The Polar Museum stands at Søndre Tollbodgate 11 at the northern end of downtown Tromsø, in a historic building by the harbour. It is part of the Arctic University Museum of Norway and covers the human story of the high north. The permanent exhibitions trace Arctic hunting and trapping, Norwegian polar expeditions and the cultural history of Svalbard, from the seventeenth century to the present day. Tromsø was a major departure point for expeditions to the Arctic Ocean, so the town itself is part of the story, and the displays of equipment, photographs and trophies put faces to the names. It is a quiet, human-scale museum, and a visit usually takes about an hour and a half.
How to visit: the museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and closes on 1 May and 17 May. For 2026 it also closes early, at 5 pm, on 3 December because of a museum event. Adults pay a moderate fee, seniors and students pay less, and children under 18 go in free. A museum pass is available for those who plan to visit several of the university museums. The museum has no car park, but a paid city car park is nearby, and many buses stop close by.
Tours: guided tours of polar history run at weekends in the summer season and can be booked through Visit Tromsø, and groups can email the museum for other times. Outside the summer, the self-guided visit works well, and the exhibition texts are clear. Expect objects that deal with hunting and trapping, which some visitors find uncomfortable, but they are presented as history.
Pairing: the Polar Museum is within walking distance of most hotels in the centre and about five minutes from the Scandic Ishavshotel. Combine it with Polaria for a waterfront cultural day, then finish with a coffee near the cathedral. It is a good use of the short daylight hours in December.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum on Arctic hunting, polar expeditions and the cultural history of Svalbard.
Best time
Any time during opening hours, and especially on a dark or stormy afternoon.
How long
About an hour and a half.
Tips
Check for the early closing on 3 December, bring ID for any concession and combine it with Polaria on the same walk.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who wants to understand why Tromsø is called the gateway to the Arctic.
- Families
- Children under 18 go in free, though younger children may find the hunting displays heavy going.
- Couples
- A quiet, atmospheric hour with a coffee afterwards on the waterfront.
- Pair with
- Polaria and the Scandic Ishavshotel quay area.
- Time needed
- One and a half hours.
Good questions
When is the Polar Museum open?+
It opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm and closes on 1 May and 17 May. On 3 December 2026 it closes early at 5 pm for a museum event.
How much is admission?+
Adults pay a moderate fee and seniors, students and some other groups pay less. Children and young people under 18 go in free.
What does the museum cover?+
Its exhibitions cover Arctic hunting and trapping, Norwegian polar expeditions and the cultural history of Svalbard. The stories run from the seventeenth century to the present.
Is there a guided tour?+
Guided tours run on weekends in the summer season through Visit Tromsø, with other times arranged by email. In winter most visitors explore on their own.
Where is it?+
At Søndre Tollbodgate 11, at the northern end of downtown Tromsø and within walking distance of most hotels. It has no car park, but there is a paid city car park nearby.