Visiting Tromsø in December

December in Tromsø marks the beginning of the Arctic’s most magical and popular season—the landscapes are draped in a snow-white coat, temperatures drop below zero, and crowds of eager travelers arrive to explore the city’s festive streets. While visiting Tromsø in December can be expensive, this winter wonderland offers a plethora of truly unforgettable activities. In this article, we will uncover the best things to do in Tromsø in December and provide essential advice on how to dress for the cold Arctic temperatures.

 

Visiting Tromsø in December

Visiting Tromsø in December is an extraordinary and highly sought-after Arctic experience, meaning travelers should secure their activities and—crucially—their accommodation well in advance. This period marks the peak travel season, particularly around Christmas and New Year. It coincides with the prime season for whale watching, the start of traditional Arctic snow activities, and a festive atmosphere filling the city.

For those wondering, is it dark all day in Tromsø in December, the answer is nuanced. This time of year features the polar night, where the sun remains permanently below the horizon. Consequently, travelers experience beautiful, long twilight hours during the day—typically spanning from 10 AM to 2 PM—while the rest of the time is characterized by complete darkness.

Thanks to these extended dark hours, December in Tromsø offers the ideal conditions to observe the magical Northern Lights—a truly compelling reason to plan your trip during this time.

 

What to Wear in Tromsø in December

Visiting Tromsø in December means embracing the Arctic winter at its most dramatic, characterized by the unique Polar Night and high chances of snowfall. While December in Tromsø is a peak period, temperatures are surprisingly mild due to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream, typically hovering between 0°C and -5°C. However, as a coastal city, you should anticipate moist air and strong winds, which can make the air feel much colder.

To ensure you enjoy the activities comfortably and safely, knowing what to wear in Tromsø in December is essential. The key to staying warm is layering, specifically following the three-layer system:

• Base Layer: Consisting of long underwear and a long-sleeved shirt (preferably merino wool), this layer manages moisture by moving sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry.
• Mid Layer: This insulating layer (a thick fleece jacket and a wool sweater) traps your body heat, providing critical warmth.
• Outer Layer: This protective layer (insulated ski jacket and insulated snow pants) shields you from the elements—wind, snow, and rain.

Pay special attention to your extremities, as they lose heat the fastest. Ensure you have proper, high-quality clothing for your hands, feet, and head:

• Waterproof winter boots
• Wool or fleece hat
• Warm socks and gloves/mittens
• Wool buff or neck gaiter.

Follow these recommendations, pack your bags with confidence, and prepare to enjoy the exhilarating Arctic activities to their fullest.

 

14 Best Things to Do in Tromsø in December

Planning a trip to this magnificent Arctic city and wondering what to do in Tromsø in December? Check out our 15 top recommendations for Arctic activities during this enchanting, snow-filled month—which is also, arguably, the prime time to visit Tromsø. Read on to discover the best things to do in Tromsø, Norway, in December.

 

Experience Mesmerizing Northern Lights

Tromsø is widely celebrated as one of the world’s best travel destinations for Aurora safaris, which attract countless travelers every year. The Northern Lights hunts in the city are available from early September to early April, although the absolute premium time to see the display is during the period of polar nights—from late November to mid-January—when the dark hours last for up to 20 hours per day.

There are plenty of exciting ways to see the Aurora Borealis from Tromsø. Arguably, the most reliable method is joining a dedicated Aurora chase (such as a small-group Aurora hunt or a Northern Lights tour with unlimited mileage), which takes you away from the city’s light pollution and the coastal cloud cover. Typically, such expert-led adventures last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours and include snacks, hot drinks, and thermal suits. Visitors who want to learn how to capture the Northern Lights properly can join a specialized Aurora photography tour.

Aurora safaris can also be combined with other exhilarating activities—such as reindeer sledding and snowmobiling—although the chances of catching the Northern Lights would be lower. Another amazing idea is to set out on a nightly Aurora cruise, which includes dinner and a hot tub for a truly premium experience. And for the ultimate luxury, join an overnight tour from Tromsø and stay in a unique crystal lavvo, where you can marvel at the mesmerizing Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.

Overall, Northern Lights are the primary reason for many travelers visiting Tromsø in December. And chasing the elusive yet magical Aurora is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Tromsø in December.

 

Visit Sami Camp for Reindeer Sledding

Travelers wondering what to do in Tromsø in December shouldn’t miss one of the most culturally enriching, quintessential Arctic experiences—reindeer sledding with a Sami camp visit. During this tour, visitors can learn about the history and traditions of reindeer herding among the Sami, immerse themselves in this extraordinary culture, and ride through the snowy wilderness of the Arctic at a relaxed, gentle pace. Many such tours begin with walking through a large herd of reindeer and feeding the animals directly from hand.

Those willing to combine this peaceful sledding adventure with Aurora viewing can set out on an evening reindeer sledding tour, when the chance of catching the Northern Lights is the highest. All in all, including this unique experience is a must for everybody visiting Tromsø in December.

 

Explore Arctic Wilderness on a Snowmobile

Snowmobiling is undeniably one of the most thrilling and captivating Tromsø activities in December. This exhilarating way to cover vast distances allows visitors to experience the Arctic wilderness and its huge, silent landscapes firsthand. While the activity isn’t always done in Tromsø city itself, there are several operators that offer guided snowmobile rides within a few hours’ drive (transfers included).

Camp Tamok, located within a 90-minute scenic ride from Tromsø, is widely celebrated as a premier destination for snowmobiling near the city, boasting drier conditions less affected by coastal weather and wide-open landscapes. Another excellent area for snowmobiling is the Lyngen Alps, a mountainous peninsula known for its jagged peaks that lies within a 2.5-hour drive from Tromsø. For dramatic landscapes, consider booking a snowmobiling tour in the Lyngen Alps, while Camp Tamok offers you a unique chance to ride a snowmobile in the evening and get a potential sighting of the Northern Lights.

However, you must bear in mind that, unlike many of the Tromsø activities in December mentioned in this article, snowmobiling requires participants to be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid driving license. But if you meet this requirement and wonder about what to do in Tromsø, you should undoubtedly experience this thrilling winter activity.

 

Team Up with Huskies for an Exhilarating Ride

Husky (or dog) sledding is one of the quintessential Arctic activities and a classic, traditional way to traverse the region’s snowy landscapes. This thrilling experience typically involves riding a sled pulled by a team of enthusiastic Alaskan or Siberian huskies across snowy terrain, often through quiet valleys or over mountain plateaus. To participate, you generally have two main options for dog sledding tours in Tromsø: self-drive sledding (where you take the reins and mush your own team, which is the more popular option) or enjoying the scenery from a passenger’s seat in a shared sled.

There are several experienced tour operators that offer dog sledding in Tromsø, including Villmarkssenter, which provides a Tromsø husky sledding tour of approximately 45 minutes in either a self-drive or a shared sled format. Undeniably, enjoying this exhilarating activity is one of the best things to do in Tromsø in December.

 

Take a Cable Car to Fjellheisen

Those visiting Tromsø in December can take a thrilling cable car ride to Fjellheisen (book your Fjellheisen tickets), the city’s most famous and accessible viewpoint, for panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscapes. In just four minutes, this engineering marvel efficiently whisks you up to the peak of Mount Storsteinen, which sits 421 meters above sea level.

During December in Tromsø—when daylight is exceptionally scarce—this mountain becomes a perfect spot for observing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, as it provides excellent vistas above most of the city’s light pollution. However, be advised that the mountaintop is almost always colder and quite windy, so make sure to wear a solid windproof layer. Overall, taking this panoramic cable car ride is a must for travelers seeking what to do in Tromsø in December.

 

Set Out on a Wildlife Safari from a RIB Boat

Wildlife RIB boat safaris in Tromsø during December are a thrilling and often necessary way to experience the prime whale watching season. Due to the unique environment of the Arctic winter, these tours are intense, exciting, and highly focused on encountering marine life up close.

In December, the primary wildlife target for any boat safari is the presence of large migratory whales, including humpback whales, known for their size and often dramatic surface behaviors, and orcas, the most sought-after marine predator. These magnificent whales follow huge schools of herring into the fjords north of Tromsø, making December a peak viewing month for whale watching in Tromsø.

Whale watching is undoubtedly among the best Tromsø activities in December and takes place in Skjervøy, a prominent fishing village and a world-class location for winter whale watching. The best way to experience this is on a full-day whale watching tour on a RIB boat with seamless transfers from Tromsø, which makes the entire expedition truly unforgettable and efficient. Overall, this marine safari is one of the things every traveler must experience in this magical Arctic destination.

 

Cruise the Icy Waters of Norwegian Fjords

Fjord tours from Tromsø in December are an absolute must-do, as they offer the chance to appreciate the sheer scale and dramatic beauty of the Arctic landscape. The fjords—long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea carved by glaciers—are what define the magnificent coastline of Northern Norway. In December, the light conditions are uniquely incredible, with the atmosphere continuously transitioning between dawn and dusk, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a soft, beautiful illumination that highlights the textures of the snow and rock.

The specific fjord boat tour from Tromsø we feature offers you a window into these remarkable landscapes from the deck of a historic vessel, making the entire experience truly unforgettable. Whether you are searching for wildlife or simply appreciating the serene scenery, taking such a fjord sail is undoubtedly among the top things to do in Tromsø in December.

 

Go Hiking on Snowshoes

December in Tromsø is the time when the areas near the city become dusted with snow, making the conditions ideal for hiking on snowshoes. The surrounding landscapes are a true masterpiece of nature, and exploring them in this accessible and intimate way is an absolute pleasure. The benefit of this activity is that it requires no prior experience and minimal fitness; essentially, if you can walk, you can snowshoe.

There are two distinct settings for snowshoeing near Tromsø, catering to different fitness levels and time commitments. One option is Tromsøya itself, where travelers can explore the local forested areas, such as the area around Prestvannet Lake—an ideal adventure for beginners, families, and those with limited time.

More active travelers and photographers can embark on a snowshoe hike to the Kvaløya Island, where the hikes are longer (4-5 hours). The reward of these challenging hikes comes in the form of spectacular panoramic views of the fjords, valleys, and distant mountain ranges. And you can venture into Kvaløya on this exciting 4-hour Tromsø snowshoe tour.

While not as popular as the classic Arctic activities, snowshoeing is still an essential winter experience and undeniably one of the best activities in Tromsø in December.

 

Learn the Basics of Fishing

In addition to all the quintessential Arctic activities, travelers visiting Tromsø in December can also engage in another traditional Norwegian experience—fishing. The abundant waters near the city provide excellent fishing opportunities year-round, and local operators offer specialized tours catering to all skill levels, from casual cruisers to dedicated anglers.

The most popular and comfortable way to go fishing in Tromsø is on a dedicated combined fjord and sea fishing cruise aboard a stable boat, catamaran, or yacht, which often feature heated indoor lounges. The vessel cruises through the stunning, sheltered fjords and straits around Tromsø, like Ramfjord, while guides take you to the best local fishing spots. The local waters teem with delicious fish, including cod, haddock, pollock, and redfish. While December is a great start, the highlight of the Arctic fishing calendar, the skrei cod season, begins just next month.

Many tours offer a valuable “catch-and-eat” experience, where the crew will prepare your fresh catch into a traditional Norwegian fish soup right on board for your lunch. Guides also provide all necessary equipment (rods, reels, bait) and instruction. There are several options for fishing in Tromsø: a shorter 3.5-hour fishing tour or a longer fishing experience that lasts 4.5 hours. Whether you are a beginner or a pro angler, taking such a fishing trip is definitely among the best things to do in Tromsø in December.

 

Explore the Surrounding Coastal Areas

Tromsø is an excellent starting point for exploring the majestic Arctic fjords and coastal nature, and several local companies offer guided tours by comfortable minibus or coach. These excursions are a fantastic, hassle-free way to enjoy the scenery without the need to rent a car, and they include local guides who share insightful stories about the region’s history and landscape.

A variety of scenic trips are available. The 4-hour Tromsø to Sommarøy tour takes travelers to the famous Arctic island, offering opportunities for a picnic and even a dip in the icy water. The 5-hour Tromsø fjord tour provides a detailed exploration of the scenic island of Kvaløya. Alternatively, the 5-hour Arctic nature tour from Tromsø showcases the most incredible landscapes of Northern Norway, while the Tromsø fjord day tour offers an unforgettable expedition along the coastal areas.

Overall, visitors seeking what to do in Tromsø in December should undeniably take one of these scenic trips. They provide a perfect opportunity to venture off the beaten path and experience the wild, authentic beauty of Norway during their winter adventures.

 

Get a Taste of Local Cuisine

Visitors seeking what to do in Tromsø in December should undoubtedly explore the unique and hearty local cuisine, which is centered around the region’s intimate relationship with the sea and the reindeer-herding Sámi culture. December in Tromsø is an exceptional time to visit, as the local food scene is heavily influenced by traditional Norwegian Christmas dishes, known locally as Julemat.

Tromsø is a large city by Norwegian standards, and there are many remarkable restaurants where travelers can indulge in authentic Arctic food. For a comprehensive glimpse of history and insight into the local cuisine, you can even join a dedicated 3-hour Tromsø food tour to sample various local specialties. And for a truly unforgettable and adventurous meal, join a king crab tour from Tromsø to participate in catching and then feasting on this delicious delicacy during an immersive and unforgettable experience.

 

Stay Overnight in a Crystal Lavvo

Another exceptional experience in December in Tromsø is staying in a glass lavvo or a similar glass-roofed accommodation, which offers guests an excellent opportunity to view the mesmerizing Northern Lights from the comfort of their beds. While the term “lavvo” traditionally refers to a Sami tent, the accommodations travelers stay at are often called crystal lavvos, Aurora igloos, glass lodges, or Aurora huts.

These accommodations are meticulously designed for the cold Arctic environment. They are typically well-insulated and heated, often featuring underfloor heating, heat pumps, or a traditional wood-burning fireplace (which guests are sometimes invited to maintain themselves). Since they are generally located outside of Tromsø city center to minimize light pollution—a factor crucial for Northern Lights visibility—some lodges even offer an Aurora Alarm service to wake you if the lights appear overhead.

You can effortlessly book a stay at an Aurora lavvo with included transportation from Tromsø directly on our website, ensuring you experience the Northern Lights in a truly unique way. Overall, staying in such unique accommodation is undeniably one of the best things to do in Tromsø in December.

 

Visit the City’s Museums

Tromsø is fortunate to have two exceptional museums that beautifully complement each other, covering two distinct sides of the Arctic experience: Polaria focuses on the living environment and climate, while the Polar Museum focuses on the historical conquest of the North. Visiting both of these institutions should definitely be on the list of top things to do in Tromsø in December.

The first museum, Polaria, is the world’s northernmost aquarium and an Arctic experience center, which focuses specifically on the environment, marine life, and the impact of climate change in the Barents Sea and Svalbard regions. Meanwhile, the Polar Museum displays extensive exhibits dedicated to Norway’s legendary polar pioneers—including Roald Amundsen (the first to reach the South Pole) and Fridtjof Nansen—featuring original equipment, maps, and photographs of their historic missions.

The best way to explore these two remarkable museums is on a dedicated guided walking tour, which allows visitors to discover Tromsø through the eyes of the locals and gain deeper context about the history of Arctic flora and fauna alongside the exhibits.

 

Discover Unique Experiences in Tromsø

Beyond the classic Northern Lights chases and Arctic activities, Tromsø offers travelers a plethora of memorable, unique tours worth including on every visitor’s bucket list. Check out these distinct options to plan your trip to the Arctic with some unforgettable experiences.

Tromsø Ice Domes Visit. Visit the spectacular Tromsø Ice Domes, an intricately designed attraction built completely from ice and snow every year as soon as the Polar Night begins. This functional structure, located deep inland in the Tamok Valley (round-trip transfer from Tromsø included), serves as an art project, cinema, and ice bar, even providing visitors with the opportunity to embrace traditional Arctic activities on site.

Tromsø Snow Dome Entry. For a shorter visit, set foot in an indoor snow and ice attraction that is climate-controlled to maintain its structure all year long. This place, located in the heart of Tromsø, is especially suitable for families and those with limited time who want an easily accessible “ice” experience.

Cod Tasting Tour with Full Steam Museum. Join an authentic local tour that uniquely combines culinary tasting and local history. During this experience, you will visit the Full Steam Museum, which documents the life of coastal communities and the region’s crucial fishing industry. The tour concludes with a delicious tasting of local cod (often skrei or a traditional preparation) and other high-quality seafood, directly connecting the history learned in the museum to the authentic Arctic cuisine.

Arctic Fjord Floating in Survival Suit. Join a unique Arctic wellness activity: float weightlessly and effortlessly in the dark, cold fjord waters, offering near-zero sensation and a unique perspective of the sky and surroundings. This is an incredible way to experience the Arctic silence and wait for the Northern Lights to appear. The activity requires no swimming skills and minimal physical effort, focusing entirely on relaxation, sensory connection with nature, and peaceful sensory deprivation.

Silver Ring Making at a Goldsmith Workshop. Join a hands-on, creative experience where you learn the art of silversmithing. Guided by a local goldsmith, you’ll learn basic techniques and craft your own silver ring from scratch, creating a tangible, personalized keepsake from the Arctic.

Horseback Riding Tour. Join a guided horseback riding experience through the scenic countryside and coastal areas outside Tromsø. The tour uses sturdy Icelandic horses, known for their calm temperament, which you’ll ride through the snowy landscapes.