Polar night season in Tromsø

If you’re wondering when to plan your visit to Tromsø, often referred to as the Paris of the North, you might be curious about Polar Night Season. From when it is, to what to expect and things you should pack, this post will cover everything you need to know about Norway’s incredibly magical Polar Night season.

What Is It and When Is It?

Polar Night Season happens every year in Tromsø. It begins on November 27th and lasts until January 15th. However, due to the high mountain ranges around the city, it actually gets dark beginning November 21st until about January 21st. During this time, the sun does not rise at all. There is a subtle twilight light from about 9 AM to 2 PM, but otherwise, the city is dark. While this may sound a bit dreary, Tromsø locals actually report lower levels of wintertime depression than expected which may be related to a more positive wintertime mindset.

Tromsø - Whale watching in Tromsø - Things to do in Tromsø, Norway

Polar Night Weather

Typically, the first snowfall of the season happens in September or October, however, in recent years, this has been delayed. It’s good to keep this in mind if you are booking activities that require snow. Dogsledding and skiing are both popular activities in Tromsø, but if they are booked too early in the season, there might not be enough snow and you risk having your reservation canceled.

It doesn’t get as cold in Norway’s Arctic as it does in neighboring Finland. This is due to the warmer breeze coming off of the Atlantic. However, you’ll still want to come prepared with plenty of warm layers if you’re visiting Tromsø in the winter. Tourists should bring a thermal base layer, a comfortable mid-layer and a warm, water-resistant shell. You’ll also want to have a number of cold-weather accessories to choose from including a hat, mittens, a scarf, and warm, waterproof footwear, and socks.

Things to do in Tromsø - Culinary Northern Lights Cruise, The Northern Lights are a beautiful sight, Tromsø, Norway

Polar Night Activities

There will be no shortage of activities available to visitors of Tromsø during the Polar Night Season. Of course, many people travel to Tromsø during the Polar Night Season in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. For your best shot, consider booking a tour guide to help you locate these stunning lights for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Perhaps you are looking to get out on the water during your time in Tromsø. If so, you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of activities including tours of the fjords as well as whale watching. Both orcas and humpback whales can be spotted off the shores of Tromsø from October to January before they head south for the winter.

If you prefer to stay dry on the mainland, there’s plenty to do there as well. From dogsledding to hiking to ski touring you’ll be able to find an adventure that suits you. If you’re looking for something more low-key, consider taking a walk around the city to visit the shops and cafes. Or, book some time in at a local spa to escape the cold.

There is no question that visiting Tromsø during the Polar Night Season is a magical and unique experience. In no time, you’ll see why Tromsø is so often called the Paris of the North.

Inspired to visit Norway in the winter season? Check out our winter tours in Norway HERE.

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Life in the arctic

Norway’s Arctic Climate

Norway’s Arctic is one of the most astounding places on the planet. From the vast untouched snowy landscape, to the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, to the unique wildlife, the Arctic is truly something incredible. Unfortunately, climate change is having a devastating impact on Arctic regions worldwide. If change doesn’t occur rapidly to repair the damage that has already been done, the results will be devastating for Arctic regions as well as the rest of the world.

Animals in the arctic

It should come as no surprise that the Arctic region is one of the toughest places on earth for wildlife to live. Humans have been able to adapt fairly well to living in this part of the world due to the ability to wear clothing and reside in heated structures throughout the majority of the winter. However, for the animals that are forced to stay outside and venture through the Norwegian fjords and other areas of the Arctic, the climate is much more inhospitable.

Mining community of Longyearbyen, Svalbard - Norway

The Arctic Circle

Sitting at Earth’s most northerly latitudes, you can think of the Arctic as the planet’s hat. The main focus of this area is, of course, the North Pole, however there is so much more to it than that. Surrounding the North Pole is the Arctic Circle which stretches out into different countries, forming a line around the top of the Earth. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating part of the world.

Aurora Safari Tromsø - Northern lights tour from Tromsø, Norway

How to have the ultimate arctic adventure

When you book a trip to somewhere adventurous like the Arctic, you want to make sure that every second of the journey is packed with as much excitement as possible. But in order to do this, you need to know a variety of things about your destination such as where to sleep, what to do, and what to eat while you are there.