Landscape seen from top of a local mountain in Tromsø.
Vegard Stien

Winter hiking in Tromsø

If you don't have experience walking on snow and ice and in steep terrain, you should not go hiking on the mountains during winter and spring. 

The mountains around Tromsø are beautiful but dangerous. on occasion, several people have been rescued from mountains around the Tromsø region because of slippery trails and challenging conditions.

Please avoid the Sherpa Stairs

Only venture on the Sherpa stairs if you are experienced and have proper gear. If not, please take the Cable Car. From Storsteinen you will get a fantastic view of the city while staying safe at the same time. 

Only hike if you're experienced

You might have experience hiking challenging and icy terrain in other parts of the world, but remember that local conditions might differ from what you're used to. If you are experienced in our region and want to hike the trails, proper gear is crucial:

  • Crampons, if you are familiar with them, designed for mountaineering and ice climbing.
  • Warm clothes, preferably wool, a windproof jacket and extra mittens.
  • Suitable hiking shoes for winter, with good grip.
  • Food. Bring packed lunch and a water bottle.
  • Use a backpack for your gear.

 

Stay informed

The weather can change quickly. It can be sunny and nice in the morning, but turn into bad weather a few hours later. Therefore, always check the weather forecast before you go. It's also important to stay updated on the avalanche forecast on varsom.no. 

For a safer and better experience, we recommend using a local guide when venturing into areas you are unfamiliar with.

Good alternatives

If you lack experience and gear but still want to go on a hike, there are good and safe alternatives. Telegrafbukta and Prestvannet are popular spots for hiking. Read our article about top 8 places to explore by foot, skiing and snowshoeing!