a blue and white building with a large window

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The museaums in Tromso provide more than just the average exhibitions. In addition to more typical museums such as the Tromso Art Museaum and Tromso Science Centre, you`ll also find unique options, like the Polar Museaum, Troll Museaum, and Perspectives Museaum.

Visiting Tromso museums is particularly beneficial if you’re in Tromso in winter, when the weather is cold and snowy. Indeed, spending a day inside a heated facility and learning more about Norwegian art, history, science, and culture represents an ideal way to stay warm and have fun simultaneously.

Of course, ultimately, Tromsø museums are deserving of visitation at any time of year, since exploring them is considered one of the finest activities in Tromso.

1. Polar Museum, the most popular museum in Tromso

Learn all about polar exploration and trapping at the Tromsø Polar Museum. The charming waterfront warehouse building dates to the 1830s.

a red brick building with a red fire hydrant

Tromso was considered the “Gateway to the Arctic” in the nineteenth century, so numerous expeditions to the North Pole set out from the city. As such, the permanent displays tell the stories of Arctic explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen as well as the history of hunting whales and trapping in Northern Norway.

The Tromso Polar Museum is one of three museums that are run by Tromsø University, the other two being the Tromsø Museum and MS Polstjerna. As a result of this association, you can enjoy a discounted Polar Museum Tromso entrance fee if you purchase a combined ticket to the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum.

  • Hours: 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM daily
  • Cost of entry: 100 NOK ($11.59 USD) for adults; 150 NOK ($17.39) for adult combination ticket to Polar Museum and Tromso Museum; free for children under 18

2. Tromso Museum, a fascinating museum in Tromsø

The eponymous Tromsø Museum is worth visiting when in Tromso. Also known as the Arctic University Museum of Norway, it houses five permanent exhibits, including two on the culture and history of the Sami (an indigenous Scandinavian people) called “Sami culture” and “Sápmi – becoming a nation.”

Gain understanding about the Earth’s formation and even handle some of the university’s geological findings in the “TellUs – From Stardust to Modern Technology” exhibit. Then, head to the “UNNaturally” area to admire some Arctic wildlife and explore the interactions involving humans and nature. Finally, if you take an interest in art history, the “Ecclesiastical Art” section boasts a medieval triptych and sculptures from churches around Northern Norway.

As mentioned earlier, the Tromso Museum, akin to the Polar Museum, falls under the Tromsø University museum network, therefore obtaining a combined ticket for both facilities saves money and offers more convenience than separate tickets.

  • Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday; 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday; 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday
  • Cost of entry: 100 NOK ($11.59 USD) for adults; 150 NOK ($17.39) for adult combination ticket to Polar Museum and Tromso Museum; free for children under 18

3. MS Polstjerna, an immersive Tromsø museum

Step aboard the MS Polstjerna, a former seal hunting ship that has been preserved inside a covered glass building located in a dry dock. This completely immersive Tromso museum offers you the chance to walk the decks of this historical vessel and examine the tools and equipment once used by its former occupants.

a large ship sitting on top of a dock

In addition to gaining further knowledge about sealing, you’ll find displays regarding Sami culture, Arctic wildlife, and polar exploration.

Regrettably, maintenance is currently being performed on the historic vessel, but one hopes it will soon reopen, allowing visitors to explore this captivating remnant from ages past.

  • It is temporarily closed now for upkeep work.
  • Price of admission: To be determined

4. Northern Norwegian Science Center, the best Tromso science museum

Bring out your inner scientist by exploring the Northern Norwegian Science Center in Tromsø. This science museum is suitable for all ages, housing many informative interactive exhibits, and on Sundays one can participate in activities at the center`s labs.

Pretend to be a meteorologist and give a climate report before going shopping for eco-friendly food at the “Little Green Shop” in the “Climate and Weather” area. Then, try the climbing wall, do some puzzles, and test your vertical leap height in the “Body and Brain” section.

a park filled with lots of plants and trees

Next, head to the “Energy and Environment in the North” area to learn everything about clean energy advances. Ultimately, learn about the Northern Lights, constellations, and Earth’s magnetic field in “The Sky above Us” section. If you’re still seeking more to do, you can watch any of the numerous movies offered at the planetarium.

Also, right next to the science center is the stunning Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden. This garden, which is the world’s northernmost botanical garden, is free to enter and open throughout the year. The best time of year to visit is however from May to October though, when the assortment of Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine plants from all over the world is in full bloom.

  • Hours: 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM daily
  • The cost of entry: 130 Norwegian krone ($15 US) for adults; 70 Norwegian krone ($11 US) for children; 330 Norwegian krone ($38.25 US) for a family unit consisting of 2 adults and three children

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5. Northern Norway Art Museum in Tromso, the best Tromso art museum

At the Northern Norway Art Museum, visitors can admire artworks by Norwegian artists, Sami craftspeople, international contemporary artists, and more. The gallery will always have something fresh to see, since this Tromso art gallery principally hosts a series of temporary exhibitions.

a large building with a clock on the front of it

If you wish for skilled direction as you explore the exhibit, there are free guided walks on Sundays at 2:00 PM and on weekdays during opening hours. Grab a snack at the café if you feel peckish and make some art of your own in the Maker Space. You can even take home a souvenir created by a Sami designer from the museum’s gift shop.

  • Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except Thursday; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday
  • Cost of admission: 80 NOK ($9.30 USD) for adults; free for children under 18

6. Perspectives Museum, an unusual Tromso museum

The Perspectives Museum is unlike other museums in Tromso. Here, visitors can see a constantly changing series of temporary exhibitions centered around art, culture, literature, and more.

a building with a clock on the front of it

The museum’s primary focus is on human bonds and cultural diversity, aiming to encourage tolerance and respect for different viewpoints, explaining the name of the museum. The permanent collection of the museum homes an archive of over 500,000 photographs; items, photographs, and art that belonged to the local writer Cora Sandel; and collections that were inherited from the Tromsø Town Museum and Troms Folk Museum.

  • Hours open: 10:00 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday – Friday; 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday; closed on Mondays
  • Price of admission: 50 NOK ($5.80 USD) for adults; free for children

7. Troll Museum, a cool museum in Tromso, Norway

Regardless of when you visit Tromso, don’t miss the Troll Museum, which is undoubtedly the most unique museum in Tromso. This museum is the first in Norway to focus solely on trolls and folk tales and provides the ideal way to learn more about Norwegian folklore and beliefs.

a large brick building with a clock on it`s side

The museum utilizes augmented reality (AR: added animations, images, texts, and sounds via tablet) to truly bring its exhibitions to life. As you gain more knowledge about Norwegian folk tales and myths, you`ll see the stories play out before your eyes with illustrations and handcrafted figurines.

There are also a selection of board games or translated fairy tales focused on trolls available to experience or read yourself within the Reading Room. Those who really connect with the trolls can even bring an augmented reality one home from the gift shop.

  • Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
  • Cost of entrance: 180 NOK ($21 USD) for adults; 100 NOK ($11.59 USD) for children ages 5-12; free for children under 5; 450 NOK ($52 USD) for a family of 2 adults and 2 children

8. Tromso Center for Contemporary Art, a fantastic free Tromso art museum

Take in experimental and contemporary art at the Tromso Center for Contemporary Art, a free Tromso art museum and the oldest art institution in Northern Norway. The regularly changing temporary exhibitions include works by many different Norwegian and international creatives.

a building that has a lot of windows in it

When exploring the exhibition on display, stop in at the gift shop for some books or a souvenir.

  • Hours: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday to Sunday
  • Price of admission: Free

As you will have noticed, Tromso is home to a wide range of incredible and distinctive museums. If you plan your trip to Tromso well in advance, you definitely won`t get bored if poor weather prevents exploring outside. Use the map below to locate your way to the Tromso museums of interest and see what other attractions are nearby.

If seeking an accommodating place to stay following exploring the hiking trails in Tromso, try Tromso Lodge and Camping. This Tromso lodging is near many well-known hiking paths, such as the route to Fløya, yet it’s also just a 15-minute drive from Tromsø Airport.

Enjoy exploring Tromso!