Hiking in Tromsø

Immerse yourself in the beauty of arctic Scandinavia on a hiking tour in Tromsø. Exploring the wilderness on foot is an ideal way to see the wildlife, the terrain and the magical light of northern Norway.

Spend several hours soaking in the snowy vistas, clearing your mind in the quiet and searching for inhabitants of this austere land.

Bellow is all the information you need about hiking tours, one of the most contemplative outdoor activities in Tromsø.

What are the best hiking tours in Tromsø?

Day hiking tours

Meet your guide in the morning for a short drive to an unspoiled arctic trail. Set off with your small group along a winding path to the summit of a small mountain. Your guide will help you spy on wildlife and point out details of the panorama.

Refuel with lunch on your way while your guide fills you in with facts about your surroundings.

Snowshoeing tours

Perfect for first-time snowshoers or experts alike, a winter hike on snowshoes is a fun way to traverse snowy trails that would be inaccessible without special gear. Peer down to the sea for glimpses of whales during their winter migration, and look for animal tracks in the snow.

Husky hiking tours

Dog lovers who need a puppy fix during vacation have an ideal hiking tour waiting for them. Walk through wild Scandinavia with trained huskies, also famous for dog sledding in Tromsø.

You and one or two others will hold the leash because the huskies are powerful and energetic. After snuggling some puppies, warm up around a campfire with lunch and hot drinks.

Midnight sun hiking tours

Experience the surreal feeling of 24-hour daylight on a midnight hiking tour. Depending on the month of your tour, you may see slightly dimming skies, or the light may be no different than what you see at midday.

Enjoy snacks and drinks while your guide makes sure you take away lots of knowledge about northern Norway.

Private tours

Access a pristine hiking spot in an eco-friendly electric vehicle. Take a ride into the wilderness in a Tesla Model X for just you and your chosen group. Your guide will find the best spots for viewing animals, fjords and snow-covered peaks while entertaining you with facts during the hike.

How much does it cost?

• Day hiking tours cost from US$110 per person to US$130 per person, depending on the duration of the trip and whether lunch is included.
• Midnight sun hiking tours cost from US$110 per person to US$130 per person, depending on the duration of the trip and the distance of the drive from Tromsø.
• Snowshoeing tours cost around US$125 per person.
• Husky hiking tours cost around US$115 per person.
• Private tours start at US$130 per person for a group of five. Prices increase for groups of four or fewer people.

What are the highlights?

What you will see during your hiking tour depends much on the weather and season. Guides will choose a location based on the day’s weather. Most hikes and snowshoeing treks lead you to the peak of a small mountain near Tromsø.

Take in views from around 400 meters high, and keep your eyes out for ptarmigan, hares, reindeer and wild berries. Summer hikes are lit with otherworldly 24-hour sunshine, adding novelty to your excursion.

On husky hiking tours, you will start at a dog sledding kennel where you can visit hundreds of Alaskan huskies and their puppies before setting off with a leash in hand. After your hike, partake in lunch and sip hot drinks inside a fire-heated “Lavvo,” a traditional Scandinavian reindeer herder’s tent.

Many hikes take place on Whale Island, or Kvaløya in Norwegian. This rugged island is studded with 10 mountains over 700 meters in height. Breathe in the crisp air of the area while you absorb the views and search for animals.

What is included?

Your hiking or snowshoeing tour includes round-trip transportation from a central location in Tromsø, an expert guide, snacks and hot drinks. Many tours also provide hiking poles and a sitting mat. Some packages include a light meal with vegetarian options available.

Husky tours not only allow you to hike with a leashed husky, but also feature a visit to the kennels that house more than 200 sled dogs. Learn facts about dog sledding and interact with the animals. Also learn about the Sami culture, the ancestral inhabitants of arctic Scandinavia.

Snowshoeing tours have similar inclusions as hiking tours but also include snowshoe and pole rentals. In extremely cold weather, tours provide a thermal winter suit. Some companies provide the use of winter boots and a backpack.

Where does it start?

Hiking tours in Tromsø start at centrally-located meeting points, usually hotels or landmarks. Some hiking tours include pickup from hotels in town. Guides will take you on a scenic drive of 30 minutes or less until you reach the starting point of your hike.

How long does it last?

A hiking tour in Tromsø lasts from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the time of the year and which kind of hike you choose.

When is the best time for a hiking tour in Tromsø?

You can have an enjoyable hiking tour at any time of the year in Tromsø. Summertime’s endless daylight affords you hours of possibilities, and the long winter allows you to explore the wilderness on snowshoes.

Are there any combos available with hiking tours in Tromsø?

Hiking tour plus archery

This private tour starts with a lesson on the basics of archery. Guides will show you how to hold the bow and arrow and help you practice your technique. Then, bring your bow and arrows on a hike. The trail is filled with animal-shaped targets for you to aim at. Reenergize with tea and cookies after your excursion.

Snowshoeing plus husky visit

Travel to Kvaløya, Norway’s fourth-largest island, for a guided visit to husky kennels that house hundreds of dogs. Spend quality time getting to know the animals before donning snowshoes for a 2- to 3-hour snowshoe hike on the many trails in the area. Warm up with hot drinks and cake around a campfire.

Is it safe?

Expert guides will lead your hiking tour, assuring that you stay safe. Tour providers recommend that you have a moderate level of fitness to participate. People with heart, back or knee problems and pregnant women should not take a hiking tour.

Are children allowed?

Many tours allow children aged 12 and above to participate. However, some tours welcome children as young as 6.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Tromsø hiking tours take place in all weather, but if your tour is canceled, you can reschedule or get a refund.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Tromsø?

• Dog sledding
• Snowmobile adventures
• Boat tours
• Whale watching
• Northern lights tours
• Hiking tours
• Reindeer sledding
• Jeep adventures

Travel tips

• Bring extra drinking water. Tours recommend at least one liter per person.
• For winter tours, wear heavy boots and at least two layers of clothing, as well as a hat, gloves and a scarf.
• Summers in Tromsø can be very chilly, so plan ahead with a jacket, hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket.