The Northern Lights are a sight to behold in Tromso.

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When Booking.com released its much-anticipated travel predictions for 2025, one new trend was especially eye-catching. “Noctourism”, which is the term that combines “nocturnal tourism”, is what Booking.com refers to as “traveling to experience the night in all its glory”.

The northern lights in Autumn are stunning.

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One of the most irresistible spots for nocturnal tourism is Tromso, Norway. It draws many visitors because it’s one of the best places in the world to be sure to see the northern lights during the winter months and the midnight sun phenomenon in the summer. Nicknamed Paris of the North for its culture and sophistication, this eclectic city is situated a little over 200 miles above the Arctic Circle. Therefore, it’s also sometimes called the Gateway To The Arctic.

Vivid lights appear to dance in the sky.

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The Northern Lights In Tromso

You are most likely to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, when visiting Tromso from late August through mid-April, according to Visit Tromso. The aurora borealis is a mesmerizing natural wonder that can look like ribbons of light dancing in polar skies in colors of green, purple, and blue. It’s no surprise that the aurora borealis is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders.

The Northern Lights can often be seen on the beach.

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Things To Do In Tromso, Norway

Tromo is an idyllic spot to go searching for the northern lights, yet there are many other exciting things to do and see here, too. Winter sports are irresistible to adventurous travelers. You can do everything from taking a snowshoe tour to setting off on a snowmobile excursion.

If you’d rather take in some stunning scenery with less physical activity, ascend Storsteinen Mountain via the Fjelheissen cable car. You will then be treated to an incredible, panoramic view of Tromso, and it can be a great spot for viewing the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Visitors look over mountains, islands, fjords, and the sea. You can also see the majestic Tromsdalstinden.

This is a view from Fjellheisen over Tromso.

Visit Tromso

The greater Tromso area is home to incredible Arctic wildlife. Some animals you may encounter here include reindeer, whales, seals, sea eagles, bears, and wolves. Keep an eye out for animals during all your adventures because you never know when and where you might spot an animal you might not see in many other places. Just be sure to follow all safety advice offered by tour guides.

Here’s a reindeer in Tromso in winter.

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If you want to enjoy some rest and relaxation by day when not seeking the best views of the northern lights at night, you might try a floating sauna in the Tromso harbor. Spa boats are also popular spots for watching the aurora borealis.

The Arctic Cathedral is lovely in winter.

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Cultural attractions also abound in Tromso. The Arctic Cathedral, which is formally called the Tromsdalen Church, is a marvelous spot for seeing concerts. It was designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig. With its big glass façade and pronounced cross, the Arctic Cathedral is considered a local landmark.

Here is a view of the Tromsø Bridge and the Arctic Cathedral in winter.

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No trip would be complete without making time to visit Sommaroy, a small nearby island. It has spectacular views of mountains and beaches, and it’s known for its crystal clear waters.

Sommaroy is lovely in the Autumn months.

Visit Norway
Getting To Tromso

With direct flights from major European cities like London and Paris, most visitors fly into the Tromso Airport. It’s an international airport in Troms county, Norway. Although it’s on the western shore of an island (Tromsoya), it’s conveniently located. The most popular places to stay are within close proximity to the airport, and tourists often take the airport express. Some visitors take public buses or get a taxi.

Where To Stay When Visiting Tromso For the Northern Lights

You have a lot of options for where to stay in the greater Tromso area, but since many visitors are traveling for thousands of miles to see the aurora borealis, accommodations that empower them to see the northern lights where they are staying are most in demand. When staying in Aera-Glass cabins in the Troms region, guests can often spot the northern lights. It also offers breathtaking views of fjords and mountains. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, and vegan options are available upon request. The Tromso Airport is only 21 miles from the Aera-Glass cabins.

Private cabins are available for guests who want to feel like they are on their own. When hopeful northern lights viewers are away from light pollution, they may have better visibility of the aurora borealis in Tromso.

A wide variety of hotels welcome visitors in the area, too. Those who can afford to relax in luxury often choose Clarion Hotel The Edge or Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromso. Because Tromso is a bucket list destination, truly budget hotels are rather scarce, but modest, affordable hotels can be found in and around the city.

Other Trends From Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions

Noctourism is a leading trend that may influence the travel industry in a big way, but it’s certainly not the only one. Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions list reaffirmed that modern travelers prefer authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. The research commissioned by Booking.com was conducted among a sample of adults with plans to travel in the next 12 to 24 months.

As more tourists are concerned with treading more gently on the earth, sustainability is anticipated to become a bigger consideration. Travel-related businesses ranging from cruise ship operators to hotel owners would be wise to address sustainability when planning traveler’s experiences.

Longevity retreats and wellness resorts cater to health-focused travelers who want to focus on their mental and physical health during their adventures. Destinations and tourist companies should cater to all ages as multi-generational travel and solo travel continue to be popular. Booking.com’s report also predicted significant progress in inclusiveness for travelers with neurodivergent needs.