning it stays light 24 hours a day – making (sadly) aurora viewing impossible. Even in early August, the skies remain too bright for visibility. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is between September and March, when the nights are dark enough and solar activity is high.
If spotting the aurora is a priority, plan your trip for autumn, winter, or early spring.
Is Tromsø expensive to visit in summer?
Although Tromsø is not a budget destination for a summer trip, it is definitely cheaper to visit in summer than it is in winter.
On average, a mid-range daily budget for summer travel in Tromsø falls between 1,200–1,800 NOK (around £86). Here’s a rough breakdown: accommodation in a mid-range hotel or guesthouse costs around 900–1,300 NOK per night; meals at cafés or casual restaurants range from 150–300 NOK per person; and activities like kayaking, fjord cruises, or visiting museums typically cost 200–800 NOK each.
Public transport is affordable (a 24-hour bus pass costs ~120 NOK), but if you want to explore more remote areas, car rental can add significantly to your expenses.
Do you need a car in Tromsø?
You don’t need to hire a car to enjoy Tromsø, especially if you’re exploring mainly within the city. The city is compact and extremely walkable, with most attractions easily reachable on foot. Public buses are reliable, frequent, and user-friendly, covering both the city and nearby areas (such as the Arctic Cathedral or Fjellheisen cable car). We thoroughly enjoyed being able to walk the city and even then travelled onto the Lofoten Islands by bus, from the bus station in Tromsø.
The only reason you might want to consider hiring a car in Tromsø is if you want to travel further afield, to places such as Sommarøy, Ersfjordbotn, or Lyngen. Even these destinations, however are accessible by public transport or taxi, although a car does give you that greater flexibility.
Where’s best to stay in Tromsø?
Although Tromsø hotels are cheaper in the summer than in winter, they’re still expensive. If you’re trying to keep to a modest budget, therefore, we recommend managing your expectations when it comes to hotel quality. We stayed at the perfectly comfortable and cosy Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso, which most importantly, had black out curtains for the midnight sun. The breakfast was taken around the corner at its sister hotel and was absolutely delicious – an impressive spread for a more modestly priced hotel.
Comfort Hotel Xpress is also very centrally located, making it easy to explore the city by foot.
Is Tromsø worth visiting in the summer? My honest thoughts.
Visiting Tromsø in the summer offers an altogether different experience to visiting in winter. If ice, snow and northern lights are what you’re after, Tromsø is not the destination for you in the summer months. Indeed, if it was the traditional arctic experience we were after, we wouldn’t have booked Tromsø at all, saving ourselves for a wintery getaway to Finnish Lapland instead.
We knew, however, that Tromsø in the summer would be the perfect place to base ourselves as we explored other parts of Northern Norway, including Lofoten Islands and Svalbard. As the ‘Gateway to the Arctic,’ Tromsø had a mysterious, remote feel (even in the summer), giving us a taste of what life is like in the remote north of the world. Feeling light years away from the sizzling temperatures of Europe, it felt exciting and fresh to be exploring the city under the glow of the midnight sun.
Far from lacking in activities, the city offers plenty to do for tourists in the summer, offering perhaps an even more unique experience than visiting in the winter months. We adored our time here and would recommend a summer visit to Tromsø for anyone after a quirkier break, with plenty of fresh air, wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Just don’t be expecting snow, or northern lights for that matter. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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