New in town? Check out our Student Survival Kit!

Welcome to student life in Tromsø, where days are short (or long, depending on the season), and adventures are numerous! Remember, life is not just a collection of grades on a piece of paper. It's the stories you can tell, the laughter fits you've had, and those "remember-when" moments that truly count. 

Tromsø is your playground, and it's time to play!

Strap on your skis or throw a snowball! 

It's winter, and you are in one of Norway's absolute winter paradises. Get out on skis, snowboard, snowshoes, or get excited with furry friends while dog sledding. Either way, throw a snowball, make snow angels! You have a real wonderland right outside your door. Embrace!

Find a friend with a car and go hunt the northern lights 

Yes, it's as cool as it sounds. Pack a thermos with hot chocolate, find a friend with a car, and hunt for the magical northern lights. You've actually come to one of the world's best places to experience the northern lights, right underneath the aurora belt. Perfect for impressing folks back home with Instagram pics. You can also sign up for an organized northern lights tour – there are many!

Enjoy a fancy coffee 

Damn good coffee! Order a cup, find a cozy corner, and feel why Tromsø is a mecca for cafe enthusiasts. Don't worry; if you don't know the difference between a latte and a flat white, just ask. The people of Tromsø are known for their kindness and will gladly share their coffee knowledge.

Hang out at Smørtorget for vintage treasures and brunch

Few things beat a solid brunch in good company. Smørtorget is the place to recharge. Maybe you'll also find some vintage treasures? Smørtorget is both a second hand shop and a cool cafe.

Test out "Pust" – the city's hottest and coldest at the same time! 

After a long week of studies, what's better than sweating out the stress with a bunch of friends in the sauna Pust, while enjoying an epic view towards Tromsdalstinden? A jump into the sea is mandatory. Hysterical screams included.

See Tromsø in bird's eye view from Fløya

Take the mandatory trip to Fløya. Not only is it a fantastic way to escape lecture notes, but the view is also a good excuse to procrastinate a little... Choose the hard way up via the Sherpa Stairs, or the lazier alternative - the Fjellheisen cable car.

Pick and choose between hipster bars and nightclubs

This city has something for every party animal! If you're a sucker for history mixed with modern vibes, then don’t miss Verdensteatret Bar, Norway's oldest cinema, and a great cocktail bar. You’ll also find great cocktails at Bardus Bistro, Skybaren and Nitty Gritty.

If you're after a more sophisticated evening, check out Hildr Gastro Bar. With a fantastic selection of wine and a menu that highlights local delicacies, this is the perfect spot. Hildr transforms into a more club-like experience at night. If you like dancing you should also check out Prelaten and Gründer. 

Not least, you should check out the legendary Storgata Camping. Nothing says "I love nature" like drinking beer under a tent roof inside a bar.

Find our bars and nightclubs here. 

Have a historic pint at Ølhallen

Whether you're new (or old) in town, a visit to Tromsø's oldest pub, Ølhallen, is an absolute must! It is said that a beer here can increase your local knowledge by 110% (not scientifically proven, but worth a try).

Embrace Tromsø's rich cultural life

First of all; lucky us to have the Arctic Philharmonic in our town! In need of a pause from everyday hustle and bustle? Classical music is a balm for the soul. In addition to high-quality classical concerts all year round, the philharmonic invites everyone to a free concert every Friday at 12. 

Kulturhuset also offers concerts, theatre performances, and debates that will make you seem both culturally enlightened and intellectual on a first date. And what about a visit to Hålogaland Theatre? Theatre sharpens empathy, awakens creativity, and challenges thoughts. It’s needed! 

Chill at the student house Driv

Meet new people, see live bands, or just chill in the café. Driv is the place where you might bump into your lecturer on the dance floor. Driven by students, for students. The discounts are good, so your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief.

Immerse yourself in Tromsø's many museums

Dive into local history and visit museums like the Polar Museum and the Arctic University Museum of Norway. The Polar Museum is ideal for understanding Tromsø's role in polar history. The Arctic University Museum offers exhibitions on Sami culture, northern lights, and archaeology, which are useful for understanding the cultural and scientific diversity that exists up here. Don't forget a visit to Polaria. Here you'll find an arctic aquarium, cool films about the North Pole, and best of all – playful seals!

Buy the Tromsø Pass

More culture and more experiences for fewer kroner! It's an all-in-one ticket that gives you access to many of Tromsø's most popular attractions, museums, and public transport at a reasonable price.

The pass can be purchased at the Visit Tromsø-Region Visitor Center.

Dig in at the city's many restaurants

Tromsø is known for its exotic and varied food culture. Need a break from noodles and Fjordland? The options are many! Don't miss local delicacies at restaurants like Skarven and Skirri, or the more wallet-friendly places like Casa Inferno, Pastafabrikken, and Lotus. Lotus serves amazing dumplings! Check out more restaurants here. 

Grab your camera and go on a photo tour around the Island

A beautiful way to get to know Tromsø, and not least a fun treasure hunt; you never know when you'll stumble upon the perfect Instagram spot. Or maybe you'll find the ultimate chill-out reading spot among magnificent landscapes?

From a student budget to high-end hipsterism, whether you're a culture hawk, party animal, foodie, or an extreme outdoor type who thinks a good day is a day spent in sub-zero temperatures, Tromsø has it all! 

We recommend saying yes to everything, within the bounds of reason, of course.

Last, but not least; feel free to stop by our visitor center! We help with everything from A to Z and are happy to give you our insider tips. 

Warmly welcome to Tromsø.