Tromsø Car Hire

Guide to Tromso

City lights

Much of the action in Tromso emanates from the central Domkirke square and its trendy, eclectic boutiques, and eateries. The lion’s share of the city is located on an island, but it’s connected to the mainland via an impressive bridge which you can drive or walk across. This is also a hub for live music, and you’ll find gigs covering everything from electro pop to rock and everything in between.

Year-round attractions

Tromso is famous as a winter wonderland but there are plenty of attractions you can access all year round. For starters, don’t miss the iconic Fjellheisen cable car, which takes you all the way up to the Storsteinen mountain ledge where, at a heady 420m above sea level, you’ll enjoy views of mountains, fjords and Kvaloya, one of Norway’s largest islands.

Accommodation

Tromso has accommodation choices for everyone. Hotel With sits at Tromso Harbour, bang in the middle of attractions like the bridge, cathedral and the city’s best dining and shopping districts, hence it’s a great choice for convenience. However, if you prefer a boutique hotel experience, try trendy newcomer The Edge Hotel. Located close to the tourist information office, it purportedly serves the best beefburger in town.

Things to do in Tromso

From cathedrals to floating saunas

Do take the trip over the bridge to the awe-inspiring Arctic Cathedral. A masterpiece of modern architecture, it was built in 1965 designed by Jan Inge Hovig and boasts a beautiful glass mosaic that ignites in kaleidoscopic colours when struck by sunlight. For something a little different, try the Pust floating sauna, where you can take a daring dip in the Arctic sea followed by a cathartic sauna with sublime cityscape views.

Retail therapy

Yearning for retail therapy? Tromso doesn’t disappoint. If handcrafted gifts are your bag, head to Husfliden for locally-designed knitted clothes, wood art or even a resplendent bunad getup (this is the traditional national costume). Alternatively, you’ll find unique creations from regional artists at Galleri Nord and Krane Art Gallery, or ornate glasswork at Blast.

Sailing adventures

Provided you’ve got your sea legs, why not book a sailing adventure? Set off from Skervoy harbour and your skipper can take you away from it all for a couple of nights as you spot whales, marvel at the Northern Lights, and enjoy gourmet meals on the open waves. Seeing this territory from the sea is an experience you won’t forget and staying on these well-appointed vessels has been compared to living large on a floating hotel.

Eating out in Tromso

Bistro delights

If industrial chic and modern norvegian cuisine sounds the very dab, head to Mathallen. This swish restaurant specializes in fresh-caught fish and local meats and if you want to stock up on delicacies after settling your bill, there’s a deli next door with divine stockfish, cheeses, and smoked salmon.

First-class coffee

Need a midday caffeine shot? There’s nowhere better than trendy Riso, the most popular café for Tromso’s cool kids and hip set. Expect artisan Chemex coffee, outstanding open sandwiches and cakes that amuse your bouche until dinner time!

Mediterranean magic

Located at Stargata 36, this is Tromso’s best tapas spot and expertly blends Mediterranean flavours with fabulous local norvegian notes. If you want to infuse your holiday diet with fare from Europe’s warmer regions, this restaurant is a welcome shot of culinary sunshine.

Transport in Tromso

Airport

Located at Lagnes on the west shore or Tromso island, Tromso Airport (TOS) hosts carriers like SAS, norvegian and Wilderoe and serves destinations such as Milan, Vienna, Brussels, Stockholm and Amsterdam.

Public transport

City buses in Tromso operate from early in the morning until late at night and there’s a late night service for weekend revellers. You can pay by cash only on the bus or grab pre-paid tickets from machines and kiosks around town. To explore the fjords, take an express boat or ferry – find out more from the tourist centre.

Driving

If you’re driving here between 15th October and 1st May, remember to fit winter tires and please use dipped headlights all year round. Drive cautiously in rural areas and leave plenty of distance between your car and others. Speed limits are 80 km/h on open roads and 30km/h - 50km/h in built-up and residential areas.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Tromsø

● Research Car Hire Companies: Before finalising your choice, thoroughly research Tromso car hire companies. Look for reputable car hire companies offering competitive car hire deals and cheap car hire options to suit your budget.

● Compare Car Hire Prices: Take the time to compare car hire prices from different car rental companies in Tromsø. This will help you find the best car hire deals and secure the most cost-effective rental.

● Book in Advance: Secure your Tromsø car rental by booking in advance. This is especially crucial for Tromso Airport car hire, ensuring availability and providing the opportunity to access better car hire deals.

● Consider a Electric Car: Given Tromsø's commitment to sustainability, consider opting electric rental cars. Not only do they contribute to environmental conservation, but many also offer very good gas mileage.

● Check Car Hire Locations: Verify that the car hire company has convenient locations in Tromsø, including Tromsø Airport. This ensures easy access to your rental car and simplifies the car pickup process.

● Explore Van Hire Options: If you're traveling with a group or have a need for extra space, explore van hire options available in Tromsø. This can be a practical choice for a comfortable journey.

● Driving License Requirements: Ensure you have a valid driving license for Tromso car rental. If you're an international visitor, familiarise yourself with any specific driving license requirements.

● Beware of Overpriced Deals: Be cautious of car hire prices that seem excessively high. Over double the cost of standard car hire deals may indicate inflated prices, so it's essential to shop around for the best car hire deal.

● Read Reviews for Car Hire Agencies: Before finalising your decision, read reviews for various car hire agencies in Tromsø. This can provide insights into the experiences of other customers and help you choose a reliable provider.

● Hire Car for Road Trips: If you plan on exploring beyond Tromsø, hiring a car is an excellent option for a road trip adventure. Look for the best car hire deal that suits your travel plans.