Tromso’s reputation as a prime spot to see the Northern Lights is well known, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore Arctic flavors. The city’s unique location means you can combine breathtaking natural beauty with authentic local cuisine. Among the many options, we’re particularly fond of experiences that balance adventure and taste—like the Northern Lights Hunt with Photos and Hot Food and the Food Walking Tour with Guide and Tastings. These tours give you a taste of Tromso’s culinary scene alongside the stunning Arctic scenery and Northern Lights.
What makes Tromso stand out for food tours is its mix of local ingredients, traditional dishes, and scenic outdoor experiences. Some tours focus on hunting the Aurora, while others explore city streets filled with history and flavors. We’ve included a variety of options below, so whether you’re interested in gastronomic adventures, cultural insights, or nature pursuits, there’s something for you.
1. Tromsø: Northern Lights Hunt with Photos and Hot Food
At number 1, this 8-hour Northern Lights hunt is more than just chasing the aurora. It’s a full Arctic experience with visits to prime Aurora viewing spots that can extend up to 200 km from Tromsø, including into Finland. Led by experienced guides, you’re driven into the wilderness, where your guides aim to find the clearest skies. One of the best features of this tour is the professional portraits of you under the Northern Lights, captured by the guides, so you can remember the moment.
The tour includes thermal suits to keep you warm, hot soup, snacks, and drinks around a campfire, and storytelling about the Aurora’s mysteries. After a night of chasing the dancing lights, they’ll take you back to your hotel in Tromsø’s city center. The reviews are glowing—rated 4.8/5 from over 580 reviews—highlighting how well-organized and memorable this experience is. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of outdoor adventure, photography, and cozy warmth.
Bottom Line: This tour is great for night owls and photography lovers eager to see the Northern Lights in comfort, with the added bonus of great photos and a warm meal.
2. Tromsø: Food Walking Tour with Guide and Tastings
Number 2 on our list is the 3-hour Food Walking Tour, which explores Tromsø’s culinary and cultural scene. Led by a passionate local guide, this tour is less about fancy restaurants and more about local stores and historic spots. You’ll visit six stops, from Arctic Hunter’s Fangstmonument to cozy art galleries and specialty shops, sampling regional foods along the way.
The highlights include a tasting of regional dishes like reindeer, local seafood, and traditional Norwegian fare, all enjoyed in a secret dining room in historic surroundings. The tour also features visits to the Helmersen and Søstrene Ingebrigtsen, where you’ll learn about local food traditions. Reviewers rave about the informative guide and generous tastings—one calling it a “delightful twist” on typical food tours. Priced at $142 per person, it offers excellent value considering the depth of experiences packed into three hours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in local culture, history, and authentic Arctic tastes, this tour is perfect if you want a relaxed pace and plenty of tastings.
3. Northern Lights Tour with Hot Food and Drinks in Tromso
This full-day, small-group tour positions itself as a comprehensive Northern Lights experience. Starting from Tromsø, guides take you into the wilderness for prime Aurora viewing while enjoying a warm meal, hot drinks, and snacks around a bonfire. The tour lasts around 7 hours and includes thermal suits, so cold isn’t an obstacle.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic Arctic landscapes—mountains, fjords, and snow-covered valleys—and the personalized attention of a small group. The guide’s expertise ensures you have the best chances to see the Aurora, even if weather conditions are tricky. With a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from 32 reviews, the experience is described as highly personalized and memorable. The inclusion of Norwegian snacks and a cozy outdoor setting makes it as much about the atmosphere as the lights themselves.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full-day Arctic adventure with a focus on Aurora viewing, warmth, and scenery.
4. 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway
At number 4, this private, customized tour offers a flexible way to explore Tromsø’s culinary scene and city sights. It begins with a city walk through landmarks like Tromsø Cathedral, the Full Steam Coastal Museum, and the Polar Museum, combining cultural insights with food. The guide then takes you to local fish specialties—halibut, salmon, pollock—where you enjoy a fish plate and a beer.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience. The guide’s knowledge about Tromsø’s culture and history adds depth, and the tasting of Nordic seafood provides a real taste of local life. The reviews mention the convenient meeting point and the quality of the fish, which is prepared on-site. The price at $181.44 per person reflects the private nature and curated experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a casual, intimate tour focusing on Arctic seafood and city sights at their own pace.
5. Tromsø: African Food Safari with an African Family
Number 5 offers something quite different — a cultural and culinary journey into African cuisine. You can join a local African family for a shared meal or participate in a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare dishes like Jollof Rice, Fufu, and Acheke, discovering the secrets of African flavors firsthand. This experience emphasizes warmth and hospitality, making it a memorable cultural exchange.
While less detailed reviews are available, the appeal here is the chance to try something truly different in Tromsø, blending culinary skills with cultural storytelling. Whether you prefer sharing a meal or cooking yourself, this tour offers an authentic, personal experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those looking for a culture and interested in African cuisine as a break from Arctic flavors.
6. Tromsø: Captain’s City Walk with Food & Drinks
Number 6 is a 3-hour city tour led by the local captain, blending city sights with tastings. You’ll visit his favorite tapas bars and bars, hearing stories about Tromsø’s maritime heritage and even enjoying brews from a local brewery on the boat’s own brewery. This experience combines local history, marine culture, and culinary delights for a well-rounded taste of Tromsø’s soul.
This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and fans of local brews. It’s a relaxed way to see the city and sample its hidden culinary gems. The tour’s emphasis on stories and local brewing adds a unique flavor, and at $110 per person, it offers a good value for a short but rich experience.
Bottom Line: Great for people wanting a casual, story-filled walk with a focus on local drinks and maritime lore.
7. Tromsø: Expert Aurora Hunt – Thermal Gear, Food, Campfire
Our final pick is another 7-hour Aurora hunt, but with extra attention to expert guidance and photography. Led by a knowledgeable guide and photographer, this tour takes you to the clearest skies with thermal gear and includes a campsite meal and hot drinks. It’s ideal for those who want a more immersive outdoor experience with professional photo captures.
Guests praise the dedicated guides who go above and beyond to find the best Aurora displays—“our guide was passionate about getting us a good view,” says one review. The small group size (limited to 15) ensures personalized attention, making it a great choice for serious Aurora seekers or photography enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights while enjoying outdoor comforts.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Tromso
When selecting a food experience, consider your budget, interests, and the type of adventure you desire. For a relaxed city stroll with tastings, the Food Walking Tour is excellent. If you’re more interested in nighttime Aurora viewing paired with warm meals, the Northern Lights Hunt with Photos and Hot Food or the Expert Aurora Hunt might suit you best.
For those curious about cultural diversity, the African Food Safari offers a rare chance to explore African dishes in Tromsø. If you love maritime stories and local brews, the Captain’s City Walk provides a lively mix of city sights and drinks.
Finally, for ultimate outdoor Aurora experiences, the Northern Lights Tour with Hot Food and Drinks and the Expert Aurora Hunt are top choices.
Final Thoughts
Tromso offers a tempting range of food and Aurora experiences that cater to different tastes and interests. Whether you want a luxury photo safari, a city food crawl, or a cultural exchange, there’s something here for you. For adventurers and photo buffs, the Aurora hunts are unbeatable, especially with thermal gear and professional photography included. For those who prefer slow-paced cultural explorations, the food and city tours deliver authentic flavors and stories.
To get the most out of your trip, consider booking early—especially in peak Aurora season or during busy travel months. Whichever tour you choose, Tromso promises a delicious and memorable Arctic adventure that will leave you with plenty of stories—and maybe some new favorite dishes.