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Polaria — Attraction in Tromsø

Name
Polaria
Description
Polaria is the world's most northerly aquarium. It is located in Tromsø, in northern Norway. Rather than a mainly scientific aquarium such as the one in Bergen in the Norwegian midlands, Polaria, which opened in May 1998, is designed to be an educational experience, with particular emphasis on displays for children.
Nearby attractions
MS Polstjerna
Hjalmar Johansens gate 10, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø Havn Prostneset
Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø Cathedral
Kirkegata 7, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Northern Norwegian Art Museum
Sjøgata 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Troll Museum
Kaigata 3, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Roald Amundsen Monument
Norway, 3814 Tromsø, Norway
Visit Tromsø
Storgata 83, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø City Library and Archive
Grønnegata 94, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø Havn
Stortorget 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø
Storgata 94, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Nearby restaurants
Koseverden&KoseligCafe
Storgata 45, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Huken Brygg
Storgata 39, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Skarven Kro
Strandtorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Biffhuset Skarven
Strandtorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Graffi Grill Tromsø
Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Rå Sushi Nerstranda
Strandgata 9, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Asian Healthy Foods AS.
Storgata 40, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
De Tre Nonner Sky Bar & Restaurant
Mellomvegen 50, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
Arctandria SjømatRestaurant
Strandtorget 1, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Risø mat og kaffebar
Strandgata 32, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Nearby hotels
Viking Hotel Tromso
Grønnegata 18, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Skaret By Vander
Storgata 25, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø
Grønnegata 35, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Clarion Hotel® The Edge
Kaigata 6, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
St. Elisabeth Suites & SPA
Mellomvegen 50, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
Thon Hotel Tromsø
Grønnegata 50, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Thon Hotel Polar
Grønnegata 45, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Quality Hotel Saga
Richard Withs plass 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Smarthotel Tromsø
Vestregata 6, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Enter City Hotel
Grønnegata 48, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Related posts
Keywords
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Polaria things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Polaria
NorwayTromsøPolaria

Basic Info

Polaria

Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø, Norway
4.1(2.6K)
Open until 5:00 PM
Save
spot

Ratings & Description

Info

Polaria is the world's most northerly aquarium. It is located in Tromsø, in northern Norway. Rather than a mainly scientific aquarium such as the one in Bergen in the Norwegian midlands, Polaria, which opened in May 1998, is designed to be an educational experience, with particular emphasis on displays for children.

Cultural
Entertainment
Family friendly
Accessibility
attractions: MS Polstjerna, Tromsø Havn Prostneset, Tromsø Cathedral, Northern Norwegian Art Museum, Troll Museum, Roald Amundsen Monument, Visit Tromsø, Tromsø City Library and Archive, Tromsø Havn, Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø, restaurants: Koseverden&KoseligCafe, Huken Brygg, Skarven Kro, Biffhuset Skarven, Graffi Grill Tromsø, Rå Sushi Nerstranda, Asian Healthy Foods AS., De Tre Nonner Sky Bar & Restaurant, Arctandria SjømatRestaurant, Risø mat og kaffebar
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Phone
+47 77 75 01 00
Website
polaria.no
Open hoursSee all hours
Fri10 AM - 5 PMOpen

Plan your stay

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Affordable Hotels in Tromsø
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Reviews

Nearby attractions of Polaria

MS Polstjerna

Tromsø Havn Prostneset

Tromsø Cathedral

Northern Norwegian Art Museum

Troll Museum

Roald Amundsen Monument

Visit Tromsø

Tromsø City Library and Archive

Tromsø Havn

Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø

MS Polstjerna

MS Polstjerna

4.3

(107)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Tromsø Havn Prostneset

Tromsø Havn Prostneset

4.2

(303)

Open until 2:00 AM
Click for details
Tromsø Cathedral

Tromsø Cathedral

4.5

(699)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Northern Norwegian Art Museum

Northern Norwegian Art Museum

4.2

(278)

Open 24 hours
Click for details

Things to do nearby

Chase the Aurora: A Small-Group Arctic Adventure
Chase the Aurora: A Small-Group Arctic Adventure
Sun, Dec 7 • 6:30 PM
9008, Tromsø, Norway
View details
Explore Tromsø’s beautiful Kaldfjord by Sail
Explore Tromsø’s beautiful Kaldfjord by Sail
Tue, Dec 9 • 9:30 AM
9107, Tromsø, Norway
View details
Learn Nordic Skiing in Arctic Norway
Learn Nordic Skiing in Arctic Norway
Fri, Dec 5 • 6:00 PM
9011, Tromsø, Norway
View details

Nearby restaurants of Polaria

Koseverden&KoseligCafe

Huken Brygg

Skarven Kro

Biffhuset Skarven

Graffi Grill Tromsø

Rå Sushi Nerstranda

Asian Healthy Foods AS.

De Tre Nonner Sky Bar & Restaurant

Arctandria SjømatRestaurant

Risø mat og kaffebar

Koseverden&KoseligCafe

Koseverden&KoseligCafe

4.6

(634)

Click for details
Huken Brygg

Huken Brygg

4.3

(378)

$$

Click for details
Skarven Kro

Skarven Kro

4.2

(714)

$$

Click for details
Biffhuset Skarven

Biffhuset Skarven

4.2

(573)

$$

Click for details
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Posts

Rainbow ChaserRainbow Chaser
I had a ticket through the culture pass I purchased. I would have never come here otherwise (or to the Polar Museum). It's a small aquarium. Staff is very nice. sadly the gift shop was the best part. The tanks look murky, small and uninviting. Information is provided in English and Norsk. Movies are nice and informative. Worse part for me was seeing 5 seals confined in a really small aquarium. Low ceiling, no natural light whatsoever or fresh air. It's just wrong and very sad. They are left there for 12-16 hours a day by themselves once the aquarium is closed. I get so agitated with the conditioned feeding circus show "turn around get a fish" "clap get a fish" "play dead get a fish" etc. I left at the middle of the feeding. The rest of the space at the aquarium is small and very basic. Paid parking only. Bathrooms available. Coat and lockers available. An hour is plenty. I do not recommend it. Go on a Fjord cruise or whale watch cruise you'll enjoy mammals and local animals in their natural habitat the way it's supposed to be.
Daria BuianovaDaria Buianova
We absolutely loved it! A great place for the whole family. The seals were the highlight — graceful, clever, and fascinating to watch. The exhibitions are engaging and educational, offering insight into Arctic nature. We stayed for about 2 hours, but we could have easily stayed longer. The family ticket cost 740 NOK (around €70), which is worth it. Parking cost 60 NOK for 2 hours. The staff was friendly and helpful. The souvenir shop is excellent, with a wide selection of gifts and keepsakes. Highly recommend, especially for families with kids!
tlmstlmxtlmstlmx
The spaces where the animals are kept are too small. The seals look healthy and I'm sure they take great care of them but the tank they have is awfully small. They just swim around in circles and it was sad to witness that. One staff was giving a talk about starfish, holding one out of the water (which I'm pretty sure shouldn't be done) kids were poking it and nothing was said. The interactive exhibition is good and has a lot of good information. I just think animals deserve a better quality of life.
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hotel
Find your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Tromsø

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

I had a ticket through the culture pass I purchased. I would have never come here otherwise (or to the Polar Museum). It's a small aquarium. Staff is very nice. sadly the gift shop was the best part. The tanks look murky, small and uninviting. Information is provided in English and Norsk. Movies are nice and informative. Worse part for me was seeing 5 seals confined in a really small aquarium. Low ceiling, no natural light whatsoever or fresh air. It's just wrong and very sad. They are left there for 12-16 hours a day by themselves once the aquarium is closed. I get so agitated with the conditioned feeding circus show "turn around get a fish" "clap get a fish" "play dead get a fish" etc. I left at the middle of the feeding. The rest of the space at the aquarium is small and very basic. Paid parking only. Bathrooms available. Coat and lockers available. An hour is plenty. I do not recommend it. Go on a Fjord cruise or whale watch cruise you'll enjoy mammals and local animals in their natural habitat the way it's supposed to be.
Rainbow Chaser

Rainbow Chaser

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Tromsø

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
We absolutely loved it! A great place for the whole family. The seals were the highlight — graceful, clever, and fascinating to watch. The exhibitions are engaging and educational, offering insight into Arctic nature. We stayed for about 2 hours, but we could have easily stayed longer. The family ticket cost 740 NOK (around €70), which is worth it. Parking cost 60 NOK for 2 hours. The staff was friendly and helpful. The souvenir shop is excellent, with a wide selection of gifts and keepsakes. Highly recommend, especially for families with kids!
Daria Buianova

Daria Buianova

hotel
Find your stay

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Tromsø

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

The spaces where the animals are kept are too small. The seals look healthy and I'm sure they take great care of them but the tank they have is awfully small. They just swim around in circles and it was sad to witness that. One staff was giving a talk about starfish, holding one out of the water (which I'm pretty sure shouldn't be done) kids were poking it and nothing was said. The interactive exhibition is good and has a lot of good information. I just think animals deserve a better quality of life.
tlmstlmx

tlmstlmx

See more posts
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Reviews of Polaria

4.1
(2,610)
avatar
5.0
1y

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Educational and Entertaining Polaria Aquarium is a fantastic place to learn about Arctic marine life and the impact of climate change on the region. The educational exhibits are informative and engaging, while the aquariums provide close-up views of fascinating creatures. Highlights of the Aquarium The star attractions of Polaria are undoubtedly the playful harbor seals and bearded seals. Visitors can watch them swim, feed, and interact with their trainers during scheduled sessions. The panoramic cinema offers a breathtaking journey through the Arctic, showcasing the region's diverse landscapes and wildlife. More to Explore Beyond the seals and cinema, Polaria offers a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to delve deeper into the Arctic's unique ecosystem. You can learn about the vital role of plankton, explore the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean through an augmented reality experience, and discover how climate change is affecting the region's delicate balance. Perfect for Families with Kids Polaria is a great place to visit with children. The engaging exhibits, playful seals, and interactive displays will keep them entertained and learning throughout their visit. The aquarium is relatively small, so it's manageable for young children, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A Must-See in Tromsø Whether you're interested in marine life, conservation, or simply looking for a fun and educational activity, Polaria Aquarium is a must-see in Tromsø. It's a great way to spend a few hours and gain a deeper appreciation for the Arctic's unique wonders. Tips for Your Visit To make the most of your visit to Polaria, plan your trip around the seal feeding times. Be sure to dress warmly, as the aquarium can get chilly, especially near the seal pools. Allow enough time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the panoramic...

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5.0
2y

I highly recommend this aquarium, especially the backstage/private tour which you get with the Seal Sponsor Package. You are able to select one of the seals in the aquarium to spend one-on-one training and feeding time with (along with one of the staff members, of course) and it is absolutely worth the price. I'd like to mention that what you pay goes directly towards purchases for items that are needed to help the seals. We were told that some things they've been able to buy with funds they've received were an ice machine (the seals love to eat ice) and many of the toys you will see them play with. I got to spend time with Loffen, a sweet little male harbor seal who recently became a father. He was so intelligent, playful, and even gave me kisses on the cheek. I was told he can be shy sometimes, but not that day. You can really see just how intelligent these animals are when you get to interact with them up close. Another seal (Mai San the Bearded Seal) let me feed her some ice, which was such a joyful time for both of us I like to think. As for the exhibit tour we received from Atanas, we also found it to be incredibly informative. He was so thorough and gave us great information on all the various species. We had such a wonderful time and are already looking forward to coming back to Tromsø again in the future and will be sure to stop at Polaria when we return. All of the staff were so kind. Please don't hesitate to go here and if you can, give the Seal Sponsor Package a try. You will not regret it! Thank you for this...

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5.0
1y

Polaria Aquarium is an extraordinary and immersive place that truly showcases its dedication to Arctic wildlife and ecology. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the care and passion the staff have for their work. The experience is both educational and enjoyable, offering a close look at Arctic sea life, including seals, fish, crabs, and more.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to create your own 3D ice floe, a fun and interactive way to learn about the Arctic ecosystem. The large cinema adds to the experience, with almost hourly screenings of fascinating films about the Northern Lights and behind-the-scenes insights into Polaria.

We booked the special "Ice to Meet You" tour, and it was absolutely worth it! Getting to know the seals, like Bella and Meissa, was an unforgettable experience. They are incredibly friendly and intelligent, and we even had the chance to feed them ice in their habitat. Our guide, Katrin, was outstanding—her warmth, expertise, and genuine passion for her work as a seal trainer and behavior analyst made the tour even more special.

Polaria is not just a tourist attraction but a scientific institution, so mutual respect for the animals is essential. This was a highlight of our time in Tromsø, and we highly recommend a visit! Plan for at least two hours to fully enjoy everything Polaria has to offer.

The souvenir shop is another bonus, offering a wide selection of items, including clothing, accessories, and more, all at reasonable prices. Polaria is a must-see destination for anyone...

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