Arts, culture and heritage

Stunning scenery might be your first reason for visiting Troms, but the chance to explore its history and creativity is also very important.

Having the time to browse art galleries and craft studios is one of the joys of travel. You will find them throughout the county.

In Troms you get the added bonus of an art-rich indigenous culture to discover (the Sami people) and the culture of the Kvæn (Finnish people that settled here along the fjords before 1945) and the Døl (arriving from certain valleys in southern Norway in the nineteenth century and settled in the valleys inland). Not least the everyday culture of fishing, farming, hunting and living up in the subarctic areas.

Water activities

Deep-sea fishing options are available along the coastline. In most cases, accommodation providers also have boats available. They have also got fishing tackle for hire.

Freshwater fishing includes fishing for salmon, arctic char, sea trout and other freshwater fish species. For more information, please contact the following companies:

• Senja Camping
• Rundhaug Gjestegård
• Elvelund Camping
• Tørfoss Fishing Camp
• Nedre Målselvfossen Holiday Park

Sea kayaking trips provide a different view of the Northern Norwegian coastal landscape. The following companies can offer sea kayaking:

• Tromsø vilmarkssenter
• Arctic Adventure Tours

River boat trips with the company Elvebåtsenteret. Elvebåtsenteret offers trips in traditional river boats on the Reisa River to Mollisfossen, a 269 metre-high waterfall in the Reisa National Park. Longer trips are available by advanced booking.

Whale safari from Tromsø with Arctic Sea Cruises. Join in for a fantastic marine experience - with arctic marine biologists you will look at and learn about the fascinating whales in their natural habitat.

Sailing in the arctic is a unique and special adventure. Why not hire the oldest scooner in Northern Europe, Anna Rogde, with base in Harstad through the company Norway Fjord Cruise? Or just hire some smaller sailing boats from Boreal Yachting to enjoy the mountainous archipelago of Troms.

Diving and sea rafting; guided tours both on and under the water are offered from Harstad and Tromsø.

Landbased activities

Glacier walks and guided hikes in the midnight sun during summer are memorable experiences. You can also try climbing on the blue ice. The following companies can offer more information:

• Bre og Vandring
• Tromsø vilmarkssenter
• Undervegs

Hunting and fishing tours in Troms are wilderness experiences with their own unique charm. Contact Villmarkstur for more information.

Walking; Furkund offers sensuous walking experiences for groups. You can see the giant kettles and taste nature’s delights in pleasant company. 

River paddling is offered by several operators:

• Undervegs
• Elvebåtsenteret
• Norquest 
• Sappen leirskole

Troms has gentle rivers and other stretches that are more demanding.

Riding in the arctic nature. There are several operators to choose between:

• Lyngshestlandet
• Målselv Turhestsenter
• Lapphaugen Turiststasjon

You may participate in short tours or week-long excursions.

Golf is available from June until mid-October. Two courses are of special interest; the one in Breivikeidet outside Tromsø and the other in Røkenes outside Harstad.

Cave wandering; guided cave wandering excursions are offered for groups of four or more people south of Harstad and in Salangen.

Family activities

The Polarbadet Indoor Water Park offers activities for the whole family: Solarium, sauna, steam bath, water slides, swimming pools, jacuzzi, mini golf, hot tub and massage.

Senja Family Park shows how the cultural landscape should be and has family activities focusing on children and animals.

Bluenisseland is open during winter and offers exciting adventures such as Mamsen and Lillegutt's Amusement Park and Café.

Polaria in Tromsø has an arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits and a panoramic cinema showing films from arctic wilderness.

Grottebadet in Harstad is an indoor (in the mountain) swimming pool and water park.

Air activites

Helicopter sightseeing is available in Harstad through the company Heli-Team AS.

Aeroplane sightseeing in Tromsø, explore the city from smaller aeroplanes with Fly Taxi Nord.