Tromsø Fjord: Ice Fishing Trip & Arctic Fish Cooking Lunch

Summary

Arctic ice fishing adventure from Tromsø with fjord lunch

You’ll walk onto a frozen fjord near Tromsø with a local guide, try your hand at ice fishing (gear included), then warm up at basecamp to cook and share your catch for lunch while hearing stories about Arctic life. Expect laughter, new skills, and that rare kind of quiet only found far north.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what silence really sounds like? I didn’t, not until we stepped out onto Ullsfjord’s frozen surface. Our guide, Erik, handed me a pair of boots (I’d forgotten my mittens — rookie move) and grinned as he showed us how to walk without looking like penguins. The cold was sharp but not cruel, more like a clean sheet snapping in the wind. There were just a few of us, bundled up, shuffling behind Erik as he pointed out where the fjord ice was thickest — apparently you can tell by the color if you squint right.

I’d never tried ice fishing before this day trip from Tromsø. Turns out it’s half patience, half stubbornness. The little holes we drilled steamed gently in the air and I could smell something mineral and fresh coming up from below. When my line twitched I almost dropped it from surprise — Erik laughed and said it was probably just seaweed but hey, I caught an actual fish about ten minutes later. He showed me how to clean it right there on the ice (not as gross as I thought), hands moving quick and sure even though mine were freezing.

Afterwards we hiked back to basecamp for lunch, which was basically a wooden cabin with big windows facing the Lyngen Alps. The light bounced off everything — snow, mugs of tea, even our red noses. We cooked what we’d caught together; Erik told stories about his grandfather fishing here before there were roads. The fish tasted… well, fresher than anything I’ve had at home. Someone tried to make coffee on the woodstove and nearly set their glove on fire (don’t ask). It felt weirdly peaceful just sitting there with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers anymore.

I still think about that quiet out on the fjord — how small you feel in all that white space. If you’re curious or just want to do something that feels real around Tromsø, this ice fishing trip is worth trying at least once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice fishing and local meal experience

• Pick up from Tromsø
• Drive to fishing spot
• Walk to frozen fjord
• Ice fishing on the fjord
• Drive to basecamp
• Prepare and cook fish
• Enjoy local stories and relax
• Drive back to Tromsø

Top questions

How long does the Tromsø ice fishing trip last?

The full tour typically takes several hours including pickup from Tromsø, time on Ullsfjord for fishing, lunch at basecamp, and return transfer.

Is warm clothing provided for the ice fishing tour?

Yes, warm outerwear and winter shoes are provided (shoes by request), but guests should bring their own mittens, cap, and thermal underwear.

Do I need prior experience for this day trip?

No experience is needed; guides show you how to fish safely on the fjord’s ice and help prepare your catch.

Is lunch included during the Tromsø fjord tour?

Yes—if you catch fish it will be prepared for lunch at basecamp along with drinks and snacks provided during the tour.

Where does pickup take place in Tromsø?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at a central point in Tromsø city; details are confirmed after booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in Tromsø city center, all necessary fishing equipment plus warm outerwear (and winter shoes if requested), a backpack with drinks and snacks for while you’re out on Ullsfjord’s ice, then a traditional fish lunch cooked together at basecamp before heading back to town.