Tromsø with my good friend, a February escape to Arctic magic

There are some trips that stay with you long after you get home, and my 3‑night break in Tromsø, Norway with my good friend Kate is one of them. If you are looking for a short, unforgettable winter adventure that feels a world away yet is easy to reach, Tromsø in February is just perfect.

An Arctic adventure that starts just three hours from home

Touching down in Tromsø in February feels like stepping straight into a winter postcard: snow‑dusted mountains, icy fjords and that crisp Arctic air that makes everything feel extra vivid.

With a direct Aer Lingus flight, the journey is surprisingly easy, around three hours in the air on the winter schedule that operates from January to April. No complicated connections, just a smooth hop from Ireland into the Arctic Circle.

On arrival, the magic starts quickly. Tromsø airport is only about 15 minutes from the city centre, so after a short transfer we were checked into our hotel and ready to explore.

The perfect base, Clarion Hotel The Edge

We stayed at Clarion Hotel The Edge on the waterfront, and it could not have been more ideal for a short, activity‑filled break with a friend.

• Waterfront location with beautiful views
• Directly opposite the main bus depot, where many of the excursions and tours depart from each day
• Just a short stroll from the harbour for any boat or fjord cruises

Being able to step out of the hotel and walk to almost everything made the trip incredibly easy and relaxed. For a busy winter itinerary, this central location is a real bonus.

Night 1: Sami culture, reindeer and snow

On our first evening, we joined a coach tour to experience Sami culture and meet the reindeer. We had been hoping for a Northern Lights display, but instead were treated to a heavy snowfall that turned the whole landscape into a snow globe.

At the reindeer camp we:

• Fed the reindeer in the softly falling snow
• Warmed up inside with traditional Sami cuisine
• Listened to Sami storytelling and even some singing around the fire

Even without the Northern Lights that night, it was incredibly atmospheric, the snow, the quietness of the landscape and the feeling of being welcomed into a very old, living culture.

Day 2: Husky sledding under blue Arctic skies

The next morning, we were up early for one of the absolute highlights of the trip,  husky sledding.

After a spectacular 90‑minute coach journey through fresh snow and dramatic Arctic scenery, we arrived at Aurora Husky. From the moment we stepped off the coach we were looked after by friendly staff who gave us a clear and reassuring tutorial on how to drive the sleds.

Both of us got to take turns driving. Our lead dogs, Pepsi and Cola, were bundles of energy, barking with excitement until we set off, then suddenly focused and professional once we were moving.

Gliding through the white landscape, pulled by these incredible dogs, was genuinely one of the highlights of my life. The silence, the blue skies, the endless snow and that sense of freedom meant we never wanted it to end.

Afterwards, we were able to spend some time playing with the dogs, followed by a steaming hot chocolate and a delicious cinnamon pastry, the perfect end to a magical morning.

Afternoon: Tromsø from above

Back in Tromsø, we had a quick freshen up at the hotel, then headed out again. We enjoyed a gorgeous lunch in Kaia overlooking the harbour, then made our way to take the Fjellheisen cable car up the mountain above the city.

Practical tips from our visit:

• You can book a return coach from Tromsø that runs roughly on the hour to the cable car station
• We had no queue at all and were up and down in just over an hour
• We were lucky with a clear day, blue skies and no wind, so the views were absolutely spectacular

From the top, you get a breathtaking panorama of Tromsø’s colourful buildings, the bridge, the Arctic Cathedral and snowy mountains and fjords stretching out all around. It is the perfect spot for photos and a quiet moment to take in where you are.

After a very full day, we decided to keep it simple: dinner back at the hotel and a well‑earned large glass of wine, watching the lights of Tromsø glitter on the water.

Day 3: Snowmobiling near the Swedish and Finnish borders

The next morning we were back on a coach for another 90‑minute journey, this time to Camp Tamok, an outdoor activity area where you can try:

• Snowmobiling
• Husky sledding
• Skiing
• And other winter adventures

We joined a snowmobiling excursion, which began with a very thorough safety briefing from our guide. Once we were geared up and comfortable with the controls, we set off across wide open snowfields and into the Arctic wilderness.

For over an hour we rode through vast, untouched landscapes, right up to just a few miles from both the Swedish and Finnish borders. It felt like being in an action film, endless white, distant mountains and that feeling of being somewhere truly remote and special.

Afterwards, we warmed up with a beautiful lunch of hearty goulash and had a little time to explore. We even saw some igloo‑style accommodation where you can stay overnight and (with luck) watch the Northern Lights from your bed. It is definitely one for the bucket list on a future visit.

Then it was back on the coach to Tromsø, tired but exhilarated.

Final evening: chasing the Northern Lights by fjord

By our last evening we were starting to worry that we might leave Norway without seeing the Northern Lights. So we booked an evening Northern Lights fjord cruise, hoping that the skies might finally co‑operate.

We boarded a beautiful ship and, within about 20 minutes, the captain announced that the Aurora had appeared. The Northern Lights were suddenly dancing across the night sky: shifting ribbons of green and white, moving and changing right above us.

They lasted for around 20 magical minutes, long enough for us to take photos, then simply put our phones away and watch. After days of snow, huskies and adventure, finally seeing the Lights felt like the perfect finale.

Departure day: one last view and a heart full of memories

On our final morning, with just a few hours left before our flight, we walked up to the famous arch under the bridge, a popular photo spot. My top tip,Tromso visit first thing in the morning. Any other time we passed, there was a queue of around 30 people waiting for their turn, but early in the day we had it almost to ourselves.

With a camera roll full of Arctic moments and a heart full of memories, we made our way back to the airport for the short flight home.

That was my third trip to Norway and it certainly will not be my last. Until next time, Norway.

If this has inspired you and you would like to discuss a tailor‑made trip to Tromsø, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I will take care of every detail, from flights and hotel to unforgettable Arctic experiences, so all you have to do is wrap up warm and enjoy. Contact me today and let us start planning your own Northern Lights adventure