Tromsø travel guide

Tromsø Museum

The Tromsø Museum is northern Norway's oldest and largest museum with exhibitions devoted to the cultural and natural history of the region. It is located on the university campus, just outside the city, and is run by the university.

There is a comprehensive display relating to the traditional culture and music of the Sami or Lapp people and their nomadic, reindeer-herding way of life, and for many people this is the highlight of the visit. The Tromsø Museum is possibly the best place in Norway to learn about the fascinating Sami culture and history.

There are also daily films about the Northern Lights, particularly good for those visiting outside of the months when the Aurora might be seen. Apart from the Northern Lights display, there are numerous other science and nature exhibits, including things like earthquake sensors, which the kids will enjoy testing.

Most of the exhibits have some information available in English. There is a good cafe for refreshments when you need a break. The bus ride to the museum is scenic and many travellers find it a fun part of the visit, but it is also possible to walk the distance and it is a pleasant stroll if you have the inclination.

Arctic Cathedral

The spectacular design of the white and ultramodern Arctic Cathedral is visible from afar, situated on a small hill on an island and linked to the mainland by the spindly Tromsø Bridge. It is an architectural masterpiece, made up of eleven large triangular sections representing the eleven faithful apostles and symbolising northern Norwegian heritage, culture and faith.

It bears an interesting resemblance to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, but its colour and shape can also be likened to an iceberg. The cathedral has one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe, and an interior decorated with grand chandeliers made up of many prisms of colours and lights, representing hanging ice formations.

Built in 1965, the church is not technically a cathedral, despite its commonly used name. The actual Tromsø Cathedral is the only wooden cathedral in Norway and is also worth a visit. Travellers should note that the church is usually only open for two hours in the winter months, in the late afternoon, and opening hours can fluctuate so it is best to check the official website to confirm opening hours before visiting. Look out for the wonderful midnight music concerts in the church.

Polaria

Polaria is an information and experience centre for the whole family, combining interactive experiences with information about the arctic environment. There is a panoramic film about the arctic wilderness of Svalbard, an Arctic Walkway that creates a snowstorm experience and the Northern Lights spectacle.

As the Northern Lights are famously unpredictable, it is nice to know that you can at least see the effect recreated at Polaria even if the lights elude you in real life. The bearded seal pool is especially exciting at feeding time, and an aquarium provides a close look at arctic sea mammals and life in the freezing waters.

There is a little gift shop for those wanting souvenirs. Polaria is best suited to families and is a good option for those travelling with kids in Tromsø. A visit will only take about one to three hours and ideally should be timed to coincide with seal training and feeding. These usually take place daily at 12.30pm and 3.30pm in the winter months, and at 12.30pm and 3pm in the summer.

Those wanting a more grown-up investigation of arctic history, particularly the explorers and seal hunting tradition, should visit the Polar Museum housed in a converted warehouse by the harbour.