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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 terminals438
Tourism and travel companies101
Grocery stores and supermarkets74
Parking facilities64
Restaurants57
Hotels and resorts56
Landmarks and historic sites46
Nature parks and recreational areas46
Cafés and canteens30
Hospitals25
Bars and lounges23
Car rental23
Outdoor and sports stores22
Gift and souvenir shops19
Art galleries and exhibition centres11
Guesthouses, cabins and campsites11
Pharmacies11
Museums9
Bakeries6
Public toilets6
Shopping centres6
Dry cleaning and laundry5
Sports and outdoor gear rental4
Hostels3
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.

All categories in Tromsø

Frequently asked questions about 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).

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

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

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).

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

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).

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.

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