All citiesTromsø Things to do and walking itinerary
Norway Tromsø travel guide
12 things to do in Tromsø, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
All Tromsø guide sections (8)
Top things to do in Tromsø
- Arctic Cathedral: Officially Tromsdalen Church, the Arctic Cathedral stands in the Tromsdalen valley on the east side of the city. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Tromsø Cathedral: The Church of Norway cathedral in the city centre, seat of the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland. (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø: The world's northernmost Catholic cathedral, on Erling Bangsund square. (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Arctic-alpine Botanic Garden: Opened in 1994, the world's northernmost botanic garden shows Arctic and alpine plants from across the Northern Hemisphere. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Polaria: Opened in May 1998, Polaria is the world's northernmost aquarium. (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Tromsø University Museum: Founded in 1872, it is one of northern Norway's oldest scientific institutions and part of the university since 1977. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum: The visual arts museum responsible for the whole of northern Norway, in central Tromsø. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Kroken Church: The Church of Norway parish church in the Kroken district. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Grønnåsen Church: A parish church in the Breivika area in the north of Tromsøya island. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Elverhøy Church: The Church of Norway parish church of the Elverhøy parish in Tromsø. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Polar Museum: museum in Tromsø, Norway (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Perspektivet Museum: building in Tromsø, Norway (visit ≈ 120 min)
3-day Tromsø walking itinerary
Starting point: Centre. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated. Distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.5 km · 12,810 steps · 2 h 7 min on the way): Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø → Grønnåsen Church → Arctic-alpine Botanic Garden
- Day 2 (≈ 4.9 km · 6,570 steps · 1 h 4 min on the way): Arctic Cathedral → Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum → Tromsø Cathedral → Polaria
- Day 3 (≈ 5.8 km · 7,800 steps · 1 h 18 min on the way): Tromsø University Museum
Where to stay in Tromsø
- Centre: Around Storgata and the harbour, with museums and restaurants on foot.
- Tromsdalen: Across the bridge, near the Arctic Cathedral and the cable car.
Getting from the airport to Tromsø
- Tromsø Langnes (TOS): Airport Express bus ≈ 20 min, card payment only
Getting around
The centre is walkable. City buses cross the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral and the cable car. In winter, bring shoes with good grip for icy pavements.
Classic places to eat
- Mathallen: Modern Norwegian cooking with Arctic produce and set tasting menus.
- Fiskekompaniet: Fish and seafood from the Troms coast, on the harbour.
- Emmas Drømmekjøkken: Seasonal tasting menus opposite the cathedral.
Good to know before visiting Tromsø
- Fine: Drinking in streets and parks is generally banned.
- Fine: The drink-driving limit is very low.
- Warning: Hikes like Trolltunga or Preikestolen are long and hard. Bring proper gear and check the weather.
- Wine and spirits are sold only at Vinmonopolet. Supermarket beer sales stop early and not on Sundays.
- The right to roam (allemannsretten) allows hiking and camping if you leave no trace.
- Road tolls are charged automatically by plate and billed to rental cars.
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 113, fire 110
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is excellent.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't expected. Round up for good service.
Sources: UK FCDO: Foreign travel advice: Norway, Wikivoyage: Norway, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı: Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only. Rules change, so check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Tromsø travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Tromsø?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Tromsø?
- Highlights: Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø Cathedral, Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø, Arctic-alpine Botanic Garden and Polaria. The map has 12 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Tromsø?
- Centre: Around Storgata and the harbour, with museums and restaurants on foot. Other options: Tromsdalen.
- How do you get from the airport to Tromsø city centre?
- Tromsø Langnes (TOS): Airport Express bus ≈ 20 min, card payment only
- How do you get around Tromsø?
- The centre is walkable. City buses cross the bridge to the Arctic Cathedral and the cable car. In winter, bring shoes with good grip for icy pavements.
- What is the emergency number in Tromsø?
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 113, fire 110.
- Do you tip in Tromsø?
- Tipping isn't expected. Round up for good service.
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