TROMSØ : THREE DAYS, TWELVE IDEAS | January 2024 | SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL | sightseeing tips Norway N O

Totally up-to-date travel tips for your trip to Tromsø!

I share 12 ideas for things to do in Tromsø, Norway, high in the Arctic Circle. These range from free activities to paid for attractions, and all of them can be reached on foot (or a short bus ride if you prefer).

We start with 2 free activities, wandering the beautiful city streets to take in the atmosphere and admire the varied architecture, and taking a well-earned break in one of the many inviting cafes you'll see.

I show you Pust.Cafe, Vervet Bakeri (@VervetTroms) and Tøllefsen, all of which were great, but there were many other options.

In terms of museums, we visit the Polar Museum (good for history buffs, with lots of information and artefacts relating to Nansen and Amundsen among others; there is a focus on hunting though, so be aware of that); the Troll Museum (surprisingly good with its augmented reality, and certainly not just one for the kids); and the Tromsø Museum (Arctic University Museum of Norway @UiTNorgesarktiske), which was my personal favourite - a mix of natural history, geology, and human culture, set out nicely, and with a lovely relaxed cafe.

The aquarium, Polaria, is a big draw and certainly worth it. It's not massive but the displays and marine tanks are nicely set out and the animals looked well cared for to me. The highlight is the seal pool, and there are several feeding times during the day where staff explain more about these gorgeous mammals - there's a serious side to the tricks too, as they provide stimulation for the seals and also allow staff to carry out health checks such as weighing them - it certainly does not seem to be an example of animals being made to perform tricks for entertainment. The building is currently being extended, which will give the seals more space, including external space.

I took a boat trip on the 107 year old Hermes II. There are various boat trips on offer, on this vessel and on other boats and from different providers, including fishing trips, overnight stays (and longer), whale watching, dinner and Northern Lights cruises. Mine was a 1 hour history and photo cruise, which was a good mix of learning of the boat's history and free time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. You're also allowed to visit the bridge to see the workings of the boat, and there's an inside cabin if you're feeling the cold (tea and coffee are also provided).

Possibly the best value - albeit an expensive ticket - was the cable car at Fjellheisen. The views are phenomenal and there is plenty of space to explore on foot, without the need for specialist kit or experience. A cafe and toilets are welcome additions too! I bought a 2 day ticket and visited three times. It's a great spot to view the aurora borealis - I saw two amazing displays both times I went up in the evening.

Another place with spectacular views - but no charge - is Telegrafbukta, on the shores of the fjord. I didn't spend long here but I would certainly go back and spend longer.

The Magic Ice Bar was surprisingly good - I thought it'd be naff and touristy but it wasn't and I'd actually probably go back.

There are 2 notable religious buildings to look at too - the iconic Arctic Cathedral, which is a must see, at least from the outside, and Tromsø Cathedral in the centre of the city - it's not open often but you can admire it externally and it's a good wayfinding landmark.

All in all, I loved my trip and would highly recommend it.

Music:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v...
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/q...
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/s...
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/D...

Chapters:
00:09 - stroll around the city
01:39 - cafes
02:26 - Polaria
03:23 - Troll Museum
04:21 - Take a boat trip
05:55 - Polar Museum
07:07 - Arctic Cathedral
08:39 - Magic Ice Bar
09:52 - Fjellheisen
11:15 - Tromsø Museum (Arctic University Museum of Tromsø)
12:47 - Telegrafbukta
13:22 - Tromsø Cathedral

Links:
Visit Tromsø:
Pust.Cafe: https://www.pust.io/
Vervet Bakeri: https://vervetbakeri.no/
Tøllefsen: https://www.tollefsenhjornet.no/
Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum: https://uit.no/tmu/polarmuseet
Troll Museum: https://trollmuseum.no/
Polaria: https://polaria.no/
Hermes II: https://www.hermes2.no/en/?gclid=CjwK...
Fjellheisen: https://www.fjellheisen.no/aktiviteter
Arctic Cathedral: https://www.ishavskatedralen.no/


Filmed in January 2024.