Things to do in Tromsø

Activities, attractions and tours

Tromso which includes a small town or village, a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Tromso which includes a sunset, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Tromso which includes a house and a garden
Tromso showing mountains and a sunset
Tromso which includes a sunset, a small town or village and mountains

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Top places to visit

1. Tromso Cathedral

Notice the exquisite stained-glass windows as you enter the beautiful Tromsø Cathedral. Admire the open wooden interior and the stunning replica painting of Christ’s resurrection by Norwegian romantic painter Adolph Tidemand. This great church is one of the largest wooden cathedrals in Norway.
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Tromso Cathedral featuring a monument

2. Polaria

Learn about the ecology of the Arctic from a number of educational displays at Polaria. See bearded seals swimming in a large tank and view an exhibit about clams being used by researchers to identify changes in the arctic marine ecosystem. This aquarium has been designed as a resource to educate visitors on the region’s marine life and the effect of climate change on the Arctic.
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Polaria which includes modern architecture

3. Polar Museum

See exhibits about Norway’s polar seafaring tradition in the Polar Museum. Study the ships and equipment that made these dangerous expeditions possible and learn about the courageous people involved. The Polar Museum is located in the beautiful and lively city of Tromsø in northern Norway.
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Polar Museum showing a statue or sculpture

4. Tromso University Museum

Tromsø University Museum, the largest museum north of the Arctic Circle, consists of four departments open to the public. Visit the Tromsø Museum department and discover displays on the Samis, the indigenous Finno-Ugric people residing in the Arctic area of Sápmi. Wander through the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Gardens and learn how these gardens function during the summer’s midnight sun phenomenon. See the MS Polstjerna, a seafaring hunting vessel.
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Tromso University Museum

5. Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens

The Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens are considered the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. These gardens must support a unique diversity of plant life in order to withstand about 7 months of snow coverage in Tromsø. Discover plants from native ice beds in Svalbard, a remote terrain made up of frozen glaciers.
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Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens showing flowers

What to do in Tromsø

Popular places to visit

Tromso Cathedral featuring a monument

Tromso Cathedral

This 19th-century wooden Protestant cathedral is highly regarded for its Gothic Revival architecture, imposing bell tower and striking interior artwork.

Tromso Cathedral
Polaria which includes modern architecture

Polaria

Designed as an educational center, this aquarium features knowledge-based exhibits, display tanks with local marine life and a panoramic cinema.

Polaria
Arctic Cathedral

Arctic Cathedral

After visiting Arctic Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Tromsdalen. Wander the waterfront or discover the area's northern lights views.

Arctic Cathedral
Polar Museum showing a statue or sculpture

Polar Museum

Get insight into the history of many polar expeditions and learn about Norway’s heritage of bear trapping and arctic travelers in this intriguing museum.

Polar Museum
Tromso University Museum

Tromso University Museum

See interactive exhibits, wander through exotic botanical gardens and learn about Norway’s polar seafaring tradition in the departments of this exceptional museum.

Tromso University Museum
Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens showing flowers

Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens

Admire exotic plants from Chile, Africa and Turkey, along with a large collection of alpine and arctic flora in these beautiful public gardens.

Polar-Alpine Botanical Gardens

Tromso Lapland

Enjoy an outing to Tromso Lapland during your stay in Tromsø. Stroll along the waterfront or discover the area's northern lights views.

Tromso Lapland

Tromso Fjords

Explore the great outdoors at Tromso Fjords and enjoy the northern lights views during your trip to Tromsø. Discover the cosy cafes in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Tromso Fjords

University of Tromso

Enjoy the student vibe at University of Tromso as part of your travels around Tromsø. Discover the northern lights views in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

University of Tromso

 

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Storfjord showing mountains, general coastal views and rugged coastline

Storfjord

Photo by Desi

Balsfjord

Tromsdalen

Tromsdalen

Finnsnes which includes mountains and general coastal views

Senja

Frequently asked questions

Is Tromsø worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Tromsø. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Tromsø?
Kick your day off with a visit to Polaria and Svalbard Museum. Then, tour other parts of Tromsø for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tromsø?
You can't leave without visiting Polaria, rated the top tourist attraction in Tromsø.
Is three days enough to stay in Tromsø?
You can easily visit leading sights like Polaria, Arctic Cathedral and Art Museum of Northern Norway with a three-day stay in Tromsø. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Tromsdalen.
What are some activities to do in Tromsø with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Tromsø with kids.

What to do in Tromsø for adults?
Mack Brewery and Polar Museum are just a few of the things to do in Tromsø. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Tromsø?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Tromsø is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. Arctic Cathedral is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.