Tromsø Municipality

Tromsø is a municipality in Troms og Finnmark, northern Norway, spreading across islands and mainland areas between mountains and fjords. The landscape varies at 69 degrees north latitude, where the terrain shifts between coast and highland.

The origins go back to 1252, when the first church was built on Tromsøya island during the reign of King Hákon Hákonarson. Over the following centuries, the settlement grew into a trading point in the Arctic.

The area draws people from different countries, including Norwegians, Sami, Russians, and Finns, who bring their customs and celebrations into everyday life. On the streets and in markets, you hear different languages, and local events reflect this variety.

The area has public transport linking around 78,000 residents across different settlements such as Bjerkaker, Ersfjordbotn, and Kvaløysletta. Roads can be harder to navigate in winter, while summer brings longer daylight hours.

In winter, residents experience weeks of polar night without direct sunlight, while in summer the sun stays visible even at midnight. These extreme light conditions shape daily routines and affect the sleep patterns of many people.

Inception: 13 century

Capital city: Tromsø

Elevation above the sea: 20 m

Reference: 5501

Shares border with: Balsfjord Municipality, Storfjord Municipality, Lyngen Municipality, Karlsøy Municipality, Senja Municipality

Address: Tromsø, Norway

Website: https://tromso.kommune.no

GPS coordinates: 69.65163,18.95586

Latest update: December 17, 2025 13:55