They say Tromso is the entrance to the North Pole but honestly once we spent a couple of hours there we did not want to go further. It may seem like a small village at first but Tromso has developed into a modern city with a diverse, warm and vibrant population from all over Norway, as well as from more than 100 countries around the world. Tromso’s location in the globe attracts tourist, nature lovers, students and scientists alike. It is a city that offers endless activities and adventures from mountain climbing in the Midnight Sun, fishing trips to the fjord or lakes, downhill skiing beneath the spectacular Northern Lights and dog sledding trips to several incredible nearby hills, forests and lakes. Great hotels for all and restaurants for all kinds of tourists, pockets and tastes. This gorgeous polar city awaits for you, winter or summer, there is always something to do or see. The city itself is breathtaking, the center of Tromso has the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway, the oldest house dating from 1789. Take a walk across the Bruvegen bridge to the other side of the city and go up the Storsteinen Mount, 421 meters (1381 ft) above the sea and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view over Tromso and the surrounding islands. Enjoy the The Top 10 Things To Do In Tromso.
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Science Center of Northern Norway
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A non-profit Science Center located at the world’s northernmost university, University of Tromsø, with plenty of educational, fun and interactive activities for children of all ages. Visit Norway’s largest planetarium with all-dome full-digital film screenings every day. “Experience the Aurora” is a planetarium movie in which a lot of the Northern Lights footage is from the Tromsø region.
Elverhøy Church
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Elverhøy Church is a parish church. The church is part of the Elverhøy parish in the Tromsø arch-deanery in the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland. The red wooden church seats about 435 people.
Botanical Gardens
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“The world’s northernmost botanical gardens contain Arctic and Alpine plants from all corners of the globe, many of them too heat-sensitive to grow in any other botanical garden. Blue poppies from the Himalayas, lewisias from the Rockies, local primroses and a selection of traditional medicinal plants are among the highlights.” Source: VisitNorway
Polaria
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As the world’s most northernly aquarium where the main attractions are the bearded seals, Polaria offers an Arctic-themed experience and is located right outside the city center.
City Center
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The center of Tromsø features the largest collection of historical wooden houses north of Trondheim, and is home to one of the most important concentrations of Empire houses in Norway. Storgata is Tromsø’s main pedestrian street, and it is a treasure trove of different shops selling local and international products.
Northern Lights Hunt
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Aurora Polaris (polar light) is a physical phenomenon that occurs when solar storms are stronger than usual, sending charged particles towards the Earth. The particles are electrons and protons that form light when they collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Tromso can offer some of the highest levels of northern lights activity on earth and some people say it is the world’s best place for a Northern Lights Tour. It is possible to see the Northern Light from September to March. The best way to catch the northern lights is by sailing. You would need to get away from the city lights to have a better view of the northern lights. We’ve tried this northern lights sailing tour in Tromso and have great sightseeing. Definitely recommend to book in advance cause slots get filled up quickly. There’s no better way to enjoy the northern lights than on a boat holding a cup of tea.
Tromsø Bridge
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The bridge connects Tromsdalen on the mainland and the island Tromsøya, it was built in 1960 with a total length of 1000 meter (3,327 feet). There is one track for the cars in each direction and at both sides there is a separate path for pedestrians as well.
Mount Storsteinen
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Take the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen and get this insane breathtaking panoramic views over Tromso at 420 meters (1,380 ft) above sea level.
Arctic Cathedral
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The Arctic Cathedral stands proud at the end of Tromsø bridge, clearly visible from the centre of the town, set against the background of the 1238 metre Tromsdalstind peak. It is actually called “Tromsdalen Church”, and serves as the parish church for mainland Tromsø. However, on account of its striking shape and daring architecture, the church became known as Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) as soon as it was opened in 1965. Source: nordnorge.com
Dog sledding Tour
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Dog sledding is a must while you visit Tromso. We recommend you taking this dog sledding tour. It’s a fascinating tour to explore the wild nature of Tromso while having fun with friends and family. Easily accessible to everyone, it should be on your must-do list.
Just So You Know…
- .Tromsø is the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle and is home to the world’s northernmost university, brewery and cathedral.
- Human settlement in Tromsø dates back around 10,000 years, while the Saami culture here goes back at least 2000 years.
- There are many students in Tromso – “Studentbyen Tromsø” (Student City Tromsø), with its 10,000 students, is an exciting place to study.
- Visitors to Tromsø can also enjoy Prestvannet, a lake in the city centre. Originally constructed as a reservoir, Prestvannet is now a park and a nature reserve.
- During the summer months, the sun literally does not set. The Midnight Sun is visible from around May 21 to around July 21.
- Between November 21 and January 21, the sun disappears under the horizon and they experience the Polar Nights.
- Experience the traditional life of the Sami people on a reindeer drawn adventure across the Norwegian winter landscape.
- Explore the glacial fjords on a whale watching tour.
- Have a drink at the Ølhallen Pub, the oldest pub in Tromsø, established in 1928.
Get Some Culture:
- Tromsø University Museum – The oldest scientific institution in North-Norway, shows the depth of North Norwegian nature and culture, focusing on archaeology, art, geology and the northern lights.
- The Perspektivet Museum – offers exhibits on the history of Tromsø, as well as thought-provoking temporary exhibits.
- The Art Museum of Northern Norway – Features Northern Norwegian art and motives, ranging from the 19th century & masters to contemporary art.
Grab A Bite:
- Emma’s Restaurant – Serving Arctic cuisine – expect exceptionally fresh fish and local delicacies such as reindeer.
- Huken Pub – A small place with friendly staff, surprisingly good burgers and great atmosphere.
