The Polar Museum
About This Museum
Tucked away in the heart of Tromsø, a city that serves as a gateway to the Arctic, The Polar Museum offers a deep dive into the region's frosty heritage. It feels less like a sterile university collection and more like stepping directly into the stories of trappers, explorers, and the resilient Sámi people. You'll find everything from historic hunting equipment and scientific instruments to personal diaries that reveal the harsh realities of polar life. It’s a compact but powerful museum that truly captures the spirit of the far north.
Collection Highlights
Exhibits on the hazardous overwintering of trappers on Svalbard, artifacts and stories from famous polar expeditions, and a focus on the traditional culture and crafts of the indigenous Sámi people.
Visitor Information
The museum is located in a historic wharf-side warehouse at Søndre Tollbodgate 11B. Check their website for seasonal opening hours, as they can change. It's a popular spot, so booking tickets online in advance is a good idea to avoid queues.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a charming, old customs warehouse from the 1830s with classic Norwegian wooden architecture, right on the water's edge.
Contact & Location
Address: 11B, Søndre Tollbodgate, Vervet, Hansjordnesbukta, Tromsø, Troms, 9008, Norge
Phone: +47 77 62 33 60
Website: Visit Website
