Tromsø between Fjellheisen and city life

Tromsø offers a wide range of experiences for a trip: mountain panoramas, Arctic themes, science and urban history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Tromsø, first consider what interests you most during your stay. Would you like to enjoy seasonal views, visit museums or learn more about the Arctic? The city’s offerings give you specific ideas to help plan your trip.

Mountain panoramas and ways to stay active

The Fjellheisen cable car runs from Tromsdalen to Mount Storsteinen. The upper station is 421 metres above sea level, and the ride takes four minutes. From there, panoramic views stretch across Tromsø, islands, fjords, mountains and the sea. In summer, the site is a good place to observe the midnight sun; in winter, the northern lights. The operator describes Fjellheisen as Tromsø’s most popular tourist attraction. The seasonal views differ considerably: in summer, the midnight sun is the highlight; in winter, the northern lights.

Tromsøbadet offers a different experience. The facility has Norway’s northernmost 50-metre competition pool and one of the country’s largest competition pools. Other listed facilities include saunas, a cold-water pool, a current pool, a climbing wall and water slides. Guided tours are available at the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden; check available dates and booking options before your trip.

Arctic themes and urban history

Polaria is an Arctic experience centre in Tromsø that provides knowledge about the Arctic and works to promote the sustainable management of this sensitive region. Educational programmes and exhibitions cover environmental protection, research-based knowledge and the protection of Arctic wildlife. Those interested in expeditions and hunting history can find exhibitions on the history of Arctic expeditions and Arctic hunting at the Polar Museum (Polarmuseet). Polaria is about a five-minute walk from the Tourist Information Centre in Tromsø. There are good bus connections from the city centre, Giæverbukta and UNN; check routes before your trip.

Tromsø Cathedral was built in 1861. It was the world’s northernmost Protestant church and is Norway’s only cathedral built of wood. The Nordnorsk Art Museum features art from Northern Norway, spanning the 20th century to the present, and hosts changing exhibitions. The exhibitions at the Norwegian Arctic University Museum (Norges Arktiske Universitetsmuseum) feature historical displays, local culture, themes related to the northern lights and Arctic wildlife. The Troll Museum is Norway’s first museum devoted entirely to trolls and fairy tales.

Science, events and local insights

The Northern Norwegian Science Centre (Nordnorsk Vitensenter) is a popular science centre with almost 100 interactive installations. A northern lights film is shown daily in the planetarium at 3:15 p.m. As showtimes are operational details, check them before your visit. For insights into history, architecture and city life, join guided walks through central Tromsø; offerings and routes may change.

Events may also play a part in planning your trip. Tromsø’s annual events calendar includes an international film festival. Sami Week takes place every February and features reindeer races, concerts, exhibitions and debates. Check the specific event dates for your trip. For a glimpse of local business life, there’s Mack: the pub is considered Tromsø’s oldest and is also a microbrewery and a shop.

Getting around during your stay in Tromsø

Central Tromsø is mostly flat, and most attractions are accessible on foot or by a short bus ride. The Tourist Information Centre offers local advice, free city maps, activity bookings and practical information for your stay. Check locations and opening hours in advance. At the Prostneset harbour terminal, there is a ramp outside and lifts in the terminal building.

For northern lights viewing, Tromsø lies within the auroral oval. When the weather is suitable, it is dark enough and auroral activity is present, the northern lights may be visible in many places in the region and sometimes even from the city centre. These conditions do not guarantee a sighting. Use the different options—from seasonal mountain views to museums, events and Arctic themes—to decide what you want to focus on during your trip; then you can look for a hotel in Tromsø that suits your own needs.

Discover more destinations: Ersfjordbotn, Rornes, Jøvik, Vikran, Kvaløysletta, Skulsfjord, Brensholmen, Sjursnes.

Return to the main travel overview: Tromsø.