Tromsø is a vibrant city located above the Arctic Circle, surrounded by fjords and mountains. It is a major port and university center, often called the “gateway to the Arctic” and the “Paris of the north.” In addition, Tromso is a popular point on the route of sea, car and bicycle trips along the fjords of Norway; it also attracts lovers of mountain walks, rock climbing and fishing.
The main part of the city is located on the small island of Tromsay, with separate areas on the mainland and on the island of Kvalei. The city center is small and easy to get around on foot. The historical part includes the main street Storgata, as well as the streets Strandgata, Skippergata and Skansegata, which lie closer to the sea. Stortorget's main market square offers views of the harbor and the Arctic Cathedral across the strait. On the other side of the Storgata, houses climb steeply up the ridge of hills that separate the eastern part of the city from the western and from the airport.
Tromso Tourist Office is located at Kirkegata 2; Tel.: +47 77 61 00 00, +47 77 61 00 10. Opening hours: from May 19 to August 31: Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, Sat and Sun 10:00-17:00, rest time 9:00-16:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun - closed.
How to get there
Beaches of Tromso
You can go to Kvaløy ("whale island") - the fifth largest island in Norway, connected to the main part of Tromsø by a bridge. Sommarøy is a fishing village on the islets near the western tip of Kvaleja, with a sandy beach and views of the open sea and the island of Senja. Not far from Sommaray are the beaches of Sandvika and Otervika.
Hella (Straumhella, 30 km) is a popular place for country recreation and fishing for residents and guests of Tromsø. Straumengård, located next to Hella, is a small museum of grass-roofed farmhouses. Grotfjord (40 km) - sandy beach with stunning views of the sea and the island of Vengsøy.
The islands to the north of Kwalaia can be reached by ferry. From Belvik there are ferries to Vängsøy, Musvær (5 inhabitants) and Sandøy (3 inhabitants). The large island of Ringvassøya is connected to Kvaley by undersea tunnel E863. The Mikkelvik-Bromnes ferry connects this island with Rebbenesøya in the northwest. In the east, from Hansnes you can take a ferry to Reynøya, Vannøya and Karlsøya - the famous island of hippies, artists and musicians, where a music festival is held every summer.
Popular hotels in Tromso
Cuisine and restaurants
You can have a budget meal in the student canteen (cantina) in one of the academic buildings of the University of Tromsø. In the city center, a similar canteen is located in the city council building (Rådhus), a main course costs up to 80-90 NOK. In other places you can have lunch for about 110-120 NOK, the lowest prices are at Burger King.
Good cafes: Café Mirage (delicious and filling daily menu), Blå Rock (best hamburgers in the city), Gründer, Skarven (fish restaurant), pizzeria Dolly Dimple's (Pizzabuffet - eat as much as you can, about 130 NOK), pizzeria Yonas, Peppes Pizza (free Internet).
There are no restaurants with traditional cuisine in Tromsø, however, you can try typical Norwegian dishes in: Arctandria (fish dishes), Store Norske Fiskekompani (fresh fish), Sjøgata 12 (bacalau or klippfisk - dried and salted cod), the oldest restaurant in the city Peppermøllen (French and international cuisine, as well as local raw products).
Fine dining restaurants: Tang’s, Lotus, Il Mare, Compagniet and the fantastic Emmas Drømmekjøkken (main course 300-380 NOK, “five course menu” 760 NOK).
Entertainment and attractions in Tromso
The Arctic Cathedral, decorated with an original stained glass window, which was built in 1965, is interesting. In the summer, Midnight Sun concerts are held here. The Fjellhuisen funicular leading to Mount Storsteinen is located at an altitude of 420 m. From there you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, rivers and mountains, and if you're lucky, the midnight sun or northern lights.
The Tromsø University Museum complex (Universitetsmuseet, address: Lars Thøringsvei 10, tel.: +47 77645000) includes:
- Arctic Alpine Botanical Garden (Arktisk alpin Botanisk hage), opening hours: 24 hours a day. Highland plants from all over the world are represented here.
- Polaria Museum, address: Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, tel.: +47 77750100, opening hours: 10:00-19:00 in summer (from August 31 to May 16), 12:00-17:00 in the rest of the year. The museum's exposition, dedicated to the nature of the polar regions, features pools with catfish, flounder, sea anemones and starfish. And also: a large pool with seals, a film about the nature of Svalbard, a souvenir shop. Admission 130 NOK adults, 65 NOK children, 70 NOK students, family ticket - 280 NOK.
The Perspektivet Museum displays exhibits telling the history of the city and also hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. The Art Museum of Northern Norway displays the art and traditions of Northern Norway from the nineteenth century to the present day. Interesting displays of Norwegian and international art can be seen in the Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Northern Lights in Tromso
Mack Bryggeri, the world's northernmost brewery, offers interesting tours where tourists are introduced to the beer making process, equipment and the Ølhallen Beer Hall, built in 1928.
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Tromso located in the northern part Norway, 400 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. This is the most international city in the country. Representatives of several dozen nationalities live here, including Finns, Russians, Swedes, Poles, Danes and, of course, the Norwegians themselves. The urban area, together with the adjacent regional areas, includes the mainland, divided into island areas and the island of Tromsøya, where the busiest neighborhoods are located. All pieces of sushi are connected to each other using bridges. The sea harbor has one of the largest ports in the Arctic, serving dozens of ships from around the world every day.
Located between Narvik and Alta, Tromsø is considered an important strategic location, providing regular transport links between the cities of the northern region and the rest of Norway. There is a fairly capacious international airport here, and the highways are of exceptionally high quality. The only drawback is the lack of a railway, due to the high density of mountain ranges that cut off the northern part of the country from the railway track.
During the period from late December to January, the northern lights can be observed in the city. Due to its unique geographical location, Tromsø is often called the “gateway to the Arctic”.
The historical part of the city is located on Tromsøya island and includes streets such as Strandgata, Skippergata and Skansegata, located in close proximity to the sea coast. The Stortorget market square is one of the most visited areas of the center, where there is always a brisk trade and where completely different types of goods and souvenirs are sold. From here you have a stunning view of the sea harbor and the Arctic Cathedral, which is a Lutheran church built in the Art Nouveau style in 1965. The image of this structure is formed by two structures merging with each other, trimmed with aluminum plates on the outside. The altar of the church is decorated with the figure of Jesus Christ, standing surrounded by two people and making a very impressive sight. The sounds of a modern organ standing not far from the altar perfectly complement the internal atmosphere of the cathedral, especially since organ music concerts are regularly held here. Not far from the market square there is a cruise ship terminal, where you can find out a lot of interesting information about the schedule of tourist routes and their destinations. Among the many hotels in Tromsøy, the four-star Clarion Hotel Bryggen stands out for its design and stunning views from its rooms.
A real masterpiece of engineering in Tromsø is the road bridge of the same name, connecting the mainland of the city and its island archipelago. Its length is 1036 meters, and its height above sea level is 38. The bridge is divided into four parts, two of which are intended for motorists, and the other two for pedestrians. Before its appearance, transport communication across the Gulf of Tromsø was carried out using a ferry. In 1955, the project of the Norwegian architect Erling Viksjo was reviewed and soon approved, and only in 1958 large-scale construction of this structure began, which lasted for two years. In the summer of 1960, the grand opening of the bridge took place, which was attended by the most influential people in Norway. Already at that time, it cost the city administration a fair amount of Norwegian kroner, becoming the longest bridge in Northern Europe at that time, and in 2008 it was officially declared a cultural monument of Norway.
In the summer, the most popular places for a beach holiday in Tromsø are island Kvalei. In its western part is the fishing village of Sommaray, known for its sandy beaches and excellent fishing conditions. In addition, it offers excellent views of the island of Senja and the vast expanses of the North Sea. The beaches of Sandvik and Utervik are nearby. Wengsay Island known for its magnificent Grotfjord beach, and a place with the friendly name Hella, recommended for fishing lovers. Near Hella, Straumengård is an open-air museum where you can see traditional farmhouses where Norwegian farmers lived many years ago. Worthy of special attention Wannay Island, where music festivals are held every year. According to rumors, people of creative professions live and work here, including artists, designers, writers, and musicians. Ferries, boats and other marine vehicles travel between the islands daily.
Among the many attractions of Tromso, the following stand out: Mount Storstainen, from which fabulous landscapes open to the eyes, Polaria Museum, with its unique northern exposures, high mountain Arctic Botanical Garden And Museum of Nordic Art of Norway. For beer fans, the brewery named after Mack Brygger is of considerable interest. There, visitors are not only introduced to the secrets of brewing, but also given the opportunity to personally taste the foamy drink, assessing its quality. A huge selection of restaurants throughout the city allows its guests to experience the true taste of Norwegian cuisine, and the abundance of shops provides the opportunity for quality shopping.
Today Tromsø is one of the most visited cities in Northern Norway. There is everything for life, recreation and entertainment here. Excellent opportunities for sports, an abundance of educational and cultural institutions, perfect infrastructure and social security for residents are characteristic features of this northern city. In summer there is no sweltering heat, and in winter there is no severe frost. In many ways, Tromsø can be called a progressive European metropolis, with a high standard of living and a distinctive Nordic charm.
In Tromso, as throughout Norway, there is a network of comfortable hotels where you will receive decent service for a fairly high price. One of the most expensive hotels, where room rates start from 1055 NOK (the rate is 1 EUR=8.52 NOK), is the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsǿ (Sjogata, 7). An equally solid welcome awaits you at the Rica Ishavshotel (Fredrik Langesgt, 2), which also has four-star status and offers rooms starting from 995 NOK. But the three-star Rica Grand Hotel Tromsǿ (Storgaten, 44), Quality Hotel Saga (Richard Withs Plass, 2), Clarion Collection Hotel With (Sjӧgata, 35-37) are ready to welcome tourists in comfortable rooms costing from 690 NOK. Each hotel has free internet access, parking, some have a sauna, and the rooms are equipped to the highest European standards. If you wish, you can stay in the private sector by making arrangements with local residents. It will cost you several times cheaper than staying in a hotel. And if you are attracted by the national flavor of the country, then you will not find a better choice than the Rorby fishing hut. Houses equipped for tourists will cost you at least 600 NOK per day, but keep in mind that in this case you are paying for an entire cottage with two full bedrooms, a spacious bathroom, a kitchen and a living room. Only you will have to pay extra for towels and bed linen sets.
Sights of Tromso
The unique one, built in Tromsø in 1965, is a masterpiece of northern architecture. Its appearance refutes all architectural temple canons. In shape it resembles a lavvo - the home of representatives of the northern Sami people. The creation of the architect Jan Inge Hovig impresses with its originality and beauty. Everything here breathes grandeur and luxury: the largest stained glass window in Europe, a chandelier made of Czech crystal sparkling with bright shimmers, a new organ emitting the purest deep sounds and huge bells, the ringing of which spreads across the snow-white infinity. In the summer, Midnight Sun concerts are traditionally held here. All information about visiting hours of the cathedral and events held here can be found on its official website: www.ishavskatedralen.no/.
Located in a building made of ice blocks, this center includes a huge aquarium with Arctic marine animals and fish (catfish, starfish, flounder, sea anemones), a panoramic cinema, several thematic exhibitions and a lot of souvenir shops. Under the auspices of the Norwegian Polar Institute and created on the initiative of the Department of Environmental Protection, the center gives visitors an opportunity to gain insight into the flora and fauna of the Arctic. Here you can watch Caprino’s entertaining film about this harsh region, take a helicopter flight over Svalbard, and feed the seals yourself. In the summer season, Polaria is open from 10.00 to 19.00 daily (seal feeding from 12.30 and 15.00), and in winter you are welcome to visit from 12.00 to 17.00 (seal feeding: 12.30 and 15.30). Entrance ticket for an adult costs 120 NOK, for a child under 15 years old - 60 NOK, a family of two adults and three children will pay 250 NOK.
In Tromso there is a great opportunity to admire the city from the height of a mountain peak (420 m above sea level), sitting at a restaurant table. You can get there by cable car, which operates from May 20 to August 9 from 10.00 to 01.00. An adult will have to pay 135 NOK for this pleasure, and for a child you will pay 50 NOK. In good weather, you can sit in the restaurant's outdoor area and enjoy hearty Norwegian cuisine. There is also a children's playground and a small souvenir shop.
This is where true beer lovers definitely need to go! The opportunity to try 16 varieties of this foamy, intoxicating miracle with excellent Norwegian fish will make you come back here again and again. And 13 varieties of soft drinks and environmentally friendly mineral water will not let those who don’t drink beer get bored. Believe me, the process of preparing the latter is very exciting and aesthetically pleasing, so an excursion here will not be a waste of time.
If you dream, even for a short time, of becoming the master of the most beautiful natural phenomenon - the northern lights, by creating it with your own hands, you definitely need to go to this museum! For this purpose, it has a special plasma room, where the ritual takes place. Exhibitions dedicated to the life of the northern peoples are very colorful and will definitely attract your attention. The exhibition of Viking treasures alone is worth it! If you came here with children, remember, getting them out of here will be a huge problem. Near the giant, good-natured dinosaur, they will cut endless circles, admiring its size and unusualness. The cost of entry to the university museum is quite affordable: an adult ticket costs 50 NOK, children, students and pensioners can visit it for 25 NOK. The museum has a botanical garden, which you can stroll through at any time of the year absolutely free.
6. Museum ship "Polar Star".
Today, this seal-killing ship has become an entertaining and original museum, where you can feel like real polar explorers and hunters. The cabins and equipment of the ship, preserved in their original form, allow you to breathe deeply the air of wanderings and adventures. The ship is located in a giant glass structure, which looks very unusual and beautiful. Ticket price for an adult is 25 NOK, for a child - 10 NOK. The only drawback of the Polar Star is that it can only be visited during a short period from June 15 to August 15, daily from 10.00 to 17.00.
The northern Norwegian town of Tromso, together with its immediate surroundings, where there are no heavy industrial enterprises, is recognized as one of the cleanest areas in Europe.
The capital of the region of the same name in Norway, the city of Tromso, is interesting to tourists not only from a cultural and historical point of view, but also from a natural point of view.
The starting point of all Arctic expeditions of the 19th century, the city of Tromso, which has the largest farm in Norway for raising sled dogs - huskies, is proud of its wild areas, where bears and wolves, wolverines and lynxes live in complete safety, where native plants grow in their original form. for this strip, samples of polar fauna.
Spread over numerous small islands connected to mainland Tromso by tunnels, bridges, ferry and air services, this city seduces tourists with its beauty.
Woven from the vast ocean, majestic mountains, mighty fjords, rapids rivers and quiet valleys, the natural fabric of the Tromso region pleases the eyes of lovers of outdoor activities, saturated with the aroma of northern freshness.
Fans of rock climbing in Tromso can challenge the tall gray giants, and those who want to emerge victorious in the battle with the water elements should, dressed in the appropriate suit, engage in exciting rafting in Tromso.
Lovers of leisurely contemplation of the northern beauties are invited to the Reisaelva River, along which a special excursion boat follows, as well as the mountains that climb high, where tourists can pick delicious northern berries while walking in Tromso in the summer, and go skiing in the winter.
And, of course, the city and the region as a whole, nestled on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, cannot but boast of excellent fishing in Tromso - in whose waters some of the largest fish stocks in the world are recorded.
Endowed with many epithets, the city of Tromsø is noticeably different from other northern villages in Norway, where peace and quiet reigns. Called the “Paris of the North,” Tromsø surprises tourists not with its Arctic-colored pictures of city life. Vibrant cafes and pubs, cheerful street musicians and artists, lively evening entertainment, many cultural centers and the world's coolest brewery create the image of this Norwegian corner.
The vibrant nightlife in the vast expanses of Tromso makes the leisure time of the city’s numerous young people more eventful. While rocking white nights in discos and nightclubs, teenagers struggle in the morning to attend lectures at the northernmost university in the world with an extensive research base.
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” the Tromso region is a kind of “door” to the friendly world of the Sami, Kven and Norwegians who have inhabited these latitudes since ancient times.
The rich cultural heritage of multilingual Tromso, the opportunity to get acquainted with the customs and life of the local residents give it even more charm and attractiveness.
An acquaintance with local traditions can begin on the street and end in the famous Hologaland Theater, whose innovative productions accurately recreate the life and character of the northern peoples.
Located in the Northern Lights belt - Tromso, which occupies an incredibly convenient place for receiving information from satellites, studying the ozone layer and the environment, invites tourists to look into the educational planetarium "Northern Lights" and the entertainment center "Polaria", the Marine Aquarium and the Tromsø Museum.
Often surprising guests in the summer with a phenomenon unusual for local latitudes, such as a mirage, Tromsø has the northernmost observatory in the world, where phenomena of this kind are studied.
Not plunging into darkness during the white nights, Tromsø is ideal for an interesting romantic walk around the city, one of the main decorations of which is the Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdal Church), remarkable for its white robes, surprising tourists with its curious architecture, which is a 23-meter hut.
Anyone who dares to take the cable car up Mount Storstainen (420 m), from where a magnificent panorama of the city and its environs opens up, will be able to view all the cultural and historical riches of Tromso, including colorful fishing huts and small boats.
There is something to surprise guests in the settlements nearby Tromso.
Visitors to the aircraft port city of Harstad will encounter the world's oldest sailing ship, the Anna Rogde (1868), as well as the world's heaviest land-based gun, the Adolf gun (1943).
The shrimp farm and exciting water park located in Harstad will not leave tourists indifferent. In addition, Harstad, which has a Medieval church (1250) and Rökenes Square - a place of trade and an inn from the 16th century, invites holidaymakers to a colorful summer theater festival, where professional artists and amateurs demonstrate their art.
A little north of Harstad, in the same area of Tromso, is the lovely Vogsfjord archipelago, which can take exactly a year to thoroughly explore, because it consists of 365 islands of different sizes.
The Vikings were the first to pave the way to Vogsfjord, whose history and culture can be found in the local history museum of the island of Gritoya.
Part of the Vogsfjord archipelago, Norway's second largest island, Senja, gives travelers the opportunity to take an impressive polar safari in the National Park.
You can learn about the life of northern animals in the subpolar zoo in the town of Bardou, but you can admire the grandeur of the 269-meter Molissfossen waterfall only in Reisadalen.
In addition, in the vicinity of Tromso, visitors to Norway will have the opportunity to visit the old shopping district of Havnes on the island of Uleya, as well as the shipping museum in Gratangen.
Direct flights from Tromso Airport to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk make traveling to Norway's northernmost kingdom more comfortable and exciting.
1. Tromso Museum
Tromsø Museum is Northern Norway's oldest and largest museum, dedicated to the cultural and natural history of the north. It is located on campus, just outside the city, and is run by the university. The museum provides an excellent representation of traditional Sami culture and music and their nomadic way of life. Tromsø Museum is perhaps the best place in Norway to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Sami.
2. Arctic Cathedral ( Arctic Cathedral)
The striking design of the ultra-modern architecture of the Arctic Cathedral is visible from afar, the cathedral is located on a small hill on the island and is connected to the mainland by the Tromsø spindle bridge. It is an architectural masterpiece consisting of eleven large triangular sections representing the eleven faithful apostles and symbolizing Northern Norwegian heritage, culture and faith. It bears an interesting resemblance to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, but its color and shape can also be compared to an iceberg. The cathedral has one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe, and the interior is decorated with grandiose chandeliers.
Official website: www.ishavskatedralen.no
3. Polaria
Polaria is an entertainment center and museum rolled into one; everything related to the Arctic is presented here, a great place for a family vacation. Children really enjoy feeding the seals, which happens daily at 12.30 and 3.30 in the winter months, and at 12.30 and 3pm in the summer. There is a small gift shop for those who want to buy souvenirs.
Official website: www.polaria.no
4. Mount Floya
One of the main tourist attractions in Tromso is without a doubt Mount Floya. The mountain offers excellent panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. There is a cable car leading up the mountain.
5. Skansen
The city center of Tromsø has the largest number of old wooden houses inNorthern Norway. The oldest house in Tromsø was built in 1789 as a port customs post.
6. Tromso Cathedral
Tromso Cathedral was built in neo-Gothic style, with a church tower and main entrance on the west side. This church is the northernmost Protestant church in the world. To explore the sights of Tromso, take a guided tour.
The first church in Tromsø was built in 1252 by King Haakon IV as a royal chapel.Therefore, it belonged to the king, and not to the Catholic Church.This church is mentioned several times in Middle Ages in legends.
Not much is known about previous churches on the site, but it is known that a new church was built on the site in 1711.This church was replaced in 1803. The church was removed from the city in 1860 to make way for the construction of the current cathedral.The church building was moved to an area a few hundred meters south of the city limits in 1803, and then moved again to its current site in the early 1970s Elverhøy Church . Old the church still exists and contains a number of works of art that have decorated churches in Tromsø since the Middle Ages, the oldest of which is a figure Madonnas , possibly 15th century.
