48 Hours in Tromsø: Northern Lights, Reindeer & LGBTQ+ Travel Tips
Located above the Arctic Circle, this small city is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, go reindeer sledding, and more — and it’s LGBTQ+ friendly!
Why Visit Tromsø, Norway?
We will be honest, before booking this trip, we had never heard of Tromsø, Norway (call us uncultured!). Davey had a work meeting there, so upon looking into the activities and the city itself, we knew we had to make a trip out of it. And are we glad we did! This trip has quickly become one of our favorite trips of all time, It sounds extreme, but it’s true. From a breathtaking fjord cruise to a polar plunge into the Arctic sea, if Tromsø is not on your bucket list, it needs to be! And lucky for you, here’s the perfect itinerary for spending a quick weekend in Tromsø, Norway!
Day 1: Arctic Sauna, Scenic Walks & Seafood Feasts
Morning: Sauna & Arctic Plunge at Pust. Tromsø
Our first experience was Pust. Tromsø and it was just as unforgettable as it is unique! Pust. is a floating sauna on the Arctic Sea, with the most majestic views of Tromsø. You essentially check-in, change into your swimwear and either jump right into the arctic waters or you spend time in the sauna first. We were told to jump in first, and while Davey did it with such ease, Omie did not. For us, it was better to go into the sauna, which is stunning by the way, for about 15 minutes and then plunging in. Our goal was to swim for at least 30 seconds in the water, which sounds short, but trust us — it’s all the time you need! This was/is one of the most unique spa experiences in the world. Highly recommended for first-timers and wellness enthusiasts alike. Just please make sure to book in advance!
Late Morning: Tromsø Bridge, Arctic Cathedral & Coffee
We took a brisk walk across the Tromsø Bridge to catch sweeping views of the city, then admired the striking architecture of the Arctic Cathedral (tip: we didn’t go inside and felt like we didn’t miss much, so we’d recommend just seeing it from the outside, unless you are a church-fanatic… which we don’t judge). Before lunch, we stopped at Riso mat & Kaffebar, a charming spot with excellent coffee and probably the best cinnamon buns we’ve ever had (not kidding). So go get yourself one, or two!
Lunch: Mathallen Tromsø & Nap
Mathallen is a modern eatery serves locally-sourced dishes like Arctic char and reindeer. It’s a great introduction to Northern Norwegian cuisine in a casual, stylish setting. It came highly recommended from locals, and it did not disappoint. Make a reservation because it can get really busy for dinner.
We are a bit shameless but we definitely took a nap after lunch. It’s pretty cold in Tromsø, so it makes for the perfect setting to nap — and we didn’t feel bad. There was also something about starting the day at Pust. that put us at ease and relaxed our nervous systems, enough to put us to sleep because Omie does not normally nap. So that says a lot about how calming hot-and-cold therapy is.
Dinner: Arctandria
If seafood is your thing, this place is a must! Omie was desperate to try Norwegian seafood from the Arctic (when else does one have the chance?), and Arctandria hit the spot. It is on the pricier side, but also is all of Norway. Omie got the salmon, which was one of the best he’s had, and Davey got the risotto since he doesn’t like seafood. We ended our night with local white wine, which was a treat.
Not a whole lot is open after 11pm, so be aware of this. If you want a night out, you’re rather limited to certain restaurants and bars. We had to wake up early the next day, so we opted for going home. Just keep this in mind for when you go — it will not be party central. And we actually loved that about Tromsø.
Day 2: Fjords, Reindeer & Northern Lights
Morning: Fjord Cruise with Brim Explorer
We started our day early with a Brim Explorer fjord cruise, and even the early morning walk there was STUNNING. The onboarding is located in the heart of the city, so it was only a 3 minute walk from us and we got to see the most gorgeous sunrise. What sets Brim Explorer apart is its commitment to sustainability. Their boats are electric and designed to have minimal impact on the fragile Arctic environment. For eco-conscious travelers (or those who tend to get a bit seasick), this boat is a dream—quiet, smooth, and ultra-modern.
We chose the regular fjord cruise, which ran from 8am-12pm. We just missed whale watching season, so we weren’t able to see that — yet another reason to come back! Once aboard, we were welcomed with complimentary coffee, and they do offer pastries for purchase. The views, even from the start, were absolutely cinematic. We glided past towering fjords, frozen shorelines, and peaceful stretches of open water while our onboard guide shared fascinating insights about the region’s marine wildlife, local fishing communities, and Sami heritage. The whole experience was serene — a must-do if you want to see Tromsø from a new perspective and appreciate its raw, natural beauty! You can book here.
Lunch: Reindeer Hotdog at Raketten Bar & Pølse
What makes Raketten special is its history. It was built in 1911 as a public telephone booth, and somehow—somehow!—this tiny hut survived both world wars and over a century of Arctic winters. Now it’s been reborn as a hot dog stand and mini-bar, and honestly, it has more personality than some full-size restaurants we've been to.
We ordered the reindeer hot dog (because when in Tromsø, right?) and stood outside, snuggled up against the cold. It was smoky, savory, and surprisingly comforting—like the Norwegian version of street food done right. If you go in the evening, Raketten turns into a champagne bar where locals huddle around outdoor heaters with bubbly. But do keep in mind that you will have to wait in line, no matter the day or time. Dress warmly!
Afternoon: Pizza & Polar Wandering
We spent the afternoon wandering the charming streets of Tromsø. Caution: it was incredibly icy! We slipped more than once but couldn’t stop laughing. Make sure to wear good shoes! The city itself is incredibly walkable, so it allows you to do so much exploring in such a short time.
We then had a quick bite, which always includes pizza! We also heard from friends who had visited that we needed to grab a bag of Smash! snacks, and we did and we loved ‘em. We almost ate the whole bag in one seating. Whoops.
Evening: Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Experience
We loved all of our experiences in Tromsø, but this was was absolutely special. With Tromsø Arctic Reindeer, we had one of those experiences that quietly stays with you long after it’s over. The moment we entered the snowy enclosure, we were surrounded by reindeer—dozens of them, calm and curious, walking right up to us. Hand-feeding them was surreal. It was peaceful, quiet, and honestly kind of magical. We just kept looking at each other like, is this really happening?
After spending time with the reindeer, we were invited into a lavvu, a traditional Sami tent, where a fire was already glowing and the air smelled like warm stew. Sitting inside with a small group, eating a hot meal, and listening to our Sami guide share stories about their culture and connection to the land. Did you know the Sámi people are the Indigenous people of the Arctic? Because we didn’t! One of the most fascinating things we learned is that many Sámi families still migrate seasonally with their reindeer herds, following ancient routes across the tundra—a tradition that’s been passed down for generations. It’s a way of life that’s deeply connected to nature and the rhythm of the seasons.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we even caught the Northern Lights—yes, really! Even typing that feels surreal, because we actually saw them on our very first attempt. We honestly didn’t think we would, especially since the weather earlier in the day wasn’t looking promising. But the skies cleared for just a few minutes that night, and the aurora borealis made an entrance!
We’ll be completely honest (because we don’t gatekeep), the colors were much softer than we expected. Instead of the dramatic, swirling light show we’d seen in photos and videos, what we saw looked more like smoky clouds slowly drifting across the sky. It was subtle, yet still beautiful—but definitely different from what we imagined. That’s likely just the luck of the night. We’ve heard others describe the Northern Lights in Tromsø as bold, bright, and absolutely breathtaking. And we believe them! The colors really popped for us more in the photos than in person. So if you’re chasing the Northern Lights, it’s worth knowing that every experience is different, and sometimes the magic is quiet. Still, even the chance to witness them felt incredibly special and it's absolutely worth adding to your Tromsø bucket list.
Tips for Planning Your Tromsø Trip
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The best time to visit Tromsø is between November and March, when the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are highest and all the winter activities are in full swing like fjord cruises, dog sledding, reindeer tours, etc.
December and January are peak travel months, so book early! If you want quieter crowds but still great aurora potential, aim for February like we did :)
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Tromsø is a compact, walkable city—so staying central makes a huge difference. We booked an Airbnb right in the heart of town, and it couldn’t have been easier to get to restaurants, tours, and sights on foot.
If you’re looking for hotel options, here are three top-rated picks:
Scandic Ishavshotel– Located right on the harbour with unbeatable views of the water and surrounding mountains. Popular for its breakfast buffet and proximity to everything.
Clarion Hotel The Edge– A modern, eco-conscious hotel in the city centre with stylish rooms and a great bar/lounge space. Perfect for couples or solo travelers.
Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø– A reliable, comfortable choice with clean rooms and views of the fjord. Walkable to all major attractions.
No matter where you stay, make sure it’s centrally located so you can easily explore on foot—especially in winter, when icy roads make driving a bit trickier.
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Not at all. Tromsø is incredibly walkable, especially if you stay near the city centre. Most tours offer pickup points nearby, and the public buses are reliable if you want to venture a bit further.
That said, if you're planning to drive into the fjords or visit more remote areas, you may want to rent a car—just make sure you're comfortable driving in snow and ice. For most travelers, though, walking is the way to go.
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Packing smart is key to enjoying your trip. Tromsø in winter can be cold, icy, and beautiful—so being prepared makes all the difference.
Here’s what we recommend:
Thermal base layers (top and bottom; we got ours at UNIQLO)
Insulated waterproof boots with good grip (we got ours off Amazon)
Down or wool coat that can handle sub-zero temps
Warm accessories like gloves, beanie, and a scarf
Moisturiser + lip balm (it gets dry!)
Portable charger for the tours and Northern Lights (a MUST if you want a charged phone for capturing the gorgeous moments)
Swimwear if you’re hitting the sauna (trust us—you’ll want to)
GUIDE FOR LGBTQ+ TRAVELERS AND COUPLES
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Norway is incredibly progressive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights—same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, and anti-discrimination laws are strong. But Tromsø is a small, quiet Arctic town. You won’t find rainbow flags on every corner, but you will find open-minded locals, welcoming tour guides, and a sense of quiet safety. Just dress warm, plan your activities, and enjoy the magic.
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Plain and simple, yes!
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Tromsø is so small (~78,000 population as of 2025) that there isn’t a gay area, per se, or gay bars for that matter. However, the entire city is very LGBTQ+ friendly. While nothing is guaranteed, we can assure you that you’ll have no problems! But if you do have questions or anxieties around it, email us and we’d be happy to answer any questions :)
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Absolutely. Tromsø is surprisingly romantic in its own Arctic way. Think all that we mentioned above: cozy saunas, stargazing while wrapped in blankets, and catching the Northern Lights together. If you're looking for a low-key but unforgettable winter getaway as a couple, this place is kind of perfect.
Our Final Thoughts
Tromsø completely exceeded our expectations. It wasn’t just the snow, reindeer, or even the Northern Lights—it was the way the city made us feel. Safe, curious, connected. Whether you're planning your first Arctic adventure or your tenth, Tromsø delivers magic in the quietest, most beautiful ways.
Got questions about Tromsø, LGBTQ+ travel, or the Arctic? Drop them in the comments!
Safe travels,
Davey & Omie
