Iconic Tromsø

Aurora, Fjellheisen and the Arctic Cathedral

The postcard side of Tromsø — the sights most visitors make a point of seeing.

Northern Lights

Tromsø sits under the auroral oval, which is why the lights appear on many clear winter nights. The best view is away from street lights, with open sky to the north.

Dark season runs from late September to early April. Check the live forecast before you drive out.

Live aurora forecast

Fjellheisen (Storsteinen)

A cable car climbs from the city to Storsteinen at 421 metres, where Tromsø, the islands and the surrounding peaks open up below you.

Around four minutes each way. The last descent differs between summer and winter — check the current timetable.

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Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

The 1965 church in Tromsdalen is built from triangular concrete panels and faces the harbour with a wall of stained glass.

A short walk or bus ride across the bridge. It is a working church, so keep visits quiet outside services.

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Tromsø Cathedral (Tromsø Domkirke)

An octagonal wooden church from 1861 in the middle of the city centre — the northernmost Protestant cathedral in the world.

Open for quiet visits outside services. A few minutes' walk from Storgata.

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Ersfjordbotn

A small fjord village about 20 minutes from town, ringed by mountains, with a beach, a harbour and dark winter skies away from street lights.

By car or bus. Parking near the water fills quickly, so arrive early in peak season.

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Seasons and opening hours change — check with the venue before you set out.