If you’re asking yourself – ‘is Tromsø worth visiting in the summer?’ the answer is a clear yes. Summer in Tromsø offers a completely different Arctic experience – one defined by endless daylight, pristine nature and a refreshing escape from the heat and crowds of mainland Europe.
Bathed in the glow of the Midnight Sun, Tromsø comes alive in summer. Hiking trails open up across the surrounding mountains, the fjords sparkle and wildlife – from whales to seabirds – is at its most active. It’s the perfect destination for travellers craving long days outdoors, the stillness of nature and a slower, more reflective pace of life.
We used Tromsø as our base during a recent trip through Northern Norway and were genuinely surprised at just how much this so-called ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ had to offer (beyond its winter fame). From kayaking in glassy fjords, to wandering through harbour streets, the city proved itself as more than just a stopover.
However, if you’re dreaming of the classic Arctic postcard – snowy landscapes, husky sledding, or the magic of the Northern Lights – then summer in Tromsø might not deliver.
Ultimately, whether Tromsø in summer is worth it depends on what you’re seeking from your Arctic adventure. Yet, and from our own experience, we would say that for those looking for raw beauty, long golden days and a refreshing alternative to Europe’s crowded summer hotspots, Tromsø is absolutely worth the trip.
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.
If you’re unsure, however, about a summer trip to Tromsø, below is a list of pros and cons of visiting the city in the summer.
Pros of Visiting Tromsø in Summer
1. Midnight Sun in Tromsø
One of the most magical reasons to visit Tromsø in summer is the chance to experience the mystical Midnight Sun.
This natural wonder occurs across destinations north of the Arctic Circle, including Tromsø, where the sun never fully sets for several weeks. In Tromsø, the Midnight Sun typically lasts from mid-May to late July, with the brightest, longest days peaking around the summer solstice in June.
Imagine strolling through the city at midnight under a golden sky – it’s as surreal as it sounds.
When we visited in early July, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect, but the experience was just as disorienting (and enchanting) as we’d imagined. Thankfully, most hotels in Tromsø provide blackout blinds, but it’s still a smart idea to pack an eye mask for extra darkness when you want to sleep.
While it takes a little getting used to, the extra daylight is a gift. It gave us more time to explore the city and even visit landmarks well past midnight, all while bathed in a soft, golden glow. Better still, many tour operators offer special Midnight Sun experiences, from late-night hikes and kayaking trips to bonfires and beach picnics.
Experiencing Tromsø under the endless light of the Arctic summer is truly unforgettable (just expect to have your sleep disrupted – our circadian rhythms were definitely out of whack by the time we got home).
2. Tromsø Has Less Tourists in Summer
Unlike many European destinations that hit peak season in July and August, Tromsø’s busiest months are actually in winter, when travellers flock to see the Northern Lights and snowy Arctic landscapes.
In summer, visitor numbers drop dramatically – in fact, Tromsø receives nearly three times as many visitors in winter as it does in summer. This means that if you visit between May and August, you’ll often find the streets noticeably quieter – sometimes even a little eerily so.
For some, the lack of hustle and bustle might feel like a downside, especially if you’re travelling solo. But personally, I really enjoyed the calm and space that came with visiting in the off-season. It made exploring the city feel more relaxed and authentic.
Importantly, the quiet doesn’t mean Tromsø shuts down. We found plenty of cosy cafes, excellent restaurants and plenty of souvenir shops open for business. From waterfront dining to independent coffee shops, the food scene still had plenty of variety to keep us happy.
And since we were travelling as a group of 14 women, the peaceful streets didn’t feel empty.
If, however, you prefer vibrant nightlife or bustling crowds, winter may be a better fit. But if you’re drawn to slower travel and a more local vibe, summer in Tromsø could be just what you’re looking for.
3. Unique Summer Outdoor Activities in Tromsø
There are plenty of unique things to do in Tromsø in summer that make it a fantastic destination.
In fact, many of these activities give you a far greater opportunity to explore the region than winter ever could. Without the snow, a whole world of outdoor adventures opens up – from kayaking through sparkling fjords to island-hopping around Kvaløya, Sommarøy, and Senja, each offering breathtaking views and wildlife encounters.
We were also really surprised by Tromsø’s beaches – including Telegrafbukta, where locals gather for picnics and midnight swims under the endless sun. Hiking is another highlight, with trails leading you up surrounding peaks for panoramic views of the Arctic landscape.
For outdoor lovers, summer in Tromsø is (quite frankly). While snow-based experiences like husky sledding or skiing aren’t on offer, the chance to hike, paddle and explore the dramatic scenery under 24-hour daylight more than makes up for it.
Top Summer Activities in Tromsø
- Kayak through the fjords
- Island hopping (Kvaløya, Sommarøy & Senja)
- Relax on arctic beaches
- Hike under the midnight sun
- Try midnight sun excursions
- Memorable wildlife watching opportunities
4. Blend the Urban with the Wilderness
Another great reason to visit Tromsø in summer is the perfect balance it strikes between urban culture and wild Arctic nature.
Unlike many adventure destinations that are purely about the outdoors, Tromsø offers the chance to soak up city life while still being just minutes away from jaw-dropping landscapes.
In terms of things to do in Tromsø city, there’s a surprising amount to do.
You can explore fascinating museums such as the Polar Museum, which dives into Arctic exploration history, or the Polaria Arctic Aquarium, where you’ll learn about local wildlife and even see bearded seals up close.
A ride on the Fjellheisen Cable Car is another must – whisking you up Mount Fløya for sweeping views across Tromsø, the islands and the surrounding fjords.
When it comes to food, the city also punches well above its weight, with cosy cafes, lively bars and fine-dining restaurants showcasing fresh Arctic cuisine like reindeer, cod and king crab.
We especially loved this restaurant – Smak – although it is popular, so be sure to book ahead.
What makes Tromsø so special, though, is how easily you can combine this urban experience with the wilderness on its doorstep. One minute you can be enjoying coffee in a cafe, and the next you’re out hiking mountain trails, kayaking fjords or joining a wildlife cruise.
This rare blend of culture, history and nature makes Tromsø in summer a truly unique destination.
5. Warmer Weather and Fewer Thermals
Tromsø, as expected, is far warmer in the summer, meaning you don’t have to worry so much about what to pack for a trip to Tromsø.
We found it to be a lot like a mild UK winter, with it feeling much chillier at night time when the winds picked 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 in Tromsø were around 8-12 degrees, but make sure you pack a warm winter’s coat for the evening or excursions (being on the water is freezing, even in the summer). 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.
6. Tromsø is Cheaper in Summer than 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 Tromsø, consider travelling in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, where prices can be up to 3 times lower than in peak season.
It’s still not cheap, but this is the Arctic we are talking about.
7. 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 staying in 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 (desolate, at times).
During our time in Tromsø, we were travelling with a friend who had also visited the city in winter. She agreed that it was a very different vibe, perhaps lacking its cosy allure without the snow and steaming hot chocolates.
To some, this might feel like a con in terms of visiting Tromsø in summer, but it’s really dependent on what your travelling preferences are.
2. Limited Tour Operators
Since summer is not Tromsø’s peak tourist season, you’ll find that there are fewer tour operators compared to the busy winter months.
This doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do (far from it), but it does mean the activity options look quite different.
When we visited, we didn’t actually book any organised tours in Tromsø itself, instead using the city as a base while exploring the Lofoten Islands and Svalbard.
That said, it’s worth knowing in advance that many of the classic Arctic winter activities – like dog sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, Northern Lights tours and ice hotel visits – are not available in summer, simply because there’s no snow or dark skies to make them possible.
In their place, you’ll find a fantastic range of summer excursions that take advantage of the Midnight Sun and snow-free landscapes. Popular options include boat trips through the fjords, guided hiking tours, kayaking and canoeing adventures, midnight sun excursions and wildlife safaris.
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, make sure you defer your visit until winter time.
4. Doesn’t Feel like the Traditional ‘Arctic’
Summer in Tromsø has a completely different feel compared to the snow-draped magic of winter.
While you’ll still spot patches of snow clinging to the surrounding mountain peaks, the city itself transforms into something that feels more like a standard European town than a remote Arctic outpost.
The thick ice and frosty streets of winter give way to lush greenery, blooming wildflowers and long days under bright blue skies. During our visit, Tromsø felt more like Paris in springtime than the frozen north – and we loved this contrast.
That said, if you’re dreaming of the classic Arctic experience – snowy adventures, steaming mugs of hot chocolate and bundling up in thermals, then you’ll want to save your trip for the winter months.
Summer showcases Tromsø’s beauty in a gentler, more unexpected way, but it’s not the icy wonderland many first imagine.
5. Not as Photogenic as in Winter
Spoiler alert: I wouldn’t describe Tromsø as particularly beautiful during the summer months.
Although there’s definitely some beautiful scenery around, including the mountains and the colourful houses that line the streets, it’s not as pretty as the snowcapped city found in winter.
Tromsø’s harbour is a working one, so quite industrious, and the main streets are fairly average in terms of photographic 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 – therefore two nights (albeit, split up throughout our itinerary) was more than enough.
If, however, you’re looking to really explore the area then I would advise that 3 nights in Tromsø 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, rain and sunny days.
Rain (or, as we call 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, however, 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 wonderfully mild (or, at least not freezing).
During our visit in early July, we experienced fairly mild days but with chillier winds blowing 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
Things to do in Tromsø in the Summer
Things to do in Tromsø City in Summer
Although the city of Tromsø is very small and compact, it actually offers a surprising number 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 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 through 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; 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, overall, a great experience. The cable car takes you 421 metres upwards, 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 you.
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 we were a group of 14, 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 rounds 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, as well as a mini tasting session. It’s 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. Shopping on the Main Street of Storgata
We had a very relaxed afternoon in Tromsø exploring 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 offering boutique stores and concept stores more generally. If you’re looking to avoid the cheesy souvenir stores, head to one of the Sámi craft shops instead, which offer far more authentic and unique gifts.
There are also a number of 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 (it’s also 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 cafe 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 an eclectic 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, enjoying an endless supply of cinnamon buns. Although it was July, and back home in the UK there was a heatwave, we revelled in sitting in cosy armchairs with mugs of freshly brewed coffee.
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 cafd gives a very ‘grandma chic’ aesthetic with antiques and traditional open sandwiches, soups and cakes.
9. Tromsø City Centre: 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 should come top of your list.
And, what better way to do that than by taking a midnight cruise?
The cruises take you past sleepy fishing villages and picture-perfect coves, as well as offering 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. 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
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 don’t run 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 might 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 therefore 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
- 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?
No, you don’t need to hire a car to enjoy Tromsø, especially if you’re exploring mainly within the city.
We walked the entire time we were there!
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 eventually travelled to 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.
Best Places to Stay in Tromsø
Although Tromsø hotels are cheaper in the summer than in winter, they’re still expensive overall.
If you’re trying to keep to a modest budget, we’d therefore recommend managing your expectations when it comes to quality. We stayed at the perfectly comfortable and cosy Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromso, which – most importantly – had great black out curtains for the midnight sun. The breakfast was offered 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.
A ‘compact double’ room begins around £70 per night.
Is Tromsø Worth Visiting in the Summer? My Honest Opinion
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 this remote northern part 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 offered plenty to do for tourists in the summer, providing 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 light – and don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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