Tromsø Maps

Tromsø is a city and municipality in Northern Norway, located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. It is the largest urban area in Northern Norway and the third largest north of the Arctic Circle in the world. The city serves as the cultural, educational, and economic hub of the region with a population of approximately 78,000 residents as of 2024.

The city is situated on the island of Tromsøya, connected to the mainland by the Tromsø Bridge and the Tromsøysund Tunnel. The municipality also includes significant portions of the mainland and several other islands. The city experiences polar nights from November to January when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, and midnight sun from late May to late July when the sun never sets.

Tromsø is home to the world's northernmost university, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, which was established in 1972. The university has approximately 17,000 students and specializes in Arctic research, making the city a significant center for polar studies. The city is also known for its research institutions, including the Norwegian Polar Institute and the Institute of Marine Research.

Notable landmarks include the Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdalen Church), built in 1965, featuring a distinctive triangular architecture and large stained-glass window. The Polar Museum showcases the city's history as a starting point for Arctic expeditions, while the Tromsø Museum offers exhibits on Northern Norwegian culture, nature, and history. The city's historic center features the largest collection of historic wooden houses north of Trondheim, with the oldest dating back to 1789.

Due to its location within the auroral zone, Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights. The city has developed a significant tourism industry around this natural phenomenon, attracting visitors from around the globe between September and March. The Fjellheisen Cable Car takes visitors to Mount Storsteinen, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords from an elevation of 421 meters.

The city hosts several major cultural events throughout the year, including the Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF), the Northern Lights Festival (music), and the Bukta Open Air Festival. Tromsø is also known for its vibrant music scene and has earned the nickname "Paris of the North" due to its rich cultural life and sophisticated atmosphere, a moniker dating back to the 19th century when visitors were surprised by the cultural refinement of this Arctic city.