Tromsø is considered the Arctic capital of Norway and is home to 70,000 lively inhabitants. Located on the edge of the Arctic, Tromsø has a spectacular setting between islands, picturesque fjords and dramatic mountain peaks. Situated at 69 degrees north, above the Arctic Circle, you will get to experience both the Northern Lights (from late August till late April) and the Midnight Sun (from late May till late July). The nature experiences are never ending and most popular is dog sledding, whale watching and Sami culture experiences. Tromsø is an urban city with hotels of international standard, busy cafés, restaurants serving world-class seafood, an active cultural life, as well as captivating museums and art galleries. You will also experience our adventurous history, dating back to the 19th century when it was the starting point for Arctic hunting and expeditions to the North Pole. Tromsø is known as the Gateway to the Arctic and is today a centre for educational and research institutes, including the world’s northernmost University. Welcome to Tromsø - where your arctic adventure begins!
In Tromsø you will find over a 1000 mountain peaks for hiking under the Midnight Sun or ski touring and snow shoeing during winter. Beautiful nature experiences awaits right on your doorstep and the landscape extracts from everything to white sand beaches and crystal clear water, to deep forests. Explore the surrounding region of Tromsø including Kvaløya, Sommarøy, Senja, Lyngen and Målselv.
Photo Vegard Stien
Culture and locallife
Tromsø is a lively city with a rich cultural scene, museums and art galleries, and high quality food and drink experiences. The local coffee bars and eateries are usually busy with people from all over the world enjoying local fish dishes, or picking up fresh coffee to take for a walk around the city exploring street art and unique architecture.
Photo Gøran Mikkelsen
Tromsø region
Visit white sand beaches and hike scenic mountain peaks on Kvaløya and Sommarøy. If you are feeling adventurous we recommend exploring the Lyngen region with the Lyngen alps, go bungee jumping from the Gorsa bridge or enjoy cultural events like the Riddu Riddu festival. The fairytale island Senja offers great views and experiences from mountains and national tourist roads.
Photo Kari Schibevaag
The Tromsø pass
The Tromsø pass is your ticket to experiencing Tromsø. It gives you entry to several of Tromsø’s museums and attractions, as well as bus tickets. Choose between a variety of passes suited for your needs. Stop by the Tourist Information at the Harbour terminal to buy your Tromsø pass.
Photo Vegard Stien
Summer Activities
Under the Midnight Sun, providing daylight 24/7, you will be able to join activities day and night. Read more:
Step into the cold and crisp Arctic winter landscape and join a wide range of activities. If you are lucky you will be accompanied by the Northern Lights. Read more:
In Tromsø you will find over a 1000 mountain peaks for hiking under the Midnight Sun or ski touring and snow shoeing during winter. Beautiful nature experiences awaits right on your doorstep and the landscape extracts from everything to white sand beaches and crystal clear water, to deep forests. Explore the surrounding region of Tromsø including Kvaløya, Sommarøy, Senja, Lyngen and Målselv.
Photo Vegard Stien
Culture and locallife
Tromsø is a lively city with a rich cultural scene, museums and art galleries, and high quality food and drink experiences. The local coffee bars and eateries are usually busy with people from all over the world enjoying local fish dishes, or picking up fresh coffee to take for a walk around the city exploring street art and unique architecture.
Photo Gøran Mikkelsen
Tromsø region
Visit white sand beaches and hike scenic mountain peaks on Kvaløya and Sommarøy. If you are feeling adventurous we recommend exploring the Lyngen region with the Lyngen alps, go bungee jumping from the Gorsa bridge or enjoy cultural events like the Riddu Riddu festival. The fairytale island Senja offers great views and experiences from mountains and national tourist roads.
Photo Kari Schibevaag
The Tromsø pass
The Tromsø pass is your ticket to experiencing Tromsø. It gives you entry to several of Tromsø’s museums and attractions, as well as bus tickets. Choose between a variety of passes suited for your needs. Stop by the Tourist Information at the Harbour terminal to buy your Tromsø pass.
Photo Vegard Stien
Summer Activities
Under the Midnight Sun, providing daylight 24/7, you will be able to join activities day and night. Read more:
Step into the cold and crisp Arctic winter landscape and join a wide range of activities. If you are lucky you will be accompanied by the Northern Lights. Read more:
The Arctic Cathedral is the iconic symbol of Tromsø inspired by Arctic nature. A wall with glass mosaic “The Return of Christ” dominates the interior. To top the experience it is recommended to join the Midnight Sun concerts during summer or the Northern Lights concerts during winter.
Visit the world's northernmost Protestant cathedral from 1861 in the heart of Tromsø city centre. This cathedral is Norway's only wooden cathedral. Join varied concerts here during summer.
Polaria is an Arctic experience centre housed in the distinctive building representing ice floes that have been pressed up on land. Enjoy an Arctic walk and aquariums with fish and bearded seals, as well as seal-feeding and training. In the panoramic cinema you will see films of some of the most spectacular phenomena in the wild north. Polaria hosts several exhibitions as well as a café and gift shop.
Photo Nord-Norsk Vitensenter Vegard Stien
The Science Centre of Northern Norway
Experiment, have fun and learn about regional and universal phenomena on more than 80 interactive installations suitable for all ages. Experience the spectacular Northern Lights movie in Norway’s largest 360º fully digitalized planetarium.
Take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen (421 m) for a fantastic view over Tromsø, the surrounding waterways and mountains. This is also an excellent starting point for mountain walks. If you like to exercise we recommend walking the Sherpa Steps up to the view point.
Ølhallen is Tromsø oldest pub dating back to 1928. With 67 different beers on tap you can enjoy Macks own portfolio or make your way through a wide range of quality beers from Norwegian Microbreweries. Enjoy a guided tour of the old beer cellars and the microbrewery, combining over 130 years of history, a film and a taste of beer in the northernmost brewery in the world.
Northern Norway’s most comprehensive museum presents in-depth knowledge about the people of the Arctic and their history as well as the Northern Lights. This is a comprehensive university museum with Sami culture, northern lights, archaeology and Arctic biology. Suitable for children!
The Polar Museum is one of Norway's top ten museums (Trip Advisor 2013) with exciting information about Arctic hunting and Polar explorers. Tromsø was the centre of seal hunting in Northern Norway, and the town was established as the “Gateway to the Arctic” in the late 1800s.
The story of ”Tirpitz”, the German battleship sunk by the allies on November 12 in 1944 near Tromsø, told through exhibits in a World War II bunker.
Photo Nordnorsk Kunst Museum
Nordnorsk Kunst Museum
Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum was established in 1985 and display art about and from Northern Norway, from early 19th century to the present day. In addition there are national art history and temporary exhibits.
BLÅST – the world’s northernmost glass blowing studio!
BLÅST is an open workshop where you can get a demonstration of how glass is made. Watch the glass forming into fantastic products that make great gifts. Since the opening in 2002 Blåst Glass Blowing studio has become a natural stop for roundtrips in Tromsø.
The world’s northernmost botanic garden with Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine plants from all continents. The garden is ranked among the top five botanical gardens in the world by BBC’s garden expert Monty Don.
Maximum number of ships per day in port 5 at the same time (only 2 over 300 m length)
Maximum number of passengers per day in port Approx. 5000 passengers at the same time
Environmental limitations/restrictions
Other Ice free all year
Maximum Ship Dimensions
Length Prostneset FO07 - 225 m Prostneset FO08 - 135 m Breivika FO21 - total length of quay 21-24: 410 m Breivika FO24 - total length of quay 21-24: 410 m Breivika FO25 - 300 m (quay length 150 m)
Draft Prostneset FO07 - 8 m Prostneset FO08 - 9 m Breivika FO21 - 10.8 m Breivika FO24 - 11 m Breivika FO25 - 11 m
Air draft Sandnessund Bridge 41,0 m - if sailing from north to the city center (Prostneset).
Beam Unlimited
Anchorage
Available Yes
Pontoons YES, available upon request
Tugboat Yes
Port Services
Bunkers YES, by boat/truck
Supplies Yes
Waste handling Yes
Fresh water Yes
Waste water method Truck
Other The Port of Tromsø has a range of other port services
Are the port facilities according to Cruise Norway's quality guidelines? Yes