Tromsø is a vibrant city above the Arctic Circle, surrounded by fjords and mountains. It is a major port and university center, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Arctic” and the “Paris of the North.” Tromsø is a popular stopover on boat, car, and bike tours of the Norwegian fjords, and also attracts hikers, climbers, and fishermen.

The main part of the city is located on the small island of Tromsøy, with separate districts on the mainland and Kvaløy Island. The compact city center is easy to explore on foot. The historic district includes the main street, Storgata, as well as Strandgata, Skippergata, and Skansegata, which are closer to the sea. The main market square, Stortorget, offers views of the harbor and the Arctic Cathedral across the strait. On the other side of Storgata, houses rise up the hillsides, separating the eastern part of the city from the western part and the airport.

Tromsø Attractions
The Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965, attracts attention with its original stained-glass windows. In the summer, it hosts Midnight Sun concerts. The Fjellheisen funicular ascends Mount Storsteinen, located at an altitude of 420 meters, offering stunning views of the city, rivers, and mountains. Here you can see both the midnight sun and the northern lights.

The Tromsø University Museum complex includes:

• The Arctic High Altitude Botanical Garden, open 24 hours a day, displays alpine plants from around the world.
• The Polaria Museum. The museum’s exhibition is dedicated to the nature of the polar regions and includes pools with wolffish, flounder, sea anemones, and starfish, as well as a large seal pool, a film about the nature of Svalbard, and a gift shop.

Mack Bryggeri, the world’s northernmost brewery, offers fascinating tours where you can learn about the beer production process, see the equipment and visit the Ølhallen beer hall, which opened in 1928.