The Paris of the North: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Tromsø

Tromsø , Norway

The Paris of the North: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Tromsø

Active

(18 reviews)

30m

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour of Tromsø tour takes you along the seaside, where you'll experience a magnificent view of the Arctic Cathedral, and later you’ll find yourself at the Polar Museum, where you’ll learn about famous Polar researchers like Fritjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Along the main street, take a stop at the main city square, before you continue to the Tromsø Cathedral and finally the tour ends at the Hurtigruten port.

In this first VoiceMap story from Tromsø, you’ll join Lars Engerengen who takes you on a walk from the port, and then along the seaside and the main street, and then back to the port again. You’ll see the Polar Museum, the Roald Amundsen statue, the main city square and Tromsø Cathedral.

The tour automatically plays audio at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app. Downloaded the tour in a wifi zone and the app works offline.

Available options

The Paris of the North: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Tromsø

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to Tromsø: The Paris of the North tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

This museum features photography on the diversity of Tromsø. There are around 500,000 photos. They give a unique insight into Tromsø's history from the 19th century to the present.

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum is a Norwegian visual arts museum in Northern Norway. It claims to be the country's youngest and geographically northernmost art museum.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Polar Museum is hosted by the University of Tromsø. The city became a central base for polar expeditions for hunting and science, as well as adventure and tourism. The Polar Museum tells the story of this part of Tromsø’s urban and Arctic history.

Tromsø Cathedral was built in 1861, and is Norway's only Protestant cathedral built in wood. The architect of the cathedral was Christian Heinrich Grosch.

Stop 5 Pass by

Tromsdalen Church or the Arctic Cathedral is a parish church of the Church of Norway in Tromsø Municipality in Troms county, Norway. It is located in the Tromsdalen valley on the east side of the city of Tromsø.

Stop 6 Pass by

Roald Amundsen was born in Borge near the town of Sarpsborg in 1872. He began studying medicine, but when his parents died, he interrupted the studies on the contrary to devote himself to polar research.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace. Directions to the starting point are in the app.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Tromsø

Tromsø is a vibrant Arctic city known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Arctic wilderness and experiencing the unique charm of Northern Norway.

Top Attractions

Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

A stunning modern church made of brick and concrete, known for its unique design and beautiful stained glass windows.

Architecture 30-60 minutes Free entry, donations welcome

Fjellheisen (Tromsø Cable Car)

A cable car that takes you up to the top of Mount Storsteinen for breathtaking views of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords.

Adventure 1-2 hours 150-200 NOK

Polaria

An Arctic aquarium and experience center that showcases the marine life and ecosystems of the Arctic region.

Museum 1-2 hours 150-200 NOK

The Polar Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of Arctic hunting and exploration, including exhibits on polar bears, whales, and famous expeditions.

Historical 1-2 hours 50-100 NOK

Tromsø Museum

A museum that showcases the natural history and cultural heritage of the Tromsø region, including Sami culture and Arctic wildlife.

Historical 1-2 hours 50-100 NOK

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fiskesuppe

A creamy fish soup made with a variety of local fish, potatoes, and vegetables.

Soup Contains seafood, gluten-free if no added thickeners.

Rakfisk

Fermented fish served with sour cream, onions, and flatbread.

Appetizer Contains seafood, gluten-free if served without flatbread.

Reindeer Stew

A hearty stew made with tender reindeer meat, potatoes, and vegetables.

Main Course Gluten-free, contains meat.

Kjøttkaker

Norwegian meatballs made with a mix of beef and pork, served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without breadcrumbs.

Popular Activities

Dog sledding Northern Lights chasing Hiking Skiing Northern Lights viewing Spa and wellness Cozy cafes Sami Village visits

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the best time to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities like dog sledding and skiing. The city is lively with winter festivals and events.

-10°C to -5°C 14°F to 23°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Norwegian
Widely spoken: English, Sami
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Tromsø is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Tromsø Airport • 4 km from city center

By bus

Tromsø Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Tromsø. They are reliable and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Tromsø Taxi, Taksimobil

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

City Center Sørreisa Kvaløya

Day trips

Lyngen Alps

100 km from Tromsø • Full day

A stunning mountain range offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.

Sami Village

50 km from Tromsø • Half day

A traditional Sami village offering a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the indigenous Sami people.

Alta

200 km from Tromsø • Full day

A historic town known for its rock carvings, museums, and Northern Lights viewing.

Festivals

Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) • January Tromsø Jazz Festival • February Tromsø Folk Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Arctic Cathedral for a stunning view of the city and the surrounding fjords.
Take a Northern Lights tour to increase your chances of seeing this natural phenomenon.
Try local specialties like fish soup, reindeer stew, and brunost (brown cheese).
Explore the city by foot or bike to discover hidden gems and scenic viewpoints.
Visit the Polar Museum to learn about the history of Arctic exploration and whaling.