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How to get to Tromsø's attractions

Gain insights into accessing Tromsø's top sights and attractions with this overview. In the following sections, we'll provide you with practical information, tips, and directions to ensure you make the most of your visit to this vibrant and culturally rich city. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates natural beauty, Tromsø has something for everyone. So, let's dive into the details and make the most of your Tromsø experience.

The Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral is famous for the modern architecture and how the light comes into the building. The inspiration for the shape is the mountains on Håja island near Sommarøy Island (Summer Island) - a 45 minute drive outside Tromsø.

Address: Hans Nilsens vei 41, 9020 Tromsdalen
How to get there: It takes about 25 minutes to walk from the city center, across the bridge to the mainland where you find the Arctic Cathedral. If you prefer bus, catch one of the lines number 20, 24, 26 or 28. Departures are located close by the main square.
Attractions nearby: The Cable Car (15 minutes walk).

Important: Changes to Bus Services for the Arctic Cathedral

The Tromsø Bridge is closed to all vehicle and bus traffic from 20 June to 16 August 2026. The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The closure affects bus services to the Arctic Cathedral:

Routes 20 (Kroken) and 24 (Kroken Sør) will not stop at the Arctic Cathedral during the bridge closure. The nearest stop is Kraftforsyninga.
We recommend using routes 26 (Tromsdalen) or 28 (Solligården), both of which stop at Otium.
Please note that the walk from Otium to the Arctic Cathedral includes a short but steep uphill section.

For visitors who are comfortable walking, crossing the Tromsø Bridge on foot is often the quickest option.

Returning to the city centre:

Route 28 to Hamna from Otium
Route 26 to the Airport from Tønsnesveien

The closure does not affect stops for Fjellheisen (the Cable Car). Route 26 continues to serve Fjellheisen as normal.

The Cable Car

Fjellheisen, or the Cable Car, takes you to the top of the mount «Storsteinen». Gives you a great view of the city and the surrounding landscape. In the winter it is a good spot to watch the northern lights and in summer to watch the midnight sun.

Address: Sollivegen 12, 9020 Tromsdalen
How to get there: By bus number 26 from the city center, departure near the main square. Eventually by feet. It is approx. 45 minutes to walk there from the city center.
Attractions nearby: The Arctic Cathedral (15 minutes walk).

Mack Brewery

World’s northernmost brewery established 1877. City’s oldest pub, microbrewery and shop.

Address: Storgata 4, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Walk 10 minutes towards Polaria.
Attractions nearby: Polaria and MS Polstjerna

Polaria

Aquarium with wildlife from the seas up north. They also show movies about the northern lights and the Arctic archipelago Svalbard. See the feeding and training of seals at 12:30 and 15:30.

Address: Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9296 Tromsø
How to get there: Located by the harbour in the city center. It is approximately 10 minutes to walk from the tourist office. Follow the harbour.
Attractions nearby: M/S Polstjerna and Mack Brewery.

The Polar Museum

Exhibitions about the expeditions and hunting in the Arctic and the Antarctic regions.

Address: Søndre Tollbodgate 11B, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Situated by the harbour in the city center, close to the bridge. Approx. 10 minutes by feet from the tourist office.
Attractions nearby: Skansen, old fortress. The old house for the customs is among the oldest in Tromsø. Located right next door.

Magic Ice Bar

Ice Bar and Gallery with sculptures carved in ice with Arctic theme.

Address: Kaigata 4, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Located in downtown Tromsø only one minute walk from the tourist office.
Attractions nearby: Northern Norway Art Museum and Tromsø Cathedral

Perspektivet Museum

Stories from Tromsø’s past and present. Challenging exhibits in a magnificent 1838 neoclassical estate. International documentary photography.

Address: Storgata 95, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Located in downtown Tromsø in the main street Storgata.
Attractions nearby: The Polar Museum

Tromsø Cathedral

The old protestant cathedral of Tromsø from 1861. Holds the record of being the worlds’ northernmost protestant cathedral. The only wooden cathedral in Norway.

Address: Sjøgata 2, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Located in downtown Tromsø with the main entrance from Storgata pedestrian street. 2 minutes to walk from the tourist office.
Attractions nearby: Northern Norway Art Museum

Northern Norway Art Museum

Art from Northern Norway from 19th century and to the present. They also display a variation of temporary exhibitions.

Address: Sjøgata 1, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Located in downtown Tromsø, opposite of the Tourist Shop
Attractions nearby: Tromsø Cathedral and Magic Ice Bar

The Arctic University Museum of Norway

Exhibitions about history, local culture, northern lights, wildlife and more.

Address: Lars Thørings veg 10, 9006 Tromsø
How to get there: From Tromsø city center, catch bus line number 40 in direction Tromsø Museum. If you feel like walking it takes approximately 30 minutes from the city center.
Attractions nearby: Telegrafbukta Beach

The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden

The worlds’ northernmost botanical garden. Features plants from the polar-regions and alpine plants from all continents. NB! Only open in summer.

Address: Stakkevollvegen 200, 9019 Tromsø
How to get there: Walking distance from the cruise port in Breivika. From the city center, you catch the bus number 42 in direction Stakkevollan or bus 20 from Fr. Langes gate.
Attractions nearby: The Science Centre ofo Northern Norway, and Tromsøbadet (20 minutes walk)

The Science Centre of Northern Norway

Features nearly 100 interactive exhibits for the curious minded visitors of all ages. In the planetarium, you can experience the northern lights every day at 15.15. On weekends and on holidays it is also shown at 13.15 and 14.15(German language).

Address: Hansine Hansens veg 17, 9019 Tromsø
How to get there: Walking distance from the cruise port in Breivika. From the city center, you catch the bus number 42 in direction Stakkevollan or bus 20, 21, 34 from Fr. Langes gate.
Attractions nearby: The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden (summer only), and Tromsøbadet (12 minutes walk).

Tromsøbadet

At Tromsøbadet, visitors of all ages can enjoy pools, water slides, waves and a climbing wall – or take in the mountain views from the outdoor pool. You will also find saunas, a cold plunge pool and Norway’s northernmost 50-metre swimming pool.

Address: Templarheimen 35, 9010 Tromsø
How to get there: From the city centre, take bus 20 or 24 from Fr. Langes gate. Get off at Templarheimen. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to Tromsøbadet.
Attractions nearby: Science centre of Northern Norway (12 minutes walk) and the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden (20 minutes walk).