10 Reasons To Add Tromsø, Norway, to Your 2025 Travel List

If visiting the Arctic Circle is on your bucket list, Tromsø, Norway, could be the perfect destination to fulfill that goal. Not only is Tromsø above the Arctic Circle, but it’s a fascinating city to visit and explore.

Traveling to Nordic countries, especially Norway, can be expensive, but using points and miles can help offset some of the significant expenses.

If you’ve set your sights on visiting the Arctic Circle, here are 10 reasons to consider adding Tromsø to your list.

1. You Can Get There Using Points and Miles

Tromsø (TOS) can be easily accessed from Oslo (OSL), Norway, in less than 2 hours with Norwegian Airways or Scandinavian Airways (SAS). SAS also services Tromsø nonstop from Copenhagen (CPH), Denmark, and Stockholm (ARN), Sweden.

Here are ideas for getting to Norway using miles:

• Redeem 25,000 Flying Blue Air France-KLM miles to fly Air France or KLM from New York (JFK) connecting to Oslo (OSL) in economy class one-way.
• Redeem 38,900 Air Canada Aeroplan miles to fly Air Canada or United from Newark (EWR) connecting to Oslo (OSL) in economy class or 70,000 miles for business class one-way.
• Redeem 44,000 United MileagePlus miles to fly United from Newark (EWR) connecting to Oslo (OSL) in economy class or 88,000 miles in business class one-way.

You can use Delta SkyMiles to book direct or connecting flights on SAS, but routes are currently limited. Although you can use SkyMiles to get to Oslo, Oslo to Tromsø is not currently available.

These examples are based on actual flight availability found on Seats.aero and are for illustration purposes. Your results will vary, and taxes and fees will be additional.

We like using a card that earns transferable rewards. Transferring American Express Membership Rewards points earned on the card to airline and hotel partners can yield the highest potential value.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express is popular because it offers the best airline lounge access, travel insurance benefits, and statement credits for certain purchases.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® eligible Card Members can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Use the dedicated CLEAR Lane to confirm your identity without taking out your passport or ID – this can mean shorter lines, less waiting. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

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• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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2. It’s in the Arctic Circle

You won’t find a more accessible populated city within the Arctic Circle. Tromsø is the third-largest city within the Arctic Circle, with around 75,000 residents. (The 2 larger cities are in Russia.)

The city is also a base for exploring more of the Arctic, including the Svalbard islands further north. Adventurers and scientists commonly use Tromsø as a base for further Arctic travels.

Despite its remote location, Tromsø is a vibrant city with festivals, cultural events, and nightlife. There is plenty to do in Tromsø, and even a short visit can be worthwhile.

3. You Can Book Hotels Using Hotel Loyalty Points

When you travel to a country where food, activities, and lodging can be expensive, booking your accommodations using hotel loyalty points can help offset expenses.

Luckily, there are plenty of hotels you can book with points in Tromsø, including the ones we’ll list here.

Choice Hotels

Using Choice Privileges hotel loyalty points to book lodging in Tromsø is one of the best ways to secure free hotel nights. There are so many eligible hotels, and some even include meals!

Clarion Hotel The Edge is a trendy, modern hotel in the city center facing the harbor. It hosts the city’s only sky bar and has stunning views of the area. You can book rooms from just 15,000 Choice Privileges points per night.

Home Hotel With meets most travelers’ needs with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and an evening meal. I stayed at the With, and the food was quite good and plentiful. The hotel is directly on the harbor and a perfect base for exploring the city. Its nautical decor in the public spaces was slightly worn on my visit, but the rooms were modern and bright, with great views. You can book rooms here from 15,000 points per night.

The Home Hotel Aurora is next to the With hotel and hosts the meals for both hotels. Once again, it is in a perfect Tromsø location, with bus stops, ferry access, and spectacular harbor and mountain views. The outdoor hot tub is a nice feature, as well. Rooms start at 15,000 points per night.

The Quality Hotel Saga is pet-friendly and offers a complimentary breakfast. The harbor is a short walk away, and the airport bus picks up right near the hotel for the 10-minute ride to the airport. The hotel also has modern and stylish decor. You can book rooms from 12,000 points per night.

The contemporary Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø is a good choice if you want to be near the Hurtigruten cruise terminal and still have access to central Tromsø. It’s also just 2.5 miles from the airport. Rooms are 12,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:

Citi ThankYou Points earned on cards such as the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card can be transferred to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio. Wells Fargo Rewards cards, including the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card, also earn points that can be transferred to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio.

Marriott

The Moxy Tromsø overlooks the runway at Tromsø Airport. With its hip vibe and incredible runway views, the hotel is a fun choice for an early morning flight or late arrival. You can take the airport shuttle that picks up next door for a modest fee, or walk about 20 minutes to the terminal. Book rooms from 12,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

I’m a big fan of my Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card for earning 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, up to $15,000 in purchases each year, then 2x points. In fact, all purchases made on the card earn 2x Marriott Bonvoy points. The card also provides a free night certificate, worth up to 50,000 points, once I’ve reached the $15,000 spending threshold.

Plus, every night I stay at a Marriott property, I receive an extra 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for each stay when using the card and earn 6x points.

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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Up to 135,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $945

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy^® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy^® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

4. You Can See the Northern Lights

I visited Tromsø during the time of year when I never experienced total darkness and did not view the northern lights. However, Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to view them.

Travelers from all over the world come to Tromsø to view the northern lights. The best visibility is from September through April, when the Arctic nights are long. Dark skies, clear weather, and Tromsø’s prime location in the Arctic Circle contribute to the ability to view the phenomenon even when solar flares are less visible elsewhere.

Northern lights viewing is a major source of tourism in this city, so there are all sorts of organized tours, from those that last a few hours to overnight adventures. Book your lodging well in advance if you plan to go for this reason during the prime season, especially when using hotel loyalty points.

Hot Tip:

You don’t need a car in Tromsø. The airport is close to town, and affordable transport is available. The city is compact and very walkable, and the public bus system is easy to navigate.

5. It Experiences 24 Hours of Daylight

On the flip side, you may want to visit Tromsø when daylight hours go well into the night.

The average number of daylight hours throughout the year varies, but June or July are the best months for around 24 hours of daylight. There truly is a midnight sun during the summer in Tromsø.

The extended daylight gives you plenty of time to experience Tromsø and the surrounding area to the fullest. Plus, temperatures are the most comfortable during the summer.

6. You Can Explore the Fjords

You wouldn’t want to visit Tromsø without taking a journey down the fjords. The scenery is breathtaking, and the waterways are easy to explore.

Boats leave from the docks in central Tromsø throughout the day. You can book a tour that includes other activities or just sailing. Either kind of trip allows you to view the incredible landscapes that surround the city. Plan to see plenty of mountains, islands, wildlife, historic sites, and nearby villages.

Some vessels are equipped with underwater cameras that work well for viewing sea life.

A particular highlight of my fjord cruise was a visit to the hidden naval base of Olavsvern. It’s a subterranean water tunnel used during the Cold War to evade the Russian army. Ironically, the space was leased to Russian yacht owners after the demise of the Soviet Union. Later (even more ironically), it was used by the U.S. Navy, which may do so again. It’s a fascinating story.

7. It Has Amazing Wildlife

If you’re fortunate, you’ll see wildlife in their natural habitat while in Tromsø. I walked up close to wild reindeer grazing in the open fields and saw plenty of wild birds. I also saw whales and dolphins at a distance.

Some of the wildlife you’re likely to see include moose, reindeer, eagles, whales, dolphins, hares, and deer. Additional wildlife you’re less likely to see may include arctic foxes, wolves, bears, lemmings, wolverines, and lynx. A good wildlife tour will increase your sighting chances.

8. There Are Lots of Outdoor Activities

You may be in the Arctic, but Tromsø is the place to be in the outdoors. No matter the season, Tromsø offers activities that focus on enjoying nature.

Here are some activities to find in and around Tromsø:

• Hunting for the northern lights is one of the most popular activities in Tromsø. The simplest way to get out of the city and improve your chances of sighting is to take the cable car up the mountain. Alternatively, you can book an organized tour. There are dozens of tour offices on the streets of Tromsø.
• Dog sledding is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. You can even drive your own dog sled, feed and play with sled dog puppies, or visit a husky cafe.
• Snowmobiling, skiing, or snowshoeing gets you out and about in the winter air.
• Experience Sámi culture by mingling with reindeer herds, sitting down to a reindeer camp dinner, and reindeer sledding.
• Take a hike on one of dozens of trails around Tromsø. Many hikes are easily walked, or you can select a more challenging trail. Outdoor Active does a great job of listing possible trail options, difficulty level, time required, and location.
• Fishing is a popular activity in Tromsø, even in the winter. You can fish from shore, go ice fishing, or join one of the many fishing charters to catch cod, halibut, pollack, and more. Fishing gear is normally included on the tours.
• Explore the fjords that surround Tromsø by hopping on one of the many boats in the harbor offering fjord tours.
• Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a sauna or Jacuzzi with a view of the waterfront on the M/V Strønstad spa boat in Tromsø harbor. A 1-hour session also includes a robe, a towel, and access to the shower. Or try an Arctic floating session if you want to be one with the cold water.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is my favorite card for booking experiences. The card earns 3x points on all eligible travel purchases. Plus, I can redeem points via Chase Travel for experiences at the rate of 1.5 cents each.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel^SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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9. You Can Eat Fresh Arctic Seafood

The seafood in Tromsø is divine. Norwegian salmon and cod are good to try and are commonly found in most restaurants.

King crab and langoustines are a true delicacy and worth a splurge. Shellfish, including mussels, clams, and sea urchins, are also good.

Here are additional foods to try in Tromsø:

• Lefse is a potato-based flatbread that can be made savory with vegetables, meat, or cheese, or sweet with cheese, nuts, or fruits.
• Eating reindeer meat is common in Tromsø, whether it’s a steak, a stew, or a burger. One popular way to eat reindeer meat is a reindeer hot dog.
• Don’t hesitate to try the brown cheese, brunost, as it has a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Cloudberries and cloudberry jam are a must at breakfast time.

10. You Can Explore Sámi Culture

The Sámi are the indigenous people of the Sápmi region, which includes parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Russian Kola Peninsula.

Traditionally, many Sámi people made their living by herding reindeer. Although the Sámi are part of modern Norwegian society, they’ve faced discrimination. Norway has passed laws that give the Sámi people land and herding rights.

In Tromsø, you can arrange to learn more about their cultural traditions and hear their stories around the campfire, join in feeding the reindeer herd, and ride through the landscape on a traditional-style sled pulled by reindeer.

The Sámi are such an integral part of Tromsø’s community that you won’t want to leave without knowing more about their history.

Final Thoughts

Tromsø is a special place I would have never visited if I hadn’t used points and miles to offset some of the cost of traveling there. If you’re looking for a unique place to visit, I highly recommend it.

Visit the Tromsø visitor center website to learn more about what to see, do, and eat there.