Things to Do in Tromsø on a Sunday – A Local’s Guide 🌞

Wondering what to do in Tromsø on a Sunday? Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or exploring the Arctic capital on a longer trip, this guide shows you how to spend a Sunday in Tromsø like a local — from scenic walks and cozy cafés to cultural highlights and hidden gems.

Porten til Ishavet - Gateway to the Arctic

🇳🇴 Why Sundays Are Special in Norway

In Norway, most shops are closed on Sundays. It’s part of a long-standing policy to ensure workers have a day of rest. There are some exceptions: small grocery stores like Joker (Storgatabakken) and Prix (Strandkanten) stay open, as do souvenir shops. Cafés and restaurants are usually open, but if you’re planning to eat dinner out, it’s smart to book a table in advance.

Food delivery services like Foodora and Wolt also work on Sundays, but delivery times can be a bit longer than usual.

Sundays in Norway have a slower rhythm — which makes them perfect for activities that take a little more time. Locals love the tradition of a “søndagstur” (Sunday walk), and Tromsø is compact enough that you can experience nature, culture, and city life all in one day.

Sunday walk downtown.

☕ 1. Start Your Sunday in Tromsø With a Cozy Coffee Stop

If you enjoyed Tromsø’s vibrant nightlife the night before, nothing beats starting your Sunday with a legendary panini at Kaffebønna — a beloved local café chain. You’ll find them at Strandtorget, Stortorget, and Amundsens Plass.

My personal favourite is the Stortorget location: you can watch the city wake up while gazing at the Arctic Cathedral, Fjellheisen cable car, and Tromsdalstinden mountain in the background.

Coffee with a view at Kaffebønna.

Stortorget.

🚶‍♂️ 2. Best Sunday Activity in Tromsø: A Waterfront Promenade Walk

If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Tromsø on a Sunday, start the day with a walk along the city’s waterfront promenade — ideally before church hours, when the streets are still quiet.

Along the harbour you’ll pass sites central to Norway’s polar history, and you’ll witness Tromsø slowly waking up. In about an hour, you can walk from the city centre to beautiful historical outdoor areas.

If you’d like a more complete experience — including storytelling, guidance, and planning — consider booking our Arctic Promenade Walk, a guided tour designed around this peaceful Sunday tradition.

This little dog has a story to tell…

⚓ 3. Explore History and Architecture at Vervet

If you’re wondering how to spend a Sunday in Tromsø, Vervet is a must. This area once housed Tromsø’s main shipyard and played a central role in polar exploration. Today, it’s a vibrant new neighbourhood filled with history, culture, and great food.

Highlights include:

• The Polar Museum, where you can dive into Arctic exploration history

• Tromsø’s oldest houses and the striking “Gateway to the Arctic” sculpture by Mari Bockelie

• Excellent restaurants such as Fangst and Maskinverkstedet

• Fresh pastries and coffee at Vervet Bakery

If you have extra time, visit Perspektivet Museum for a cultural deep-dive or catch a Sunday film at Verdensteatret, Tromsø’s oldest cinema.

Remnants of an old shipyard.

Take a rest on one of these benches and enjoy some polar history at the same time.

📚 4. Discover the World’s Coziest Library

A lesser-known gem and a perfect Sunday activity in Tromsø is the city library — perhaps one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Once home to Fokus Cinema, the building was transformed into a library when the city hall was built.

It’s free and open to all, with newspapers and literature in several languages. Many locals spend part of their Sunday here with a book and a coffee.

The iconic Tromsø library.

🗿 5. Explore Tromsø’s Statues and Hidden Parks

If you’re still not sure what to do in Tromsø on a Sunday afternoon, why not go on a statue hunt? Tromsø is full of sculptures that tell the story of the city’s past and identity.

Wander through both well-known and hidden parks and learn more about the city’s history. Don’t miss Amundsen Plass, Kongsparken, and the statue outside the Mack Brewery.

The Roald Amundsen statue stands as a tribute to the famous polar explorer at Prostneset.

🌟 Final Thoughts: What to Do in Tromsø on a Sunday

In Norway, Sundays are about slowing down — and in Tromsø, that means enjoying the Arctic atmosphere at an easy pace. Whether it’s a peaceful walk along the waterfront, a visit to a local museum, or sipping coffee with a mountain view, there are plenty of things to do in Tromsø on a Sunday that let you feel the city like a local.

If you’re spending a weekend in Tromsø or staying longer, make sure to include a Sunday in your plans. It’s your chance to see Tromsø in its most authentic form — calm, cozy, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

👉 And if you’d like to experience Tromsø with a local guide, check out HeiTromso.no for private walking tours and Arctic experiences.

✨ Want more inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories? Follow us on Instagram @heitromso_.

Tromsø havn.