Tromso Norway in 4 days
Chase the Northern Lights, Feeding Reindeers & Artic Adventures
Norway is a land of magic, where the skies come alive, reindeer roam freely, and even McDonald’s becomes a bucket-list stop. My trip to Tromsø was nothing short of unforgettable—from witnessing the aurora borealis (lucky me!) to kayaking through icy waters, exploring indigenous Sami culture, sipping drinks in an ice bar, and even bringing home a special piece of local art. If you’re planning a trip to this Arctic wonderland, here’s my guide to must-do experiences, travel tips, and hidden gems.
Day 1: Arrival & Scenic Views 🚠🏙️
Take the Fjellheisen Tram for breathtaking views of Tromsø.
Explore downtown Tromsø, visit shops, and stroll through the city.
Try Norwegian food like fresh seafood or brown cheese!
🏔️ Fjellheisen Cable Car: The Best View of Tromsø
To see Tromsø from above, I took the Fjellheisen Cable Car up to the mountain. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking—you can see the entire city, the fjords, and even the Arctic wilderness.
📍 Location: Tromsø, Norway
🎟️ Entry Fee: NOK 345 (round trip)
⭐ Pro Tip: Go at sunset for the most stunning colors in the sky!
Day 2: Reindeer & Sami Culture 🦌❄️
Visit a Sami village and learn about their culture.
Feed and interact with reindeer in a beautiful Arctic setting.
Warm up in a Sami tent (lavvu) while listening to stories about their heritage.
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in downtown Tromsø.
🦌 Reindeer Feeding & Sami Cultural Tour
One of the most unique experiences in Norway is visiting the indigenous Sami people and their reindeer herds. I booked a Sami cultural tour, where I got to:
✔️ Feed the reindeer (SO adorable!)
✔️ Learn about the Sami culture & traditions
✔️ Try a reindeer sleigh ride (but… spoiler alert: I visited in March, so the snow was melting and it was too slippery. No sleigh ride for me, but I still got to pet and feed them!)
Below link to where I book this tour
📍 Where: Tromsø, Norway
⭐ Tip: If you want the full sleigh ride experience, visit in December–February when the snow is thick!
📍 Book a tour on: GetYourGuide -Tromsø: Reindeer Ranch and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch
Day 3: Chase the Northern Lights 🌌✨
Explore Tromsø during the day: Check out street art, local markets, and cafes.
Book a Northern Lights tour (choose one with a professional photographer!).
Prepare for a late-night adventure chasing the Aurora Borealis!
🌌 Northern Lights Tour: A Bucket-List Must!
You can’t visit Norway without chasing the aurora borealis, but here’s the thing—you need luck! Some nights, the lights don’t show up, but I was one lucky girl that night. 💫
Most Northern Lights tours take you away from the city lights to maximize your chances of spotting them. And let me tell you—it’s worth every penny! Many tours also include a professional photographer who captures the moment for you. Trust me, catching the lights on your phone or camera is tricky, so let the pros handle it while you just enjoy the magic.
Below link to where I book the tour
📍 Where: Tromsø, Norway
📸 Pro Tip: Make sure your tour includes a photographer—it’s the best bucks you’ll spend!
📍 Book a tour on: GetYourGuide – Tromsø: The Official Northern Lights Safari
Day 4: Ice Bar & Farewell Tromsø ❄️🍹
Visit the Tromsø Ice Bar, where everything is made of ice!
Optional: Stop by the Troll Museum to learn about Norwegian folklore.
Optional: Stop by the tiny telephone booth library or Siw Up’s art gallery.
Snap a picture at the northernmost McDonald’s in the world!
- Relax before heading to the airport, or take a final walk around Tromsø.
🍸 Magic Ice Bar Tromsø: Drinking in an Ice Wonderland
Imagine stepping into a bar where everything—the walls, the furniture, even your glass—is made of pure ice. ❄️✨ That’s exactly what the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø is all about! This place is literally frozen fun, where you sip cocktails surrounded by stunning ice sculptures.
Was it cold? Of course. Did I mind? Not at all! A warm poncho and gloves are provided, so you can fully enjoy the experience while staying cozy.
📍 Location: Tromsø City Center
🎟️ Entry Fee: NOK 250 (includes a welcome drink)
⭐ Pro Tip: Try the Arctic-themed cocktails—they’re as cool as the surroundings!
🍟 McDonald’s Tromsø: The Northernmost McDonald’s in the World!
Okay, hear me out—this is not just any McDonald’s. This is the northernmost McDonald’s on the planet! Of course, I had to snap a picture and grab a bite just for the novelty of it.
📍 Location: Tromsø City Center –
📸 Pro Tip: It’s a fun stop for a quirky travel memory!
BONUS
🖼️ Visiting Local Artist Siw Up: A Piece of Norway at Home
One of my favorite parts of this trip was discovering local artist Sir Up. I absolutely loved her art—her creativity, originality, and the way she captures the essence of the Arctic. Her work spoke to me so much that I bought a piece and framed it in my room.
This artwork now reminds me every day to live, play, and enjoy life—just like the quote on it says. It also inspires me to keep doing what I love, just as she does with her art. Originality is everything!
📍 Location: Tromsø, Norway
Art gallery in Tromso, Norway
🎨 Pro Tip: If you find art that speaks to you, take it home! It’s the best kind of souvenir—one that inspires you long after the trip ends.
✨ Final Thoughts: Norway is Pure Magic
Norway is one of those places that makes you feel small in the best way possible. Whether it’s watching the Northern Lights dance above you, or feeding a reindeer for the first time, this country leaves a mark on your soul. check out street art around downtown Tromso area.
Would I go back?
100% YES. Next time, maybe for more winter activities and a proper reindeer sleigh ride.
Until then, Norway—you’ve been unforgettable. 💙❄️
📍 Quick List of Must-Do’s in Tromsø, Norway:
✅ Chase the Northern Lights (Book a tour with a photographer!)
✅ Visit the Troll Museum (Fun & interactive folklore experience)
✅ Feed reindeer & learn about the Sami people
✅ Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car for stunning views
✅ Drink at the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø (Everything is made of ice!)
✅ Visit local artist Sir Up & take home a piece of Tromsø
✅ Snap a pic at the world’s northernmost McDonald’s
✅ Stay at Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora for free meals & rooftop jacuzzi
💬 Have you been to Norway? What was your favorite part? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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🏨 Where to Stay: Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora
For my stay in Tromsø, I picked Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora—a solid 3-star+ option with an amazing deal: free breakfast AND dinner included. In a city where food can be pricey, this was a lifesaver. The rooms were decent, nothing fancy, but the location was perfect—right in downtown Tromsø.
But the best part? A rooftop jacuzzi and sauna! Imagine soaking in a hot jacuzzi while gazing at the Arctic sky—pure bliss! After a long day of adventures, this was the ultimate way to relax.
📍 Location: Tromsø City Center
🛁 Amenities: Rooftop Jacuzzi & Sauna
⭐ Tip: Hotels in Norway can be expensive, so finding one with meals included is a great way to save!
That’s my 4-day Tromsø itinerary! Have you been to Tromsø? Let me know your favorite experiences in the comments below! Happy travels! ✈️❄️
#Tromsø #VisitNorway #NorthernLights #TravelTips #FlyWithRosy
