Things to Do in Tromso and the Northern Lights
The Arctic's liveliest city and Norway's favorite base for chasing the aurora.
See top-rated activities »Northern Lights in Norway: When and Where
The northern lights in Norway can be seen anywhere in the north on a dark, clear night, but Tromso is the most popular base because it sits under the auroral oval, has an airport with direct flights from Oslo and other European cities, and has dozens of operators who drive guests away from the city lights and cloud. The best time is from about late September to late March, when the nights are dark enough; the aurora is not visible in the bright nights of summer. Within that season, clear skies matter more than the month, and many chases head inland toward the Finnish border, where the weather is often drier than on the coast. Displays are most common from early evening until after midnight.
From late November to mid-January the sun does not rise above the horizon in Tromso. This polar night is not pitch dark: there are a few hours of blue twilight around midday, and the town is full of lights and Christmas markets. From mid-November to January, orcas and humpback whales often follow herring into the fjords near Tromso, and whale-watching boats go out to see them. Husky sledding, snowshoeing and visits to Sami reindeer herders round out a winter trip. In summer the opposite happens: the midnight sun shines around the clock from about late May to late July.
Tromso itself is worth a day. The Arctic Cathedral, a white triangular church from 1965, stands across the bridge from downtown, and the Fjellheisen cable car climbs to a ledge 421 meters above the city, a great place to watch the aurora or the midnight sun. Polaria is an Arctic aquarium with bearded seals, and the Polar Museum tells the stories of trappers and polar explorers who set out from here. The compact center has some of the northernmost breweries, cafes and bars in the world.
Don’t Miss
Small-group and minibus tours from late September to March that drive to clear skies away from the city.
A striking 1965 church with a huge stained-glass window, used for midnight sun and northern lights concerts.
A cable car to a mountain ledge with views over Tromso, the island and the fjords.
An aquarium and experience center about the Arctic, known for its bearded seals.
Orcas and humpback whales often feed in the fjords from about mid-November to January.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Tromso
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best in Norway may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Tromso — FAQ
What is the best time to see the northern lights in Norway?
From about late September to late March, on dark, clear nights. There is no single best month; clear weather matters most, so plan several nights to improve your chances.
Can you see the northern lights from Tromso city?
Sometimes, during strong displays, but the city lights and coastal clouds often get in the way. Most visitors join a tour or drive out of town to dark, clear skies.
When is the midnight sun in Tromso?
Roughly from late May to late July, when the sun stays above the horizon all night.
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