Set above the Arctic Circle, Tromso may be geographically remote, but that doesn’t preclude the Norwegian city from being a major cultural hub teeming with attractions.
The dazzling natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights (Photo: Jeshua As / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Perhaps best known for being one of the region’s best places for viewing the kaleidoscopic colours of the Northern Lights, Tromso also boasts a youthful energy thanks to its status as the world’s northernmost university town. For its visitors, Tromso has more than enough to see and do to fill an itinerary of several days – if not weeks. We’ve picked out 10 of the most unique ways to spend your time here.
Take in a true natural wonder
The spectacular natural light display that often appears in the sky around the Arctic is one of the great natural wonders of the word. Known as the aurora, or more typically the Northern Lights, the mesmerising display is a major attraction for visitors to Tromso, who can witness it by venturing out of the city where artificial light pollution won’t impair the views. The lights can be tracked down independently, or for more assured success you can book an organised tour that lets you kick back and relax as your guide navigates you to the best viewing spots. Either way, be sure to bring a camera.
You can book a Northern Lights guided tour from Tromso at GetYourGuide
Visit a fascinating museum
For time immemorial, Tromsø has served as the gateway to the Arctic for adventurers, hunters and researchers. Created to preserve and celebrate this long-standing heritage, the Polar Museum is home to a diverse collection of exhibits and artefacts that provide a deep insight into the history and culture of Norway’s relationship with the polar regions. Highlights include displays chronicling the adventures of Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, including his daring hot-air balloon expeditions over the polar regions and his very first encounter with a polar bear. There’s also a museum shop selling an assortment of Polar-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Søndre Tollbodgate 11B / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Exhibits on display outside the Polar Museum (Photo: tomislav medak via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Art enthusiasts visiting Tromso are in for a treat, with the city home to the award-winning Northern Norway Art Museum. At the heart of the city’s cultural scene, the museum showcases artwork spanning a variety of media including 19th-century landscape paintings, contemporary art, graphic design and photography. Housed in a building dating back to 1917, the museum hosts a wide range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, with a keen focus on Northern and Sami contemporary art and crafts. Visitors can also browse for gifts, books, jewellery and unique Norwegian designs in the on-site shop.
Sjøgata 1 / Fri-Weds 10am-5pm Thurs 10am-8pm
Marvel at an eye-catching cathedral
Among Tronso’s – and indeed Norway’s – most recognisable landmarks, The Arctic Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece that attracts a steady stream of tourists – as well as large numbers of local worshippers. Built in the mid-20th century by renowned architect Jan Inge Hovig, the cathedral’s distinctive triangular-shaped design was inspired by the surrounding mountains and icebergs. In the years since its creation, a number of modern features have been added, most notably a magnificent glass mosaic window depicting the Resurrection of Christ. The cathedral also boasts exceptional acoustics, helping make it a favoured venue for regular musical performances as well as cultural exhibitions.
Hans Nilsens veg 41
The Arctic Cathedral set against a snowy backdrop (Photo: Claudia Regina via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Admire the views from a mountain viewpoint
Pleasing on the eye from any vantage point, there’s nowhere to match Storsteinen Mountain for panoramic views over Tromso. A short bus ride from the city centre takes you to the foot of the mountain, and from there you can reach the viewpoint via cable car or – for more energetic types – a hike up the mountainside. For those who opt for the less leisurely option, the hike takes around an hour, with the vistas that greet you providing ample reward for your efforts.
Embark on a husky sledding adventure
One of the quintessential Norwegian pursuits that Tromso visitors can try their hand at is husky sledding. The running dogs of the region, huskies are born and bred to pull, making them the ideal companions for a sledding adventure. There are a number of small-group tours available, with both self-drive and helmed options offered, which will see you travel by dog sled across the Arctic wilderness. For intrepid types who opt for self-drive, full training is given on how to control your sled and an experienced guide will lead the tour from the front.
You can book a husky sledding self-drive experience at Viator
Husky sledders pose for a photo (Photo: Arctic Adventure Tours AS / Courtesy Viator)
Explore a stunning snow park
Every winter, the Tamok Valley, around an hour’s drive south of central Tromso, provides the backdrop for a truly unique attraction. Known as the Tromso Ice Domes Snow Park, the site comprises several snow and ice sculptures, a snow maze, and two ice domes, with a new theme selected each year inspired by local culture and history. Indeed, the display is entirely rebuilt for the winter period during which the artwork is illuminated in colours to add to the spectacle. Anyone keen for an extended visit can even check in to an on-site ice hotel, complete with an ice bar, ice cinema, and even an ice restaurant.
Tamokveien 1374
Cruise along the Arctic fjords
When it comes to natural scenery, the Norwegian fjords are arguably the jewel in the nation’s crown. These spectacular unspoiled landscapes attract huge numbers of visitors each year, with several local agencies running Arctic Fjord boat tours from Tromso that traverse these narrow stretches of sea, once occupied by Vikings. Guided tours typically include onboard commentary offering insights into the rich history wildlife and culture of the region and some also come with added perks such as an underwater drone that let passengers explore the ocean ecosystems.
You can book an Arctic Fjord boat tour at Viator
A tour boat passes along the Arctic fjords (Photo: Brim Explorer / Courtesy Viator)
Discover an array of exotic marine life
Located in the city centre, Polaria Arctic Experience Centre and Aquarium is packed full of marine animals hailing from the Polar region. The building itself is an attraction in its own right, with a design intended to resemble ice floes pushed up on land by the Arctic Ocean – but the real stars of the show can be found inside, where interactive exhibitions and aquarium tanks are filled with sea creatures including fish, crabs sharks and seals. as well as an assortment of fauna and flora. Be sure to check out the former sailing ship M/S Polstjerna, which is permanently docked outside the museum.
Hjalmar Johansens gate 12 / Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Wander around a botanic garden
The often icy environs of Norway aren’t necessarily an obvious setting for a botanic garden, but Tromso lays claim to its own nonetheless. Located a quick drive north of the city centre, the Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden features rare plants from the Arctic and from mountains around the world spanning 25 themed collections. The layout of the garden is also striking, with a landscape of stone ridges and mounds constructed to give the look and feel of mountainous and Arctic landscapes. Admission is free.
Universitet i Tromsø Post Box 6050 Langnes / Open all hours