A Tourist Trap in Tromsø: Fjellheisen’s Shameful Exploitation
The Fjellheisen cable car in Tromsø, often marketed as a must-see attraction for its panoramic views of the Arctic city, turned out to be a deeply disappointing and exploitative experience when I visited just before the New Year. As a Norwegian, I was appalled by the blatant greed underlying the operation of this attraction, and I feel compelled to share my experience as a cautionary tale for other travelers.
The root of the problem lies in the overselling of tickets. While Fjellheisen’s ticketing system ostensibly allows for use throughout the day, it fails to account for the unique conditions of Tromsø during the polar night, when tourists naturally prefer to visit during the few hours of twilight or evening. The operators make no effort to inform visitors about peak times or crowd management, resulting in an unmanageable influx of people during specific hours. This issue was exacerbated by their practice of selling the maximum number of tickets permissible, with no regard for the capacity of the facilities or the comfort of their guests.
Upon arrival, I was met with an endless queue stretching several hundred meters. Despite sub-zero temperatures, there were no staff present to manage or assist the crowds, many of whom were ill-prepared for the Arctic cold. Among them were children and elderly tourists unfamiliar with the harsh Norwegian winter, visibly struggling in the biting wind. I waited in this line for over three hours, witnessing firsthand the physical toll it took on many visitors.
When the line finally advanced into the indoor waiting area, the situation deteriorated further. The overcrowding was overwhelming, reminiscent of scenes from an overburdened refugee center rather than a tourist attraction. It was stifling and chaotic, with little to no communication or support from the staff.
Seeking answers, I approached an employee to address the dire circumstances. Their response was both disheartening and telling: they admitted that management was fully aware of these issues but prioritized profit over visitor safety and satisfaction. This unapologetic approach to maximizing revenue at the expense of basic decency left me feeling ashamed as a Norwegian. It’s a betrayal of the values we claim to uphold, especially in a region as renowned for its natural beauty and hospitality as Tromsø.
Fjellheisen’s operation is not only a disservice to tourists but also a stain on the reputation of Tromsø. The experience left me with a profound sense of embarrassment for how my country is treating visitors who come with high hopes of experiencing the Arctic’s magic. I urge future travelers to be cautious and demand better from this attraction. Equally, I call upon local authorities to investigate and regulate the practices of Fjellheisen to ensure that such exploitation is not allowed to persist.
Tromsø deserves better, and so do...
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