We only had three days in Norway — just a long weekend. But we crammed in everything we wanted: reindeer sledding, a floating Arctic spa, ice fishing on a frozen lake, fresh seafood dinners, and yes, we saw the northern lights.
If you're trying to pull off a weekend in Tromsø without missing the best parts, here's the move:
We landed in Tromsø Friday night and went straight to the hotel to drop bags. It was already dark, so we layered up and walked straight to the harbor.
Northern lights are one of those things you hope to see, but weather can cancel it fast. That’s why we tried our first night — just in case we needed a second chance.
We didn’t. The sky lit up green about an hour after we started looking.
Started early at the floating Arctic spa — hot tubs and saunas on the water with snow-capped mountain views. Your hair might literally freeze between tubs, but the contrast makes it even better.
In the afternoon, we hit the ice fishing tour. It’s lowkey and calm: a frozen lake, a hole in the ice, hot drinks, and time to just vibe. A couple people actually caught fish.
Dinner was Havsushi — upscale but not stuffy, and the fish was obviously next-level. Great way to end a full day.
We took it slow in the morning and grabbed brunch at Bardus Bistro. It’s got that cozy-upscale thing down. Think Arctic char, reindeer, duck — all local.
Then we finished strong with reindeer sledding through the snowy hills. The scenery is unreal and you get a feel for Sami culture while you ride. You can book this either in the morning or evening depending on your flight schedule.
Nothing major — just enough time to grab a coffee and maybe one last walk along the harbor before heading to the airport.
Quick Tips
- Book ahead: everything fills up, especially in winter
- Dress for the cold — boots, gloves, and layers make a huge difference
- You don’t need a northern lights tour, but it helps if you want backup plans
- Stay central in Tromsø — almost everything’s walkable
One weekend. Four core experiences.
No regrets.It’s cold. It’s expensive. It’s completely worth it.
