Tromso Tourist Attractions: An In-Depth Guide

Located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, Tromso is a stunning and vibrant city that is a popular tourist destination for its dramatic mountainous landscape, cultural attractions and many outdoor activities. With a long history dating back to the 1700s, Tromso has gone through many changes, from being a fishing and trading hub to becoming an important center for research and education. The city offers plenty of activities for all types of travelers, from historical sites, outdoor attractions and cultural events to outdoor adventure trips and much more.

History of Tromso

Tromso was founded in 1794 and was initially a small fishing village. Over the next few decades, the city grew and developed into a trading hub as well as a center for education and research. In the early 1900s, the city became an important center for the Norwegian military. During World War II, the city was heavily bombed by the German forces but managed to survive and rebuild.

Today, Tromso is the largest city in Northern Norway with a population of around 75,000. It is an important port city and is home to many universities, research institutes and businesses. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty and its vibrant cultural scene. It is also an important gateway to the Arctic Circle.

What to Do in Tromso

Tromso offers plenty of things to see and do for visitors of all types. From outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, to cultural sites and events, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Tromso.

Fjellheisen Cable Car

One of the most popular attractions in Tromso is the Fjellheisen Cable Car. Located atop Mount Storsteinen, this cable car takes visitors on a thrilling ride to the summit of the mountain and provides stunning views of the city below. The ride takes around 8 minutes and takes you up to a height of 420 meters above sea level. At the summit, there are several restaurants with outdoor terraces that offer magnificent views of the city and its surrounding mountains.

Tromso Museum

The Tromso Museum is an important cultural attraction in the city. Located in a historic building, the museum offers an interesting array of exhibits about the history and culture of Tromso and its region. There are many interactive displays, as well as artifacts from different periods of history. The museum also has an excellent café that offers traditional Norwegian dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Polaria

Polaria is an educational center that provides visitors with an insight into life in the Arctic Circle. It offers interactive exhibits about Arctic wildlife and culture, as well as a 4D cinema experience that immerses viewers in a virtual Arctic expedition. Visitors can also learn about the unique Sámi culture of the region, as well as view a variety of Arctic animals up close in the on-site aquariums.

Tromso Arctic Cathedral

The Tromso Arctic Cathedral is an iconic landmark in the city that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Built in 1965, the cathedral features stunning architecture and is a popular spot for visitors to visit. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the beautiful stained glass windows, as well as listen to organ concerts and take part in religious services.

Whale Watching Tours

Tromso is one of the best places in Norway to go whale watching. The waters around the city are home to many species of whales, including orcas and humpback whales. There are several operators that offer whale watching tours departing from Tromso, which provide visitors with a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Book a Whale Watching Tour

One of the best ways to explore Tromso is by taking a whale watching tour. GetYourGuide offers a variety of whale watching tours departing from Tromso, ranging from half-day tours to multi-day expeditions. On these tours, you will have the chance to observe whales up close and learn about their behavior from experienced guides. You may even see orcas, humpback whales and other marine mammals during your tour.

GetYourGuide offers tours for all budgets and levels of experience. The tours provide everything you need for your trip including experienced guides, warm clothing for cold weather, snacks and drinks on board, as well as safety equipment such as life jackets and flares. All you need to bring with you is your camera and some enthusiasm! Book your whale watching tour here to experience this unique adventure in Norway’s Arctic Circle!

Book a Northern Lights Tour

Tromso is one of the best places in Norway to see the spectacular Northern Lights phenomenon. Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromso offers some of the best conditions for spotting these elusive lights. GetYourGuide offers several Northern Lights tours departing from Tromso that provide visitors with a unique opportunity to observe this incredible display of nature’s beauty.

The tours provide warm clothing for cold weather, snacks and drinks on board, as well as experienced guides who will help you spot the Northern Lights. You can choose from different types of Northern Lights tours such as Aurora Borealis by boat or Aurora Borealis on snowshoes depending on your level of experience and budget. All you need to bring is your camera! Book your Northern Lights tour here for an unforgettable experience!

Conclusion

Tromso is a stunning city with plenty of things to see and do for all types of travelers. From outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, to cultural sites and events, there is something for everyone in this vibrant Arctic Circle city. Whether you want to marvel at the Northern Lights or explore wildlife on a whale watching tour, Tromso has something for everyone!