Best of · TROMSO FJORD TOURS
This far north the season decides everything: polar night from late November, midnight sun from late May, sea eagles all year. The 15 below compare the hybrid cruisers, the fishing runs and the picnic road trips on price, length and how much of the day is spent outdoors.
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!”
Travel from Tromsø to Sommarøy by comfortable bus with an English or Spanish-speaking guide such as Andreas, Cande, or Joanna. Stop at fjord viewpoints, sample local food and hot drinks, then enjoy smoked salmon, cheese, fruit, sweets, and local meats beside the beach. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want a quick Arctic swim.
“The experience was stunning!! Definitely worths it. When we started the weather was snowy and windy but Christian, the bus driver did an amazing job transferring us to all those magical places. Johana, our tour guide is very enthusiastic about her job and did her best to transmit us all those interesting information making our trip even more pleasant. She was even kind enough to share more details about places to visit and things to do in Tromso. The nature was breathtaking and we got a great taste of the Nordic landscapes in winter. Definitely recommend!!”
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!”
Spend five hours exploring Kvaløya, the Whale Island, from Tromsø in a warm minibus. Guides such as George, Alan, and Andrei stop at fjords, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, villages, and reindeer-viewing spots. Portraits are included, along with cake and hot drinks at a scenic picnic stop. The route changes with the weather.
“This tour through the Norwegian flowers was absolutely wonderful and truly unforgettable. The landscapes were breathtaking, filled with vibrant colors and pristine natural beauty that felt almost unreal. Walking among the flowers in such a peaceful and unspoiled environment was a unique and enriching experience. A special mention goes to our guide, who was outstanding. They were extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and attentive, sharing fascinating insights about the local flora, the environment, and Norwegian culture. Their enthusiasm made the tour even more engaging and enjoyable, and they were always happy to answer questions and make everyone feel comfortable. I highly recommend this to...”
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”
Spend 270 minutes aboard the wooden fishing boat Hermes II, cruising Tromsø’s fjords with a Norwegian and English-speaking crew. Try cod or haddock with supplied gear, hear the boat’s story, and warm up with coffee, fish cakes, and thermal suits. Truls Iversen and Christopher are among the crew members praised for their friendly guidance.
“very fun, I would say it was one of my favorite activities for the trip. I definitely recommend it.”
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.”
Leave central Tromsø with a guide such as Max, Isaac, Anna, or Gerard, then hike or snowshoe through Arctic countryside toward mountain and fjord views. Expect about two hours on foot, wildlife spotting, a summit lunch, hot drinks, free web-size photos, and route changes when wind or snow make conditions unsafe.
“We had a great and memorable hiking experience with our tour guide Ganni. He is very considerate, helpful and quite knowledgeable, making the trip enjoyable and educational. We definitely give two thumbs up for him and our experience.”
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!”
Sail Tromsø Sound and nearby fjords aboard the restored 1917 Hermes II. Norwegian and English-speaking hosts share the boat’s past, point out eagles, seals, reindeer, and birds, and welcome you into the captain’s cabin. Warm fish cake, coffee, tea, hot toddy, blankets, and thermal suits are included.
“Even though it was raining and windy, this was an excellent trip. All guides were happy, informative and attentive. The fish cake was delicious. Will definitely book again”
A harbour, a hull, or a season.
