Are you on vacation in Norway and don’t know where to stay? Here’s our guide to where to stay in Tromsø, according to your wishes and tastes.
Although the city of 70,000 inhabitants is rather sprawling, the vast majority of places to stay in Tromsø are in the center. Indeed, the local geography is such that part of the center of Tromsøya island is covered by the Marka, a huge landscaped park much appreciated by the locals. On the plus side, points of interest are fairly clustered. In fact, most excursions leave from downtown Tromsø. More than location, your choice of accommodation will be based on comfort, services and…price!
So, are you ready for a stay in the capital of the Arctic? Find out where to stay in Tromsø! Follow the guide!
The port district
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Kuznetsova Julia
It’s around Tromsø harbor that you’ll find most of the hotels where you can stay in Tromsø, as well as the city’s bars, pubs, brasseries and other restaurants. If you don’t have a car, it’s a central location where everything can be done on foot.
The Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum and Storgata shopping street are just a 10-minute walk away. What’s more, our proximity to the port gives you immediate access to activities such as whale-watching cruises and the terminal of the Hurtigruten, the coastal express that runs along the Norwegian coast.
You’ll find both hotels and apartments for rent in the hypercentre, and prices are relatively similar for both types of accommodation.
Find a hotel in port area
Find an Airbnb in port area
Downtown
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Telly
Heading north from the city center, you’ll find a few places to stay in Tromsø, especially along the east coast… This is where you’ll find the main budget hotels:
- Smarthotel Tromsø
- Confort Xpress hotel Tromsø
- The only youth hostel in town: Tromsø Activities Hostel.
The hypercenter, with its shops, restaurants and bars, is just a 5 or 10-minute walk away, so you can enjoy it all while keeping your accommodation budget under control. You’re also just 600m from the Museum of Modern Art and the Polar Museum, and 1 km from Lake Prestvannet. A central alternative for sleeping in Tromsø.
Find a hotel downtown
Find an Airbnb in the city center
The Bjerkaker and Strandkanten districts
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You can stay in Tromsø in the Bjerkeker and Strandkanten districts, in the southeast of the city. These areas have excellent public transport links. Here, you’ll be close to the Botanical Gardens and the University Museum, as well as Polaria, the city’s aquarium. There are fewer hotels than in the city center, but you’ll be able to find some rental accommodation.
Here, Airbnb-type rental accommodations are legion. Indeed, the area’s only major hotel is the Sydspissen. Located on Telegrafbukta beach, it offers affordable rates and is halfway between the airport and the city center.
Good to know: since 2004, the Bukta Tromsø Open Air Festival has been held in July, a 3-day music festival featuring many Norwegian rock bands, as well as international artists such as Pattie Smith, Gojira and The Hives.
Find an Airbnb in Strandkanten
Find an Airbnb in Bjerkaker
Tromsdalen
Photo Credit : Shutterstock / Terje.l.m
Tromsø lies partly on the mainland, to which it is linked by a bridge. On this side of town, you’ll be staying at the foot of the mountains and the Fjellheisen cable car, which offers exceptional views over the city. This is also where you’ll find the Arctic Cathedral, as well as a number of bars and restaurants.
In Tromsdalen, you’ll find hotels, apartments for rent, Airbnbo accommodation in Tromsø, as well as campsites like Tromsø Lodge and Camping.
Find a hotel in Tromsdalen
Find an Airbnb in Tromsdalen
The Stakkevollan district
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In the northeast of the island, the Stakkevollan district is a small paradise surrounded by greenery, where you’ll find the university hospital and its residences. The district is served by several buses and offers a number of places to stay in Tromsø, including hotels and private rentals. The Marca park, with its many facilities and beach, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the heart of the wilderness. Relatively off-center, you’ll be dependent on public transport to get around.
This location is best suited to those looking for a quiet place to stay in Tromsø and who have their own vehicle.
Find a hotel in Stakkevollan
Find an Airbnb in Stakkevollan
Near Tromsø
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Magic Earth Photography
Depending on the length and program of your stay, it may be a good idea to divide your nights between Tromsø and the surrounding area, mainly if you rent a car. For example, 3 or 4 days may be enough to enjoy the city before exploring the many islands and mountains nearby and admiring the magnificent scenery.
- The island of Kvaløya is a must for hiking and nature lovers. This mountainous island boasts five peaks, numerous lakes and, of course, fjords. Nicknamed « Whale Island », the most patient and fortunate can catch a glimpse of the precious mammals in the distance at the start of winter, but you may also come across reindeer in the wild. You’ll find numerous hotels in the island’s various villages, as well as Airbnb rentals. There’s also a wide choice of restaurants, from local fare to fast food.
Find a hotel on the island of Kvaløya
Find an Airbnb on Kvaløya island
- Just over an hour’s drive from Tromsø is the island of Sommarøy, linked to the island of Kvaløya by a bridge. This is a very theoretical journey, as the views are breathtaking all the way: plenty of photo stops to look forward to! There’s only one hotel on this tiny island, but it offers a major advantage. It’s a well-known spot for observing the Northern Lights, far from the light pollution of the city!
Find a hotel on Sommarøy island
Find an Airbnb on Sommarøy island
Sleeping in Tromsø requires a maximum of anticipation to benefit from the best rates. Hotels are 95% located in the center, so your selection will depend on your activity schedule and means of transport.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Tromsø,no