Two Seasons in Tromsø: Sled Dogs, Trolls, and the Arctic’s Quirkiest Surprises

Tromsø has a way of being both surreal and surprisingly down to earth. Located over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, this city balances polar history, natural beauty, and everyday life in a way few places can. Whether you’re exploring in a snow jacket or short sleeves, Tromsø has something memorable tucked around every corner.

My first visit came in October 2023. It wasn’t quite full winter yet, but you wouldn’t know it from the amount of snow we saw. I joined a ship excursion that began with a short walk through the city before heading out to a sled dog camp in Breivikeidet, about 30 miles away. I’ve always loved dogs, and these huskies were absolutely thrilled to greet us. The staff explained that part of the reason they welcome guests is to help the dogs stay socialized so they’re calmer when pulling sleds. It made sense. There were over 100 dogs at the camp, and a few adorable puppies mixed in. The camp itself was surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and the snow-covered landscape felt like something out of a winter fairytale.

After we returned to Tromsø, I had time to wander a bit more. I stumbled into the Tromsø Troll Museum, and I’m glad I did. It’s a quirky little spot with interactive exhibits and a heavy dose of Norwegian folklore. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about trolls in a fun and creative way, this is the place. Between the imaginative displays and some surprisingly thoughtful storytelling, it was a great way to wind down the day.

In June 2025, I came back to Tromsø on another cruise. This time, the experience was completely different. The snow was gone, replaced with blue skies and greenery. I didn’t book any excursions and just explored the city on foot. Some places looked familiar, others felt new in the sunlight. I wandered the streets near the harbor, ducked into a few shops, and then discovered something unexpectedly fun: Tromsø is home to both the northernmost McDonald’s and the northernmost 7-Eleven in the world. Naturally, I stopped in for lunch just to say I’d been there.

Later in the day, I met up with some friends who were also out exploring. We decided to do a bit of troll hunting through local shops, looking for handmade carvings and souvenirs. One of our best finds was the Sami Shop, which offers locally made items and supports the Indigenous Sami people of the region. After picking up a few gifts, we made our way back to the ship and called it a wrap.

Tromsø may not be huge, but it delivers plenty of charm whether you visit under the midnight sun or while wrapped in layers of fleece. It’s definitely one of those ports I’d be happy to return to anytime.