Tromso’s little known secret is that it’s quite friendly to seniors because this city isn’t defined solely by its ski mountains, contrary to what others might think! While your grandkids are skiing or scuba diving, you can partake in one of Tromso’s many senior-friendly activities listed below.

Tromso International Film Festival

Featuring over 100 films on 12 wide screens, seniors will love spending an afternoon or 2 (or even a week) at Tromso’s largest film festival, held in mid-January of each year. You can access each year's program in early January, but a sneak preview reveals that in 2010 Russia’s acclaimed film “Hipsters” will be playing, alongside audience favorite “Bad Boy Buffy”. Food and drink are available during screenings.

Northern Lights Planetarium

Here’s your chance to see the Aurora Borealis and the Midnight Sun. The Northern Lights Planetarium, the northernmost planetarium in all the world, features over a dozen different light shows, in addition to colorful photographs and artwork. Don’t miss the glorious midnight sun show! The Planetarium, located at 17 University Campus in Breivika, includes a shop that sells picture books, cards, jewelry and other astronomical related gifts. The planetarium and shop are open year-round.

Visit the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen)

Tromo’s most famous attraction, the Arctic Cathedral church, features over a dozen snow carvings, icebergs, and stained-glass windows, some of the most beautiful and largest in all of Europe. This architectural masterpiece is a must see, simply for its intricate carvings and and the glittering blue sea outside the stained glass windows.

Tromso Cathedral

If you’re visiting a Tromso on a Sunday, check out the world’s northern-most protestant cathedral, built in 1861, for some glorious local soprano music. Visitors are welcome to attend, and if you want to go for just the musical part of the service, that’s fine. You won’t be disappointed in the sounds of this Norwegian musical troupe.

Tromso Museum

The museum, located at the University of Tromso, is always a delightful place to spend a morning.  Here you can learn about the native people of Norway and Sweden and the Lapps (Sami people).  The museum also displays historical artifacts, architecture and artwork.  You can wander through the different rooms at your own pace, learning about the history of Tromso from ancient times up to today.  

If you’re worried about spending too much money while in Norway, check out some of the web information on sites catered to seniors on how to save money while traveling in Norway.