About Troms
Troms is Norway's Arctic adventure paradise, a county where dramatic fjords meet jagged mountain peaks and the magical Northern Lights dance across winter skies. This is the heart of Sami culture, where indigenous traditions thrive alongside modern Scandinavian life. The vibrant city of Tromsø serves as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' with its iconic Arctic Cathedral, Polaria aquarium, and lively cultural scene. Beyond the city, discover the stunning Lyngen Alps for world-class skiing and hiking, the whale-rich waters of Skjervøy where orcas and humpbacks gather, and the remote islands of Senja with their breathtaking coastal landscapes. Summer brings the midnight sun, perfect for hiking, fishing, and kayaking under 24-hour daylight, while winter offers dog sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the aurora borealis. Troms combines raw natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Things to do in Troms
Northern Lights Adventure
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 3,142
5.0 (221)
Northern Lights Expedition Tromsø - 6 people - Arctic Photo Guide
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 4,169
5.0 (160)
Northern Lights Private tour with your special ones - Greenlander
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 28,640
5.0 (122)
Tromsø Fjordland Aurora Chase Northern Lights by the Arctic Sea
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 3,988
5.0 (46)
Aurora Chase from Tromso with Photos
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 2,538
5.0 (43)
Northern Lights Tour with Local Guide and Photos
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 2,357
5.0 (42)
Private fjord tour with premium 4×4 vehicle
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 15,589
5.0 (36)
Tromsø: Arctic Landscapes Hiking / Snowshoeing Tour in the wild
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 1,874
5.0 (25)
The Tromsø Food Walk, Taste your way through local history
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 1,874
5.0 (24)
Snowshoeing With A View
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 2,538
5.0 (18)
Tromsø Norway - Small Group Aurora Hunt Tour with a local guide
Tromso, Norway
Guided easy snowshoeing with a visit to local café
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 1,946
5.0 (16)
Northern Lights Tour starting from Kvaløya
Tromso, Norway
Snowshoe Expedition with Local Guides in Artic Terrain
Tromso, Norway
From GHS 3,614
5.0 (16)
Express Fjord Road trip with Wandering Owl
Tromso, Norway
Travel Tips for Troms
Getting Around
Public buses connect towns and villages, with Tromsø having an efficient local bus system. Rent a car for flexibility (essential for exploring remote areas), but be prepared for winter driving conditions. Domestic flights connect Tromsø Airport with smaller airports like Bardufoss. Ferries are crucial for reaching coastal islands (use Torghatten Nord or Hurtigruten coastal ferry). Popular apps include Entur for public transport planning, Yr for weather, and Aurora forecast apps. Taxis are available but expensive; consider ridesharing services in Tromsø.
Best Time To Visit
February to March for optimal Northern Lights viewing, stable winter weather, and winter sports. June to August for midnight sun, hiking, wildlife watching, and milder temperatures (8-15°C). September to October for autumn colors and fewer tourists. Avoid November to January unless prepared for polar darkness and extreme cold, though this period offers unique cultural experiences.
Local Customs
Norwegians value punctuality, personal space, and quiet respect in public. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (round up or 5-10% in restaurants). Dress practically for weather—functional outdoor clothing is common. Respect Sami culture: ask permission before photographing people and support local Sami businesses. In restaurants, wait to be seated. 'Takk' (thank you) is used frequently. Alcohol is expensive and sold only at Vinmonopolet (state monopoly).
Safety Information
Troms is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas. The main risks are environmental: avalanches in mountain areas (check varsom.no), sudden weather changes, and icy roads in winter. When hiking, inform someone of your route and carry emergency supplies. Polar bear danger exists only on Svalbard (not in mainland Troms). No specific areas to avoid, though remote regions require proper planning. Common scams are rare, but be cautious of overpriced tourist services during peak Northern Lights season.
Health Information
Medical facilities are excellent in Tromsø (University Hospital of North Norway) and adequate in larger towns. For remote areas, carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. Tap water is safe to drink. No specific vaccinations required beyond routine immunizations. Be prepared for extreme cold in winter—dress in layers to prevent hypothermia. In summer, protect against mosquitoes in forested areas. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for wilderness activities. Pharmacies ('Apotek') are widely available in towns.
Languages Spoken
Norwegian (Bokmål)Norwegian (Nynorsk)Sami (Northern Sami)
Quick Facts
Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
kr
kr
Timezone
Europe/Oslo +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+47
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
168,000
Area
25800 km²
Government
County Municipality (Fylkeskommune)
ISO Code
54