Polaria sits on the waterfront at Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, about five minutes' walk from the tourist information office along the quay. It is both an aquarium and an Arctic research visitor centre. The main draw is the seal pool, home to bearded seals named Bella, Mai San and Vlad, harbour seals and a ringed seal, with training and feeding sessions every day at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. The aquariums show fish, shellfish and plants from the waters around Tromsø and Svalbard, including wolffish, halibut and king crab. A 21-metre panorama cinema screens three films, Svalbard, Behind the Scenes and Northern Lights, included with admission. Two interactive exhibitions, Arctic in Change and How do we know?, explain climate change and the science behind it.
How to visit: Polaria is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, with shorter hours on 17 May and 24 December. Tickets are sold in adult, child, student, senior and family versions, and the price is in the mid-range for Norwegian attractions. Aim to arrive in time for a seal session, because the feeding and training is the part children remember best. The panorama films run through the day, so you can slot one in between the aquariums and the exhibitions.
Extras: the Ice to meet you experience, at 10:45 and 12:45, takes up to four people into a close-up encounter with the bearded seals as they eat ice. It lasts fifteen minutes, is for ages ten and over, and costs extra on top of admission. Sign up in advance because places are few. Polaria's events calendar also lists a guided tour at 13:30.
Pairing: Polaria is close to the Polar Museum and the Scandic Ishavshotel quay, so a cultural morning on the waterfront is easy to build. Buses 33, 34, 40 and 42 stop outside, and there is a paid car park across the street. In the dark months it is a warm, dependable option while you wait for the evening aurora departure.
What to expect
The experience
An Arctic aquarium with a seal pool, fish tanks, a panorama cinema and two climate exhibitions.
Best time
Arrive for the 10:30 or 12:30 seal session, or visit on a stormy afternoon.
How long
Two to three hours including a film and a seal session.
Tips
Time your visit around the seal training, add Ice to meet you if you want a close encounter, and check hours for 17 May and 24 December.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone who wants an indoor Arctic introduction.
- Families
- The strongest family sight in Tromsø, with seals, tanks and a cinema.
- Couples
- A warm, easy afternoon between a morning walk and an evening aurora tour.
- Pair with
- The Polar Museum, a short walk along the quay.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
When are the seal sessions at Polaria?+
Training and feeding take place daily at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Arrive a few minutes early to get a place at the glass.
What are the opening hours?+
Polaria is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, except 17 May when it opens at noon, and 24 December when it closes at 4 pm. Check the practical information page before you go.
What is the Ice to meet you experience?+
It is a fifteen-minute close-up with the bearded seals as they eat ice, for up to four people at a time, from age ten. Admission is not included.
What films are shown in the panorama cinema?+
The 21-metre screen shows Svalbard, Behind the Scenes and Northern Lights, included with admission. Times are posted at the entrance.
How do I get to Polaria?+
It is about five minutes on foot from the tourist information office along the quay, and buses 33, 34, 40 and 42 stop outside. A paid car park is across the street.