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Polaria

Aquariums ·Zoos & aquariums ·Tromsø ·Closed
3.910.2K
#19Things to do in Tromso Troms Northern NorwayMost reviewed in Tromsø
  • Visit: about 2 h
  • Step-free access
  • Ideal for toddlers, kids, teens
  • Good on a rainy day
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About

Polaria is the world's most northerly aquarium, in Tromsø, Norway, on the shore of Tromsøysundet beside Framsenteret.

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Polaria
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Opening hours

Today10:00 – 17:00Show all
Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

Shorts

Why go

  • A close-up seal encounter with Bella and Mai San, with an exclusive meeting with the seal trainer, for up to four people.
  • The interactive exhibition where you take the role of an Arctic researcher, with games on how researchers study wildlife.
  • The five-screen panoramic cinema, showing a film from Svalbard and one about the aurora every half hour.

With kids

  • The seal encounter is for ages 10 and up, or ages 5 to 10 when accompanied by an adult.
  • Open tanks and display tanks hold rock-shore animals, baby fish and other child-friendly exhibits.
  • Bookable activities include a guided tour and activities for both children and adults.
  • The site describes itself as a discovery visit suited to the whole family.

Tips for your visit

  • Book the seal encounter in advance; it is limited to four people.
  • Bookable activities let you learn from the aquarists before the doors open.
  • Guided tours of the venue can be booked.
  • Allow about two hours for the visit.
  • Strollers can be taken throughout the building.

Best time to visit

  • The seals are fed and trained at 10:30 and 12:30 every day.
  • Arrive early to see the seal feeding before you enter to meet the seals.
  • Outside peak season, the cinema also shows polar film footage.

Know before you go

  • Open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
  • Tickets are sold online on Polaria's own website.
  • The admission ticket covers the exhibitions, the aquarium, the panorama cinema and the seal feedings.
  • The seal encounter does not include admission, so buy the entry ticket separately.
  • The seal bath activity can be booked on Mondays and Fridays.
  • Dogs and other pets are not allowed inside.
  • Bags can go in the open cloakroom or in one of the few lockers.
  • Cards are accepted, but cash must be in Norwegian kroner.
  • Gifts and tickets are not handed out on individual requests.

Interesting facts6

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  1. It is one of two places in Europe where visitors can see a storkobbe up close.

    Polaria: description (its own site)

  2. Its reinforced concrete form is meant to recall five ice floes pushed onto land.

    Polaria - Wikipedia

  3. Only the entrance area, in the last block, is clad in larch wood.

    Polaria - Wikipedia

  4. The seals sometimes climb onto land to eat, and at other times stay in the water.

    TICKETS | Polaria

  5. Two female seals, Bella and Mai San, are the seals guests can meet closely.

    HOME | Polaria
  6. 2025

    It had 167,000 visitors in 2025.

    Polaria - Wikipedia

History

Polaria was built between 1996 and 1998, to a design by JAF arkitektkontor. The concrete blocks imitate drifting ice shoved onto a shore. It opened to the public in May 1998. It won an architecture prize in 2003.

  1. 1996–1998The building is constructed in reinforced concrete.
  2. May 1998Polaria opens to the public.
  3. 2003The building wins an architecture prize.
  4. 2026A new area opens after a multi-year modernisation, with a larger outdoor pool for the bearded seals.

Don't miss

  • Submerged walkwayA transparent tunnel that crosses the bottom of the seal pool, with seals swimming overhead.Across the bottom of the seal pool.
  • Observation blistersViewing points in the seal enclosure that let you look up at the seals from underneath.In the seal enclosure.
  • Arctic walkwayPolar exploration equipment, stuffed animals and simulated permafrost.The arctic walkway area.
  • Children's play cornerA small climbing wall and a slide.Inside the building.
  • Arctic aquarium displayArctic seaweeds, arctic fish and other animals.In the aquarium.

How to get there

  • 5 minOn footWalk along the quay from the Tourist Information office, about 5 minutes.
  • BusBus routes 33, 34, 40 and 42 stop right outside the building.
  • ParkingA fee-based parking lot lies right across the street.

Accessibility

  • Step-free entry Ramps run throughout the building.
  • Lift A lift takes wheelchair users to the seal pool.
  • Toilet Unisex restrooms and a changing room are on the 1st floor by the seal pool.
  • Wheelchair loan One wheelchair can be borrowed free of charge.
  • Seal encounter for wheelchair users

Sources: Polaria - Wikipedia · HOME | Polaria · TICKETS | Polaria · PRACTICAL INFORMATION | Polaria · Polaria - Wikipedia · Polaria - Wikipedia · Polaria: tickets (its own site) · Polaria: description (its own site) · checked 25 Oct 2026

Where
Hjalmar Johansens Gate 12, Tromso

Plan from here: With kids →

Questions and answers

How long does a visit to Polaria in Tromsø take?

Plan about two hours for a visit to Polaria. The seals are fed and trained at 10:30 and 12:30 every day.

What are Polaria's opening hours?

Polaria is open every day, Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. The seal feedings are at 10:30 and 12:30.

How do I get to Polaria from the centre of Tromsø?

Bus routes 33, 34, 40 and 42 stop right outside the building. Walking from the Tourist Information office along the quay takes about 5 minutes.

Is Polaria suitable for children?

Yes, it suits all age groups and families. A children's play corner has a small climbing wall and a slide. The seal encounter is for ages 10 and up, or 5 to 10 with an adult.

Can I book Polaria tickets online?

Yes, tickets are sold online on Polaria's own website. The close-up seal encounter is limited to four people and does not include admission.

Is Polaria accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, ramps run throughout the building and a lift takes wheelchair users to the seal pool. One wheelchair can be borrowed free of charge, but the seal encounter is not open to wheelchair users.

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