Tromsø Budget Blog

How to get from the airport to the city centre

12/11/2017 Bernhard

When arriving in Tromsø, the first step to make the most out of your travel budget, is to choose the right way to get from the airport to the city centre, especially with services like Uber not being available in Tromsø. Just like the city, the airport is clearly laid out, and you will find your way to the baggage belts without any problems. The baggage belts are located in the arrival hall, which is really just one long room at ground level, which also rooms all check in counters and rental car offices. The latter are conveniently located together at the opposite end of the hall. Did you make any experiences with public transport in Tromsø? Share them in the comments! 🙂

Map of the surrounding area of Tromsø Airport Langnes

There are basically three ways to get to the city centre:

1. City Bus

Bus 42 going to the airport from Sjøgata S4 — Bus 42 going to the airport (direction “Eidkjosen”) from Sjøgata S4

This is the cheapest way, and – surprisingly – not slower than any other option. To take the city bus, first go to the Point Kiosk next to the luggage belts to buy tickets. Buying tickets in advance is significantly cheaper than getting them at the bus. If you know that you will rely on public busses as the main means of transport during your stay, make sure to get a period ticket right away. Once you got your ticket and your luggage, take the elevator down to the parking garage and walk across the parking garage away from the airport to the bus stop (red arrow). The stop at the same side as the airport will get you to Kvaløya, the stop at the opposite side of the street to the city centre. Bus 40 and 42 go both to the centre, but 42 is faster. You can plan your bus journey here. The stop at the airport is called “Flyplassen”, a stop in the city centre is “Sjøgata S3” (less than 2min walking distance to 4 major hotels). There is also an app which shows the real departure times (as opposed to the scheduled ones), and which can help you plan your trip. Available for Android and Apple.

Click here to download a free printable pdf-guide for your travel files (1,7MB).

Single ticket (presale): kr30,-
Single ticket at the bus: kr50,- (cash only!)
24 hours pass: kr100,-
7 days pass: kr240,-

Advantages:
– Cheapest option
– Can get you to different locations, especially relevant if you are staying at an Airbnb

Disadvantages:
– You may have to wait for the bus
– Doesn’t always bring you to your doorstep

2. Airport Express

Airport Express, photographed betwen Scandic Ishavshotell and Radisson Blu, with Hurtigruten in the background.

The airport express stops at several hotels at the city centre, just like the public bus. Tickets are moderately cheaper when purchased in advance at the red ticket machine in the arrival hall. The bus departs right in front of the arrival hall. Timetable from the airport

Advantages:
– Always available, goes until the last flight

Disadvantages:
– If you are not at the last flight, the city bus is cheaper

3. Taxi

To get a taxi, turn right after leaving the luggage area, and queue in the glass cubicle with queue dividers. Don’t stand outside of it, you will freeze and be frowned upon. There are two taxi companies to choose from, Tromsø Taxi and Din Taxi. Both use the same rates, and card payments are always accepted.

Advantages:
– Always brings you to your doorstep

Disadvantages:
– At peak hours waiting for the bus takes just as long
– Can be expensive, especially at night, weekends, public holidays, long distances

4. Comparison

Name	Earliest departure	Latest departure	Time to city centre	Rate per person*	Rate per vehicle**
City bus	06:12 - 06:45 depending on weekday and direction	00:07 - 00:13 depending on weekday and direction	12 minutes	30-50kr
Official Airport Express	04:45 - 10:20 depending on weekday and direction	15:40 - 23:55 depending on weekday and direction	10 minutes	90kr
Taxi	All day	All day	12 minutes		180-280kr

* – adult ticket. Discounts may apply.
** – 1-4 persons, less than 4 if you have much luggage. Larger vehicles are available at a surcharge. The rate varies depending on the time of day.

Now you are ready to get to the city, but are you ready for the Arctic winter? Double-check here and update your packing list, to make the most out of your Arctic adventure!

5. What to do at the airport?

Visit the Aurora above the clouds! *Picture by Magne Furnes, Widerøe*

Did you know that you don’t even have to go to the city to join a northern lights chase? From November to March you can experience an exclusive Aurora experience above the clouds. Read more about our unique Northern Lights chase by plane, and book online today!

You Will Need More Wool – what to bring or buy for arctic traveling

08/11/2017 Ingvild Nerbøvik

I am exceptionally bad at packing for any trip lasting more than 24 hours – I bring all possible outfits I might need, and then add at least two identical pairs of shoes and several dresses I have never worn to the luggage. Every single time.

But, while I don’t consider myself good at packing, I have gotten quite good at dressing for arctic weather. After attempting to look fashionable and chic during winter for years, I gave up fashionable and gave in to practical clothing in my late twenties, after over a decade of always being cold and/or down with a cold. And walking in high heels on icy surfaces looks way more ridiculous and less cool than any practical outfit will ever do. So, while I aspire to dress stylishly during summer, when winter comes, I will wear whatever keeps me warm, dry, and on my feet.

Depending on where in Norway you live, or visit, dressing appropriately for the weather can be a chore or an actual challenge. In Tromsø, where the climate is rough even for Norway, it is indeed a challenge. But, I’ll try guiding you through this, hopefully you own most of the clothing already. If not, work with what you’ve got, and just bring the warm clothing you have. All of it. And you might want to buy a few essential pieces.

For an example, if you have not brought spikes of the kind you attach to the bottom of your shoe to make you able to walk on snow and ice, you will need to buy a pair. ASAP. Spikes make you able to not spend all your energy and concentration on trying not to fall, and you need to be able to focus on that awesome arctic adventure you’re experiencing. They are super useful, locals swear by them too, and being able to just nonchalantly walk on ice makes you feel a bit like a superhero. A pair will cost you 150 NOK at most, and you can buy them at G-sport , in the middle of the city. You will also be able to get them in most other stores selling sport/outdoor-equipment. You need those. Trust me on this one.

Navigating Tromsø during winter without spikes is often not comfortable, nor safe.

Also, on the topic of items that are literal life-savers: While we are blessed with midnight sun and thus daylight 24/7 during the summer months, during winter, it’s very dark, most of the day and night. When it’s dark and the roads are icy, drivers will greatly appreciate you being as visible as possible – which is best done by wearing reflective gear. Wristbands/anklets/vests in reflective material can be bought everywhere from tourist shops, bookstores, to where you buy spikes. Bring them or buy them, and wear them.

Note: if you are visiting Tromsø during the middle of the summer, never mind spikes. Or reflective gear. Or most of what I suggest in this blog post.

In addition to spikes, you’ll be comfortable in warm shoes, preferably made of water-resistant materials. If you do not own footwear with warm lining, wool socks will do the trick. Taking out the inner sole will give room for at least two pairs, and two pairs or more are the perfect amount of wool socks to wear outdoors during mid-winter in Tromsø. But one might do. Just pack socks made of wool if you own them.

Attachable spikes on regular rain boots on the left – this will keep you both from getting wet and from falling, an excellent solution. Running shoes in gore-tex with spikes pre-attached on the right is an option, I recommend these for people planning on a lot of hikes/walks in winter climate.

Depending on where in the world you come from, and previous travel experience, you might have both knowledge and the actual clothes appropriate for very cold weather. Canadians, for an example, can just bring their regular winter clothes. If you are from, e.g Britain, you are, while used to winter, probably not winters like in Northern Norway. And it’s a known fact that coats made for the British market are not warm enough for Norwegian winters. Many of us have learned this the hard way shopping winter coats/insulated jackets in stores in the U.K.

But, if you are the owner of a winter jacket, you can easily work with that. In Norway, the rule of “three layers” is a well-established dress code we collectively agree on is optimal. Until I met my mild-mannered boyfriend from a country with a milder climate, I didn’t realize no one actually explains what these three layers consist of.

Let’s break it down:

The first layer is long underwear, preferably in pure wool, meant to keep you warm and comfortable. Wearing regular underwear in other fabrics under the wool is fine.

This universally non-sexy clothing have been developed into clothes people actually want to wear, patterned wool underwear from brands like Kari Traa (like the turquoise one in the picture) is basically the everyday version of a Norwegian women´s national costume at this point.

The second layer, will go above the first, and this is meant as insulation- it can be a light padded down jacket, a fleece sweater/jacket, but should be slim-fit enough to comfortably be able to wear the last layer over it.

The third and last layer should be a jacket that is both wind and waterproof. This is your “shell”, and those jackets are appropriately often called a “shell jacket”. A rain jacket/coat will actually do. If you own clothes you can use, just layer them up, if they look stupid together, no one will notice. It’s pitch dark all day in Norway the whole winter.

All three layers – thin wool pullover, down jacket, waterproof shell jacket on top. Complete with reflective wraparound wristband.

You can buy jackets that actually have at least two of the layers built in, but unless you think you’ll be using it more than rarely, consider whether you will invest in one- they will easily set you back 3000 NOK. If you own one already, you’re good – you probably do not need to read any of this.

Note that while layering is a known and effective way of staying warm, the “three layer concept” is primarily aimed for spending a long time outside, hiking, and other demanding outdoor activities. For strolling around the city, you will do fine with as warm clothing as possible underneath a wind/waterproof jacket.

The last essential items are hats, scarfs and mittens. Choose those with as much as wool as possible. Again. Wool is key in Norway. We love it, and it’s necessary.

Real fur is, of course, often warm and have been used for winter wear in generations. If you own something made of fur, bring it. Norwegians in general avoid fur for political reasons – but we do allow less politically correct behavior from tourists.

Last insider tip: If you are unlucky enough to be in Tromsø during a stormy winter day (there are not few of those a year), sunglasses will protect your eyes from snow. So while this sounds like a practical joke, bring sunglasses to Norway in the winter.

Now you know what you’ll need to be well-prepared for your vacation, but please do not worry about not having all the items. You’ll have a great time no matter what. Looking forward to seeing you here!

The essentials – scarf, spikes, reflective bands, woolen hat, sunglasses (!), and an umbrella. Always bring umbrellas wherever you´re going.

Concerts at the Arctic Cathedral

07/07/2016 Bernhard

IMG_20160626_224600

In the summer season, Tromsø’s best known landmark, the Arctic Cathedral, invites all guests and residents of our city to a truly unique concert experience. Due to its high latitude, the city of Tromsø is blessed with the Midnight Sun, giving us bright summer nights full of golden light. The Arctic Cathedral is built in such a fashion that the light of the Midnight Sun can illuminate the inside of the church in a most marvellous way in the hours around the middle of the night.

The concerts take place during these hours of the day, when the sun is aligned with the church, which is then bathed in golden light. Three local musicians, perform a varied programme, including Northern Norwegian folk music and classical music, using both traditional and modern instruments, including the organ of the Arctic Cathedral, which has been tuned by Swiss specialists this winter.

In addition to the Midnight Sun Concerts, there are also daily organ recitals at 2pm, where the organ can shine in its full glory.

Organ recital: Daily until July 31st, 14:00-14:25, 70kr. Tickets are available online and at the door.
Midnight Sun Concert: Daily until August 15th, 23:30-00:00, 170kr. Doors open at 23:00. Tickets are available online and at the door.

Tromsø’s first airport had no runway. Today we have direct flights to several European countries.

01/07/2016 Bernhard

Helvetic's first flight to Tromsø, June 24th 2016 — Helvetic’s first flight to Tromsø, June 24th 2016

The airport

Tromsø’s first airport was located on Skattøra from 1938 to 1975. The airport consisted of a hangar building and a small parking area for planes, but it had no runway and could only serve sea planes. After civilian use of the airport started, Tromsø got its first air connections to Kirkenes, Trondheim and Oslo.

In September 1964, the new airport of Tromsø was opened by Crown Prince Harald. On this link you can view a multimedia special in Norwegian language on the history of our airport, created on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

The airport has been experiencing an enormous passenger growth ever since it was opened. Two major upgrades in 1977 and 1997 were already too small once constructions were finished, and the next upgrade, scheduled to start once the extension of Norway’s main airport Gardermoen is completed in 2017, will likely suffer the same fate.

The old new terminal building from 1977 - also called "The Tromsø Banana" — The old new terminal building from 1977 – also called “The Tromsø Banana”

Without the airport, Tromsø would not have become the city it is today. Four years after the airport was opened, the parliament chose Tromsø as the seat of Northern Norway’s first university, a decision, that catalysed the development of Tromsø into the centre for research and education it is today,

In addition to a wide variety of domestic routes, we have direct connections to Alicante, Gran Canaria, London Gatwick, Luleå, Zürich (since June 24th) and Stockholm (since June 28th), in addition to charter tours to further destinations.

New routes

Since June 24th, Helvetic Airways operates weekly direct flights between Tromsø and Zürich until the end of August.

Since June 28th, SAS is operating direct flights between Tromsø and Stockholm, with 5 departures each week in July and August. After a short break, the route will resume during the Northern Lights season from October to March.

In the winter season, there will be another direct route to Switzerland, in addition to a direct route to Frankfurt starting November 26th, operated by Lufthansa.

6 ways to save money on a cruise to Norway

18/06/2016 Bernhard

1. Take your own pictures

Arctic Cathedral and Midnight sun (cell phone picture)

To start with the most obvious way to save money: Take your own pictures. You most likely have a state of the art camera in your pocket right now, so why not capture moments you want to remember yourself, even if the ship’s photographer is not around?

2. Stay off the grid

Tourist information office in Tromsø - one of many places with free Wi-Fi — Tourist information office in Tromsø – one of many places with free Wi-Fi

Spend your vacation on the cruise you paid for, not on social media. By disconnecting during your cruise you don’t only improve the quality of your travel experience, you also save a lot on overpriced on-board Wi-Fi and roaming charges.

If you absolutely need to connect, find free Wi-Fi spots at libraries, hotels, restaurants or the tourist information at the port.

3. Discover local cuisine

A rare treat, even in Norway. What's on the picture? Comment below! — A rare treat, even in Norway. What’s on the picture? Comment below!

While on board, stick to the dining venues that are included in your rate. Instead of paying out of your nose for specialty restaurants of varying quality, rather visit local restaurant on port days. Not only will the prices be more budget-friendly than on board, but it is also a great opportunity to experience genuine local cuisine and hospitality. Norwegian restaurants have access to some of the freshest ingredients, harvested directly from the pristine nature of our beautiful country.

4. Book your own excursions

Individual tourists in Henningsvær, Lofoten

While you can book excursion on board, those are often priced at a premium and include a generous commission for every link in the supply chain. Often you can get excursions from local tour operators for a fraction of the price you pay at the shore excursion desk and with much smaller groups.

By booking your own excursion, you can either select a ready-made tour, or you can customize a tour to suit your interests and at a time convenient for you. As an additional benefit, a local guide will be able to recommend a restaurant for the experience you are looking for.

Most tour operators offer favourable group rates. If you want to save even more, why not try to find fellow passengers who may want to join your tour at your cruise’s roll call?

Wikitravel pages on cities often include a list of local tour operators for you to choose from. To make sure that you book with a reputable operator, you can check the reviews on their Trip Advisor page (make sure to leave one yourself after the tour!) and call their local tourist organisation to enquire about them.

5. Pay less for drinks than for your cruise ticket

Beer samples - a great way of tasting many different beers in one sitting. — Beer samples – a great way of tasting many different beers in one sitting. (guest picture)

Acknowledge your drinking habits and do the math. Do you really need to purchase a beverage package, or will you be better off with individual purchases?

During your stay on board, you are residing in a floating restaurant, which is also reflected in the prices for beverages. Check the terms and conditions. Can you bring your own bottled water? If so, do it and you will save at least enough for a fancy lunch at a local restaurant on shore.

If you start to become weary of drinking the same generic brand beer every evening, you may also want to look into booking a shore excursion which includes local food and drinks.

6. Travel on a smaller ship

Hurtigruten next to the ship of the King of Norway, a known appreciator of small ships

While big cruise lines may have an appeal as well, they are also the very pinnacle of mass tourism. If you don’t want to spend your vacation on a floating mega-mall, getting everything from souvenir glasses to timeshares on Spanish islands pushed on to you, you may be better off looking for smaller lines with smaller ships.

In addition to a more relaxing experience, smaller ships often provide better value by offering a more special experience. Smaller ships can reach ports off the beaten path, and sometimes they even stay overnight, giving you more time to explore the life on shore.

Also cabins with ocean view are standard, and on the way perks such as a la carte dining and premium beverages are often included.

While the initial rate may be higher, you may still save money at the bottom line. Value is the key, what is included in the rate, and how much do you have to pay for extras?