Tromsø to Alta: 7-Day Winter Aurora Itinerary
Chase the northern lights and go whale watching in Tromsø, then head to Alta for rock carvings and an ice hotel stay.
Splitting your stay between two locations increases your chances of clear skies for aurora viewing: Tromsø offers excellent whale watching and city amenities, while inland Alta often has less cloud cover, plus husky sledding and an ice hotel. Travel between the two cities by rental car, bus, or a short flight. Ideal for first-time aurora chasers wanting a multi-night stay; winter driving on mountain roads requires experience on snow and ice.
Whale watching in the fjords is best from November to January. The ice hotel usually opens in late December.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Tromsø
Tromsø（Storgata & Old Town、Fjellheisen Cable Car）
Take the airport bus to the city center (approx. 15 mins). Take the cable car up the mountain in the evening.
Stay: Tromsø City Centre
Day 2 · City Walk & Aurora Chasing
Tromsø（Arctic Cathedral、Polaria、Northern Lights Chase, Tromsø）
Explore the city on foot during the day. Join a guided bus tour in the evening (approx. 4 to 8 hours).
Stay: Tromsø City Centre
Day 3 · Fjord Whale Watching
Board a boat from the harbor in the early morning. The tour takes 6 to 8 hours round trip.
Whales usually leave the area by February; you can opt for a husky sledding tour instead.
Stay: Tromsø City Centre
Day 4 · Drive North on E6 to Alta
Alta（World Heritage Rock Art Centre – Alta Museum）
Pick up your car and drive the E6 (approx. 5 to 6 hours including two ferries). Alternatively, fly or take a bus.
In winter, the rock carvings are mostly covered in snow; focus on the indoor museum exhibits instead.
Stay: Alta City Centre
Day 5 · Northern Lights Cathedral & Huskies
Alta（Northern Lights Cathedral、Trasti & Trine）
Take short drives around town. The husky farm is about a 20-minute drive away.
Stay: Alta City Centre
Day 6 · Overnight Stay at the Ice Hotel
Alta（Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel、Alta River）
Drive from the city center to Sorrisniva (approx. 25 mins). Enjoy free time in the river valley.
Follow the hotel's instructions on how to dress for sleeping in an ice room. Look out for the aurora in the valley at night.
Stay: Sørrisniva Alta River Valley
Day 7 · Depart from Alta
Drive back to town (approx. 25 mins) to return your car. The airport is located very close to the city center.