Tromsø lies at our feet. From a height of 421 metres (1381 feet), we can look out across the settlements on the forested island of Tromsøya, on the mainland immediately below us and on Kvaløya in the distance. We can also clearly see buildings such as the Arctic Cathedral and Tromsø’s old secondary school. The two spans of the Tromsø and Sandnessund bridges are also easily recognisable. However, it is the mountains that leave the biggest impression on those lucky enough to take in the magnificent views. Immediately opposite are the alpine peaks at the heart of Kvaløya, a rugged mountain range some 1000 metres (3300 feet) high.
What do I see in the south-west from the cable car?
In the south-west is the 1100-metre (3600‑foot) Bentsjordtindan on the Malang peninsula. Immediately north are some of Norway’s oldest mountains — the 1000-metre high peaks on Ringvassøya. To see the king of them all, the 1238-metre (4000-foot) Tromsdalstind, you have to turn right around and look in the opposite direction. Just as striking are the straits that pass between the islands and the peninsulas, which contain a vast expanse of water. The view from Storsteinen has become a classic that is often used in tourist brochures for Norway.
The midnight sun is seen best from Storsteinen
The midnight sun remains the biggest experience of them all. From around 20 May to around 24 July, the midnight sun can be seen from Storsteinen, where it hangs in the sky above the peaks of the island of Ringvassøya. In the north, the sea shimmers, while the peaks are silhouetted in black. Far below, golden light plays with the long shadows on the island of Tromsøya and the flecks of snow on the mountains take on a golden tinge. Tourists and local residents alike mingle on the viewing platform, and no one is even thinking about going to bed. The midnight sun is literally a golden moment that is too good to miss.
You have a great view of the Northern Lights from the hillside
The Northern Lights are something you have to wait patiently for a long time to see, with your camera mounted on a stand and warm clothes at the ready. With a roaring fire and coffee in your cup, you can sit by the window and look down on the lights of Tromsø, watching the north-western sky. As soon as a green ray appears, you pull on your jacket and run outside. It might be just a flicker, or you may be lucky enough to see the shimmering green bands of the Northern Lights light up the sky.
Have local lunch in the clouds
The cable car opened in 1961. Since then, all the machinery and cables have been replaced and new, larger cabins have been installed. The upper station, Fjellstua, was opened in 1992 after a fire destroyed the original building in 1979. Fjellstua serves coffee, waffles, sandwiches and delicious meals, while the large platform outside is where all those panoramic photographs of Tromsø are taken.
Fløya is rich in plantlife
Fløya, of which Storsteinen is part, is a well-known “plant mountain”. The ground here is rich in calcium, allowing unusual plant species that are not found in many other places to grow. Rare species include Viola rupestris relicta, arctic sandwort and snowbed draba.
Follow the mountain trails to feel alone in nature
From Fjellstua, many paths head out across the mountain. A gentle rise followed by a steep uphill section leads to Fløya, 642 metres (2100 feet) above sea level. From here, there is a flatter plateau landscape up to Bønntua, 776 metres (2550 feet) above sea level. The further into the mountains you go, the clearer the peak of Tromsdalstinden becomes on your left. Finally, you start to drop down over the rear flank of the mountain. After a while, you encounter a track that leads down to lake Pikevatnet and then winds its way on to the birch woodland of Tromsdalen. The entire 3–4 hour trip is high and open, with far-reaching views and soft vegetation to walk on. During the winter, Fløya is a fantastic mountain to ski on too, with its gentle slopes and excellent downhill sections, and you can get a long way in to the white plateau.
You can also walk up the mountainside
Many trails lead from the settlement in Tromsdalen up to Storsteinen. You can walk straight up underneath the cables, but this is a very steep path where you sometimes have to go on all fours. From Fløyveien, a somewhat gentler but still fairly steep path heads uphill. However, keen walkers are recommended to head south along a winding path that has many gentle uphill sections and just a few steep slopes. There is a marked trail here, and the entire trip takes about an hour.
The cable car is open all year round
The cable car runs all year round, although the opening times vary to some extent depending on the season. During the midnight sun period, the cable car runs right through until one o’clock in the morning. The cable car is 30 minutes’ walk from the centre of Tromsø and a number of buses run there. During the midnight sun period, many people listen to a concert in the Arctic Cathedral and then leisurely walk up to the cable car to take in the midnight sun.
Quick points about the Cable Car in Tromsø
Absolutely. Even when the peaks are hidden in cloud, the view over Tromsø, the fjords and the surrounding islands can be spectacular. Weather in the Arctic changes quickly, and a grey afternoon can turn into a dramatic sunset or clear evening
The easiest is to book a shuttle bus from the city centre. You can also travel by local bus 28. The bus route makes a confusing loop, but stay put and wait for the word “Fjellheisen” to appear on the screens. Many people walk, often combining the ride with a visit to the Arctic Cathedral. From town, it’s a scenic half an hour on foot.
Yes. The viewpoint at Storsteinen is one of the most popular places in Tromsø to watch the Northern Lights. Being above much of the city lighting gives you a wider view of the sky.
Yes. From late May to late July, the mountain ledge offers an excellent vantage point for experiencing the Midnight Sun above Tromsø’s fjords, islands and mountains
The journey from Tromsdalen to Storsteinen takes about four to five minutes
Most visitors spend between one and two hours at the top. This gives you time to enjoy the view, take photos, have a drink or meal, and perhaps explore some of the nearby trails.
Yes. The popular Sherpa Staircase climbs from Tromsdalen to Storsteinen. Many visitors hike up and take the cable car down, or vice versa.
On a clear day you can see Tromsø island, the Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø Bridge, Kvaløya, the Lyngen Alps, countless islands and fjords, and the open sea beyond.
Yes. The cable car operates year-round, although weather conditions and maintenance work can occasionally affect opening times
There is no single best time. Winter offers snowy landscapes and Northern Lights, spring brings long twilight evenings, summer features the Midnight Sun, and autumn often provides crisp air and colourful mountain scenery.
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