Why we choose autumn

Autumn in Tromsø is short but remarkably beautiful. There are many highlights at this time of year: mountain hikes through colourful autumn landscapes, striking contrasts in the light, crisp, fresh air and plenty of cosy indoor moments, preferably with locally sourced ingredients on your plate.

The autumn season in Tromsø lasts from late August to late October. After a long, green summer beneath the golden rays of the midnight sun, the landscape turns shades of yellow, orange and red. As early as late August, a dusting of snow may appear on the highest mountains overlooking the city. It is a beautiful sight, to say the least.

The transition from bright summer to dark winter offers an abundance of highlights. Here are some of them.

Refreshing autumn weather and comfortable temperatures

The autumn air is crisp and fresh, while the temperatures remain comfortable. Although the weather in Tromsø can be unpredictable and often changes quickly, that is part of the charm. Few things are as fascinating as the weather.

Temperatures at this time of year can vary greatly, from above 20°C to below freezing. The further into autumn we get, the colder it becomes. The average temperature in Tromsø during the autumn months ranges from 3 to 11°C.

No one knows exactly when the first frost will arrive, but it is likely to be in October. When that happens, it is time to wrap a scarf around your neck, put your hands in your pockets and breathe in the fresh, cool autumn air.

Activities such as dog sledding on wheels and berry picking

Tromsø offers a wide and varied range of autumn activities. The city is surrounded by countless mountains and peaks, making it perfect for spectacular hikes of varying difficulty through golden autumn landscapes. Join a sightseeing or fishing trip in one of Tromsø’s magnificent fjords, or try a relaxing sea-kayaking excursion.

You can cycle in the mountains or around the city, while energetic huskies are waiting at the region’s many kennels to take you on an adventure. Dog sledding can be enjoyed year-round. Before the snow arrives, traditional sleds are replaced by wheeled carts, making autumn an ideal time to meet the huskies and explore the landscape.

Autumn is also a fascinating time to discover the region’s wildlife. On a boat trip, you may see abundant birdlife, reindeer grazing along the shore and porpoises and seals swimming beside the boat. With a little luck, you may also see a majestic white-tailed eagle soaring overhead.

Autumn is also the season for picking wild mushrooms and berries. The Outdoor Recreation Act gives us the right to harvest freely from nature’s pantry, and during autumn the forests and mountains surrounding Tromsø are brimming with delicacies such as blueberries, cloudberries and chanterelles. The berries are particularly sweet after ripening slowly beneath the golden rays of the midnight sun. Put on your hiking boots, pack your backpack and set off to discover the edible treasures of the surrounding countryside.

Northern lights and the autumn forest

id you know that you can see the mythical northern lights in the Tromsø region from late August? It is common to picture the green light dancing above a snowy landscape. However, autumn in Tromsø offers something completely different: the northern lights dancing above reddish-orange autumn forests. It is difficult to imagine anything more beautiful.

Autumn offers bright days and dark nights. This combination may not sound unusual, but it feels special to those of us who live here in the north. We only experience it during August, September, October, March and April. These months offer dramatic variations in light, along with vivid red sunsets that are sure to take your breath away.

Tromsø is a mecca for food lovers

As the days become shorter and colder, we are naturally drawn to Tromsø’s many restaurants and cafés. What could be better than sitting down, relaxing and enjoying a coffee in a cosy café? Imagine spending time with good friends, with a flickering candle on the table, while enjoying the excellent coffee available throughout the city alongside delicious homemade cakes and pastries. Heading indoors is particularly inviting on rainy days, and the weather outside quickly becomes irrelevant.

Many of the city’s restaurants serve distinctive local delicacies. Tromsø has a vibrant food culture, offering everything from Norwegian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients to international flavours. Fish and seafood are harvested from the waters around Tromsø, while salmon is caught in nearby rivers. Reindeer, lamb, grouse and elk – also known as moose – come from the surrounding mountains, as do a variety of wild mushrooms and berries. The journey from local source to table is often remarkably short.

Shopping, attractions and historic neighbourhoods

Wandering through the city streets is particularly enjoyable in autumn. Tromsø has a compact city centre that is easy to explore on foot, with many interesting and colourful neighbourhoods. Along the way, you can visit museums, galleries and attractions such as the Arctic University Museum of Norway, the Science Centre of Northern Norway, the North Norwegian Art Museum and Galleri NORD.

Tromsøbadet indoor water park offers fun for the whole family, as does the Arctic experience centre Polaria, where you can meet the seals. You can challenge your fear of heights at Tromsø Climbing Centre or put your competitive streak to the test at ByBowling in the city centre.

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty of options in Tromsø city centre, as well as at shopping centres in and around the city. You can find good deals on clothes, souvenirs and local delicacies. Several shops also sell locally produced knitwear that makes a wonderful souvenir.

During autumn, Tromsø hosts several popular festivals and cultural events, including Tromsø Jazz Festival, Rakettnatt Music and Arts Festival, Insomnia Festival and SMAK Food Festival.

Pop into Visit Tromsø’s Tourist Information for more tips.

Welcome to Tromsø this autumn!

As a sustainable destination, the tourism industry in Tromsø is continually working to reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment. We encourage everyone visiting Tromsø to read the Tromsø Cares guidelines.

Please help us take care of Tromsø so that future visitors can enjoy it just as much as you do.