Polaria Arctic Aquarium Entrance Ticket Tromso

4.4 (781 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

DurationTicket valid for 1 day
Open onDaily – select your date to see times (seal feeding and training at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30)
Meeting pointPolaria entrance, Tromso city centre

Polaria Arctic Aquarium Entrance Ticket Tromso

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Overview

Polaria is Tromsø's Arctic Experience Centre and aquarium, an easy indoor visit whatever the weather. Your single entrance ticket is valid all day on the date you choose and covers the aquarium and exhibitions, the panoramic theatre films and the daily live seal feeding and training sessions. See Arctic fish, crustaceans, and bearded and harbour seals, and learn about climate and life in the High North. It is a favourite with families, and the centre is wheelchair accessible.

Highlights

Aquarium with Arctic fish, crustaceans and bearded and harbour seals
Live seal feeding and training shows at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30
Panoramic theatre with three short films about Svalbard, the northern lights and life at Polaria
New interactive exhibitions on Arctic research and climate
Ticket valid all day on the booking date, so you can leave and return
Wheelchair accessible and popular with families
Central Tromsø location with an easy walk from the city centre

Full Description

Polaria, the Arctic Experience Centre in Tromsø

Polaria stands on the Tromsø waterfront in a striking building whose tilted glass and concrete plates look like slabs of pack ice pushed against each other. It is one of the northernmost aquariums in the world and is part of the Fram Centre, where scientists study the Arctic environment and climate.

If you are wondering whether Polaria is worth visiting, it is a strong choice for a cold or rainy day and for anyone travelling with children. Most visitors spend around two hours inside, longer if they time their visit for a seal show and a film.

The aquarium, bearded seals and harbour seals

The aquarium shows the wildlife of the Arctic Ocean, from cold-water fish to crustaceans and other creatures of the northern seas. The stars of the show are the bearded seals, which are rare to see close up in Europe, and the harbour seals, which swim past the underwater viewing windows.

The daily seal feeding and training sessions take place at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30, and they are the best moment of the visit for children. The keepers explain seal behaviour while the animals perform simple training tasks, so you learn as you watch. Arrive a little early to get a good place.

Interactive exhibitions and the panoramic theatre

Polaria's exhibitions were renewed with up-to-date research from Arctic scientists, and they explain how ice, sea and land are connected and how everyday choices can help the environment. Hands-on displays make the science approachable for older children and adults alike.

The panoramic theatre shows three short films: Svalbard – Arctic Wilderness at about 14 minutes, Northern Lights – A Wondrous Experience at about 9 minutes, and Behind the Scenes at about 11 minutes. If you cannot see the aurora during your stay, the northern lights film is a pleasant substitute.

Polaria opening hours, tickets and how to get there

Polaria is normally open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, although opening hours can change by season, so check the date you select in the booking panel. Your ticket is valid all day on the booking date, and you can choose when to arrive within opening hours and even step out and come back.

To get to Polaria, walk from the city centre along the harbour in about ten minutes, or use a local bus or taxi if the weather is bad. There is a shop and a cafe area inside, and Tromsø with kids is much easier with a rainy-day plan like this one.

Itinerary

Arrive at the Polaria entranceShow your ticket at the entrance in Tromsø city centre; the ticket is valid all day on your booking date.
Explore the aquariumSee Arctic fish, crustaceans and the bearded and harbour seals, allow about an hour.
Seal feeding and trainingWatch the live session at 10:30, 12:30 or 15:30, about 20 minutes.
Interactive exhibitionsExplore the exhibitions about Arctic research, climate and life in the sea at your own pace.
Panoramic theatre filmChoose one of three short films of 9 to 14 minutes.

What's included

Access to the Polaria exhibitions and aquarium
Panoramic theatre access
Live seal feeding and training (three sessions a day)

Not included

Food and drinks
Personal expenses

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 3–15

Not suitable for

Nobody in particular; this is a step-free indoor attraction suitable for most visitors, although very small children need supervision near the pools

Meeting point

Go to the Polaria entrance in Tromsø city centre, on the waterfront a short walk from the main street. Show your booking confirmation on your phone or in print at the entrance. Your ticket is valid all day on the date you selected, and you can arrive at any time within opening hours.

Important information

Opening hours change by season; check the date in the booking panel and plan your arrival accordingly.
Seal feeding and training sessions take place at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30 every day.
The ticket is valid for the whole day, so you can leave and come back if you miss a session.
Students may need to show a valid student ID at the entrance for the student category.
Polaria is wheelchair accessible.
Allow around two hours for a relaxed visit, more if you want to see a show and all three films.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does a Polaria ticket cost?

The price depends on the visitor category, such as adult, child, senior or student. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each category on your date.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. This is an entrance ticket only, without transport. Polaria is in Tromsø city centre and is easy to reach on foot, by local bus or by taxi.

How long does a visit to Polaria take?

Most people spend about two hours, including the aquarium, exhibitions, one film and a seal feeding session. Your ticket is valid all day if you want to stay longer.

Is Polaria suitable for children?

Yes, it is one of the best places in Tromsø with kids. Children enjoy the seals and hands-on exhibits. There are special child ticket categories, shown in the booking panel.

What are the Polaria opening hours?

Polaria is normally open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, but hours can change by season. The booking panel shows the times available for your chosen date.

What times is the seal feeding?

Seal feeding and training take place every day at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Arrive a few minutes early to get a good view.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Yes, in most cases. Choose your date in the booking panel and you will see whether tickets are available for today, tomorrow or later.

Is the ticket valid all day?

Yes. The ticket is valid all day on the booking date, so you can leave and return if you miss a screening or feeding session.

Is Polaria accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, Polaria is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific needs, contact us before you travel and we will help.

How do I get to Polaria?

Polaria is on the Tromsø waterfront, about a ten-minute walk from the city centre. Buses and taxis also go there.