Experience the midnight sun: Tromsø, the adventure in the north!

Experience the midnight sun: Tromsø, the adventure in the north!

In Tromsø, the northernmost university city in the world, the sun does not set for two months between May 20th and July 22nd. This fascinating state of nature allows people to be active well into the night and enjoy the beauty of the Nordic landscape. The city is 344 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and has established itself as a popular destination for hikers, ski tourers and kayakers. It used to be called the “Paris of the North” in the 19th century, due to its port prosperity.

Tromsø offers a variety of attractions. The Polarmuseet tells the story of polar expeditions and hunting on Svalbard. Here, visitors can discover exciting exhibitions that, for example, tell of Willem Barentsz's first encounter with a polar bear or trace daring hot air balloon expeditions over the polar regions. Another highlight is the arctic adventure center Polaria, which covers topics such as climate change and local marine life.

Gastronomy and leisure activities

The gastronomic scene in Tromsø is diverse. The city's oldest kiosk, “Rakettes”, is known for its delicious hot dogs. The restaurant “Burgr” offers a selection of hamburger creations, while “Dragøy” serves affordable fish dishes. For coffee lovers, “Kaffebønna”, the city’s oldest espresso café, is a must. In addition, the Mack Brewery, which was founded in 1877, is one of the northernmost breweries in the world.

Active holidaymakers can climb Tromsø's local mountain via the Sherpa stairs or with the Fjellheisen cable car. You can enjoy the view at the popular Telegrafbukta Bay, but the water is very cold even in summer. These outdoor activities are particularly attractive during the polar day, when nature presents itself in a unique way.

Important travel information

For travelers to Tromsø, entry to the Polarmuseet quite affordable; Adults pay around 10.40 euros, while entry is free for those under 18. Polaria charges an entrance fee of 25.50 euros, reduced for children. The best time to visit to see the Northern Lights is until April and from September onwards, while the polar day lasts from May 20th to July 22nd.

There are direct flights from several German cities to get there. An ID card is sufficient upon entry, but a passport is required for rental cars. Tromsø offers a wide range of accommodation as well as RV parking. Consider paying with Norwegian currency, with 1 euro having value at the rate of 11.5 Norwegian krone (as of March 13, 2025).