How to Visit the Tromsø Museum (Arctic University Museum of Norway)
Is the Arctic University Museum of Norway (Norges Arktiske Universitetsmuseum) on your travel itinerary for Tromsø?
Also known as the Tromsø Museum, this popular landmark is a must if you’re interested in local history and the Sami.
Quick Tromsø Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to Tromsø last minute, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time (as much as you can)! Below are some of my top picks:
🐋 Best tours and activities from Tromsø:
- Best northern lights tour from Tromsø (my favorite aurora tour in Tromsø!)
- Reindeer feeding and Sami culture tour (most popular Sami tour; great for kids!)
- Ethical whale-watching tour with orcas and humpbacks (a Nov-Jan must!)
🛌 Top hotels and lodging in Tromsø:
- Clarion ‘The Edge’ (Tromsø’s most beautiful hotel – on the sea!)
- Thon Hotel Tromsø (I’ve stayed here twice and recommend it!)
- Radisson Blu (many tours leave from here – by the harbor)
🍲 Popular places to eat in Tromsø: Fiskekompaniet, Bardus Bistro, RUDA, Smørtorget, Størhus, Full Steam
✈️ Want to get from the airport to Tromsø hassle-free? Find the best airport transfer option here!
In this guide, I will give you details about how to visit, why you should, and how to get there. It is not located in the city center, so you will need to plan your visit accordingly if you want to check it out.
If you have any questions about visiting the Tromsø Museum, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!
✨ Please note that I use Tromsø Museum and Arctic University Museum interchangeably throughout this guide as you will see both on maps and public transportation.
Table of Contents
About the Tromsø Museum
The Arctic University Museum of Norway is one of the most impressive places in Tromsø and one of my favorite museums. It offers various science-based exhibitions that tell the stories of people and nature in Arctic Norway (and the Nordic region).
At this museum, you’ll learn all about the Sami people, the evolution of wildlife in the Arctic, and how they’ve adapted to the harsh climate, and the northern lights. There are also fossils inside and you can learn about ancient Viking burial traditions.
Popular exhibitions at the Tromsø Museum include UNnaturally, Under the Lights, Sami Culture, and TellUs. Temporary exhibits are also held throughout the year.
Arctic University Museum of Norway Practical Information
Opening Hours of the Tromsø Museum
Opening hours vary depending on the season. In the summer season (June 15th to August 15th) the museum is open Monday to Friday (10 am – 6 pm) and Saturday to Sunday (11 am – 5 pm).
During the winter season (August 16th to June 14th), the museum is open Monday to Friday (10 am – 4:30 pm) and Saturday to Sunday (11 am – 4 pm).
Location of the Museum
The Tromsø Museum is located at Lars Thørings veg 10 near Telegrafbukta and outside the city center. This is (for most people), not a place you can get to on foot in the winter months unless you’re active and time permits.
It’s around a 35-minute walk from the city center and just a short walk from Perspektivet Folkeparken (a site of the Perspektivet Museum – not to be confused with the renowned museum in the city center).
How to Get to the Museum
Buses 33 and 40 both run from the city center if you want to catch public transport there.
You can plan your trip with the timetables on Svipper. Please note that the destination is ‘Tromsø Museum’ on the app (and when you wait for the bus).
I highly recommend doing this if you have a busy schedule or you’re not a cold-weather fan (and visiting in winter). During the warmer months, it is a lovely stroll, however.
You can also take a taxi from Tromsø’s city center with the app Taxifix.
Tromsø Museum Ticket Prices (2025)
Adult tickets cost 120 NOK (around $11) while tickets for senior citizens cost 100 NOK (around $9). Children under 18 and students get free entry.
You can also purchase a combination ticket which includes entry to the Polar Museum as well. The 2025 prices have not been confirmed yet but I will update this once they are.
The Tromsø Museum is also a part of the Tromsø Pass program.
How much time do you need to visit?
You’ll want to spend around 2 hours exploring this museum. There are several permanent exhibitions to visit as well as temporary exhibits.
Best Time to Visit
The Arctic University Museum of Norway is a great place to visit at any time of year. Those after a quieter experience should visit in the morning (preferably on a weekday).
Tromsø Museum FAQ
What facilities are available?
On-site facilities include a museum shop and Kafe Rotunden. This cafe is a self-service one and you must pay for what you purchase at the ticket counter at the museum’s entrance.
Opening hours vary throughout the year so check this in advance before your visit.
What exhibitions are on at the Tromsø Museum?
Permanent exhibitions at this museum include UNnaturally, Sami Culture, Under the Lights, and TellUs (from stardust to modern technology).
How accessible is the museum?
The museum is wheelchair-accessible and there is an elevator that can take you between the exhibit floors.
Is the Tromsø Museum worth visiting?
This museum is an excellent place to learn about the Arctic as it contains various fossils, indigenous items, and more, as well as interactive exhibits.
Additional Tips for Visiting the Tromsø Museum
- Parking is available on the right side of the museum entrance. Charges can be paid by card or you can download the Easypark app.
- From May to September, the museum offers a ‘Discover the Aurora’ tour. This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
- The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Is the Tromsø Museum worth visiting?
I think it is worth it if you’re free for a couple of hours and can leave the city center. The two museums I love the most in Tromsø are this one and the Polar Museum.
Do you have any questions about visiting the Tromsø Museum on your trip? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!
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