Tromsø. A city beyond the Arctic Circle. Tromsø – what is interesting about the northern city of Norway? Cuisine and restaurants in Tromsø
In Tromso, as throughout Norway, there is a network of comfortable hotels where you will receive decent service for a fairly high price. One of the most expensive hotels, where room rates start from 1055 NOK (the rate is 1 EUR=8.52 NOK), is the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsǿ (Sjogata, 7). An equally solid welcome awaits you at the Rica Ishavshotel (Fredrik Langesgt, 2), which also has four-star status and offers rooms starting from 995 NOK. But the three-star Rica Grand Hotel Tromsǿ (Storgaten, 44), Quality Hotel Saga (Richard Withs Plass, 2), Clarion Collection Hotel With (Sjӧgata, 35-37) are ready to welcome tourists in comfortable rooms costing from 690 NOK. Each hotel has free internet access, parking, some have a sauna, and the rooms are equipped to the highest European standards. If you wish, you can stay in the private sector by making arrangements with local residents. It will cost you several times cheaper than staying in a hotel. And if you are attracted by the national flavor of the country, then you will not find a better choice than the Rorby fishing hut. Houses equipped for tourists will cost you at least 600 NOK per day, but keep in mind that in this case you are paying for an entire cottage with two full bedrooms, a spacious bathroom, a kitchen and a living room. Only you will have to pay extra for towels and bed linen sets.
Sights of Tromso
The unique one, built in Tromsø in 1965, is a masterpiece of northern architecture. Its appearance refutes all architectural temple canons. In shape it resembles a lavvo - the home of representatives of the northern Sami people. The creation of the architect Jan Inge Hovig impresses with its originality and beauty. Everything here breathes grandeur and luxury: the largest stained glass window in Europe, a chandelier made of Czech crystal that sparkles with bright shimmers, a new organ emitting the purest deep sounds and huge bells, the ringing of which spreads across the snow-white infinity. In the summer, Midnight Sun concerts are traditionally held here. All information about visiting hours of the cathedral and events held here can be found on its official website: www.ishavskatedralen.no/.
Located in a building made of ice blocks, this center includes a huge aquarium with Arctic marine animals and fish (catfish, starfish, flounder, sea anemones), a panoramic cinema, several thematic exhibitions and a lot of souvenir shops. Under the auspices of the Norwegian Polar Institute and created on the initiative of the Department of Environmental Protection, the center gives visitors an opportunity to gain insight into the flora and fauna of the Arctic. Here you can watch Caprino’s entertaining film about this harsh region, take a helicopter flight over Svalbard, and feed the seals yourself. In the summer season, Polaria is open from 10.00 to 19.00 daily (seal feeding from 12.30 and 15.00), and in winter you are welcome to visit from 12.00 to 17.00 (seal feeding: 12.30 and 15.30). Entrance ticket for an adult costs 120 NOK, for a child under 15 years old - 60 NOK, a family of two adults and three children will pay 250 NOK.
In Tromso there is a great opportunity to admire the city from the height of a mountain peak (420 m above sea level), sitting at a restaurant table. You can get there by cable car, which operates from May 20 to August 9 from 10.00 to 01.00. An adult will have to pay 135 NOK for this pleasure, and for a child you will pay 50 NOK. In good weather, you can sit in the restaurant's outdoor area and enjoy hearty Norwegian cuisine. There is also a children's playground and a small souvenir shop.
This is where true beer lovers definitely need to go! The opportunity to try 16 varieties of this foamy, intoxicating miracle with excellent Norwegian fish will make you come back here again and again. And 13 varieties of soft drinks and environmentally friendly mineral water will not let those who don’t drink beer get bored. Believe me, the process of preparing the latter is very exciting and aesthetically pleasing, so an excursion here will not be a waste of time.
If you dream, even for a short time, of becoming the master of the most beautiful natural phenomenon - the northern lights, by creating it with your own hands, you definitely need to go to this museum! For this purpose, it has a special plasma room, where the ritual takes place. Exhibitions dedicated to the life of the northern peoples are very colorful and will definitely attract your attention. The exhibition of Viking treasures alone is worth it! If you came here with children, remember, getting them out of here will be a huge problem. They will circle around the giant, good-natured dinosaur in endless circles, admiring its size and unusualness. The cost of entry to the university museum is quite affordable: an adult ticket costs 50 NOK, children, students and pensioners can visit it for 25 NOK. The museum has a botanical garden, which you can stroll through at any time of the year absolutely free.
6. Museum ship "Polar Star".
Today, this seal-killing ship has become an entertaining and original museum, where you can feel like real polar explorers and hunters. The cabins and equipment of the ship, preserved in their original form, allow you to breathe deeply the air of wanderings and adventures. The ship is located in a giant glass structure, which looks very unusual and beautiful. Ticket price for an adult is 25 NOK, for a child - 10 NOK. The only drawback of the Polar Star is that it can only be visited during a short period from June 15 to August 15, daily from 10.00 to 17.00.
Tromso, Norway: the most detailed information about the city of Tromso, the main attractions with photos and descriptions, location on the map.
Tromsø city (Norway)
Tromsø is a city in northern Norway, located 350 km beyond the Arctic Circle. Most of the city is located on the island of Tromsøya, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Tromsø is often called the “gateway of the Arctic” and the “capital of the North”. People come here to see the stunning Arctic landscapes: snow-capped mountains, picturesque fjords and colorful northern lights.
Geography and climate
Tromsø is located in northern Norway, far beyond the Arctic Circle. Most of the city lies on the island of Tromsøya, one of the many islands in the Norwegian Sea.
The climate is maritime. Despite the fact that the city is located in the very north, winters here are mild and snowy. The average temperature of the coldest month is -4, -5 degrees. Summers are cool and humid with an average temperature of 10-12 degrees.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is October-March (even better winter). It is at this time that there is a chance to see stunning natural phenomena - the northern lights.
Practical information
- The population is almost 60,000 people.
- The official language is Norwegian.
- The currency is Norwegian krone.
- Tap water is of high quality and safe to drink.
- All shops are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets are usually open from 8.00 to 23.00 on weekdays, on Saturdays from 8.00 to 22.00.
Story
Settlements in the vicinity of Tromso existed more than 11 thousand years ago.
The first written mentions of the small village date back to the mid-13th century. It was at this time that the first small church was built.
Tromsø received city status in 1794. From the mid-19th century to the present day, the city has been the center of the Norwegian north. During World War II, Tromsø even managed to visit the capital of Norway.
How to get there
The easiest and most economical way to get to Tromso is by plane. There are flights to the local airport from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Murmansk, Stockholm (in summer).
The E6 highway leads to Tromsø from the capital - Oslo, E8 - from Finland, E10 from Sweden. Surprisingly, there is no railway built here. The nearest station is located in the city of Narvik.
Shopping and purchases
Shopping is not why people go to the capital of Northern Norway. Although here you can find shopping opportunities. Famous Norwegian sweaters and traditional products of the indigenous peoples of the North are popular among souvenirs.
The largest shopping center in Tromso and throughout Northern Norway is Jekta. Located next to the airport. In the city itself there is also a fairly large shopping center - Nerstranda.
Food and drink
Prices in restaurants and cafes in Tromsø are high. The average bill is about NOK 120. The cheapest places are: the university canteen, the canteen in the town hall and fast food restaurants. They can cost you 50-70 crowns.
Attractions
Of course, most tourists go to Tromsø to see the northern lights. Northern lights occur from September to April. This natural phenomenon is quite unpredictable, so there is no guarantee that you will definitely see it. However, most tourists believe in their luck and are rewarded with breathtaking colors in the sky. The northern lights are best observed away from city lights.
Other attractions include the wooden Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, built in the 19th century. It is considered the northernmost Catholic cathedral in Europe.
Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Tromsø
The Arctic Cathedral is one of the visiting cards of the city. This Lutheran church was built in the 60s of the 20th century in an unusual architectural style. Located next to the road bridge connecting the island and mainland parts of the city.
What else to see in Tromso and the surrounding area:
- Polar Park is the northernmost animal park in the world.
- Botanical garden, which is also considered the northernmost in the world.
- Hella is a polar holiday area with beautiful views, old wooden houses and excellent fishing.
- Cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen - stunning panoramas of the city from a height of over 400 meters.
Museums:
- Polar Museum - considered one of the best museums in Norway, including exhibitions about polar exploration and hunters.
- Art Museum of Northern Norway - more than two thousand works of art from the 19th century to the present day.
- Museum ship of polar seal hunters.
The city of Tromsø (Norway), located above the Arctic Circle, is often called the “gateway to the Arctic.” This city with a population of more than 72,000 people is also a large port, and the University of Tromsø also makes it an important educational and scientific center of Norway.
The location of Tromsø has always been ideal for conducting trade with the north, so even in the Middle Ages this settlement was the most important trading point in Norway. Amundsen, Nobile, and Nansen set off from Tromsø on their Arctic expeditions. During World War II, the seat of the Norwegian government was moved here.
Services of the Tourist Center in Tromsø
Tourists can receive a variety of assistance from the staff of the Tourist Center, which is located at Kirkegata 2. It works according to the following schedule:
- from May 19 to August 31: Saturday and Sunday - from 10:00 to 17:00, Monday-Friday - from 9:00 to 19:00;
- the rest of the year: Sunday closed, Saturday - from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday-Friday - from 9:00 to 16:00.
Tourist Center telephone numbers: +47 77 61 00 00, +47 77 61 00 10.
The organization’s employees offer excursions to attractions in Tromso, issue maps, sell city bus tickets, and sell souvenirs. Of course, all this can be purchased in other places, and services can be negotiated directly with those who provide them.
The establishment accepts credit cards and offers free Wi-Fi.
Things to do and see in Tromso
Most of the streets of this city are located on the island of Tromsøy; there are several streets on the island of Kvaley and on the mainland of Norway.
What in Tromsø deserves the most attention? What to see and do?
From the central square of Stortorget you can see the harbor, as well as the Arctic Cathedral standing across the strait.
This cathedral is the most recognizable landmark in Tromso (Norway); it is interesting for its unique architecture, which evokes associations with snow and icebergs. This triangular structure is decorated with unusual stained glass windows.
The cathedral hosts organ music concerts, and to attend them you need to buy tickets in addition to the tour tickets.
Works Arctic Cathedral from 16:00 to 18:00 all days except Sunday.
Per visit need to pay 40 NOK (≈ 5$).
Attraction address: Hans Nilsens vei 41 9020 Tromsdalen.
University and University Museum
The museum complex “University of Tromsø” (Norway) includes:
- Museum.
- Polar Museum "Polaria".
- Arctic-Alpine Botanical Park.
The Tromsø University Museum is located at Lars Thøringsvei 10. The exhibits of the attraction introduce the history of the city and the traditions of the population. Here you can also visit the Art Gallery. The design of the building is somewhat monumental: it has 2 rectangular entrance porches, a rotunda with a conical roof, and a quadrangular tower with a pyramidal roof.
Polar Museum, located at Hjalmar Johansens gate 12
Works attraction schedule: from 10:00 to 19:00 from August 31 to May 16, and from 12:00 to 17:00 all other times of the year.
Entrance to the museum university costs 125 CZK (≈ $15) for adults and 60 crowns for children, for students– 70. If you buy family ticket, it will cost 280 CZK.
The Arctic Alpine Botanical Garden is open 24 hours a day, admission is free. This northernmost botanical park on our planet was created in 1994. Here you can see alpine plants brought from different parts of the Earth - they are collected in groups according to the climatic zones of the continents.
The garden is surrounded by an equipped path “Geologist’s Route”, and from the pedestrian bridge to which it leads, a part of the botanical park on the mountainside opens up.
Cable car
If you are looking for incredible panoramic views to take original photos of Tromsø, this is the place for you. The funicular takes you to Mount Storstainen (420 m), from where you can see Tromsø and nearby mountains and islands. If you wish, you can go to a cozy restaurant and try delicious dishes.
The starting point of the cable car is: Sollivegen 12, 9020 Tromsdalen.
She works so: from May 20 to August 19 - from 10:00 to 01:00, and from August 20 to September 1 - from 10:00 to 22:00.
A one-way ticket costs 90 NOK, if you pay for the road in two directions at once the price will be 150 NOK.
Polar Zoo
Tromsø is home to the northernmost zoo on Earth. The attraction is open throughout the year. Bear, musk ox, elk, reindeer - these and many other animals live in the Polar Zoo. And here you can observe them in their natural habitat.
Whale watching excursions offer true Northern Norwegian charm. Such trips are recommended for those who want to enjoy an amazing spectacle: whales on the high seas. They will also be of interest to those who want to take photos in Tromsø (Norway) that are not just interesting, but exclusive.
Such excursions are organized by teams of sailors with many years of experience at sea. All crew members have the appropriate education and the necessary licenses to carry out such activities.
Excursion cost ranges from 1200 NOK (≈ 145 $) and above. It is formed depending on many factors: on the number of people in the group (from 3 to 40), on the duration of the excursion (3 – 6 hours), as well as on what type of trip to sea is planned (from classic wooden boats to hybrid electric schooners ).
As a rule, to watch whales, they go to those places where their appearance has been most often recorded recently.
And, of course, each excursion is planned taking into account weather conditions. You need to dress very warmly, although almost all organizers of such trips provide tourists with warm jackets for the duration of the trip.
Northern Lights Tours
There are travel agencies in the city that organize trips to watch the northern lights. There are also single guides who, for a very reasonable price, will agree to take you to the most suitable places from where you can see this wonderful natural phenomenon.
As a rule, groups of up to 14 people are recruited to observe the aurora; the excursion can last 1 or 2 days. A two-day trip will cost approximately 3100 NOK, and this price includes:
- rental of warm winter clothes (suit, mittens, socks, hat) and special winter shoes (adults only);
- headlamp rental;
- photographs taken and then sent to tourists;
- transfer;
- hot drinks.
When going on a tour to watch the northern lights, you need to prepare accordingly: wear woolen underwear (cotton is not advisable), a thick woolen sweater or a small down jacket, warm socks and shoes.
Dog sledding is another activity available to tourists in Tromsø. Such a trip through the boundless expanses of the Lyngen Alps will help you get in touch with the real spirit of the Arctic.
You can control the sled yourself. This is not too difficult, you just need to get the hang of pressing the brakes in a timely manner, since huskies are very playful. But it is not at all necessary to control the team yourself: you can sit comfortably in the sleigh, entrusting its control to an instructor. If the weather conditions are completely unfavorable, then the instructor will definitely drive the sleigh.
The cost remains the same regardless of whether it is just a ride or a guided ride. The price includes transfer from Tromsø (25-30 minutes one way), outerwear rental, sled ride (approximately 11 km) and lunch.
Thermal suits provided by the instructors should not be ignored. Firstly, they will serve as excellent protection from the cold. Secondly, they will be able to protect against the completely natural, but very strong dog odor.
Before the ride, the instructors give valuable advice and tell you what it takes to become a good musher. And if you can do without previous experience, then good physical shape is necessary.
Huskies love people! They are so affectionate and friendly that not only adults, but also children can communicate with them.
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Weather
The climate in Norway, in the city of Tromso, is much milder than in other parts of the world at the same latitude - this is due to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. This city is protected from the cold sea winds and winds from Lapland by mountains.
Winters here are mild (average temperature -3°C), summers are moderate and quite cool (+15°C). The coolest months are January and February (-4°C), and the warmest are July and August (+15°C).
Tromso is known as a city that receives quite a lot of rainfall. October is considered the wettest, and May and June are the driest (50 mm of precipitation).
How to get to Tromso
Of all the cities located above the Arctic Circle, the easiest to get to is the city of Tromsø. Therefore, it is better to start your trip to Northern Norway from here.
Although there is no train connection with Tromsø, from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim you can go by train to Fauske, and from there by bus to Tromsø.
Buses run between Tromsø and towns such as Alta, Narvik, Bodø and Fauske throughout the year. If you are planning a visit to the Lofoten Islands, transfers can be arranged in Narvik.
Automobile
Between Tromso and Oslo there is a 1,600 km long highway that is open throughout the year. The journey will take 30-40 hours, since the average speed in Norway is 50 km/h, there are many automatic cameras to monitor speed.
The condition of the roads is good; in winter, the roads are constantly cleaned and rolled with graders. Cases when roads are closed for some time are very rare - this happens during heavy snowfalls.
There is an airport in Tromsø where planes from Russia (charters from Murmansk and Moscow) and other countries land. There are about 10 flights per day to Tromsø from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim (via Bodo).
The distance from the airport to Tromsø is 5 km. The Flybussen bus runs here: the first flight to the airport is at 5:40, the last to the city at 00:00. Travel time is 14 minutes, ticket price is 90 and 45 NOK for adults and children, respectively.
There are also flights No. 40, 42 between the city center and the airport from 6:25 to 23:50. Travel for adults - 50 NOK, for children - 25, travel time - 15-20 minutes.
A taxi ride from the airport to Tromso will cost 150-180 NOK and will take about 10 minutes.
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Liners arriving at the port of Tromsø 2 times a day go to Bergen and Kirkenes.
Local transport
Buses within Tromsø operate from 6:00 to 24:00 on weekdays, and on weekends from 7:00 to 24:00. On Friday and Saturday there are night buses (No. 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66). On absolutely all buses you can pick up a brochure with a schedule.
A ticket to Tromsø (Norway) can be purchased directly from the driver in cash. The price for an adult is 50 NOK, but if you take it in advance, the cost will be less - 36 NOK. For a day pass you need to pay 110 CZK, it is valid for all city routes.
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One of the main attractions of the city of Tromsø is the Lutheran Church, also known as the Arctic Cathedral, which is one of the main symbols of the national heritage. Built in 1965 according to the design of Jan Inve Hovig, it amazes with its appearance even from afar. Made in the shape of two intersecting triangles, it resembles an iceberg floating under a clear sky. In winter, its white walls fit perfectly into the snowy landscape, and in profile the cathedral merges with the silhouette of the mountains.
The cathedral is famous for its stained glass windows, which are, in fact, the largest in Europe. Their height exceeds 23 meters, and almost 11 tons of glass were required to produce them. The main stained glass window of the altar part by Victor Sparre depicts the hand of God, from which three rays of light extend to the figure of Christ and two standing apostles. The cathedral is especially beautiful in the early morning, when the orange dawn ray of the sun illuminates the stained glass window and gives it mystical depth and mystery.
The main old organ of the cathedral was replaced in 2005 with a modern one of 2940 pipes. During the service, the entrance to the cathedral is closed, but you can listen to its stunning spiritual sound during the numerous concerts that are held under the arches of the cathedral.
Polaria Museum
In 1997, an unusual museum with the melodious name “Polaria” was founded in the city of Tromsø. It is part of the Polar Research Center, supervised by the Norwegian Department of the Environment. And symbolically, the museum building itself is made in the form of snow-white ice blocks.
Inside the museum there is a panoramic cinema, which shows exciting films about the life of rare animals and plants. Mesmerizing helicopter footage creates an immersive effect, carrying the viewer over the glaciers of the Arctic.
In addition, on the territory of the museum there are many aquariums with northern inhabitants. Tourists are especially fond of the Lahtahama seals, also called sea hares. These are unusually kind and friendly creatures, willing to communicate with people and amazing with their intelligence.
The model of the northern lights will seem incredibly spectacular to you. Thanks to modern technologies and the architecture of the hall, its flashes and shimmers are difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
What sights of Tromso did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Alfheim Stadium
Alfheim Stadium is the largest football stadium with artificial turf. The stadium opened in 1987.
The capacity of the stadium is 7 and a half thousand spectators. In 1990, the stadium was attended by 10,225 people when the match against Rosenborg was played.
The stadium contains offices, shops, restaurants and conference rooms.
The pedestrian street Storgata is the only main street in Tromsø.
All the main attractions, shops, hotels and entertainment venues of the city are located here. You will have the opportunity to see the world's northernmost Protestant cathedral, built in 1861. It once belonged to the city's merchant community, which traded with Russia. Next to it is a monument to Roald Amundsen.
At the opposite end of the street is the Museum of Art of Northern Norway, where paintings by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries are displayed. Also on the main street are several famous bookstores and a modern library building.
Tromsøy Bridge
Tromsø Bridge (Norwegian: Tromsø brua) is a road bridge across the Tromsø ysundet strait in the city of Tromsø, Norway. Connects the mainland (Tromsdalen) and island (Tromsø ya) parts of the city. The first cantilever bridge built in Norway. It is one of the city's attractions.
Before the construction of the bridge, transportation across the bay was carried out by ferry. The idea of building a bridge or tunnel arose in 1948. The final draft was reviewed and approved by parliament in 1955. The project was designed by the famous Norwegian architect Erling Viksjø. The government has given a commitment to provide support and permission for toll collection. In 1958, construction of a permanent road bridge began, which lasted 2 years. The bridge was opened to traffic in March 1960. The grand opening of the bridge took place on July 3, 1960 in the presence of Norwegian Prime Minister Einar Gerhardsen. In 1963, the bridge was awarded the prestigious Betongtavlen architectural prize.
At the time of construction it was the longest bridge in Northern Europe. The cost of the bridge crossing was 14.5 million NOK. In 1990, a tunnel (Tromsø ysund Tunnel) was built 3 kilometers north of the bridge, taking on part of the traffic load.
The bridge was one of the most popular suicide sites in all of Norway. In 2005, an additional high fence was installed, which received the informal name “suicide fence.” On April 17, 2008, Tromsøy Bridge was declared a Norwegian cultural heritage site.
The most popular attractions in Tromso with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Tromso on our website.
1. Tromso Museum
Tromsø Museum is Northern Norway's oldest and largest museum, dedicated to the cultural and natural history of the north. It is located on campus, just outside the city, and is run by the university. The museum provides an excellent representation of traditional Sami culture and music and their nomadic way of life. Tromsø Museum is perhaps the best place in Norway to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Sami.
2. Arctic Cathedral ( Arctic Cathedral)
The striking design of the ultra-modern architecture of the Arctic Cathedral is visible from afar, the cathedral is located on a small hill on the island and is connected to the mainland by the Tromsø spindle bridge. It is an architectural masterpiece consisting of eleven large triangular sections representing the eleven faithful apostles and symbolizing Northern Norwegian heritage, culture and faith. It bears an interesting resemblance to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, but its color and shape can also be compared to an iceberg. The cathedral has one of the largest stained glass windows in Europe, and the interior is decorated with grandiose chandeliers.
Official website: www.ishavskatedralen.no
3. Polaria
Polaria is an entertainment center and museum rolled into one; everything related to the Arctic is presented here, a great place for a family vacation. Children really enjoy feeding the seals, which happens daily at 12.30 and 3.30 in the winter months, and at 12.30 and 3pm in the summer. There is a small gift shop for those who want to buy souvenirs.
Official website: www.polaria.no
4. Mount Floya
One of the main tourist attractions in Tromso is without a doubt Mount Floya. The mountain offers excellent panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. There is a cable car leading up the mountain.
5. Skansen
The city center of Tromsø has the largest number of old wooden houses inNorthern Norway. The oldest house in Tromsø was built in 1789 as a port customs post.
6. Tromso Cathedral
Tromso Cathedral was built in neo-Gothic style, with a church tower and main entrance on the west side. This church is the northernmost Protestant church in the world. To explore the sights of Tromso, take a guided tour.
The first church in Tromsø was built in 1252 by King Haakon IV as a royal chapel.Therefore, it belonged to the king, and not to the Catholic Church.This church is mentioned several times in Middle Ages in legends.
Not much is known about previous churches on the site, but it is known that a new church was built on the site in 1711.This church was replaced in 1803. The church was removed from the city in 1860 to make way for the construction of the current cathedral.The church building was moved to an area a few hundred meters south of the city limits in 1803, and then moved again to its current site in the early 1970s Elverhøy Church . Old the church still exists and contains a number of works of art that have decorated churches in Tromsø since the Middle Ages, the oldest of which is a figure Madonnas , possibly 15th century.