Seventy North · Tromsø, Norway
The insider
guide to
Tromsø.
Everything you need to know — from northern lights hunting to the best table in town. Written by people who live here.
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Seventy North · Tromsø, Norway
Everything you need to know — from northern lights hunting to the best table in town. Written by people who live here.
September – April
Tromsø sits at the heart of the auroral oval — the ring around the magnetic pole where northern lights are most active. September to April is the season, but October through March gives the best combination of dark skies and activity.
You do not need to leave the city — during strong activity (KP 3+) the lights are visible right from Storgata. But for the full experience, head 20 minutes outside the city limits.
Space Weather Live and My Sult Forecast are the two apps we recommend. Set an alert for KP 2+ — that is enough to see clear curtains over Tromsø on a cloudless night.
Free tipThe guides drive you to clear skies, away from city light and cloud cover. They know the valleys and viewpoints.
See & book tours → From 900 NOKTromsø gets 50+ cloud-free nights per winter. If the first night is overcast, do not give up — book a flexible tour that can rebook if the conditions are poor.
Insider tipFjellheisen cable car, Prestvannet lake, Telegrafbukta beach and Kvaløya island are the four spots we send all our guests to first.
Local favouritePack wool base layer, insulated mid-layer, waterproof outer shell, wool socks and insulated boots. Standing still in cold air for 1–2 hours requires proper preparation.
EssentialUse your phone in night or Pro mode. ISO 800–1600, shutter 5–10 seconds, wide lens. Use a small tripod. The camera captures far more than the eye.
Free tip
May – July
From mid-May to late July the sun never sets in Tromsø. Dinner at 23:00 in broad daylight. The city has a giddy energy during these weeks.
Eat & Drink
Tromsø punches above its weight for food — Arctic cod, king crab, reindeer and cloudberries make it onto menus in ways you will not find anywhere else.
Fine dining
The most celebrated restaurant in Tromsø. Chef Randi Helene Fagerhus serves Arctic produce in a warm, intimate setting. Book at least two weeks ahead.
Seafood
A Tromsø institution right on the harbour. The arctic menu changes with seasons and the catch of the day. The king crab platter is mandatory.
Breakfast & lunch
The best breakfast in the city. Generous portions of smoked salmon, local eggs, excellent bread and great coffee. Arrive early on weekends.
Local street food
The indoor food market on Storgata. Reindeer hot dog, whale burger, cloudberry desserts and craft beer all under one roof.
Things to do
Yes, northern lights tours and Fjellheisen. But Tromsø rewards guests who look a little harder — whale safari, the Arctic Cathedral at dusk, hiking the ridgeline.
October to January, humpback and sperm whales feed in the fjords around Tromsø, following herring shoals.
See & book tours → Oct – JanThe 420m gondola gives a panoramic view over the entire Tromsø archipelago. Go at dusk in summer or during northern lights in winter.
Year-roundDriving a team of huskies through a snow-covered valley in silence.
See & book tours → Dec – AprThe most photographed building in Tromsø. Go at dusk for the best light. The midnight sun concert series in summer is extraordinary.
5 min from usThe world's northernmost aquarium. Bearded seals, arctic fish and a panoramic film. Give it 2–3 hours. Adjacent Polar Museum covers Amundsen and Nansen.
Year-roundSami culture runs deep in northern Norway. A reindeer experience with a Sami family — feeding reindeer, traditional food and storytelling around a fire.
See & book tours → From 1 200 NOK“Tromsø is the last city before the ice. Everything north of here is wilderness, ocean and sky.”— Seventy North, Local perspective
When to visit
There is no bad time to visit Tromsø — only different experiences. The city is lively year-round.
November – February
March – May
June – August
September – October
Before you go
Tromsø is easy to navigate on foot — the entire city centre is walkable in 20 minutes. English is spoken everywhere.
Flights: Direct from Oslo (1h 45m), Bergen and many European cities. Airport bus: Every 20 minutes, stops 400m from our apartments. Taxi: ~250 NOK.
Winter: −5 to −15°C. Wool base, insulated jacket, waterproof outer, insulated boots. Summer: 10–18°C but windy. Layering is key.
Currency: NOK. Cards everywhere. Coffee ~60 NOK, lunch ~200 NOK, dinner ~500 NOK, beer ~110 NOK. Tap water is the best in the world.
Walk: Everything within 20 min. Bus: 45 NOK single. Bike: City bikes Apr–Oct. Taxi: Bolt app.
Northern lights: My Sult Forecast, Space Weather Live. Weather: Yr.no. Taxi: Bolt. Food: Wolt.
Tipping: 10% appreciated. Shops: Mon–Sat, closed Sunday. Emergency: 112 (police), 113 (ambulance), 110 (fire).
Want door-to-door pickup instead of the airport bus? Ask us when you book and we'll arrange it with our local transfer partner.
Stay with us
Our 9 premium apartments are right in the middle of everything described in this guide. Book direct and save 10%.