Polaria

Polaria is a public aquarium in Tromsø with multiple viewing areas and a transparent tunnel for observing bearded seals in their pool. The facility includes various sections dedicated to exploring life in Arctic waters.

Polaria opened in 1998 as an educational facility, establishing itself as the world's northernmost public aquarium. The founding represented an important step in bringing Arctic marine ecology to public understanding.

The building's design reflects Arctic architecture, with angular shapes that echo ice floes pushed ashore by northern seas. This visual approach ties the structure directly to the harsh environment surrounding it.

The aquarium is located a five-minute walk from the Tourist Information Center and is easily accessible on foot. Standard opening hours are 10:00 to 16:00 daily, with extended hours during summer months.

The facility features a five-screen panoramic cinema presenting films about Arctic wildlife, northern lights, and Svalbard every thirty minutes. This cinematic experience complements the live pool observations.

Location: Tromsø Municipality

Inception: 1998

Official opening: 1998

Website: http://polaria.no

GPS coordinates: 69.64369,18.94987

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45