Polaria
An Arctic experience center shaped like wind-toppled ice blocks, with bearded seal feeding shows, an Arctic panoramic film, and displays on Svalbard and climate change.
Polaria stands on the southern edge of Tromsø’s city center by the sea. It opened in 1998, and its building looks like five blocks of ice toppled by Arctic winds, making it easy to spot. The museum centers on Arctic themes. First, you watch a wide-format film about Svalbard and the northern lights in its panoramic cinema (shown every half hour, about 15 minutes). Next, you walk through galleries on Arctic Ocean creatures and climate change, and finally an indoor aquarium, where the most popular residents are bearded seals and spotted seals. Feeding and training shows take place at about 12:30 and 15:30 daily, letting children see the seals up close. Interactive displays explain Arctic research and Inuit culture; Chinese-language materials are limited, but the exhibits are visual. Adult admission is about NOK 240, children about NOK 120, and family tickets offer better value; buying online is slightly cheaper. The full visit takes about 1–1.5 hours. Nearby, you can combine it with Mack Brewery (Norway’s northernmost brewery, with tours and tastings) and the Polar Museum in the city center for a half-day itinerary on rainy or snowy days. Transport: 10 minutes on foot from the city center square. Check the day’s notices for seal show times, and in peak season arrive 15 minutes early to get a good spot.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 (09:00–18:00 in summer)
Nearby sights
- Mack Brewery & Ølhallen
- Northern Lights Chase, Tromsø
- Storgata & Old Town
- Winter Whale Watching
- Tromsø Cathedral
- Northern Norway Art Museum
- Perspektivet Museum
- Polar Museum