Discover Tromsø: views, museums and Arctic experiences
Accommodation in Tromsø
Tromsø combines expansive views with Arctic themes, museums and activities for a range of interests. Take the Fjellheisen cable car from Tromsdalen to Mount Storsteinen; the ride takes four minutes. The upper station is 421 metres above sea level. The city therefore offers both a distinctive landscape experience and a range of places to explore culture, knowledge and outdoor activities as you plan your trip.
Views and Arctic themes
Fjellheisen is considered Tromsø’s most popular tourist attraction. From there, the panoramic view stretches across Tromsø, islands, fjords, mountains and the sea. In summer, it is a good place to observe the midnight sun; in winter, the Northern Lights. If you want to experience the city from above, this is a clearly defined outing: the cable car departs from Tromsdalen and ends at Storsteinen.
Polaria is an Arctic experience centre that shares knowledge about the Arctic and works to promote the sustainable management of this sensitive region. Its educational programmes and exhibitions cover environmental protection, research-based knowledge and the protection of Arctic wildlife. This makes Polaria a good choice if you would like to explore nature and environmental topics during your stay. Polaria is about a five-minute walk from the Tourist Information Centre in Tromsø.
The Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden also offers a chance to learn about Arctic and alpine plant life, and guided tours are available. A guided visit may appeal if you would rather not explore the garden on your own.
Museums, history and culture
The Polar Museum is dedicated to the history of Arctic expeditions and Arctic hunting. The Arctic University Museum of Norway focuses on historical exhibitions, local culture, Northern Lights topics and Arctic wildlife. Both museums explore Arctic history and the present from different perspectives, so you can choose which one to visit based on the topics that interest you most.
The Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum (Northern Norwegian Art Museum) presents art from Northern Norway, from the 20th century to the present day, as well as changing exhibitions. For visitors interested in regional art, it offers a different focus from the historical and nature-related themes covered by the other museums. The Troll Museum, meanwhile, is Norway’s first museum devoted entirely to trolls and fairy tales. Tromsø’s attractions therefore span art and history as well as storytelling traditions.
Tromsø Cathedral was built in 1861. It was the world’s northernmost Protestant church and is Norway’s only cathedral built of wood. Its construction history and distinctive wooden architecture give it a unique place among the city’s cultural attractions.
Learning, events and activities
The Northern Norwegian Science Centre is a popular science experience centre with almost 100 interactive installations. A Northern Lights film is shown in the planetarium. The combination of hands-on activities and accessible explanations appeals to visitors who would rather explore scientific topics than just read about them.
Tromsø’s annual events calendar includes an international film festival. Sami Week, also held every February, features reindeer races, concerts, exhibitions and debates. If your stay coincides with this period, you can use Sami Week as an opportunity to explore a range of cultural and public events. For specific planning, the programme for that particular year is what matters.
If you would like to include exercise and water activities in your stay, Tromsøbadet has Norway’s northernmost 50-metre competition pool; it is also one of the country’s largest competition pools. Facilities include saunas, a cold-water pool, a current pool, a climbing wall and water slides. The complex offers swimming and bathing as well as other water-based activities.
Getting around the city centre
Most of central Tromsø is flat. Most attractions are within walking distance or a short bus ride. This is a useful general guide for planning your day, even though the individual destinations differ in type and subject. The official Tourist Information Centre offers local advice, free city maps, activity bookings and practical information for your stay.
At the Prostneset harbour terminal, there is a ramp outside and lifts in the terminal building. This information applies to the terminal. Mack is Tromsø’s oldest pub and also a microbrewery and shop. This local gathering place, with its own brewery and retail offering, complements the city’s museums, viewpoints and visitor attractions.
For an overview of the wider trip: Tromsø Municipality.
More about the destination
Useful information for planning your trip:
