Guided Polar Bear Walk in Tromsø: Polaria & Polar Museum

Walk Tromsø's polar bear stories with a local guide and skip the ticket lines

A three-hour guided walking tour through downtown Tromsø that explores the city's connection to polar bears, with included admission to the Polar Museum and Polaria aquarium. Your guide leads you through local legends and points of interest on foot, then gives you a guided introduction to Polaria's Arctic exhibition before you explore both venues at your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Polar Museum30m · entry included
2. Polaria Aquarium30m · entry included

Guided Polar Bear Walk and Museum Visits

• Visit Polar Museum exhibitions
• Explore Polaria Aquarium exhibition
• Walk Tromsø with local guide

The experience

Three hours covers the whole route: a walking tour of downtown Tromsø tied to polar bear history and local stories, then guided entry to the Polar Museum and Polaria without needing separate tickets. The guide speaks English and Norwegian, and groups stay under 10 people, so you're not moving through crowds. You'll get photo opportunities at hidden gems around the city, and the guide points out sights that connect to the polar bear theme as you walk.

The Polar Museum holds exhibitions about polar bears and Tromsø's Arctic heritage. Polaria focuses on the changing Arctic environment, and your guide gives you an orientation to its current exhibition before you're free to explore the rest of the aquarium on your own. Both venues let you return the same day if you want to spend more time, and admission to both is included in the tour price.

The walk itself requires moderate fitness. You're on foot for the duration, and in autumn and winter the operator provides spikes and reflectors. Public transport is nearby if you need it, and children from age 10 are welcome. Bring warm clothes and shoes. The tour doesn't provide them.

What’s included

• Admission to the Polar Museum with same-day repeat entry.
• admission to Polaria with same-day repeat entry.
• a local guide who speaks English and Norwegian.
• spikes and reflectors when conditions require them.
• a walking route with photo stops and hidden gems around downtown Tromsø.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (16 to 85 years) · Youth (10 to 15 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by OK TROMSO

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want museum access woven into a walking tour with a local guide rather than visiting Polaria and the Polar Museum separately, and prefer a small group to a larger one.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 15 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Polar Museum about?

The Polar Museum holds exhibitions about polar bears and Tromsø's connection to Arctic life and history. Your guide will walk you through the exhibits and explain their significance to the city.

What will I see at Polaria?

Polaria is an aquarium focused on the Arctic environment. Your guide introduces you to the current exhibition about how the Arctic is changing, then you can explore the rest of the aquarium at your own pace.

How many people go on this tour?

Groups are limited to 10 visitors, so it stays small and you're not moving through large crowds.

Can I visit the museums again after the tour ends?

Yes. Your admission to both the Polar Museum and Polaria includes the right to return and visit again the same day.

Do I need any special gear for the walk?

Bring warm clothes and shoes suitable for walking outdoors in Tromsø's climate. In autumn and winter, the operator provides spikes for icy ground and reflectors for visibility.