March 29, 2025, 7:05 a.m. | Reading time: 7 minutes
Located 344 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the northernmost university city in the world. Where Arctic explorers once set off, the tourist spectrum ranges from the Polar Museum to fishing boats with spas.
With its location 344 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø seems quite remote. Nevertheless, especially in the 19th century, numerous travelers flocked to the so-called “Paris of the North”. Back then you would meet elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen strolling in front of magnificent town houses. Their prosperity was based on the flourishing port trade in fish and oil.
Today, the functional jacket tends to dominate the cityscape. Numerous outdoor enthusiasts travel to the Norwegian city to climb the mountains in the Lyngen Alps on the neighboring island of Senja, which rise up to 1,800 meters into the air. Kayakers are also drawn to Tromsø - they primarily explore the island world of the Sommarøy archipelago. Tourists from East Asia are also drawn to the town, especially in winter, to marvel at the northern lights, watch whales or glide through the snowy landscape on dog sleds.
But Tromsø also has its charm outside of the winter season - especially when the polar day begins in mid-May and the sun no longer sets. What else there is to discover there:
Tromsø's museums offer fascinating insights into the Arctic
Nordic beer followed by ZockenFisch, cinnamon rolls and beer – something for every taste
Fish, cinnamon rolls and beer – something for every taste
Hiking, paddling and relaxing in the sauna on a fishing boat. The midnight sun is a special highlight in Tromsø
The midnight sun is a special highlight in Tromsø
The best time to travel
Tromsø's museums offer fascinating insights into the Arctic
The Polar Museum, housed in a historic wooden house on the harbor, may seem old-fashioned, but the impressive photos, exhibits and stories of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen's polar expeditions continue to captivate visitors today. The exhibition about hunters who once wintered on Spitsbergen and killed reindeer, seals, arctic foxes and polar bears there does not hold back with gory details.
BILD Reisen: Discover the best hotels in Norway now!
The Arctic adventure center Polaria offers a modern contrast program, whose striking facade is reminiscent of stranded ice floes. At the end of 2023, the exhibition was updated based on new findings on climate change. The highlights include the teeth of a Greenland shark and a sea butterfly, whose lime shell is slowly disintegrating due to increasing acidification of the seas.
In the panoramic cinema with a curved screen, visitors are immersed in documentaries about the Northern Lights and the Spitsbergen archipelago. Nordic fish species such as spotted sea wolf and halibut cavort in an open tank. Aquariums also advertise starfish and almost transparent jellyfish. What is particularly fascinating is the feeding of the bearded seals and harbor seals, which can be observed behind glass walls.
Also interesting: Why the sun doesn't rise in these places for several weeks
Nordic beer and then gaming
Another landmark of the city is “Raketten”, the oldest kiosk in Tromsø. This is located on the newly paved Storgata, the popular promenade behind the harbor. It was founded in 1911 by Margit Løkke, who was only 18 at the time. For a quarter of a century they sold newspapers, tobacco and fruit here from the tiny, wooden pavilion.
Despite a fire that destroyed numerous surrounding buildings, the kiosk remained intact. Today it belongs to Siri Therese Lier, 51, a former city guide. Its goal is to preserve the “Rakette” in its historical charm. The rush is particularly large in winter: on some days she sells up to 350 hot dogs, and customers often have to wait in line for an hour.
It's like at the United Nations, says Lier: "People from all over the world talk." Their best-selling sausage is made from reindeer and pork, but there is also a vegan version.
Fish, cinnamon rolls and beer – something for every taste
If you're feeling ravenous, you should stop by the small restaurant "Burgr", where creative burger creations like the "Super Mario" are served. The walls are decorated with posters of classic Nintendo and Atari games, and you can experience nostalgic gaming moments on a C64 with a joystick - a paradise for generations X and Y in the far north.
Tromsø is known for its excellent seafood restaurants, but many of them come at a price. A cheaper but equally delicious alternative is “Dragøy” in Kystens Mathus, a bar with a black facade. Here you can get fresh fish soup and crispy fish and chips - with seats right next to the harbor basin.
For the perfect caffeine boost after a meal, it's worth visiting Kaffebønna, the city's oldest espresso café on the main square, Stortorget. This goes well with a freshly baked cinnamon roll from the adjacent bakery. From the outdoor tables you can enjoy a wonderful view of the harbor, the curved stilt bridge and the Arctic Cathedral with its striking glass front and white, tiered roof - one of Tromsø's landmarks.
The Mack Brewery, one of the northernmost in the world, also quenches travelers' thirst for beer. It was founded in 1877 by the German Ludwig Mack. In the adjacent pub “Ølhallen” – with brick walls, wooden vaults, historical photographs and a stuffed polar bear – 72 types of beer are on the board. In addition to tastings, brewing seminars and tours are also offered, according to the motto: “At the end of the course, you will have enough knowledge to brew your own beer.”
Cities, lakes, provinces Well-known Ikea furniture is named after these places
Polar nights Why the sun doesn't rise in these places for several weeks
Hike, paddle and relax in the sauna on a fishing boat
To enjoy the view of the entire city, the best way is to climb Tromsø's local mountain. The 1,300 stone steps of the Sherpa Stairs take you steeply up to the mountain station of Storsteinen at 421 meters - or you can choose the more comfortable option and take the Fjellheisen cable car. A breathtaking panorama spreads out from the terrace of the mountain station: Tromsø, the fjords and the distant mountain ranges on the horizon lie at your feet.
If you want to go further up, follow the narrow paths through the meadow slopes and reach the summit of Fløya after about 30 minutes. The view here is even more spectacular. You often meet mountain bikers at the top who say that they regularly ride this route as an after-work ride - enviable.
After a strenuous hike or bike ride, cooling off might sound tempting, but be careful: Telegrafbukta, a popular bathing bay in the southwest of the city, remains icy even in midsummer. Even in August the water temperature barely climbs above ten degrees; in May it even remains in the single digits.
The midnight sun is a special highlight in Tromsø
But the sight of Telegrafbukta alone is worth the trip. Reachable by bus 33 or after a three-kilometer walk from the city center, the bay offers crystal-clear, shimmering turquoise water. Beyond the fjord, the mountains, covered in snow all year round, rise into the sky. Students play beach volleyball on the sand - no wonder, since Tromsø is the northernmost university city in the world. Families and friends grill in the adjacent birch grove.
A special highlight is the time of the midnight sun: between May 20th and July 22nd the sun does not disappear behind the horizon. People are full of energy, cycling, hiking and picnicking late into the night.
If you want to combine the experience of nature with relaxation, you can go on a fjord cruise in the floating spa. The former fishing boat “Vulkana” has been converted into a wellness ship and offers a sauna with a panoramic window, a hammam with a cold pool and a wood-fired whirlpool on the deck. On request, the operators even start midnight tours - a unique experience under the never-setting sun.
The best time to travel
Depending on the weather conditions, the Northern Lights can be observed until April before they are not visible again until September. The polar day, in which the sun does not set, begins on May 20th and lasts until July 22nd. Numerous concerts, festivals and the midnight marathon take place around the summer solstice on June 21st. In mid-July, the Bukta Open Air Festival is celebrated at Telegrafbukta, offering an unforgettable experience under the motto “Rock, Beer and Seafood”. Getting there from Germany is actually quite easy, as there are several direct flights to Tromsø.
With material from dpa
Essential Travel Planning Tips, Destinations, Shopping, and Lifestyle ResourcesWhether you're planning your next vacation, researching destinations, comparing travel costs, or looking for unique online stores, having reliable resources can make every decision easier. This guide highlights useful travel insights, money-saving tips, dining recommendations, and specialty websites worth exploring.
Smart Travel Planning and Budget Strategies
Successful trips start with proper preparation. Before booking, review these practical href="https://grandgoldman.com/blogs/travel/planning-tips">travel planning tips to avoid common mistakes and maximize your budget.
Travelers interested in resort vacations should learn the cheapest time for all-inclusive resorts and discover the most affordable countries for all-inclusive resorts.
If you're comparing options, explore whether all-inclusive vacations are cheaper than booking separately, understand how all-inclusive resorts generate revenue, and determine the ideal length of an all-inclusive stay.
Understanding All-Inclusive Resorts
Many travelers wonder about resort experiences. Learn about the various types of all-inclusive resorts, discover the advantages and drawbacks of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, and see whether all-inclusive resorts are really boring.
You may also want to know whether resorts water down alcohol, what happens at adult-only all-inclusive resorts, and whether kids-free">Sandals Resorts are kid-free.
Dining Recommendations Around Europe
Food is often the highlight of travel. Discover the best restaurants in Córdoba, find a cheap restaurant in Madrid, enjoy local cuisine at a budget-friendly restaurant in Cudillero, explore the best restaurants in Budapest, and save money with recommendations for the best cheap restaurants in Iceland.
Unique Destinations and Cultural Insights
Travelers heading to Mexico may enjoy these clothing-optional beaches in Cancun. For those interested in history and social studies, this guide to South African apartheid history offers valuable context.
Travel Finance and Essential Resources
Reducing banking fees while abroad can significantly lower travel costs. Compare options for the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
Online Shopping, Business, and Lifestyle Websites
Beyond travel, several specialty websites provide useful products and services. Explore educational toys at Building Blocks Toy, Spanish business resources at Empresa España, and French business information through Entreprises France.
anime-toy.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anime fans can browse merchandise at jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com/">Jujutsu Kaisen Merch, while leather enthusiasts may appreciate Leder Kaufen.
Creative services are available through Matrix Studios, while premium fashion shoppers can visit Pretium Victoriae. Gaming enthusiasts can discover retro-games.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retro entertainment at Retro Games.
Motorcycle riders may enjoy resources from RideRace, and kitchen product shoppers can explore innovative accessories at Walfos, with cutting edge compact computers at Mini PC.
Final Thoughts
From all-inclusive resort planning and European dining guides to financial travel tools and niche online stores, these resources provide valuable information for travelers, shoppers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists looking to make informed decisions and enjoy better experiences.
