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.
Address:
Lars Thoringsveg 10
The Tromso University Museum
Nigel Harper
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.
Address:
Hans Nilsens vei 41, Tromsdalen
Arctic Cathedral
Carlton Browne
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.
Address:
Hjalmar Johansens gate 12
Starfish in Polaria
Lee Dyer
Tromsø has a continental sub-arctic climate with very
cold winter weather and short summers. It rains year-round with
October generally seeing the highest rainfall. Tromsø usually has a
lot of snow in winter (December to April) and cool summers. In
February, which is midwinter, the average temperatures range
between 20°F (-6.5°C) and 28°F (-2°C), though it can get
significantly colder.
In July, the hottest month of summer, average
temperatures range between 47°F (9°C) and 59°F (15°C). Occasional
summer heat waves can bring temperatures reaching up to 86°F
(30°C). Large areas in the Tromsø municipality are located above
the treeline and have an alpine tundra climate.
The best time to visit Tromsø depends on desired
activities. Although the winters are harsh, many people choose to
visit during the cold months to witness the Aurora Borealis and
enjoy snow activities. Summer is unpredictable in Tromsø, with
plenty of dull, drizzly days interspersed with lovely sunny
periods.
The Midnight Sun can be seen between about mid-May
and late July, but there is no real darkness between late-April and
mid-August. On the other hand, the best time to see the Northern
Lights is between late September and late March. Purely from a
weather perspective, May is often considered the best month to
visit Tromsø, as it receives the least rain and the most
sunshine.
Tromso Airport, Langnes
Location: The airport is situated three miles (5km) northwest of
Tromso.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last
Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Transfer Between Terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
The Flybussen (Airport Express Coach) runs between the airport
and Tromso city centre and takes approximately 15 minutes. The city
bus routes 40 and 42 also provide this service. For those
interested in taking a taxi, there is also a taxi rank outside of
the airport terminal.
Car Rental:
Car rental services are available on the first floor of the
airport, near Check-In. Car rental companies include Avis, Budget,
Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available to the city centre.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport are somewhat limited but all the
basics are available. Facilities include ATMs, tourist information
and shops consisting of a kiosk, a bookstore and a cosmetics store.
There is also a duty-free shop in the international section of the
airport. In terms of dining, there is a pizzeria and a sports bar,
as well as a small café.
Parking
Within walking distance of Terminal A and Terminal B are two
parking garages (P2 and P6) and four parking areas (P3, P5, P4 and
P11). There are 900 parking spaces available at the aiport, indoor
and outdoor, with a drop and go facility at P1.
Bukta - Tromso Open Air Festival
First staged in 2004, Bukta is a relatively new event on the
music calendar and known as the festival where the sun never sets.
Held during summer in the northern part of the country in the city
of Tromsø, the festival boasts the natural splendour of snow-capped
peaks and the Arctic Ocean as a backdrop to some of the finest in
local and international music.
Apart from the best of what Norway has to offer, past
international performers include The Hives, The Tallest Man on
Earth, Kaiser Chiefs, Juliette Lewis, Iggy Pop & the Stooges,
and Supergrass. The festival has steadily grown in size and
popularity since it was first held. It currently consists of three
main stages, lasts three days, and attracts thousands of
people.
Tromsø is usually a peaceful, even sleepy place. But for this
one annual weekend, it is flooded with festival-goers keen for a
celebration. It is a quirky festival, not yet as mainstream and
commercial as some of the big international festivals, which is
part of its charm. Those seeking something a little different on
the music festival scene will enjoy Bukta. How often do you get to
party in the arctic?
Venue:
Telegrafbukta, located 30 minutes from the city
centre
Bukta-Tromso Open Air Festival
Harald Groven
The greatest tourist attractions in Tromsø are the
stunning arctic fjords and extreme weather and light displays, the
mystical Northern Lights in winter, and the Midnight Sun in the
summer months. Tromsø is one of the most popular gateways into the
Arctic landscape in Scandinavia and cruises along the coastline, or
traditional snow activities like dog-sledding, are popularly
arranged from the city.
However, there is some worthwhile sightseeing in
Tromsø for those who have some time to kill before setting off on
outdoor adventures. Great museums in Tromsø include the Tromsø
Museum, particularly renowned for its exhibition on the history and
culture of the Sami people; the Polar Museum, where travellers can
learn about the Arctic expeditions and explorers, among other
things; the Perspektivet Museum, which exhibits art in a historic
mansion; and the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, which houses contemporary
Norwegian art, including some work by Edvard Munch.
Those travelling with kids in Tromsø should check out
Polaria for interactive exhibitions on the Arctic environment.
Another must is a visit to the unique Arctic Cathedral, but
visitors should note that the church is sometimes only open for two
hours a day, so visits should be carefully planned. For a break
from sightseeing, or to warm up, investigate the city's many
pubs!