Tromso, often called the Gateway to the Arctic, offers some of the most surreal landscapes in Norway. And there’s no better place to take in this stunning Arctic beauty than from the top of Fjellheisen, the iconic cable car that whisks you up to the viewing platform on Mount Storsteinen.
🚡 The Journey Begins – Reaching the Cable Car Station
We began our day at the Fjellheisen Lower Cable Car Station, located just across the Tromsø Bridge. You can reach it either by:
- Walking from the city center (around 30 minutes)
- Or taking Bus No. 28, which drops you right in front of the station
Tickets can be purchased:
- At the Tromsø Information Center on Storgata Street
- Or online via the Fjellheisen official website
🏔️ The Ride – From Sea Level to the Sky
The cable car takes you from about 50 meters above sea level to an altitude of 421 meters – and the journey takes just 4 minutes! As you ascend, you’ll witness an incredible transformation:
- Snow-covered mountains unfold around you
- The city of Tromsø, colorful and compact, stretches out below
- And on lucky days, you can even see distant fjords and islands like Kvaløya and Sommarøy
The cable car cabins are spacious, with large glass windows offering uninterrupted views. It was lightly snowing the day we visited, making the landscape even more magical.
🌨️ At the Top – Views and Experiences
Once you reach the Upper Station, you’re greeted with a 360-degree viewing platform that offers sweeping views of:
- Tromsø city
- Surrounding Arctic islands
- And the majestic Tromsø Bridge that connects the island to the mainland
You can stay at the top as long as you want – the cable car runs every 30 minutes, so there’s no rush to return.
We visited in mid-March, which meant:
- More daylight hours than in January or February
- Yet plenty of snow and winter charm
- A good chance of witnessing Northern Lights at night
Be prepared for strong winds and cold temperatures – dressing in warm layers is essential.
❄️ Things to Do at the Top
- Snowshoeing (if you’re up for adventure)
- Hiking further up Storsteinen Mountain (depending on weather)
- Playing in the snow or simply relaxing with the views
- And of course, photographing the incredible Arctic landscape
Even with fog and snowfall, we hiked higher into the mountain and were rewarded with stunning views once we turned around – the entire city of Tromsø beneath a blanket of snow.
☕ Arctic Café with a View
Feeling cold and tired after the hike, we stopped at the café located at the upper station. The best part? The window seats – offering unmatched panoramic views. While the apple pie wasn’t a favorite, the coffee with a view was definitely worth the visit.
Tip: Window seats can be in high demand, so you might need to wait 10–15 minutes, especially during peak hours.
🧳 Final Thoughts
If you are visiting Tromsø, Fjellheisen Cable Car is an absolute must. It offers:
- One of the best views of the city and surrounding islands
- A great chance to see the Northern Lights
- And a peaceful escape into the Arctic wilderness, just minutes from the city
The snow, the silence, the scenery — everything adds up to create a lifetime experience. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing, or just soaking in the scenery with a hot drink in hand, Fjellheisen promises an unforgettable memory.
Planning your own Norway trip or Arctic adventure? Drop your questions in the comments – I’d be happy to help based on my experience!
📍Location: Tromsø, Norway
📅 Best Time to Visit: Winter (December to March) for snow & Northern Lights, Summer for hiking & Midnight Sun
🎟️ Ticket Info: Visit fjellheisen.no
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