17 Fascinating Facts About Tromsø

Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway, known for its stunning Arctic landscapes and rich history. Discover fascinating facts about this vibrant destination beyond the Arctic Circle.

Nestled on an island high above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a city that thrives in extremes. In the depths of winter, the northern lights flicker across the sky, while in the height of summer, the midnight sun ensures the darkness never comes.

Despite its remote location, Tromsø has a surprisingly lively cultural scene, a world-class university, and a history rich with Arctic exploration.

I’ve been fortunate to visit Tromsø many times over the years, experiencing all the seasons. I’ve travelled there to chase the aurora, research a guidebook, and even watch a football match in one of Europe’s most northerly stadiums.

Each visit has deepened my appreciation for this Arctic city, and I always recommend it to curious travellers.

🇳🇴 Tromsø Travel Resources: Make the most of your time in Tromsø and Northern Norway with these useful travel resources.

🇳🇴 Things To Do in Tromsø
💚 Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
🛏️ Book Hotels & Accommodation
🚘 Car Rental in Tromsø
🚨 Travel Insurance
👣 Book Tours & Experiences in Tromsø

But how much do you really know about Tromsø? Even many Norwegians have never ventured this far north! Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to impress your friends with Arctic trivia, here are 17 fascinating facts about Tromsø.

1. The Largest City in Northern Norway

With a population of 79,421, Tromsø is the largest municipality in Northern Norway and one of the biggest cities anywhere north of the Arctic Circle.

Globally, only the Russian cities of Murmansk and Norilsk surpass it in size. Within Northern Norway, Bodø municipality takes second place with 53,725 residents, while Narvik is home to 21,591 people.

Tromsø is still growing, too. According to Statistics Norway, the city's population is projected to reach 81,138 by 2030 and could climb to more than 85,000 by 2050, cementing its status as the Arctic’s urban powerhouse.

2. There are Many International Residents

From students and researchers drawn to the Arctic University of Norway to adventurous expats and workers in the fishing and tourism industries, Tromsø has a cosmopolitan feel rarely found so far north.

Despite its remote location, Tromsø is surprisingly diverse. More than 100 nationalities are represented in the city, contributing to its lively international atmosphere.

Poland (1,250) is the country with the biggest representation in Tromsø. This is followed by Ukraine (726), Germany (724), Sweden (598) and Syria (598).

3. Tromsø is Located Mostly on an Island

Tromsø’s unique geography is part of what makes the city so special. The majority of the urban area, including the city centre, university, and airport, is located on Tromsøya, a small island surrounded by dramatic Arctic landscapes.

However, the city extends beyond Tromsøya. Across the Tromsø Bridge and the Tromsøysund Tunnel lies Tromsdalen, a mainland district home to many residential areas and the striking Arctic Cathedral.

Meanwhile, to the west, Kvaløya—Norway’s fifth-largest island—is connected to Tromsøya by the Sandnessund Bridge and offers even more scenic beauty, from rugged mountains to coastal villages.

With its blend of island and mainland neighbourhoods, Tromsø’s layout makes for some truly stunning views—whether you're crossing a bridge, hiking a hillside, or arriving by plane.

4. Tromsø Experiences Polar Night and Midnight Sun

Tromsø’s location above the Arctic Circle means it experiences two dramatic natural phenomena each year: the midnight sun and the polar night.

From 18 May to 26 July, the sun never fully sets, bathing the city in continuous daylight. However, due to the mountains to the north, the visible period of the midnight sun is slightly shorter than the official dates.

This endless daylight creates a surreal atmosphere, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and experiencing the Arctic in an entirely different way.

On the other hand, from 26 November to 15 January, the sun never rises above the horizon, marking the start of the polar night.

Despite common misconceptions, Tromsø isn’t in complete darkness during this time. For a few hours each day, a twilight-like glow illuminates the sky in shades of deep blue, purple, and pink—giving this period its poetic nickname, the blue hour.

Additionally, in the months surrounding the midnight sun, the nights remain remarkably light, as the city experiences extended twilight—a time when the sun has set, but true darkness never quite arrives.

This ever-changing lightscape is one of Tromsø’s most captivating features, making each season a unique experience.

5. Tromsø is a Surprising Cultural Hub

Because it’s the biggest city for many miles around, the city serves a cultural centre for much of Northern Norway. There are plenty of things to do in Tromsø all year round, including some excellent museums.

Despite its relatively small population, the city hosts many music, cultural and film festivals throughout the year. Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge of Röyksopp and singer-songwriter Lene Marlin grew up and began their musical careers in Tromsø.

One highlight is Sami Week, held every February, which celebrates Sámi culture, traditions, and history through events like reindeer racing, joik (traditional singing), and cultural exhibitions. Speaking of which…

6. Sami is a Centre for Sami Culture

Although the Sámi people are traditionally associated with nature and a semi-nomadic way of life, Tromsø is an important hub for Sámi culture, education, and activism in Northern Norway.

The city hosts events celebrating Sámi heritage, including Sámi National Day on 6 February, Sami Week, and the Riddu Riđđu Festival, which showcases Indigenous Arctic cultures.

Tromsø is also home to institutions like the Centre for Sámi Studies at the Arctic University of Norway, contributing to research and awareness of Sámi issues.

7. Marathons with a Local Twist

Long-distance races might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Norwegian Arctic, but Tromsø has embraced the challenge in a way only an Arctic city can.

Since 1990, the city has hosted the world’s northernmost officially certified marathon, recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

As the name suggests, the Midnight Sun Marathon takes place around the summer solstice, when the sun never sets. Runners set off late in the evening, racing through the streets of Tromsø under the eerie golden glow of the midnight sun.

The event attracts around 6,000 participants from all over the world, drawn by the chance to experience an Arctic marathon like no other.

But running in Tromsø isn’t just a summer activity. The Polar Night Half Marathon, held in January, offers an entirely different experience, with participants racing under the deep blue twilight of the polar night, often with the northern lights flickering overhead.

Other races throughout the year, such as the Tromsø Mountain Challenge, take runners through stunning Arctic landscapes, proving that in Tromsø, the running season never truly ends.

8. The World’s Northernmost Brewery Opened in 1877

Several breweries have laid claim to the title of world’s northernmost brewery recently. Although no longer, Mack certainly was the northernmost brewery for more than a century.

Founded in 1877 by the son of a German immigrant, Mack beers have always had German characteristics. Mack pilsner today is commonly drunk at bars and restaurants throughout Tromsø, while their Isbjørn (polar bear) brand is available in supermarkets nationwide.

9. People Lived in Tromsø in the Viking Age

In the late 9th century, the Norse chieftain Ohthere is believed to have inhabited the southernmost part of what is today Tromsø municipality. He described himself as living “furthest to the North of all Norwegians” although there were also Sami people living farther north.

Remains have been found on the southern part of Kvaløya island from both Sámi settlements and settlements from the Norse Iron Age. Archeological excavations in Tønsvika outside Tromsø show evidence of settlements estimated to be as old as 10,000 years.

10. An Important Research Centre

Opened in 1972, the University of Tromsø (UiT) is also known by its modern name the Arctic University of Norway. Specialising in Arctic sciences, economics and health sciences, the mid-size research university attracts a student base from around the world.

Some engineering topics are taught in Narvik, while there is a strong collaboration with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS). Some students spend a semester or two conducting practical fieldwork on Svalbard.

11. There is a Botanical Garden in Tromsø

You might not expect to find a botanical garden in a city known for its harsh Arctic climate, but Tromsø is full of surprises.

Despite the long, dark winters, the Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden thrives as the world’s northernmost botanical garden, showcasing a stunning collection of Arctic and alpine plants from across the Northern Hemisphere.

Located just a short walk from UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, the garden bursts into colour during the short but intense Arctic summer.

Visitors can wander through themed sections featuring plants from Himalayan meadows, North American mountains, and the Arctic tundra, all adapted to extreme climates.

The walk is especially rewarding on a sunny day, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The botanic garden is free to visit and open year-round, though winter visits are naturally more limited due to snow cover.

12. Tromsø is Milder Than You Might Expect

Given its location above the Arctic Circle, you might assume Tromsø endures brutal, year-round cold. However, thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, the city enjoys a relatively mild climate compared to other places at the same latitude.

Tromsø has a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool to mild summers. Snow typically blankets the city from October to mid-May, with January being the snowiest month. Tromsø lacks permafrost, and the Norwegian Sea remains ice-free year-round, further moderating temperatures.

Over the past year, temperatures in Tromsø have ranged from -12.1°C to 29.9°C, highlighting the surprising variability in Arctic weather.

While winter can bring deep snow and biting winds, summer occasionally delivers pleasantly warm days, making Tromsø an unexpectedly comfortable place to visit—even at the top of the world.

13. The Arctic Cathedral Isn’t Actually a Cathedral

Since its opening in 1965, the Arctic Cathedral has become one of Tromsø’s most recognisable landmarks, with its striking modernist design and dramatic setting against the Arctic sky.

Given its name, it’s often mistaken for the city’s main cathedral, but in reality, it’s a parish church, officially known as Tromsdalen Church.

Despite its name, the Arctic Cathedral plays an important role in the community, hosting regular services as well as Midnight Sun Concerts during the endless summer days, attracting visitors from around the world.

Tromsø does, in fact, have a real cathedral—and it’s quite different in style. Located in the city centre and surrounded by a peaceful park, Tromsø Cathedral is a charming wooden church, notable for being the northernmost Protestant cathedral in the world.

14. The Arctic Council is Headquartered in Tromsø

The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic.

Since 2012, Tromsø has served as the headquarters, although the chair rotates every two years and meetings are held throughout the Arctic region.

States with membership of the Council include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. However, of the 4 million or so inhabitants of the Arctic region, around half a million are indigenous people.

To better reflect indigenous issues, six organisations are also permanent participants: Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich'in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, and the Sami Council.

15. Tromsø is a Northern Lights Hotspot

Tourism in Tromsø outside the summer months is primarily focused on the chance to see the northern lights. Chances are usually high, especially if you’re prepared to travel an hour or more outside the city.

Northern lights tours are big business in and around the region. If you visit in September-November or February-April, you'll find many tour guides competing for your business.

Planning a trip to Tromsø and hoping to see the aurora? Book yourself on one of these northern lights tours to give yourself the best possible chance.

That being said, the lights can often be seen from the city itself. Prestvannet lake at the top of Tromsø island is a popular choice. It's higher than the rest of the city and there's a little less light pollution here.

But seeing a display from the downtown area is also more than possible. I once saw a good display behind Tromsdalen when arriving on a Hurtigruten ship.

Of course, if you're travelling all the way to Tromsø it's a good idea to book yourself on a guided tour and/or head out of the city to give yourself the best possible chance.

16. The World’s Northernmost Top Tier Football Club

This might be out of date by the time you read this, as Tromsø’s football club has a reputation of yo-yoing between the top two divisions in Norway. But when they do play in the Norwegian Premier League, Tromsø are the world’s northernmost top tier football club.

Early and late in the season, matches at the small Alfheim Stadium (now known as Romssa Arena) can often only go ahead after snow clearance.

In fact, snow provided one of the most memorable moments ever seen at the stadium. In 1997, English Premier League side Chelsea played Tromsø in a snowstorm and the locals–more used to the conditions–recorded a famous 3-2 victory.

Footage of the famous game has since gone on to become famous on YouTube. You'll need to watch a few minutes to see the weather deteriorate!

Despite the embarrassing defeat, Chelsea had the last laugh. They won the return let in London 7-1.

17. Tromsø Has Other Names

Tromsø is the official name of the city in the Norwegian language, and Tromso is widely used in English. However, the indigenous Sami people have another name for the city.

In the Sami language, the city is known as Romsa or Romssa, with Tromsa sometimes used informally.

🇳🇴 Tromsø Travel Resources: Make the most of your time in Tromsø and Northern Norway with these useful travel resources.

🇳🇴 Things To Do in Tromsø
💚 Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
🛏️ Book Hotels & Accommodation
🚘 Car Rental in Tromsø
🚨 Travel Insurance
👣 Book Tours & Experiences in Tromsø

Meanwhile, in Finnish and the Kven language—spoken by the Kven people, a recognised minority group in Norway—the city is known as Tromssa.

These linguistic variations reflect Tromsø’s rich cultural history, and the names are widely used today. For example, it’s the name used in the rebranding of the city’s football stadium, mentioned above.

So, there we are! I hope you learned something new about Tromsø, and that this article gave you some insight into this fascinating part of northern Scandinavia. If you enjoyed this story, check out our similar articles about Norway facts.