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Tromsø gears up for winter

Written by Anja | Oct 14, 2025 8:05:11 AM

Rising arrivals, packed hotels and new flight routes test the city’s capacity

As the polar night approaches, Tromsø prepares for its busiest months. More than 300,000 international travellers passed through Tromsø Airport last winter – and operator Avinor expects up to 150,000 more this season. Most visitors come for Northern Lights tours, husky sledding, whale safaris, skiing and seafood dining.

Airport at its limit

Earlier this year, the airport reached full capacity. To ease pressure for winter 2025/26, management hired 18 additional staff to guide and assist international passengers. “Last year we had around 40 employees; now almost 60. That’s a game-changer,” airport manager Ivar Helsing Schrøen told the Barents Observer. Yet, he warns that harsh weather can still cause temporary closures and long queues.

The annual capacity stands at 2.7 million passengers, projected to reach 2.8 million by the end of 2025. A new security line is planned for 2028. Despite limited space, the airport continues to expand connections – Aer Lingus will launch a Dublin–Tromsø route in December 2025, scheduled outside peak hours.

 

Hotel boom and soaring prices

Accommodation demand mirrors the airport trend: bookings in August 2025 rose 5 % year-on-year. Opened in June, The Dock 69°39’ Hotel is now northern Norway’s largest, offering 305 rooms, two restaurants, and a wellness area. However, winter rates have surged – a standard room in December exceeds 4,000 NOK (€350) per night. Locals call the prices “crazy,” while Airbnb listings flourish, tightening the long-term rental market.

Between growth and overtourism

To address concerns about overtourism, Norway’s government approved a 3 % lodging tax allowing municipalities to collect levies on hotels and Airbnbs. According to Lone Helle, Managing Director of Visit Tromsø-Region, the city remains well prepared: “We offer a wide range of accommodation and high-quality activity providers.” Yet she warns about unregistered operators appearing only for the high season: “They can harm Tromsø’s reputation and undermine responsible tourism.” Increased police inspections are therefore welcome.

Expanding public transport

Authorities are also improving mobility: nine new bus routes opened in September, and from 13 October, extra departures will serve the city-centre–cable-car route (Fjellheisen). These measures aim to spread visitor flows and ease local pressure during the coming Arctic winter.

More on Tromsø.

Header:  © Dimitris Kkiriakakis Unsplash