The Arctic University Museum of Norway, known locally as Tromsø Museum, stands at Lars Thøringsveg 10 on the south of Tromsøya, about two and a half kilometres from the city centre. It is the university's museum of the north, and it includes exhibitions on Sámi culture, with a guided tour of the Sámi exhibitions on Fridays at 1 pm from September to May. Booking is recommended for that tour. The museum also runs the Polar Museum in the harbour, which our roster covers separately, so this is the larger, more scholarly sister. Inside you will find Café Rotunden for coffee and snacks, plus a museum shop that you can enter without a ticket. A visit comfortably takes two hours or more if you linger.
Opening pattern
From mid-August to mid-June the museum is open on weekdays in the morning and early afternoon, with slightly later weekend hours and a shorter day. In the summer season from mid-June to mid-August it opens longer. It is closed on a few fixed dates each year, including 1 January, 1 May, 17 May, 24 December and 25 December. Check the practical information page before you go.
Tickets and access
An adult ticket costs in the region of NOK 130, with reduced rates for seniors, students, people with disabilities and groups of ten or more, and children under 18 go in free. A museum pass is sold for repeat visits across the museum sites. The museum has accessible parking and a step-free path from the car park to the entrance, and a cloakroom for skis and a bicycle rack at the main entrance.
Getting there
Bus 40 stops at Tromsø Museum, and bus 33 stops at Telegrafbukta about 300 metres away. Bus tickets cannot be bought at the museum, so buy yours in advance or on the bus. There is guest parking on site, paid by app or at a ticket machine. Because it lies away from the central sights, it fits a half-day with a bus ride. For a shorter, central alternative, the Polar Museum is a few minutes from the harbour.
What to expect
The experience
A university museum of northern nature and culture, with Sámi exhibitions, a café and a shop.
Best time
Any daytime, especially in poor weather, with a Friday visit if you want the Sámi tour.
How long
About two hours, longer if you join a guided tour.
Tips
Check the closed dates, book the Friday Sámi tour in advance and plan your bus ticket before you arrive.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious visitors who want depth on Sámi culture and the north.
- Families
- Children under 18 go in free, which helps with budgets.
- Couples
- A quiet, indoor option for a cold or wet afternoon.
- Pair with
- The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in summer or the Polar Museum in town.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus the bus ride.
Good questions
Where is the museum?+
At Lars Thøringsveg 10 on the south of Tromsøya, about two and a half kilometres from the city centre.
How do I get there?+
Bus 40 stops at Tromsø Museum and bus 33 stops about 300 metres away at Telegrafbukta. There is paid guest parking on site.
Is there a guided tour of the Sámi exhibitions?+
Yes, on Fridays at 1 pm from September to May. Booking is recommended.
When is it closed?+
On a few fixed dates each year, including 1 January, 1 May, 17 May, 24 December and 25 December. Hours also differ between winter and summer.
Is there a café?+
Yes, Café Rotunden serves coffee, tea and snacks, and the museum shop can be entered without a ticket.
