Traveling the 703 miles (1,131km) from the city of Trondheim to Tromsø, the largest city in the north is best done by flying, however, not the only option for those with extra time to explore.

A road trip to venture much of the western region of the country, as well as the famous Hurtigruten cruise line are both options as well, depending on how much time you have for your trip. Tromsø is a cultural city to explore and a great base for heading to other areas like Alta. Adventures like dogsledding, snowshoeing, and reindeer encounters await for the winter season, and in the summer, kayaking, and hiking under the midnight sun are unique activities to embrace the extra daylight.

For more ideas, check out this 7-day itinerary for an Oslo, Bergen & Tromsø Winter Adventure.

By Plane

Duration: 1.5-3 hours

A nonstop flight will have you landing in Tromsø in about one and a half hours. These flights run twice a week. This will allow for ultimate exploration time in the region known for the northern lights, wildlife, and gorgeous landscape. Once arriving, it's possible to take an express bus, the Flybussen into the city center, which takes about 15-minutes. 

By Car

Duration: 18-20 hours

Take some time to stroll around the old quarter of Trondheim, visit the Nidaros Cathedral, and eat some local fare before embarking on the drive north to Tromsø. Make sure to check current road conditions as your destination is located above the arctic circle and weather conditions can prevent navigating certain roads safely.

You'll take E6 north for almost the entire journey, with plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery along the way. For this reason, it's wise to allow for plenty of extra time, though a straightforward drive would take approximately 16-hours.

During your drive, you'll pass by Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park, a stunning region for hiking and outdoor exploits. Making your way north, you'll drive through the gorgeous landscape dotted with small villages. Near Røssvoll you can see the Svartisen glacier. From there, it's about nine more hours to Nordkjosbotn, where you'll veer onto E8 towards Tromsø, which is another hour. It's recommended to plan out your rest stops along the way, as many of the villages are small and the drive is lengthy. 

By Ferry/Cruise

Duration: 2-3 days

This option allows you to experience a unique vantage point of Western Norway and the fjord region from the water on the Hurtigruten Cruise line, however, it's likely the more expensive option. Travelers looking to make the journey this way will depart from the port in the city of Trondheim and then sail through the iconic fjords towards Tromsø.

Make sure to allow for some time to explore the historic city of Trondheim with its culture and local food. Cruisers can expect to stop in numerous scenic ports with opportunities for excursions. Some notable stops will include the postcard-perfect fishing village of Svolvær, overlooking the Vestfjord, and Risøyhamn, a village on the island of Andøya known for bird and whale watching.

Ask your local specialist for details.

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