How to Get a Polar Certificate in Tromsø (+ Locations Map)
Some time ago, Tromsø started offering travelers a Polar Certificate. This certificate is a souvenir that you can take home with you that shows you have been above the Arctic Circle, most importantly at 69°N in Tromsø, Norway.
In this guide, I will quickly discuss how to get a Polar Certificate in Tromsø, where to obtain one, how much it costs, and why you should get one.
Quick Tromsø Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to Tromsø last minute, be sure you have hotels and tours booked ahead of time. Below are some of my top picks:
🇳🇴 Top activities and tours in 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 November to January must)
🛌 Top places to stay in Tromsø:
- Clarion ‘The Edge’ (Tromsø’s most beautiful hotel – on the sea!)
- Thon Hotel Tromsø (I stayed here twice and recommend it!)
- Radisson Blu (many tours leave from here – by harbor)
🍲 Popular places to eat in Tromsø: Fiskekompaniet, RUDA, Smak, Raketten Bar & Pølse, Bardus Bistro, Burgr, Mathallen
✈️ Want to get from the airport to Tromsø hassle-free? Find the best airport transfer option here!
What is a Tromsø Polar Certificate?
It is a printed certificate with gold on it certifying your presence 69°N in Tromsø (the older versions did not have the gold). It will have your name printed on it, along with a stamp in the bottom right-hand corner, alongside the date of purchase.
This is a fantastic way to show to friends that you have visited the Arctic Circle and Tromsø as a whole! I actually live in the Arctic Circle, and I even got myself a copy.
Where to Get a Polar Certificate in Tromsø
There are only three places you can obtain an official Polar Certificate (a few other places have their own version, but the official Visit Tromsø ones are only in three locations).
The locations to get a Polar Certificate in Tromsø are:
- Visit Tromsø’s main office at Storgata 83 (M-F from 9am until 3pm, Saturday from 9am until 4pm, Sunday from 10am until 4pm)
- Visit Tromsø’s Prostneset port office on the 2nd floor of Samuel Arnesens gate 5 (M-F from 9am until 3pm; closed on weekends)
- Clarion Hotel The Edge’s concierge desk near reception (open 24 hours)
You can see the locations on the map below. Please note that you do not need to be a guest of Clarion The Edge to get a Polar Certificate.
How To Use This Map
You can use your fingers/mouse to zoom in and out. To get more info about a place, simply touch/click the icons. Want to save this map for later use? Click the ‘⭐’ by the map title and it will add it to your Google Maps account (Saved > Maps or ‘Your Places’).
How much does a Tromsø Polar Certificate cost?
The Polar Certificate is currently 200 NOK (about $20 or €16.75). You can pay with a card.
Does Visit Tromsø ship Polar Certificates if you forget to purchase one?
Unfortunately (but understandably), no. I have seen people asking around in Facebook groups if future travelers can pick them up on their trip, so this may be your best option to purchase one retroactively if you forget on your first trip there.
Do you have any questions about getting a Polar Certificate in Tromsø? Let me know in the comments.
*This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.