Scandic Ishavshotel sits at Fredrik Langes gate 2 right on the quay, about fifty metres from the Hurtigruten ferry and a few minutes from the Polar Museum. It has 214 rooms in a range from standard singles to family rooms, junior suites and a presidential suite, and many have a view over the harbour. The restaurant serves modern Norwegian food in an open kitchen, the bar is open every evening, and the breakfast buffet has won praise. The hotel is Nordic Swan Ecolabelled, with free Wi-Fi, and it has a convenient role in the daily life of the city: several tours, including husky sledding and snowshoeing, meet in front of the hotel.
Location and getting around: the hotel is on the harbour, three minutes from the cathedral and the Art Museum of Northern Norway, five from the Polar Museum and about ten from Polaria. The Arctic Cathedral is roughly a twelve-minute drive, and the airport about fourteen minutes by car, with an airport shuttle available for a fee per person. Bikes can be rented, and there is a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage, which helps on early-morning departures and late-night returns from aurora chases.
Rooms and facilities: room types range from small singles to superior rooms with sea views, family rooms for three and suites with balconies. The hotel does not mention a sauna or gym, so look elsewhere if that matters. Breakfast is available as a buffet on weekdays from 7 am and at weekends from 7 am to 10:30 am, and dinner is served in the restaurant most evenings. Parking is limited to outdoor spaces with charging points and a garage about 500 metres away, both for a fee.
Who it suits: couples, families and active travellers who plan to join husky, snowshoe or fjord tours, since several leave from the hotel's front steps. Ask for a harbour-view room on a higher floor. It is also a good base for a short polar night break because everything is close by.
Why stay here
- ✓Quayside location
- ✓Harbour-view rooms
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Buffet breakfast
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Bike rental
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Nordic Swan Ecolabel
Good questions
Where is Scandic Ishavshotel?+
At Fredrik Langes gate 2 on the quay in central Tromsø, about three minutes from the cathedral. The Polar Museum is about five minutes on foot.
Does it have a sauna or gym?+
The hotel's page does not mention one, so check before booking if you need it. There is a restaurant, a bar and a breakfast buffet.
Can I park at the hotel?+
There are outdoor spaces with charging points and a garage about 500 metres away, both for a fee. Reserve in advance if you can.