Summary
In Northern Norway, Tromsø stands out as a city unlike any other in Europe. Set high within the Arctic Circle, it occupies the island of Tromsøya, surrounded by imposing mountain peaks, including the renowned Tromsdalstinden to the east.
During winter, Tromsø is the ideal destination for witnessing the Northern Lights, with various guides and tour operators available to assist in capturing and experiencing the beauty of the Aurora. At this time, Tromsø is enveloped by the Polar Night, contrasting starkly with summer, when the city enjoys two full months of Midnight Sun. It is easy to be tempted into excursions to behold these natural wonders, including traversing fjords and observing whales. However, when in the city, Tromsø boasts a vibrant and youthful character, with an abundance of bars and nightclubs located in its center.
Let’s explore the best attractions in Tromsø:
1. Northern Lights
The optimal timeframe for experiencing this mesmerizing phenomenon is from early September to early April.
The prime period occurs from mid-November to mid-January, known as the Polar Night, during which the sun remains below the horizon.
Tromsø is located within the Northern Lights Oval, the foremost area for observing the Aurora.
It is advisable to move away from the city to minimize light pollution, and ideally plan your visit during the new moon or the waning and waxing crescent phase, when there is less ambient light to contend with.
Numerous activities centered around the Northern Lights are available, including dog-sledding and snowmobiling excursions, as well as land and sea cruises.
Chasing Lights offers guided boat trips and provides valuable tips on camera setup for photographing the Aurora in all its splendor.
2. Midnight Sun
From 20 May to 22 July, Tromsø experiences continuous daylight, a phenomenon difficult to fully appreciate until witnessed.
While the enduring darkness of the Polar Night may be associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, many report that the Midnight Sun significantly enhances their mood.
The Storsteinen mountain ledge is one of the ideal vantage points to enjoy this spectacle, which will be detailed further in this article.
From this location, one can observe the sun lingering above the horizon behind the Soltindan peak on Ringvassøya island to the north.
June also heralds the Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon, which attracts thousands of visitors for a race commencing at 20:30.
3. Whale Safaris
Between October and February, various whale and dolphin species, including harbour porpoises, humpback whales, killer whales, and fin whales, migrate to the waters surrounding Tromsø to feed on the abundant herring.
As such, Tromsø is recognized as the premier destination in northern Europe for marine wildlife expeditions.
A tour with operators like Tromsø Safari ranges from 3.5 to 7 hours, contingent on how swiftly you spot these incredible creatures.
During your outing, educational films covering the whales’ migratory patterns and eating habits are presented, while guides highlight other wildlife such as sea eagles.
4. Tromsø Fjords
Close to Tromsø, you will find several beautiful fjords including Kaldfjorden, Balsfjorden, Ullsfjorden, and Malangen.
Cruises departing from Tromsø’s harbor on the Polar Queen or Fjord Queen allow visitors to behold these strikingly beautiful bodies of water.
During this five-hour excursion, expect to witness classic polar scenes featuring snow-capped mountains and slender waterfalls, along with the potential to spot seals, reindeer, sea eagles, and even humpback whales from November to January.
Guests can opt to observe from the cabin or venture out onto the deck in the chill for better photographic opportunities.
Warm clothing is provided, along with Arctic fish, waffles, and hot beverages to sustain you until your return.
Alternatively, guided drives can lead you to the island of Sommarøy, which boasts pristine white sandy beaches.
5. Arctic Cathedral
Nestled in the Tromsdalen valley, this church is a modern architectural marvel, crafted by Jan Inge Hovig and consecrated in 1965. The structure is composed of 11 rectangular aluminum frames, with a glass facade featuring a large cross on its western face.
This striking silhouette draws inspiration from polar boathouses, icebergs, and Sami tents, and illuminates beautifully at night with lighting accents between the frames.
Behind the altar, an impressive stained glass window illustrating Christ’s second coming was created by artist Victor Sparre, captivating during the summer months of Midnight Sun.
During this season, special Midnight Sun concerts are performed by talented musicians.
6. Fjellheisen (Tromsø Cable Car)
Cross the Tromsø Bridge to reach Tromsdalen, where the lower station of the aerial tramway ascends to the Storsteinen mountain ledge, situated 420 meters above sea level.
The journey lasts four minutes, culminating in a spectacular view of the Tromsø strait, Tromsøya island, and the Tromsø Bridge.
The upper station features a restaurant and an outdoor viewing area.
During summer, visitors can ascend to embark on hikes to the 1,238-meter Tromsdalstinden, and in the evenings, to witness the Midnight Sun.
In winter, this location serves as one of the premier spots for observing the Northern Lights.
7. Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden
Operated by the University Museum of Tromsø, this botanical garden is the northernmost of its kind globally, situated at a high elevation with breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.
The garden is open from May to October and features an array of Arctic and Alpine flora, including perennial plants and herbs, with various species blooming at different times throughout the month.
Unique plants such as slipper flowers from the Falkland Islands and Himalayan blue poppies from Tibet, which blossom in late June with stems reaching up to a meter, can be found here.
The rhododendron valley showcases 60 species that flourish in June, presenting a vibrant display of colors including yellow, white, purple, and red.
8. Polar Museum
Founded in 1978, exactly 50 years following the demise of the renowned explorer Roald Amundsen, this museum is dedicated to the lives of polar pioneers, encompassing a spectrum from animal trappers to explorers.
Visitors encounter historical figures such as the Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz, who identified the Svalbard archipelago in the 16th century, paving the way for a generation of Dutch whalers.
The stories of early 20th-century trappers, who endured long winters on Svalbard capturing polar bears, reindeer, and seals, can also be explored.
A genuine trapper’s cabin from 1900 has been relocated to the museum.
Additionally, there is a dedicated exhibit focused on Roald Amundsen, the first individual to reach the South Pole in 1926 and the first to navigate the Northwest Passage from 1903 to 1906.
9. Tromsø Museum
At the southern end of Tromsøya, this engaging museum showcases the city and region, also managed by the University of Tromsø.
The museum examines life in northern Norway from multiple perspectives, focusing on Sami culture, the science behind the Northern Lights, the history of polar exploration, regional geology and wildlife, along with religious art and archaeology.
Exhibits include whale skeletons, traditional skis and canoes, models of Sami homes, impressive altarpieces, artifacts from adventurous expeditions, and prehistoric spearheads.
Many exhibits are designed to be child-friendly, featuring interactive components.
Announced in 2016, plans are in place to relocate the museum to central Tromsø in the upcoming years.
10. Science Centre of Northern Norway
Located on the campus of the University of Tromsø, this interactive science museum delves into topics such as human biology, energy and environmental science, meteorology and climate, as well as celestial phenomena.
The center also examines life above the Arctic Circle, documenting the local habitat and revealing ongoing scientific research in the area.
The centerpiece of the museum is undoubtedly the 360° digital planetarium, the largest in Norway, which hosts Northern Lights presentations and explains the scientific principles behind this enchanting natural occurrence.
11. Art Museum of Northern Norway
As Norway’s northernmost art museum, it boasts an extensive collection of over 2,000 paintings spanning from the Romantic era to contemporary art.
The landscapes of northern Norway are prominently featured, particularly in the works of 19th-century artists such as Peder Balke, Gunnar Berg, and François-Auguste Biard.
The museum also displays pieces by renowned artists including Edvard Munch, David Hockney, and abstract expressionist Anna-Eva Bergman.
Temporary exhibitions address regional topics, including indigenous cultures and climate change.
In 2017, the museum was honored as Norway’s Museum of the Year.
12. Tromsøbrua (Tromsø Bridge)
A fixture of the cityscape, the Tromsø Bridge spans the Tromsøysundet on the eastern edge of the island. It was a significant engineering accomplishment when completed in the late 1950s.
As Norway’s inaugural cantilever bridge, it held the title of the longest bridge in Northern Europe for a period, extending just over one kilometer.
Reaching 38 meters above the water, the bridge comprises 58 spans, with the central span measuring 80 meters.
Pedestrians are encouraged to use the walking path for outstanding views of Tromsdalstinden, with the magnificent Arctic Cathedral featured prominently in the foreground.
13. Cross-country Skiing
In the Arctic Circle, cross-country skiing, Norway’s national sport, is a must-try activity in Tromsø.
Once equipped with skis and poles, one can explore illuminated trails that wind through tranquil spruce and birch forests independently.
The northern part of Tromsøya Island features a network of trails, alongside a coastal trail across the water at Kvaløysletta.
For specific information on the condition of each route and grooming status, Norway’s Skisporet website is a valuable resource.
If help is needed to get started, various active sports companies, such as Tromsø Outdoor, offer guided sessions to teach ski fundamentals.
14. Polaria
As the northernmost aquarium globally, Polaria features a unique structure designed to resemble ice floes driven against the land by turbulent seas.
The facility houses numerous tanks and habitats for indigenous marine life.
Notably, bearded seals are showcased in an open pool, offering visitors the chance to observe them swimming from an underwater glass tunnel.
Additionally, the “Arctic Walkway” replicates Arctic permafrost and exhibits equipment used in polar expeditions.
Polaria also screens stunning documentaries such as “Spitsbergen – Arctic Wilderness” and “In the Land of the Northern Lights” in its five-screen panoramic cinema.
15. Macks Ølbryggeri
Throughout any bar in Tromsø, it is highly probable you will find this brand prominently offered on tap.
Founded by Ludwig Markus Mack, the child of a German immigrant in 1877, this cherished brewery has maintained its independence over the years.
Until recently, it laid claim to being the northernmost brewery globally, a title it lost to Svalbard Bryggeri in 2015. Tours are available from Monday to Friday, providing insights through a video presentation, showcasing stainless steel fermentation tanks while discussing the history and brewing process.
The tour concludes in the basement’s pub, which features over 100 tap selections.
For deeper explorations into the craft of brewing, a more expensive yet informative experience is available, encompassing answers to any inquiries regarding beer-making alongside tasting five distinct brews during the session.
