Tromso stands out as a top destination for food lovers eager to explore authentic Arctic cuisine amidst stunning northern scenery. Unlike many cities, Tromso offers rich local flavors combined with cultural insights, making every meal a story in itself. Among the standout experiences are a food walking tour that takes you through the streets with a passionate guide and several tasting stops, and a Northern Lights tour that combines aurora hunting with a warm meal under the stars. We love how these experiences blend local flavors with the Arctic wilderness and local stories, providing more than just a meal — they’re immersive cultural journeys. If you want to see the Northern Lights with a cozy bite, check out the Northern Lights Tour with Hot Food and Drinks in Tromso. For a taste of Tromso’s culinary scene, the Tromsø Food Walk is hard to beat.
Quick Overview
This guide covers five of the best food tours in Tromso, each offering a different way to experience Arctic cuisine and local culture. You’ll find options from guided walking tastings to private food and city tours, and even a Northern Lights experience with a warm meal. Whether you’re after an informative walk, a small-group adventure, or a private culinary experience, this list has something for every type of traveler.
1. Tromsø: Food Walking Tour with Guide and Tastings
At number one, this tour delivers a 3-hour journey through Tromsø’s food scene with a local guide who is passionate about Arctic cuisine. What sets it apart is the combination of culture, history, and food — you visit six stops, from a historic Arctic Hunter monument to cozy art galleries, sampling traditional dishes along the way. The tour features stops at select specialty stores and a secret dining room, giving an intimate look at local ingredients and cooking methods. The itinerary includes visits to Raketten Bar, Helmersen, and Søsstrene Ingebrigtsen AS, with a substantial 95-minute tasting session at the end focused on regional food.
Guests praise the tour’s unique approach — instead of simply visiting restaurants, you walk through Tromsø’s streets, learning about its past while enjoying local cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties. Reviewers mention the warmth of the guide and the cozy atmosphere of the meal at the end, making it ideal for travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed experience. For roughly $142 per person, it’s a good value considering the personalized storytelling and cultural depth.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a cultural and culinary introduction to Tromsø that feels immersive rather than touristy. It’s suited for those who enjoy walking, local stories, and tasting authentic Norwegian dishes.
2. Northern Lights Tour with Hot Food and Drinks in Tromso
Number two on our list goes beyond food — it’s a full-day Northern Lights hunt that culminates in a warm meal under the Arctic sky. For approximately 7 hours, your small group ventures into the wilderness outside Tromsø, equipped with thermal suits to stay comfortable in the cold. The highlight is the aurora borealis, with chances to see dancing lights thanks to guides experienced in chasing clear skies and good viewing spots.
The tour includes a bonfire, hot drinks, snacks, and a hearty Norwegian meal, making it ideal for those who want the full experience of Arctic nature combined with comfort. Guests rave about the personalized attention from guides like Marius, who go out of their way to find the best viewing locations — even when the weather isn’t perfect. The reviews highlight the value of thermal suits and the warm atmosphere, with some lucky enough to see multiple displays of the Northern Lights. Pricing at $186.66 is fair considering the length, inclusions, and small-group atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A top choice if you’re after a full-day adventure with a good chance of seeing the Aurora, plus the comfort of a warm meal and hot drinks. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a long night in the cold.
3. The Tromsø Food Walk, Taste your way through local history
For around $336 and about 3 hours, this food walk dives deep into Tromsø’s culinary traditions and local landmarks. Starting at Stortorget, it includes stops at Dragøy Coastal Mathus, a fish specialist, and the Tromsø Domkirke for some outside sightseeing and history. The highlight is the visit to Snorre Art in Torgsenteret, where you sample traditional Norwegian snacks amid beautiful artworks. The final stop is a secret dining room housed in a historic building, where you sample the food items gathered along the walk.
Guests love the rich variety of tastes — from fish cakes to local cheeses — and the insightful commentary on Tromsø’s culture and history. Reviewers note that Daniel, the guide, is passionate and knowledgeable, making the tour feel both fun and educational. The value for money reflects the detailed storytelling and the chance to sample multiple regional foods in just three hours.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want to combine food, art, and history with a walk through Tromsø’s streets. It’s best for those who appreciate a more in-depth exploration of local culture paired with tasting.
4. 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway
Number four offers a personalized experience just for your group, priced at $181.44 per person. This private tour starts in Tromsø’s city center and includes visits to iconic spots like the Tromsø Cathedral, Public Library, and Polar Museum. The focus is on Nordic fish, with stops for tasting halibut, salmon, and pollock, and a fish plate served at a local venue. The guide shares stories about Tromsø’s culture and history, making it both an educational and culinary walk.
What makes this tour special is the flexibility — you walk at your own pace, and the guide handles all logistics, including a beer tasting at the museum. Guests appreciate the ease of the private arrangement and the attention to detail, with reviews noting the guide’s knowledge and warm demeanor. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a focused experience on local seafood combined with cultural sights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a tailored, intimate experience with an emphasis on fish tasting and local history in a private setting.
5. Tromsø: Captains city walk with food & drinks
Our final pick offers a 3-hour journey led by the Captain himself, exploring Tromsø’s insider spots. The tour combines tapas-style bites at the Captain’s favorite bars** with stories about the boats’ own brewery. While details are limited, it promises a mix of local brews, tapas, and maritime tales, appealing to those who want a casual, social experience.
Although reviews are not available, the concept of combining local tapas with storytelling makes this a charming option for travelers wanting a relaxed and authentic taste of Tromsø’s seafood and local brews. It’s probably best for those interested in Tromsø’s maritime culture and social dining.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers looking for a laid-back, story-rich experience with food and drinks in a local setting, ideal for those who enjoy tapas and local brews.
$110 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tromso Food Tour
When selecting the right food experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a comprehensive cultural walk with tastings, the Tromsø Food Walking Tour offers a relaxed, in-depth look at local ingredients. For those chasing the Northern Lights, the Northern Lights Tour with Hot Food and Drinks blends aurora hunting with a cozy meal in the Arctic wilderness.
The food walk that combines art, history, and tasting (Tour #3) suits travelers wanting a cultural exploration, while the private fish-focused tour (Tour #4) offers intimacy and personalized attention. If social dining with a maritime twist appeals, the Captain-led walk (Tour #5) might be the best pick.
Consider your fitness level, as some tours involve walking outdoors, and climate — especially for the Northern Lights hunt. Booking early is recommended in high season, especially for tours with limited spots.
In summary, Tromso offers a range of delicious and authentic food experiences, from guided walks to private seafood tours and Northern Lights feasts. For a comprehensive cultural introduction, the walking tours are excellent. If you’re after a romantic or adventurous night under the stars, the Aurora trips are perfect. For those who prefer a more relaxed social experience, the captain’s walk might be just right. Whichever you choose, early booking will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable Arctic bites.