Urban experiences meets raw Arctic nature
Tromsø
Guided Tour of Polaria
Polaria
Polaria
Polaria
Polaria
Polaria
Prices from
300 NOK
per person
Join us for an engaging, environmentally focused guided tour through Polaria’s science-based exhibitions and Arctic aquarium. Your guide will take you behind the facts and research, offering new insights into how life in the Arctic is connected.
General information
The climate in the Arctic is changing faster than anywhere else on Earth. Researchers from around the world collaborate in Tromsø to understand what is happening – and at Polaria, we present their findings in a clear and visually engaging way.
During this tour, you will journey through a vulnerable Arctic environment using our newly developed exhibitions. You will gain a deeper understanding of the complex ecosystems in the north, how all life is interconnected, and the role humans play in the changes taking place.
In our Arctic aquarium, you will encounter species found only in and around Tromsø. The tour offers a rare opportunity to observe Arctic marine life up close.
Your guide will touch on topics such as human impact on the climate and marine environment, interactions between species in the Arctic, and how ongoing research in Tromsø contributes to global knowledge of the north.
This experience is both educational and reflective, encouraging visitors to consider how our actions influence the planet.
The tour is conducted in English. Upon request and subject to availability, guiding can also be offered in Norwegian, Italian, Spanish and French.
For special requests, such as groups of more than 10 people, school visits, or tours outside regular opening hours, please contact [email protected] for a tailored offer.
Included: Guided tour of Polaria, Whisper headsets for optimal sound quality
Please bring: Entrance ticket to Polaria (must be purchased separately)
Number of participants: Max. 10 participants per tour
Level of difficulty: Very easy
Departure time and place: Daily at 1:30 PM (13:30), Polaria, Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø
Duration: 60 minutes
Prices from
300 NOK per person
Facilities
- Wheelchair access
- Suitable for children and families
- English
- Very easy
- Eco certified
- 1-2 hours
- Eco-Lighthouse
About Polaria
Polaria – Arctic Experience Centre and the World’s Northernmost Aquarium.
Polaria is an Arctic experience centre and the world’s northernmost aquarium, located in the heart of Tromsø. The iconic building, inspired by ice floes pushed ashore by the Arctic Ocean, houses interactive exhibitions and aquariums filled with life from the northern seas.
Exhibitions and Purpose
The mission of the Polaria Foundation is to communicate research from the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Through knowledge-based exhibitions developed in close collaboration with researchers at the Fram – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, visitors gain insight into how climate change, plastic pollution and environmental toxins affect life in the north.
In our new interactive exhibitions, guests can explore underwater soundscapes, discover the fragile Svalbard food web, and reflect on how all species – including humans – are interconnected and dependent on the balance of nature.
Seal Pool and Aquarium
Polaria is home to seven seals: three bearded seals, three harbour seals and one ringed seal. The seals take part in daily feeding and training sessions that provide both mental and physical stimulation as part of their regular enrichment programme. These sessions are not staged shows; however, visitors are warmly invited to observe them every day at 10:30 AM (10:30), 12:30 PM (12:30) and 3:30 PM (15:30).
The aquarium showcases a variety of species from the Arctic marine environment, including cod, halibut, wolffish, king crab, jellyfish and many other fascinating creatures from northern waters.
Panoramic Theatre
Our Panoramic Theatre screens three films that highlight natural wonders of the north. Experience the Northern Lights in the Tromsø region, soar above Svalbard’s glaciers and mountains, or enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for the animals and operate the aquarium at Polaria.
The New Polaria
Polaria has recently completed a major expansion that enhances both animal welfare and the guest experience. The new seal pool is three times larger than the previous one, featuring expansive panoramic windows, natural daylight, and an outdoor balcony pool where the seals can swim outside, bask in the midnight sun during summer and enjoy the snow in winter.
The expansion also includes new meeting and event spaces suitable for exclusive gatherings, tailored experiences and unique MICE events in Arctic surroundings.
In addition, we offer several bookable guest experiences, such as seal encounters, guided tours, Arctic yoga and a live theatre performance about the Northern Lights.
Gift Shop and Light Refreshments
Polaria’s gift shop offers a wide selection of high-quality local and Nordic products. We collaborate with suppliers who actively work to reduce their environmental footprint and focus on sustainable production.
We provide a simple café service at the reception, offering coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream and baked goods from local suppliers. Gluten- and lactose-free options are usually available, while vegetarian options may vary.
Opening Hours
• Open daily: 10 AM (10:00) – 5 PM (17:00)
• 17 May: 12 PM (12:00) – 5 PM (17:00)
• 24 December: 10 AM (10:00) – 4 PM (16:00)
Seal Feeding and Training
• Every day at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30
Accessibility and Families
• Fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps, lifts and a complimentary wheelchair available
• Two accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities
• Strollers are welcome throughout the entire centre
• Suitable for families with children of all ages, including infants
• Low physical activity – the entire visit takes place indoors
Sustainability
• Polaria is a non-profit foundation dedicated to communicating research-based knowledge about the Arctic, climate and the marine environment
• Strong focus on environmental responsibility, research and promoting sustainable use of Arctic regions
• Polaria is Eco-Lighthouse certified (Miljøfyrtårn) and is working towards further certifications (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001)
What Makes Polaria Unique
• The world’s northernmost aquarium and the only place in Europe where you can meet bearded seals up close
• Unique Arctic-inspired architecture resembling ice floes
• Close cooperation with the Fram Centre and researchers from around the world
• A year-round indoor attraction in the centre of Tromsø – perfect in any weather
Polaria
Phone: +47 777 50 100
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://polaria.no/en/
Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø
Phone: +47 777 50 100
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://polaria.no/en/
Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø