Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

The world's northernmost botanic garden with Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine plants from all continents. Traditional perennials and herbs from Northern Norway. Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is open throughout the year. There are no fences nor gates, and entrance is free of charge.

The flowering season normally starts during the first days of May, while there is still quite a bit of snow in depressions of the Garden. At this time, the purple saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia) and its relatives, as well as yellow cushion plants (whitlow grasses/Draba), pasqueflowers (Pulsatilla) and various bulbs dominate.

Flowering continues until snow arrives, normally some time into October. Some gentian species continue flowering even after a couple of weeks of October snow. The autumn sees even beautiful colours, such as the pink or white berries of shrubby rowan (Sorbus) species contrasting their reddish foliage.

The new rock landscapes and surrounding evergreen shrubs are attractive even during the peak of winter. However, if the snow cover is deep, you will have to bring your skis.

The Collections
The Garden includes 25 collections, including a recently initiated peonarium. Most of them have impressive selections of species, which you would have to do much searching for to find elsewhere.

Our Arctic collection forms a centre around the tallest hill. Himalaya and South America are also large ones. The Garden even has a separate African collection, including plants that survive a Tromsø winter without protection.

Some collections are defined systematically according to plant families, and those of saxifrages, primulas and gentians are particularly rich in species.

A large North Norwegian Tradition Garden is located above the red building including almost 700 plants brought in from old gardens of North Norway.

In the botanic garden you find the cozy Hansine Hansen's café which is open during the summer months. In the café you can buy wafles, cake, ice cream, and something to drink while you enjoy the views.