5 reasons to visit Tromsø during winter

Do you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, walk in snowy landscapes and experience the cold and crisp air of the North? We give you 5 reasons to visit Tromsø during winter.

1. The polar nights

Defined as the period in which the sun is below the horizon 24 hours a day — occurs both north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle (at opposite times of the year). The polar night season officially starts in Tromsø on November 27 and lasts until January 15 but technically, the sun already disappears on Nov 21 and doesn’t come back to the city until Jan 21 due to the city being surrounded by high mountain ranges.

2. The Climate

The winter in Tromsø is not especially cold. The average January temperature is -4°C. There is often a lot of snow and the relatively mild winter is perfect for outdoor activities.

3. The Northern Lights

Tromsø is located in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, which is the area with the highest probability of seeing the lights. This means that there will always be good chances of Northern Lights, regardless of the sun’s cycles. This natural phenomenon can be observed from September to April, depending on the weather conditions and solar activity. If the sky is clear, you might be able to see the Northern Lights right above the city.

4. The Wilderness

Tromsø is located in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful fjords. The stunning nature is so close to the city centre that you can admire the Arctic landscape from Tromsø’s main street.

5. The Food

When you need to refuel, dive into Tromsø’s restaurant scene with many eateries specializing in fresh ingredients from the Arctic. Seafood is a big part of Norwegian cuisine, and the freshness of it in Tromsø is truly unparalleled.