**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”***

OK TROMSØ

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**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 walking 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.

Polar Bear Discovery Walk, incl. Polar Museum & Polaria

Polar Bear Discovery Walk

**Join a walking tour of Tromsø's cosy cafes and learn about the city's sweet history from a local guide. Includes confectioner's cake and handcrafted chocolates. Recommend by The Times.**

Indulge your sweet tooth on this fun, delicious, fascinating and personal guided walking tour through Tromsø’s charming streets where we explore the city’s cosy cafés and patisseries that Tromsø residents hold dear to their hearts.

Your guide and host will delve into Tromsø’s sweet history and the cultural and social significance these delicious treats have had and still have here. You will hear stories about passionate cinnamon buns, award-winning chocolate and confectioner’s cakes that are talked about far beyond Tromsø’s borders.

Are you keen to taste the world’s first Northern Lights cake? We visit hand-picked places with local enthusiasts who are each known for their unique creations and naturally there will be opportunities for a taste or two. We find our way to the city’s largest selection of exclusive and handcrafted cakes and enjoy each other’s company with a delicious piece of cake and warming cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

More than just a sweet adventure, “Tromsø’s Sweet Temptations” is designed with the joy of being together in mind. After all, good company and delicious treats are the perfect recipe for a memorable experience. 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. You will also get plenty of useful tips for your stay in Tromsø.

**HIGHLIGHTS**

- Small group for a more personal experience
- Confectioner cake (incl. Northern Lights cake) and hand-crafted chocolates
- Guided city walk with many photo opportunities
- Storytelling about Tromsø’s fascinating history linked to baking and sweet treats
- An authentic Tromsø café experience
- An exciting introduction to Tromsø from a knowledgeable, engaging and local guide

Tromsø's Sweet Temptations - Guided Walk with Afternoon Tea and other Sweets

Tromsø`s Sweet Temptations

Enjoy a personal, engaging and fun introduction to the Arctic capital and, of course, the Arctic Cathedral with a welcoming and warm local Tromsø guide who will share favourite places, stories, secrets and insider tips for a good and responsible visit to Tromsø.

We invite you on a fun and interesting walking tour and treasure hunt through the heart of Tromsø, uncovering the city’s fascinating history, hidden gems and local favourites.

Your guide is a true local, sharing not only knowledge but also love and passion for the city they grew up in or fell in love with. Highlights include wandering along the vibrant quayside, taking a selfie by the new Gateway to the Arctic, seeing the colourful wooden buildings in the old town and feeling the Arctic vibes.

After discovering some of the city centre’s many exciting treasures, we hop on a public bus for a short but scenic ride across the iconic Tromsø Bridge to the Arctic Cathedral – one of Norway’s most breathtaking buildings, known for its captivating architecture and spectacular stained-glass window. Your guide will share the story behind this iconic symbol of the North.

Admission to the church and return transport to the city centre are included.

**Why choose the “Arctic Cathedral & Tromsø Treasures” tour:**

1. **Explore with a Local** – Discover Tromsø through the eyes of a passionate local guide who shares personal stories, insider tips and hidden gems.
2. **More Than a Walking Tour** – Enjoy a fun mix of history, culture and an easy treasure hunt that brings the city’s spirit to life.
3. **Iconic Arctic Cathedral** – Enjoy a guided visit to one of Norway’s most stunning landmarks and learn about the cathedral's fascinating background.
4. **Public Local Transport** – Ride across the Tromsø Bridge to the Arctic Cathedral on a local bus.
5. **Responsible and Enriching Travel** – Get tips on how to explore Tromsø respectfully and sustainably with helpful advice from someone who truly knows the city.