Polaria Tromsø: what to see and how to plan your visit

The short answer

Is Polaria worth visiting?

Polaria is a good fit if you want to see Arctic marine animals and understand the environment around Tromsø in one indoor visit. The seals are a strong reason to go, but the ticket also covers the aquarium, research-based exhibitions and panoramic films. Polaria recommends allowing about two hours, which makes it a useful half-day plan for families or a wet-weather afternoon.

If you mainly want stories of polar expeditions and Tromsø’s historical role, the Polar Museum is the more focused choice. If you are choosing Polaria for the seals, check the daily programme first and arrive before a feeding session rather than near closing time.

Inside Polaria

What does the admission ticket include?

The standard ticket includes the seal feedings, Arctic aquarium, exhibitions and panoramic cinema. These are part of the same venue, so you can move between them during the opening hours on your ticket date. Extra experiences such as a guided tour or a close-up seal encounter are booked separately.

Plan around the programme

When are the Polaria seal feedings?

Polaria currently lists daily seal training and feeding at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. A standard admission ticket includes watching these sessions. The schedule can change, so check the official daily programme for your date.

The separately sold Seal Meeting is a different, more personal experience with limited places. It does not replace the entrance ticket: Polaria says general admission must be purchased separately. If you only want to watch the regular feeding, you do not need this add-on.

Beyond the seals

What else is in the aquarium?

Polaria’s tanks focus on northern waters. Its current visitor information names wolffish, halibut, king crab, cod, saithe and small sharks among the animals you may see. Displays can vary, so treat this as a guide to the kinds of marine life rather than a promise that every animal will be visible on your visit.

The interactive exhibitions explain changes in Arctic climate and ecosystems, including how researchers build the evidence behind those findings. The panoramic cinema screens short films about Svalbard, the northern lights and work behind the scenes at Polaria. A film is an indoor presentation, not a substitute for seeing the aurora outdoors.

Practical details

Polaria tickets, prices and opening hours

Tickets: As checked on 16 October 2026, admission is NOK 395 for adults, NOK 220 for children aged 3–15, and NOK 925 for a family ticket covering up to two adults and three children. Polaria also lists student and senior prices. Check the official ticket page for the final price and conditions for your date.

Hours: The published schedule is 10:00–17:00 daily, with exceptions including 12:00–17:00 on 17 May and 10:00–16:00 on 24 December. Check the current opening hours before setting off, particularly around holidays.

How long: Polaria recommends two hours. That is a sensible starting point if you want a feeding, some time at the tanks and a film. A quick visit is possible, but it may leave you waiting for the next scheduled session or missing one entirely.

Location and access

How do you get to Polaria?

Polaria is at Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, near the southern edge of Tromsø’s centre. Polaria estimates about a five-minute walk from the tourist information office along the waterfront. The venue also lists buses 33, 34, 40 and 42 as stopping nearby; confirm your route with Svipper before travelling.

Polaria says it has wheelchair-friendly ramps, a lift between the aquarium and seal-pool level, and an accessible toilet. Strollers can be taken around the venue. There is no Polaria guest car park, but paid parking is available across the street. Contact the venue if you need a particular access arrangement or assistance on the day.

Common questions

Polaria Tromsø FAQ