The city of Tromsø stands on an island at the far north of Norway, more than 1, miles from Oslo. The island of Tromsøya is 22 miles within the Arctic Circle. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and tunnel and Tromsø Airport is on the west side of the island about two miles from the city centre. Hire a car in Tromsø to explore nearby attractions like the polar zoo at Bardu, the pretty fishing village of Hella and the Profil glass design studio. The surrounding land- and seascapes are dramatic enough to reward a tour in any direction too
It's easiest to explore when you hire a car in Tromsø. You'll see that there are dozens of historic wooden houses, although the modern 'Arctic Cathedral' church is the most distinctive landmark. The city's attractions include the free Arctic-Alpine Botanic Gardens run by the University and the city museum in a grand 19th-century building. The Polar Museum in the old quayside Customs House and the modern Polaria Experience Centre further along the waterfront are popular destinations too. A cable car can take you to the top of Mount Storsteinen for the views, which are especially memorable during the Midnight Sun, with an opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
