The Fjellheisen cable car climbs from the lower station in Tromsdalen, on the mainland side of the Tromsø Bridge, to the Storsteinen plateau 421 metres above sea level. The line is 752 metres long and the ride takes about four to five minutes, ending on a platform with a panoramic view over Tromsøya, the sound, the Arctic Cathedral and the mountains of Kvaløya. The cable car runs every day from morning until midnight, which makes it one of the few attractions you can visit after dark, and the mountain cafe at the top is open until late. In the dark season it is a favourite place to watch the sky and the lights of the city, and on clear nights the Northern Lights can be seen from the platform.
How to visit: tickets are sold as return or one-way, with child and family prices. Check the weather before you go, because cloud or wind can hide the view. The platform is exposed and cold, so wear proper winter clothes, and take a hot drink in the cafe, where tables can be reserved in advance.
Current notes: the operator says construction work is under way at Fjellheisen but the cable car remains open. There is no parking at the lower station, so use the free temporary car park about five minutes away at Solstrandvegen 30 or come by bus. Wheelchair access is unavailable during the construction period, so anyone with reduced mobility should check with the operator before travelling.
Timing: the quiet hours are the early morning and the late evening. For the city view in the blue light of November and December, go up around midday, when the polar twilight turns the sky pink and indigo. For the aurora, wait until after dark on a clear night and dress for a longer stay than you expect. Pair the ride with the Arctic Cathedral, which stands near the bottom of the valley.
What to expect
The experience
A short cable car ride to a mountain plateau with a platform, a viewing terrace and a mountain cafe.
Best time
Midday for polar twilight colours, or after dark on a clear night for the city lights and the aurora.
How long
One to two hours including the ride, the view and a drink.
Tips
Dress for the wind, check the weather first and use the temporary car park or the bus, as there is no parking at the lower station.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Everyone, because it is the easiest big view in Tromsø.
- Families
- Children love the ride and the snowy plateau, and family tickets are available.
- Couples
- Go up after dark with a hot drink and watch the city lights and the sky.
- Pair with
- The Arctic Cathedral at the foot of the valley.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
How long is the ride?+
The cable car takes about four to five minutes each way. It climbs 421 metres to the Storsteinen plateau.
When is Fjellheisen open?+
It runs daily from 09:00 to midnight, according to the operator's own page, and the mountain cafe is open until late evening. Check the site on the day, because wind can stop the cable car.
Can I see the Northern Lights from the top?+
Yes, on clear dark nights the platform is a popular place to look for them. The season runs from late August to early April.
Is the cable car affected by building work?+
The operator says it remains open during construction work. Parking at the lower station is not possible and wheelchair access is unavailable during the works.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Tickets can be bought at the lower station, but booking a table at the mountain cafe in advance is wise. Sunset and evening departures are the busiest.