Introduction to Tromsø - Polar Bear Discovery
Join us on a wonderful daytime introduction to Tromsø combining the city’s unique link to the mighty Polar Bear and the chance to meet and hear the tales of Tromsø’s stuffed legends with a guided city walk and visits to two of the city’s must-see attractions.
This tour is conducted by OK Tromsø.
This tour takes you on a captivating adventure to some of Tromsø’s iconic sites and hidden gems, each housing intriguing stories of the Polar Bear – the King of the Arctic – from our fascinating past when the Polar Bear was nearly hunted to extinction to the present day when it stands as a symbol of climate change and the urgency to act upon these changes.
Enjoy admission to the Arctic experience centre Polaria and the Polar Museum, including repeat visits on the same day.
At the Polar Museum, the very heart of Tromsø’s Arctic legacy, we will uncover the intriguing tales of explorers, hunters and trappers, who brought back live polar bear cubs, sparking the rumour that these magnificent creatures roamed Tromsø’s streets.
You will walk in the footsteps of Tromsø’s famous Arctic heroes and meet stuffed Polar Bears that serve as educational artifacts and reminders of the city’s peculiar encounters and the impact they had on local folklore.
The tour ends at Polaria, where you will gain an insight into the challenges Arctic animals face due to the melting ice cap and shifting ecosystems through the new interactive exhibition about “The Changing Arctic”. This is the only place in mainland Europe you can enjoy a close-up encounter with the bearded seal, which also forms an important part of the Polar Bear’s diet.
Along the way, you will see Tromsø's main landmarks, walk along the city's lively quayside and discover the traditional colourful houses in the old town. As well as getting a head start to your Tromsø experience with many useful tips and suggestions, you will gain a better understanding of the role we all play in preserving the Arctic habitat for future generations.
Availability Period: 01.05.2025 - 31.12.2025
Latest meeting time and place: 9:50 AM by Tromsø Cathedral in the city centre
Departure time: 10:00 AM
Total Duration: 3 hours
Number of participants: 2 - 10
Age: 10+
Level of difficulty: Easy
Included:
- Local English and Norwegian-speaking guide
- Admission to Polaria and the Polar Museum including repeat visits on the same day
- Spikes and reflectors available
Please bring:
- Warm clothes and suitable footwear
Source: Visit Tromsø-Region
Introduction to Tromsø - Polar Bear Discovery