Drill a hole in the fjord and fish. Ice fishing on Ullsfjord turns Tromsø winter into a hands-on tradition, with Arctic wilderness views and a meal that follows your catch.

I love the small-group feel and how you get real coaching on the ice, not just handed a rod. I also love that the day ends with food at the basecamp—often in the warm grill cabin—so the trip feels practical and complete.

The main consideration is cold hands and feet: you’ll get warm outerwear, but you must bring your own mittens, cap, and underwear, and winter footwear may be needed for comfort.

Key highlights at a glance

• Ullsfjord ice fishing with real drilling, baiting, and casting practice
• Small max group size (up to 8) for easier help and a calmer pace
• Round-trip transport from Tromsø, so you’re not wrestling with winter logistics
• Basecamp meal with a view of the Lyngen Alps, plus local stories and time to warm up
• Warm jacket and pants provided, but you still need to bring key cold-weather layers
• Lunch includes fish burger, and you’ll also get fresh fish if you catch some

First stop in Tromsø: where the day starts

Your experience kicks off in Tromsø at Restaurant SkirriKystens Mathus, on Stortorget 1, with a 10:00 am start time. From there, you’ll meet your group and get ready for the drive north toward the frozen fjord area around Ullsfjord.

This is the kind of outing where the timing matters. You’re leaving Tromsø early enough to enjoy daylight in winter conditions, and you’re back to the meeting point after a full session on the ice plus a warm meal. The whole trip runs about 5 hours.

Drive to Ullsfjord and the walk down to the ice

The trip is built around a simple rhythm: Tromsø pickup → drive to the fishing spot → walk down to the frozen sea → fish → warm up and eat → back to Tromsø. You’ll head out by vehicle from Tromsø to Ullsfjord, then step onto the ice area with your guide team.

Plan for a short walk down. Even when it doesn’t sound long on paper, winter terrain changes the feel fast. Wear winter-ready boots, and if you requested winter shoes, make sure you have your request handled in advance.

Once you reach the fishing spot, you’ll transition from travel mode to hands-on mode. That’s when the guide helps you with the basics: setting up your line and learning the movements that actually work on frozen water.

Ice fishing basics: what you do once you’re on the fjord

Ice fishing here isn’t just a photo stop. You’ll drill a hole, learn how to bait your hook, and practice the jig-style technique that brings cod up through the ice. The goal is confidence, not just catching fish.

You’ll get clear pointers right away. A few practical reminders that helped people in past trips include being patient and keeping the jig moving in a way that matches what the guide teaches. If you’ve tried normal fishing before, ice fishing feels different, but it’s still learnable—especially with a small group.

And yes, the fjord views are part of the lesson. Being out on the frozen sea with Arctic weather in the air changes your sense of scale. Even if your first attempt doesn’t produce a bite, you still get that quiet, wide-open winter feeling.

The small-group advantage with Karin and Oskar

This tour caps at 8 travelers, which is a big deal in cold-weather activities. You’re not waiting your turn to ask questions, and the guide can spot what’s going wrong fast—line too still, bait not set right, or simply nerves in a cold environment.

Karin is one of the hosts you’ll likely meet on the ice and back at basecamp, and Oskar is also frequently mentioned as part of the team. In the moment, what stands out is how they combine safety, humor, and instruction so you actually enjoy the learning curve. People describe them as warm and fun without rushing anyone.

If you’re traveling solo, this format works well because you still get paired attention. If you’re traveling with family, it’s also a nicer setup than big groups—especially when kids want to feel hands-on and included.

What happens if you catch fish

If you catch something, you don’t just pocket the win and leave. You’ll learn how to prepare and cook your fish, then eat it while you’re still warmed up from the ice.

Cod is the fish most commonly referenced from these trips. Some groups reported catching multiple cod, and a few even had heavier fish. Even when the catch is smaller or slower, the process of getting a bite, pulling it up through the hole, and moving through the cooking step is the heart of the experience.

If you don’t catch fish, you’re not left empty-handed. You’ll still get lunch, including a fish burger. So you can treat fishing success as a bonus rather than a pass/fail test of whether the day was good.

The cozy part: basecamp meal and Lyngen Alps views

After the ice fishing session, you’ll drive to the basecamp where the warmth and hospitality take over. The basecamp is described with views of the Lyngen Alps, and it’s set up for relaxing in the middle of the Arctic wilderness.

This is where the trip shifts from action to comfort. You’ll prepare and cook the fish if you caught some, and you’ll also enjoy hot and cold drinks. Past guests talk about cozy grilling and a homey feel, which matters when you’ve spent hours in winter air.

There are also local stories during the warm-up time. It’s not just food; it’s context for how people live with the fjord and winter seasons. You’ll end up feeling like you attended a real local activity, not just a staged tour.

What’s provided vs. what you must bring

The tour setup does a lot to help you stay comfortable, but it’s not magic.

Provided:

• Warm jacket and pants if needed
• Fishing equipment
• Lunch (fish burger) and warm and cold drinks
• Warm clothing outer layers are part of the experience plan
• Pick-up and drop-off in Tromsø

You must bring:

• Warm mittens
• Cap
• Underwear (for staying warm in layers)
• Winter shoes are not always included, but may be available by special request

This is where many people either enjoy the day fully or feel miserable. If you’re going, treat mittens and foot warmth as the main “gear decision,” not an afterthought.

Tip from past experiences: people mention toe warmer-style thinking. If you know you get cold easily, consider extra small heat support for your feet and hands—especially because winter conditions can change quickly.

Value and price: what you’re really paying for

The price is $226.74 per person for about 5 hours, with transport from Tromsø included. That’s not the cheapest way to spend a half day, so I look for what makes it worth it.

Here’s the value logic that holds up:

• You’re paying for transport + equipment + hot and cold drinks + lunch.
• You’re paying for instruction on drilling, jig technique, and fishing basics, not just access to a spot.
• You’re paying for the warm-up stage: cooking and eating your catch (when you get one) in a cozy grill cabin/basecamp setting with local stories.

The fish burger option is also smart. It means the meal works even if your first attempt doesn’t produce a catch, so you don’t end up feeling like you “failed” the price tag. In cold-weather tours, that reduces stress a lot.

Weather reality: when the fjord cooperates

This experience requires good weather. That makes sense, because ice fishing depends on safe ice conditions and comfortable walking on winter ground.

If weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important in Tromsø, where you can get rapid changes in winter conditions. If you’re flexible with dates, you’ll likely have a smoother plan.

Who should book this ice fishing trip

You’ll love this most if you want:

• A hands-on Arctic activity (drilling holes, baiting, fishing practice)
• A winter day with built-in warm hospitality and food that follows the action
• A small-group outing where guides can help you learn fast
• A genuinely Norwegian-feeling experience tied to fjord life

It’s also family-friendly in the sense that kids can be included and feel involved. If your group includes mixed skill levels, this format helps everyone participate without feeling left out.

When it might not be your best fit

This might not be ideal if you want a long, relaxing nature walk with zero cold exposure. You will be outside on the ice, and cold management is part of the deal—even with provided outerwear.

Also, if you have trouble with walking down to the fjord area, plan carefully. The itinerary includes a walk down to the frozen sea and a return back up afterward.

Should you book Ice Fishing on the Fjord?

If you’re visiting Tromsø and want one winter activity that feels real—fishing, cooking, eating, and warming up with local hosts—this is a strong choice. The small group size, the guided instruction, and the fact that lunch is part of the experience even without a catch make it a confident bet.

I’d book it if you can handle cold clothing prep and you like doing something hands-on rather than just spectating. If you’re worried about cold, solve it with good mittens, a cap, warm underwear, and proper footwear (and request winter shoes if you need them).

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the ice fishing trip start in Tromsø?

The tour starts at 10:00 am at Restaurant SkirriKystens Mathus, Stortorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway.

How long is the trip?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.), including transportation, ice fishing time, and the basecamp meal.

What’s included in the price?

You get ice fishing on the fjord, fishing equipment, warm jacket and pants if needed, pick-up and drop-off in Tromsø, plus hot and cold drinks and lunch (fish burger, and fresh fish if you catch some).

What should I bring for warmth?

You should bring your own warm mittens, cap, and underwear. Winter shoes are not automatically included, but they may be available by special request.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Fishing Boat Trip in MallorcaPeacock Bass Fishing Trips near Boca RatonZaanse Schans Windmills, Countyside & Fishing VillagesEast Bali Spear Or Line Fishing Tour At Virgin Beach