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Tromsø to Lofoten Islands in Winter: A 5-Day Road Trip to Norway's Farthest Islands

Writer: Sreedevi Menon
Sreedevi Menon
Sep 3
12 min read

Updated: Sep 30


After our marriage, like most people, we were in search of the best honeymoon places to get lost in. We planned to travel in the month of March, and living in the Netherlands, that meant we could either visit the warmer coasts of Southern Europe or do the complete opposite and freeze ourselves in one of the arctic countries to our north.


But as most people living in Europe know, the coasts are best during summer, when you can actually swim at beaches meant for swimming, perhaps with an Aperol in hand. So that is how we ended up planning a trip to frozen Norway, for a Tromso to Lofoten islands road trip.


Even then, when we pictured ourselves in this country with the most striking landscapes, we imagined getting cozy in a pub sheltered from the outside cold, watching the Northern Lights dance from its windows. Instead, what we got were 5 days of an intensely adventure-packed holiday, where we covered more than 2000km by road and battled a shaky car (because of the wind!), rocky seas, soaking wet jackets 24/7, and in spite of it all, experienced the most wonderful holiday of our lives!


Here's everything you need to know if you're planning a similar road trip through Tromso, the city above the Arctic Circle.



Agenda

  1. Tromsø Day 1 -

    1. Getting to Tromsø

    2. Things to do in Tromso: Tromsø Utsiktspunkt, Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø Havn, Northern Lights Tour, Reindeer + Sami culture tour, Polar Museum, Sami souvenir shop, Arctic Circle certificate, Gateway to the Arctic

    3. Places to eat in Tromso

    4. Hotels in Tromso

  2. Tromsø Day 2 - Tromso to Lofoten drive

    1. Pick up rental car in Tromso

    2. Reindeer + Sami culture tour - GetYourGuide

    3. Drive to midpoint - Narvik

  3. Lofoten Islands Day 1 -

    1. Narvik to Sørvågen drive

    2. Stops on the way: Henningsvær, Svolvær, Ramberg Beach, Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, Reine

  4. Lofoten Islands Day 2 -

    1. Sørvågen to Narvik drive

    2. Stops on the way: Å village, Nusfjord

  5. Last Day in Tromso

    1. Narvik to Tromsø drive

    2. Northern Lights



TROMSO DAY 01 -


How to Get to Tromso


The flight to Tromso was one of the scariest runways we have been to, with massive snow-capped mountains surrounding the plane on all sides, and ocean waters right upto the edges of the runway. We were holding our breaths till the last second. We also learnt later that the mountains were called the Lyngen Alps, and it was not ocean water, but rather the famous Fjords of Norway. More on that later.


Let's cover how you can reach Tromso:

  • By Flight - This is by far the single best option. Tromso lies to the far north of norway.

    • For travelers from within Europe, there are direct flights to Tromso.

    • For travelers coming from outside of Europe, there are no direct flight, instead you can connect through Oslo, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, or London.

  • Besides flights, it takes pretty long to reach Tromso by mainland. There is no direct train, however you can take a combination of train, bus, and ferry.

  • Driving a car from Oslo takes roughly 25 hours.




Things to do in Tromso:



  1. Tromsø Utsiktspunkt


The one thing I would tell everyone to bookmark when visiting Tromsø is to take the Fjellheisen cable car, which takes you to a stunning viewpoint above the mountains from where you get views of the entire city of Tromso. And if you are really lucky, you get to watch the Northern Lights from here.


How to Reach: The easiest way up is the Fjellheisen cable car, whose lower station is about a 30-minute walk (or a short bus/taxi ride) from Tromsø city center - bus number 26 gets you close. The cable car runs year-round, roughly from 10am to 11:30pm/12:00am depending on the season, taking just 4-5 minutes to reach the top. Walk 1-2 mins for the viewing platform. From there you can wander a bit further along marked paths if you want different angles of the city and fjords.


Cost: A round-trip adult ticket currently runs around 495–595 NOK (roughly €45–52), depending on the source/season, with cheaper rates for kids (around 280–285 NOK)



  1. Arctic Cathedral


Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø is a symbol of the arctic beauty. It's architecture draws inspiration from the raw Arctic landscape, with angular lines resembling icebergs and snow peaks. While it was a checklist we had for our day in Tromsø, the real reason we dropped by there first is because it was raining cats and dogs, and we wanted some shelter.


How to Reach: You can either take bus number 20, 24, 26, or 28, or cross by road on a gigantic bridge which is a sign in itself. The walk goes over the Tromsø Bridge (about 20–25 minutes on foot).


How much it costs: around €8 per person (NOK 90). Kids under 12 go free.


What to do: you get to admire the cathedral both from inside and out. Once you step in it resembles typical Scandinavian style with wooden benches and bare woodwork. There is a beautiful colored glass mosaic to the back of the church.


Unique fact: The Arctic Cathedral hosts late-night concerts year-round - "Midnight Sun" Concerts at 11pm in summer (June–mid-August), and Northern Lights Concerts around 10–10:30pm in winter, both for a fee of roughly NOK 150–200 (about €13–18).




  1. Tromsø Havn


Tromso Havn is the name of the port of Tromso, Norway's busiest fishing port. We found it very fascinating to just walk along the harbour. We saw large cruise ships carrying hundreds of passengers departing from the port and also very small fishing boats docked and resting for the night.


It is a great place to get some pictures showing Norway's fishing culture.




  1. Northern Lights Tour


Being above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the best cities to watch the Northern Lights. On a clear night, the sky lights up green right above you.


We’d definitely recommend taking a guided tour, especially if it’s your first time. We booked ours through GetYourGuide. Good tour operators know the area well and will drive you away from the city lights and towards clearer skies, sometimes even chasing gaps in the clouds.

Even though the week we visited showed zero chances of a sighting due to heavy rains, we still got to experience the Northern lights. We booked our tour last minute and on the last day of the tour, just got lucky I guess!





  1. Reindeer + Sami culture tour


We also booked a Reindeer tour, which we'd 100% recommend. Again via GetYourGuide, it takes you by bus outside Tromsø to feed reindeer, then into a tent with a fireplace and hot chocolate.


There, the Sami, the native people of the region, share stories about their culture and reindeer-herding traditions. Our Sami guide was exceptional, and even sang a traditional song for us.




  1. Polar Museum


This museum is right by the harbor. It's inside an old warehouse from the 1830s. Inside you learn about seal hunting, trapping, and explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. It's small. You don't need more than an hour here.


How to Reach: Walk about 7-10 mins from city center.


Cost: About 100 NOK (roughly €8-9). Free for kids under 18.




  1. Sami souvenir shop


This is a cute shop next to the port, where you can get original Norwegian souvenirs. Plus the shopfront is beautifully decorated and lets you get some touristy pictures. Inside, they sell warm hats (we bought for both of us), reindeer horns (of course not real), and many such Norway unique items.




  1. Arctic Circle certificate


This is a paper that proves you crossed the Arctic Circle. People call it the Polar Certificate. It's a fun cheap souvenir.


How to Reach: Get it at the tourist info office on Storgata 83, or at the harbor terminal (Prostneset).




  1. Gateway to the Arctic


It is a wonderful piece of art. If you pay attention, you can photograpgh the portal with the Arctic cathedral framed inside it. However I would not recommend this as a must-visit. It is one of the tourist places you stop by to get a photo.


How to Reach: It's right on the harborfront in the old town, an easy 5–10 minute walk from Tromsø city center, no bus or ticket needed.





Places to eat in Tromso


When you have to wear 3 layers of clothes and drag your feet through snow and intense cold, you are going to feel super hungry. We know we were. From traditional Norwegian food to international cuisine, you'll find everything in this charming Arctic city. However, expect to pay a pretty penny for most meals in Tromsø - Norway is not cheap!


So here are some of the best restaurants we ate and drank while in Tromso:


1) Kaffebønna Strandtorget


Address: Strandtorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway


Kaffebønna is a lovely coffee shop and also a beloved local favorite that serves sandwiches and pastries, made fresh daily. The coffee was great and their "kanelbullar" or cinnamon rolls are huge. The staff were very friendly, and the cafe has a cosy vibe. We would recommend stopping by for a coffee fix or light snack



2) Ølhallen


Address: Storgata 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway


We just had to visit Tromsø’s oldest pub and we weren’t disappointed! This historic building has been serving beer since 1928, and now offers over 50 different types of beer on tap. They have an iconic stuffed polar bear right near the entrance and we didn't waste any time in getting a picture with it. The walls of this pub are adorned with beer and Nordic fishing antique pieces, and you truly feel like you stepped back through the ages.



3) Peppes Pizza


Address: Stortorget 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway


We were craving for some pizza when our eyes landed on a pizza place right in front of us, and that too in the middle of Tromso old town. We instantly went in and were promptly seated, where we ordered some good old American style pizza and wine for company. Would recommend them if you are tired of 2 days of eating Norwegian food and want a comfort food.




Hotels in Tromso


You can choose your hotel in Tromso based on whether you want to be close to the city centre or the airport. I would recommend city centre for all main days because all excursions like Northern Lights tour will pick you up from the centre.



Opened in 2025, already the highest-rated hotel in Tromsø. Rooftop outdoor jacuzzi, Arctic spa, harbour views, incredible breakfast. Around €110–140/night (~$120–155).


Best for first-timers: Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø :

Right on the harbour, walking distance to everything, and most tours pick up nearby. Rooms are a bit small but the location and price are good. From €90/night (~$100).


Near the airport: Moxy Tromsø :

Marriott's northernmost hotel, 1km from the airport with an 11th-floor Sky Bar that has panoramic fjord views. Rooms are compact but smart, and you check in at the bar with a welcome drink. From €90/night (~$100).


Glass facade on the waterfront, rooftop sky bar, and what locals call the best breakfast in the city. Around €130–180/night (~$145–200).


Budget: Ami Hotel :

Family-run for 30+ years. Clean rooms, shared kitchen (saves you a fortune in Norway), free coffee 24/7. Best budget option in Tromsø. From €70/night (~$75).


Full kitchen, washing machine, balconies with sea views, free parking. Split between 4–6 people it's cheaper than hotel rooms plus eating out. From €200/night (~$220).


Bucket-list stay: Æra Panorama Glass Lodge (30 min from Tromsø) :

Glass-ceiling cabins where you watch the northern lights from bed. Zero light pollution, WhatsApp aurora alarm, fjord-side sauna. Rental car included when you book direct. Around €250–400/night (~$275–440). Even one night here is worth it.




TROMSO DAY 02 - Tromso to Lofoten Drive + Reindeer tour



PICK UP RENTAL CAR


We started our morning by picking up our rental car. We had already booked the car much in advance, otherwise all the cheap priced cars get sold out, as Tromso is a popular tourist location. Even then, it cost us 500 euros for 4 days, since we wanted unlimited mileage, navigation and full coverage insurance.

Be very careful when driving in Norway in winter, because the roads can have black ice/ get slippery. Always drive slow, and practice on these road conditions before starting the journey. We were not experienced winter drivers, however we took good precautions and drove slow even with the winter tyres.

EXPERIENCE REINDEER FEEDING


We stored our luggage in the car and headed to the city centre, because we had a very special tour booked for that day. We were going our of the city to visit some Reindeer! Honestly, as much as the city of Tromso was welcoming, we also wanted to do some Arctic adventures that you only get to experience once in your lifetime.



We booked our tour via GetYourGuide, the Reindeer Sledding, Feeding & Sami Culture Experience, it cost us 80 euros per person and took away half a day's time.


From the meeting point in the city centre, we were taken on a bus to one hour outside the city. Throughout the journey, our tour guides informed us about both reindeer and the native tribal people called Sami.


Once we reached our destination, we could not believe our eyes. There were so many reindeer just freely roaming in the cold mountain. It was truly a magical sight. And then came the more interesting part - Feeding Reindeer!! In the beginning we were scared. "What if it eats my fingers?!" But once you start, you understand that reindeer are very gentle creatures and since they lack upper front teeth, you can only feel their soft gums. So it is completely safe. However do take care of their horns, never bend down, or your eyes are in the danger spot.


After this, we sat inside a warm tent with hot chocolate in hand, while being entertained by our Sami tour guide, a real native who finds 10 degree celsius as really hot, and who lives most of his year in the wilderness just herding his flock of reindeer. He taught us everything about their culture, sang his grandfather's songs, and showed us their traditional dresses. It was truly a unique experience.



BEGIN THE DRIVE TO LOFOTEN ISLANDS - STAY HALFWAY AT NARVIK


After the reindeer tour, we returned to Tromso city centre, and started our long and much awaited journey to the most remote islands in Norway : Lofoten Islands.




Reaching the Lofoten islands from Tromso takes 6-7 hours. In winter this takes even longer as you need to drive slow. So, we decided to cover only half-way on the first day. Our plan was to stop overnight at Narvik.


The route follows the E8 highway south out of Tromsø, then joins the E6 through the mountains. It's about 250 km and 3 - 3.5 hours without stops, but you'll want to stop. The road cuts through wide valleys, frozen rivers, and mountain passes that look like another planet.


Evening: Overnight stay at Narvik

Narvik is the natural midpoint and a smart place to break the drive instead of pushing all the way to Lofoten in one go. We stayed at a lovely Airbnb, and when we opened our eyes in the morning, we realised there were horses and mountains waiting for us just outside our door!




LOFOTEN ISLANDS DAY 01


We set off early morning from Narvik to reach the farthest points of Lofoten islands. We still had 3 more hours of drive waiting for us, but there were lots of viewpoints on the way and our plan was to stop at all of the different islands and beaches and waterfalls throughout the day, and only reach our hotel by night.


Places to visit in Lofoten Islands


  1. Svolvær (the main city in the Lofotens, and where the islands really “begin”)

  2. Henningsvær

  3. Nusfjord

  4. Ramberg Beach

  5. Hamnøy

  6. Sakrisøy

  7. Reine

  8. Å village (where the Lofoten Islands "end")





Svolvær


Svolvær is the first town you encounter once you reach Lofoten Islands. It is also their biggest town, with one supermarket and one main street. We parked our car and strolled into the town framed by dramatic sea and mountain views. It is home to roughly 4,700 residents.



We walked along the harbour into the town, which consists of houses all perched next to the sea. It was a stunning landscape, and we took our time just strolling beside the harbour. There was a giant bridge that you could cross to get closer to the ocean water.



When in Svolvaer, you could also do the Trollfjord cruise if you have half a day. A boat takes you through the Raftsundet strait into this insanely narrow fjord with 1,000m walls on both sides. A fjord is a long, narrow, and deep sea inlet with steep cliffs or mountains on three sides, carved out by a glacier and filled with ocean water. 



Henningsvær


From Svolvær we drove to Henningsvær, it took around 30 minutes. It is a tiny island with colourful houses everywhere. The smell of fish was in the air because there's cod hanging on wooden racks to dry along the road, it has been this way since thousands of years.


We walked around the harbour and clicked pretty pictures of the houses next to the sea. The main attraction here is the football pitch. We had seen the photo of it online while searching for places to visit in Norway. As unique it looked in photos, it felt even more different in person, with the cliffs and the sea surrounding it.





Nusfjord


You have to take a slight detour to reach Nusfjord. It is a tiny old fishing village tucked inside a narrow fjord. The drive to get there is already beautiful, mountains on both sides the whole way. However, you have to pay 100 NOK per person to enter the village because it operates as a private open-air museum. But the good news is, entry to the village is free after 5:00 PM.


Nusfjord is very picturesque with red and yellow wooden cabins along the water, old fishing equipment everywhere, and a completely quiet atmosphere. You can easily spend an hour or 2 wandering the village, getting a coffee and checking out the old fishing history.



Ramberg Beach


We were driving for some time along the E10 highway when we happened to see a stunning white sand beach with some people walking along it. My husband asked me in a second whether we should stop there, and I am a sucker for views, so I instantly said yes! I opened Google Maps and was surprised to see that it was the famous Ramberg beach that I had bookmarked all along.


Ramberg beach falls on your way, so make sure to stop here, even if just for a photo.


To be honest, the wind was so strong that we struggled to hold our camera still. But as you can see below, the pictures came out stunning. The sun was peeking through the clouds. It was too chilly to enter the water, hence we just stood above the ground absorbing it all in.



Hamnøy



Sakrisøy



Reine


Å village




Cafe at Å -





We spent the night in Sørvågen, which is right in the middle of all Lofoten villages. Our rental home for the night was a classic Norwegian fisherman's cabin, one that I would recommend everyone to experience while on this trip.



 
 
 

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