Discover the unique link between Tromsø and the mighty polar bear on this personal, fun and fascinating guided walking tour in downtown Tromsø including guided visits to Polaria and the Polar Museum.
Join us on a wonderful daytime introduction to Tromsø. Enjoy 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.
Hear intriguing tales of hunters who brought back live polar bear cubs, sparking the rumour that polar bears roamed Tromsø’s streets. At Polaria, you will experience the new interactive exhibition “The Changing Arctic” and a panoramic film of polar bears and other Arctic species in their natural habitat. This is the only place in mainland Europe where you can enjoy a close-up encounter with the bearded seal, 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.
Please note that the tour ends at Polaria. Guests are welcome to stay on at Polaria or return to Polaria and/or the Polar Museum at no extra cost on the same day. Walking distance approx. 2.3 km (plus 0.7 km back to the starting point).
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Enjoy guided visits to Polaria and the Polar Museum – with the flexibility to return on the same day at no extra cost
- Learn about the unique link between Tromsø and polar bears
- See Svalbard bearded seals swimming above you
- Small group for a more personal experience
- Visit many hidden gems off the beaten track
- An exciting introduction to Tromsø from a knowledgeable, engaging and local guide
Included:
- Local English and Norwegian-speaking guide
- Admission to Polaria and the Polar Museum (including repeat visits on the same day)
- Storytelling
- Many photo opportunities
- Spikes and reflectors available (winter)
- Toilets available at Polar Museum and Polaria
Meeting time and place: 9:50 (AM) by Tromsø Cathedral (Kirkegata 7) in the city centre
Departure time: 10:00 (AM)
Total Duration: 3 hours
Number of participants: 2 - 10
Age: 10+
Level of difficulty: Easy/Medium (Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.)
Please bring:
- Suitable clothes and footwear for walking
- A snack and something to drink (optional). Hot and cold drinks & sweet snacks are available for purchase at Polaria.
OK TROMSØ was founded in October 2023 by Oda Kvaal-Tanguay with the desire to warmly welcome guests and show them wonderful Tromsø in a responsible way that respects the locals, our culture and nature. With over 20 years of experience from the travel industry in Tromsø and with a big heart for Tromsø and our guests, Oda now dedicates her time to offering local travel experiences that give you a different, enjoyable and sustainable insight into our part of the world.
Our tours are mostly guided by Oda and her husband Gavin Tanguay.Gavin is originally from New Zealand and has lived in Norway for about 25 years, including more than 21 years in Tromsø. Gavin also runs a business translating texts including exhibitions from Norwegian to English. He translated the main exhibition we visit on our Polar Bear Discovery walk.
With great local partners sharing values and commitments to developing Tromsø as a sustainable destination, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you create lifelong memories.
OK TROMSØ core values:
🌱 WARM HOSPITALITY – OUR GUESTS MATTER: OK TROMSØ offers a warm and caring hosts. We look after our guests at the same time as we respect and look after our local communities and the environment.
🌱 TROMSØ EXPERTISE – LOCAL KNOWLEDGE OK TROMSØ is dedicated to providing knowledge of our region and local area. We aim to include our guests as part of our community. We want to increase understanding of the local culture and show how important it is to take care of it in a sustainable way.
🌱 LOCAL VALUE-CREATION – GREAT PARTNERS: OK TROMSØ carefully selects local partners who welcome guests with warmth, enthusiasm and knowledge and share our values of creating a better and more sustainable Tromsø for residents and guests alike.
🌱 RESONISBLE TRAVEL – TROMSØ AT HEART: OK TROMSØ is dedicted to contributing to the local community and enriching the experience for residents and guests alike. We focus on minimising our footprints.
“OUR CHOICES MATTER”