Tromsø

Tromsø at a glance

Tromsø lies north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. It was granted town rights in 1794, the Tromsø Bridge opened in 1960 and the university in 1972 — today UiT The Arctic University of Norway (Store norske leksikon).

Population (municipality): 79,943 (2026)
Land area: 2,472 km²
County: Troms
Polar night: about six weeks in winter (Visit Arctic Norway)
Midnight sun: 20 May–22 July (Visit Norway)

What to see

The Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdalen church): consecrated in 1965, designed by Jan Inge Hovig. Its glass mosaic from 1972 is the largest in Europe (Store norske leksikon).
Northern lights: Tromsø is the main hub for aurora trips in Norway. The season runs from late August to late March — see northern lights in Norway.
Midnight sun and polar night: from 20 May to 22 July the sun does not set, and in winter the polar night lasts about six weeks (Visit Norway and Visit Arctic Norway).

Practical

Public transport, tickets and apps in Norwegian cities: see our public transport guide.
Winter clothing: the city has outdoor shops and gear rental — see the table below.
Aurora tours: many operators run a "chase" for clear skies; read more in the northern lights guide.

Businesses and places in Tromsø

Number of listings in the directory, checked 27.09.2026:

Public transport stops and bus terminals	438
Tourism and travel companies	101
Grocery stores and supermarkets	74
Parking facilities	64
Restaurants	57
Hotels and resorts	56
Landmarks and historic sites	46
Nature parks and recreational areas	46
Cafés and canteens	30
Hospitals	25
Bars and lounges	23
Car rental	23
Outdoor and sports stores	22
Gift and souvenir shops	19
Art galleries and exhibition centres	11
Guesthouses, cabins and campsites	11
Pharmacies	11
Museums	9
Bakeries	6
Public toilets	6
Shopping centres	6
Dry cleaning and laundry	5
Sports and outdoor gear rental	4
Hostels	3
Wine and spirits shops (Vinmonopolet)	3

Sources: Store norske leksikon (checked 27.09.2026), Visit Norway and Visit Arctic Norway (checked 26.09.2026).

Last checked 27.09.2026 by Redaksjonen NorgeGuide.

Sulland Tromsø Volkswagen, Audi, ŠKODA

Alkevegen 12, 9015 Tromsø

Phones: +47 77 60 99 00

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 07:30–16:30, Sat: 10:00–14:00, Sun: Closed

Discover a wide selection of new and used cars from well-known brands, as well as professional workshop services and a …

RSA BIL Tromsø

Ærfuglvegen 2, 9015 Tromsø

Phones: +47 77 60 84 20

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 07:30–16:00, Sat–Sun: Closed

RSA BIL Tromsø offers safe car maintenance with experienced employees, the possibility of booking an appointment and te…

Trondsen Auto

Håndverkervegen 4B, 9018 Tromsø

Phones: +47 40 55 55 40

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:00, Sat–Sun: Closed

Trondsen Auto in Tromsø offers a wide selection of new and used cars, as well as a quality workshop for Mitsubishi, Ren…

Bil i Nord

Ringvegen 4, 9018 Tromsø

Phones: +47 77 60 76 76

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 07:30–16:30, Sat: 11:00–14:00, Sun: Closed

Discover a diverse selection of new and used cars, as well as professional workshop services, car care and tire hotels …

Fryd Kafé & Interiør AS

Karlsøyvegen 12, 9015 Tromsø

Phones: +47 41 50 04 23

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 10:00–21:00, Sat: 10:00–18:00, Sun: Closed

Experience a cozy atmosphere at Fryd Kafé & Interiør AS in Tromsø, where you can enjoy great meals and inspiring interi…

Nice To Meet U. Tromsø - World's Northernmost Boba Shop

Storgata 104, 9008 Tromsø

Phones: +47 92 84 89 99

Working hours: Mon–Sat: 00:00–19:00, Sun: 01:00–19:00

Experience unique flavors of bubble tea made with fresh, Norwegian ingredients, from seasonal fruits to creamy desserts…

Løkta Kafé

https://maps.app.goo.gl/S16AE5iFnzcx3rco7, 9008 Tromsø

Working hours: Mon–Sat: Closed, Sun: 11:00–15:00

Visit Løkta Café for a cozy coffee break with a view of the Arctic Cathedral and the Tromsø Bridge, and enjoy waffles a…

Kakaoboden EB

Karlsøyvegen 1A, 9015 Tromsø

Phones: +47 46 98 37 70

Working hours: Mon–Tue: Closed, Wed: 22:00–10:45, Thu–Sun: Closed

Experience the delicious taste of hot cocoa at Kakaoboden EB in Tromsø every Wednesday, perfect for a cozy break from e…

Tannkantina

Hansine Hansens veg 86, 9019 Tromsø

Phones: +47 77 64 90 00

Working hours: Mon: 10:00–00:00, Tue–Thu: Open 24 hours, Fri: 00:00–14:00, Sat–Sun: Closed

Experience a bright and welcoming atmosphere in Tannkantina, a 24-hour café that offers cashier assistance and support …

Teorifagskantina

Huginbakken 22, 9019 Tromsø

Phones: +47 77 64 90 00

Working hours: Mon–Thu: 07:00–17:00, Fri: 07:00–16:00, Sat–Sun: Closed

The Teorifagskantina in Tromsø offers a varied menu with exciting lunch and dinner dishes, as well as a lively outdoor …

Teorifagskafeen

Huginbakken 22, 9019 Tromsø

Phones: +47 46 82 56 62

Working hours: Mon–Thu: 07:00–17:00, Fri: 07:00–16:00, Sat–Sun: Closed

The Teorifagskafeen in Tromsø offers a sustainable student environment with activities, health services, and resources …

Yogurt Heaven Tromsø

Karlsøyvegen 12, 9015 Tromsø

Phones: +47 47 33 83 11

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 10:00–21:00, Sat: 10:00–18:00, Sun: Closed

Experience a tasty journey with frozen yogurt, smoothies and bubble tea at Yogurt Heaven Tromsø, where quality and vari…

Risø mat og kaffebar

Strandgata 32, 9008 Tromsø

Phones: +47 41 66 45 16

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 08:00–18:00, Sat: 09:00–17:00, Sun: Closed

Experience a cozy café with first-class coffee, fresh sourdough pastries and tasty lunch dishes made from local ingredi…

Spiseriet Konditori

Storgata 102, 9008 Tromsø

Phones: +47 91 18 94 08

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 09:00–18:00, Sat: 10:00–17:00, Sun: Closed

Experience a cozy café in Tromsø with a varied selection of allergy-friendly cakes and pastries, perfect for all occasi…

Café Inklusiv Lunsj Og Kaffebar Da

Rådhusgata 4, 9008 Tromsø

Experience a cozy atmosphere with quality lunch and freshly brewed coffee at Café Inklusiv Lunsj Og Kaffebar Da in Trom…

Smørtorget

Fredrik Langes gate 9, 9008 Tromsø

Phones: +47 95 70 09 30

Working hours: Mon–Fri: 08:00–18:00, Sat: 10:00–18:00, Sun: 11:00–18:00

Experience a unique atmosphere at Smørtorget with homemade food, exciting second-hand finds and intimate concerts in th…

All categories in Tromsø

When can I see the northern lights in Tromsø?

The season runs from late August to late March, when the sky is dark and clear. Most often between 11 pm and 2 am (Visit Norway, checked 26.09.2026).

When is the polar night in Tromsø?

The polar night lasts about six weeks in winter (Visit Arctic Norway, checked 26.09.2026).

When is the midnight sun in Tromsø?

From 20 May to 22 July the sun does not set (Visit Norway, checked 26.09.2026).

What is the Arctic Cathedral?

Tromsdalen church, consecrated in 1965 and designed by Jan Inge Hovig. Its glass mosaic from 1972 is the largest in Europe (Store norske leksikon, checked 27.09.2026).

How many people live in Tromsø?

79,943 inhabitants in the municipality in 2026. The land area is 2,472 km² (Store norske leksikon, checked 27.09.2026).

When did Tromsø become a town?

It was granted town rights in 1794. The Tromsø Bridge opened in 1960 and the university in 1972 (Store norske leksikon, checked 27.09.2026).

Do I need a rental car in Tromsø?

Not to see the city: the centre is small and walkable. For aurora hunting or trips out of town in winter it means driving on winter roads in the dark — many people take a guided tour instead. Car rental and tour operators are in the table above.