Best of · ARCTIC FJORD TOURS
Above the Arctic Circle the trip changes with the calendar rather than the hour: polar night, midnight sun, and sea eagles either way. These 15 compare the boats, the road trips and the fishing runs on price, warmth and how much daylight you actually get.
Set out from central Tromsø with Polar Adventures for a five-hour fjord cruise led by local guides such as Ken, Christina, Kristina, and Carolina. You will pass Rya Island, fish in Ramfjord, watch for eagles and marine life, and enjoy hot drinks, snacks, thermal suits, and fish soup cooked aboard.
“Christine and Ken were great! We really enjoyed the activity!”
Cruise from Tromsø through Ramfjorden, Rystraumen, and the waters around Kvaløya on a warm, spacious hybrid-electric catamaran. Guides such as Fred, Tobias, Frida, and Francesca share local stories, while an underwater drone reveals kelp and marine life. You also stop at a fish farm or fish-rack site, weather permitting.
“Thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip, which started from right outside my hotel. A good trip around the nearby shoreline on a glass smooth day, taking in sights and historical features and some social history all enhanced by some on screen presentations and descriptions by our guides. From inside there were great views, warmth and refreshments. Outside, even clearer views and a feeling of being in nature, thanks to the near silence of the passage.”
Leave Tromsø with an English-speaking guide such as Tomas, Filip, Anna or Joaquin, and follow a flexible route toward Sommarøy, Grøtfjord or Laksvatn. Expect fjords, beaches, mountain valleys, wildlife sightings, a homemade vegan sandwich, hot drinks, a campfire when conditions allow, and free web-resolution photos.
“We had a great time with Armand as our driver, photographer, chef and tour guide! He knew all the best spots to avoid the crowd and even timed the husky sledding perfectly so we got to take photos with them in the distance. We were lucky as the weather cleared up. Would definitely recommend the tour to friends and family.”
Sail for 3.5 hours from Tromsø aboard a spacious catamaran with panoramic windows, outdoor decks, free tea and coffee, and English or Norwegian guides. You’ll pass the Arctic Cathedral, islands, villages, and snow-covered fjords while guides such as Daniel and Jana explain local wildlife, history, and photography. Wildlife sightings can include eagles, seals, foxes, porpoises, and reindeer.
“it's hit and miss if you see any wildlife maybe going to fjords where they know wildlife hangs out”
Leave Tromsø’s center for Kvaløya’s fjords, valleys, beaches, frozen lakes, and mountain viewpoints. Your English-speaking guide, often including guides such as Mansoor, Aram, Abdul, or Ian, drives a comfortable minivan and helps with photos. Expect frequent short stops, a warm berry drink, and traditional lefse cake. Bring serious winter clothing.
“The tour takes place on Kvaløya island, around 30 minutes drive from the meeting point. One thing I liked about the tour was how non stop it was, there were countless stops along the island, meaning you definitely spend as much time as possible looking at the scenery rather than driving to it. The scenery itself includes beautiful fjords, mountains, frozen lakes, and even a beach. I also found the small towns you see and pass along the way with the red cabins very charming. Our guide Andi was lovely and explained the surroundings very well. She was also very helpful to an older member of our tour, helping her…”
Travel from Tromsø into Kvaløya’s fjords, beaches, lakes, and mountain country in a small group of up to 15 people. Your guide, often someone such as Tom, Armand, Filip, or Joaquin, makes scenic stops, prepares a vegan-friendly sandwich picnic, and takes complimentary photos. Expect a flexible 5 to 6 hour road trip shaped by weather.
“The whole experience was amazing. Joaquin and Lucas were so friendly and made the trip worthwhile. They ensured that everyone involved got to see the amazing scenery that tromso/sommaroy and the fjiords offered and that people could get as many pictures as possible. My wife was pregnant so the small group and attention to detail the guides offered made it worthwhile. One of the best tours we have done and can't say anything negative at all about the trip. Amazing!”
Travel from Tromsø across Kvaløya in a van or minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Simone, David, Matteo, or Filippo. Expect fjords, beaches, villages, reindeer, sea eagles, and perhaps seals or otters, plus hot soup, drinks, cookies, and photography help at scenic stops.
“Our guide Matteo showed us nice places and knew a lot of interesting things about them. The trip was very interesting.”
Travel from Tromsø across Kvaløya with guides such as Ole Mathis, stopping for fjord views before meeting a Sámi reindeer herder. Feed free-roaming reindeer, hear joik and stories by a fire in a lavvo, then enjoy lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel. Warm clothing, drinks, transport, and reindeer food are included.
“Ule was a great guide! He made stops along the fjords for us to enjoy beautiful views, managed the timeline perfectly and gave us loads of info about the area and the Sami culture. The lunch was delicious too with plenty of options. Giitu!”
Join Polar Adventures in Tromsø for a five-hour Arctic fjord cruise with fishing, wildlife spotting, thermal suits, hot drinks, and lunch made from fish caught onboard. Guides such as Raul, Ken, and Christina add local wildlife and history as you look for sea eagles, dolphins, porpoises, and other Arctic life.
“Beautiful boat trip on the fjords around Tromso. Great crew, offered a lot of information. Fishing activity was more fun than anyone initially though. Fish soup was amazing”
Meet near Tromsø’s Magic Ice Bar and ride to Kaldfjord for a small-group Arctic floating session. Certified English-speaking guides such as Carl, Paolo, Ida, and Raul explain the survival suits, lead you through the water, and take photos and videos. The trip ends with hot drinks, Norwegian waffles, and an Arctic achievement diploma.
“Ida and Fabrizio were amazing ! We had a great time.”
Travel from Scandic Ishavshotel into Tromsø’s fjord country in a small group of up to 15. Guides such as Nelson and Magdalena adjust the route to the weather, stopping for beaches, viewpoints, wildlife, photos, lunch, and warm drinks. Short walks make this a gentle way to see Arctic scenery without committing to a strenuous hike.
“Nelson, our guide, was fantastic. The Tour was amazing. He thought us a lot about Tromsø and the Fjords. When you bring a good mood you will have a great time. The vibes were immaculate! 12 out of 10 stars!”
Cruise Tromso’s Arctic waters for about four hours aboard Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric boat. Expect guide commentary, wildlife spotting, Ramfjorden scenery, and a shore stop at an old fishing facility on Kvaloya. Francesca, Ivan, and other guides have been praised for lively local history talks. A cafe, WiFi, restrooms, and indoor seating are available.
“We had a lovely boat ride in the surrounding fjords, enjoying the sun and fresh breezes on our faces while enjoying the beautiful scenery all around us. When it got a little chilly we went inside for some warm tea and snacks, and enjoyed several very interesting talks about local history, industries, the kelp forest and sea life. We stopped at an old cod drying station and museum, sampling some fish as well. The staff and crew were extremely kind and attentive. Our trip finished with a beautiful sunset ride back to port in Tromso - a very relaxing and beautiful afternoon.”
Travel from Tromsø to Kvaløya and Sommarøy in a small group of up to eight. Local guides such as Adrian, Erik, Fabian, and Steffen share stories about Arctic life, Sami culture, fjords, and Norwegian history. Expect scenic photo stops, possible reindeer and sea eagle sightings, a one-hour lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, and a comfortable black Mercedes vehicle.
“Fantastic trip. There was only 4 of us which made it very convenient and personal. Our guide stopped at multiple locations and was very knowledgeable. The vehicle was very nice and comfy, the food at the restaurant in Sommarøy was lovely too! definitely recommend.”
Leave Tromsø with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide and travel by minibus to Kaldfjord, Ersfjordbotn, and Sommarøy. Expect dramatic fjords, fishing villages, coral beaches, wildlife sightings, warm drinks, a Norwegian soup or sandwich, and helpful photos taken by your guide. Groups are limited to 15.
“A very well organised and memorable tour. Our guide was professional and attentive, and despite the weather we visited spectacular viewpoints with breathtaking scenery. The photos were a lovely bonus. Highly recommended.”
Travel from Tromsø across Kvaløya with a small group of up to 22 people. Stop for fjord views, feed reindeer with Sami herders, hear joik beside a bonfire, and enjoy a buffet lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel. Guides such as Ole Mattis add local Sami insight, with thermal suits available in poor weather.
“Great tour led by our captain cum guide, Ola, it was a delight feeding the reindeers, listening to the Sami lore in a cozy Lavu over bonfire and Hot Chocolate and a visit to Sommaroy, all done safely and comfortably.”
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