Is Tromso Expensive? What a Trip to Northern Norway Costs
Wondering how much a trip to Tromso will cost you? If you’ve been trying to figure out if Tromso is expensive, this guide gives you a complete breakdown - from accommodation and transport to dining and activities.
This post may contain affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using these links, you are supporting the ability for me to continue creating content for this site and its running costs.
I appreciate your support.
If you’ve been wanting to head to one of the best places to see the northern lights, then Tromso in Norway is likely on your radar. One of the top questions I get asked when people are planning a trip to this Arctic city is if Tromso is expensive.
Norway has earned a reputation for being one of the most expensive countries in the world, and it’s a fair representation. It’s in the top three most expensive destinations I’ve visited, up there with good company including Iceland and Switzerland. So the quick answer to the question is yes, Tromso is expensive - but you can still travel affordably.
I spent 10 days making the most of Northern Norway, from a solo trip in Tromso to snorkelling with orcas as part of an Arctic photography tour. Tromso was a dream destination, but I needed to make sure it didn’t break the bank.
From activities to dining to hotels, this guide gives you a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend in Tromso.
Can you visit Tromso on a budget?
If you’re asking ‘is Tromso expensive?’, you’re also wondering whether you can visit this Norwegian city on a budget. It is possible so long as you set your expectations in line with the cost of living in Norway and are realistic about how much you’ll need to spend to actually enjoy your time here.
Budget travel in Norway looks very different to budget travel in South East Asia or Eastern Europe. The concept of budget travel in Norway is a lot higher than elsewhere in the world and is relative to the cost of living.
If you travel on a mid-range budget with some paid activities, a coffee and a restaurant dinner daily, you can expect to spend approximately 3,200 NOK / £240 / 295 USD per person per day in winter based on sharing accommodation between two people. In the shoulder seasons, this would be lower at approximately 1,350 NOK / £100 / 125 USD. As there are more paid activities such as northern lights and whale watching tours in winter, and the cost of accommodation is higher, it will cost considerably more.
RELATED | HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Cost of accommodation in Tromso
Accommodation is going to be one of the most expensive costs during a trip to Tromso. Season plays into the cost significantly, with shoulder seasons in autumn and spring being the cheapest - sometimes less than half the cost of the peak during winter.
Shoulder season in Tromso is from April to mid-June and September to early November. During this time you can expect a budget hotel to cost around 900 NOK / £65 / 80 USD per night. These prices can also carry through most of summer if you book far enough in advance.
Winter is peak season in Tromso and the cost of accommodation reflects this. Prices are often more than double from December - March as this is the busiest time of the year for tourists. Budget hotels will typically be upwards of 1500 NOK / £115 / 140 USD per night at this time of year, while more expensive hotels can set you back around 3350 NOK / £250 / 305 USD per night.
LOOKING FOR WHERE TO STAY IN TROMSO? READ MY GUIDE TO THE BEST TROMSO HOTELS, APARTMENTS, AND HOLIDAY HOMES.
How much does food and drink cost in Tromso?
Eating out and drinking in Tromso can quickly increase the cost of your trip. Alcohol can especially blow out a budget in Norway, so being savvy with how and where you spend when it comes to dining is key.
Typical costs for the following items will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for everything from a bottle of water or a coffee to a meal out in a mid-range restaurant.
Average prices for food and drink in Tromso
| Item | NOK | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottle of Water | 30 | £2.25 | $2.75 |
| Espresso | 30 | £2.25 | $2.75 |
| Cuppuccino/latte | 45 | £3.40 | $4.10 |
| Soft drink | 30 | £2.25 | $2.75 |
| Beer | 100 | £7.50 | $9.15 |
| Takeaway meal | 140 | £10.50 | $12.85 |
| Mid-range restaurant main meal | 280-450 | £21-33.70 | $25.75-41.25 |
Transportation costs in Tromso
If you arrive to Tromso by plane, the most economical way to reach the city centre is by bus. It’s 100 NOK one-way, or 160 NOK for a return ticket. The journey only takes around 15 minutes.
Once in Tromso, you can reach most of the city on foot, including attractions such as the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum. However, if you do need to get around the bus is the most cost-effective option. Buses are typically more expensive in Tromso than other European cities, ranging from 39 NOK for a zone 1 ticket, to 234 NOK for a zone 4 ticket. Conveniently, you can purchase tickets for the bus via an app or the vending machines where possible.
If you plan on catching a taxi from the airport to the city centre, you can expect to pay around 200 NOK, with a higher rate on evenings and weekends.
Cost of activities in Tromso
Other than accommodation, the biggest cost during your time in Tromso will be the activities you choose to do. From museums to day trips and northern lights safaris, the costs can quickly mount. This is absolutely where I recommend spending money though.
While you’re unlikely to do all of these things in Tromso, there’s some that you shouldn’t miss. Some activities are seasonal - think dog sledding and northern lights tours - while others like museums and the Tromso cable car are year-round.
Here’s some recommended activities and a rough cost for each.
Northern lights tour | Seeing the aurora borealis in Tromso is on most visitors bucket lists. Getting out of town takes you away from light pollution giving you a better chance to see the northern lights dance across the sky. Joining a tour leaves you in expert hands for chasing the lights, as sometimes you’ll end up over the border in Finland even on a tour if that’s where clear skies and solar activity is happening. You can expect to pay approximately 2,000 NOK for a northern lights tour. Check prices and availability here.
Whale watching | The best place to see orca and humpbacks during winter is about four hours north of Tromso, in a place called Skervoy. I spent a week on a dedicated photography tour here and it was one of the best experiences of my life! For the best chances of seeing these beautiful marine wildlife while in Tromso, joining a tour is the way to go. Whale watching costs approximately 1,690 NOK for a full day tour. Check prices and availability here.
Dog sledding | Take in the stunning scenery of Norway in a winter wonderland with a husky sledding tour. Take turns at mushing the sled and warm up in a cosy teepee with a hot drink around the fire afterwards. Tours cost approximately 2,290 NOK and you can check prices and availability here.
Fjellheisen Tromso cable car | For the best view over Tromso and the fjords, take the cable car up the mountain. My favourite time to visit is an hour before sunset. Once you’re up there, you can stay as long as you like (well, until closing) and it’s spectacular to watch the light change over the landscape and the city lights twinkle as nightfall approaches. Sometimes, you can even see the northern lights from here. Return tickets for the cable car cost 395 NOK per adult.
Tromso Arctic Reindeer | Get a glimpse into Sami culture with a visit to Tromso Arctic Reindeer, a family-run establishment that focuses on culture and gives you an up close experience with reindeer. Open from November to April, tours start from 1,390 NOK and you can see the options here.
Tips for saving money in Tromso
If you’re looking to save where you can in Tromso so you can spend more on activities like northern lights or whale watching tours, then these tips will help you minimise costs without compromising on your experience.
Drink tap water | Norway has safe drinking water and it tastes great too. I always drink tap water where I can, and Norway is no exception. Pack a reusable water bottle, refill it, and save a surprising amount of money.
Use public transport | This might seem obvious, but public transport is the most cost-effective way to get around Tromso - including to and from the airport. Most of the activities in Tromso are also within walking distance, and travelling by two feet is completely free!
Stay in an apartment | If you stay in an apartment, you can save on things like eating out because you’ll have cooking facilities. This can be a major cost during your travels in Norway, so it can make a big difference to how expensive your trip to Tromso is.
Shop in supermarkets | If you have your own apartment or if you’re out and about, shop at supermarkets for food whenever you can. It’s much more affordable than eating out.
Go alcohol free | Alcohol is really expensive in Norway and stores also stop selling after a certain time. Either skip the drinks on this trip or pick up some duty free to bring with you and save a lot.
Use cashback | I always book my travels using cashback - while you won’t save the money while you’re on your trip, it will be cashed out to you afterwards which you can either use for another trip or simply get it cashed out to your bank account. I use both TopCashback and Quidco when booking hotels, tours and activities, and transport.
Is Tromso worth visiting?
Tromso remains one of the most spectacular destinations I’ve ever visited. From dreamy arctic landscapes to a glimpse into Sami culture and of course, watching the northern lights dance overhead, there’s a lot to love about Tromso. One of the most accessible destinations in the Arctic Circle, it’s perfect for a long weekend getaway thanks to an international airport close to the city centre and plenty to keep you busy for a few days.
How many days to spend in Tromso?
I’d recommend spending at least three days in Tromso. The destination is well-connected to other European destinations including direct flights to London, though you’ll want to hang around for a few days to make the most of everything to see and do in the region. This is especially true if you’re travelling to see the northern lights in Tromso, as they aren’t visible every night so your odds are better if you stay for a few days.
