Tromso surprised visitors in the 1800s: they thought it very sophisticated and cultured for being so close to the North Pole. It looks the way a polar town should—with ice-capped mountain ridges and jagged architecture that is an echo of the peaks. The midnight sun shines from May 21 to July 21, and it is said that the northern lights decorate the night skies over Tromso more than over any other city in Norway.
The so-called “Capital of the North” (the city was once the capital of Norway–for only 38 days!) is about the same size as Luxembourg, but home to only 58,000 people. The city’s total area—2,558 square km (987 square mi)—is actually the most expansive in Norway. The downtown area is on a small, hilly island connected to the mainland by a slender bridge. The 13,000 students at the world’s northernmost university are one reason the nightlife here is uncommonly lively for a northern city.
Above the Arctic Circle, at 69ºN, midway between the Lofoten Islands and the North Cape is Tromsø, an experienced and wellfunctioning cruise port. Amid some of Norway’s most fascinating coast and fjord landscapes, constitute one of Norway’s most awe-inspiring cruise ports. The number of attractions offered in Tromsø prevents congestion, the compactness and good infra-structure of the city allows for flexibility when organizing shore excursions. When calling at Tromsø, guests and staff feel welcome and in good hands.
Major sights of Tromsø
- Arctic Cathedral: North Norwegian nature, culture and faith inspired this cathedral built in 1965, with its architecture resembling ice and snow. The Arctic Cathedral is the iconic symbol of Tromsø.
- Polaria: National information and adventure centre focusing on the Polar Regions. Experience the panorama film from Spitsbergen, polar travel, exhibitions on polar research and aquarium with Arctic sea mammals.
- Cable Car: Up to Mount Storsteinen 420m above sea level. The view from the upper station of the Cable Car over the Tromsø Island and surrounding waterways and mountains leaves you breathless.
- Tromsø Wilderness Centre: The home of 250 friendly Alaskan huskies.
- Whale Watching: Experience some of the biggest animals in the world.
- Mack Brewery: Have a pint at the northern most brewery in the world.
- Sámi Culture: Get a glimce of Sámi and local culture and history.
- Tromsø University Museum: Presents In-depth knowledge about the peoples of the Arctic and their history as well as the Northern Lights.
- Polar Museum: Tells the tale of fascinating Arctic exploration and daring hunting in the ice.
- Botanical Garden: Specialises in Arctic and alpine plants.
- Tromsø Golf Park: The world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course.
- Art Museum of Northern Norway: Collection of Norwegian visual and applied art from the first half of the 19th century to today.
- Tromsø Military Museum: Military history at the site of a former German naval cannon battery.
Port facilities Tromsø has two port areas, one in the city centre and one 4.5km outside. The port offers good facilities with all required services available.
Guides Tromsø has extensive experience organizing cruise visits and has a number of guides in every major language.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Tromso.
