Polaria - a building with a lot of lights on it
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Polaria

4.1
·6k reviews·, Norway

Discover Arctic marine life and culture at Polaria, an iconic aquarium shaped like ice floes, featuring seals and immersive 3D films.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Seal feeding times

CrowdMedium
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Polaria - a building with a lot of lights on it

Polaria

Best Time

Daily, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM

Seal feeding times

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Arctic marine life and culture at Polaria, an iconic aquarium shaped like ice floes, featuring seals and immersive 3D films.

4.1
(6k reviews)

"A fabulous experience, full of information, awesome 3D movies, displays, tours and gift shop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Seal Feeding

Don't miss the seal feeding sessions! They happen 3 times daily. Arrive a bit early for a good spot. :seal:

🎟️ Family Ticket Value

Consider the family ticket for cost savings. It's a great deal for groups and offers good value for the experience. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal Feeding Frenzy

Seal Feeding Frenzy

Seal Tank

Witness the playful and intelligent seals during their feeding sessions – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Arctic Nature Cinema

Arctic Nature Cinema

Panoramic Cinema

Immerse yourself in stunning 3D films about the Arctic, Northern Lights, and Svalbard in a unique panoramic theater.

Interactive Exhibitions

Interactive Exhibitions

Exhibition Halls

Engage with fascinating displays and learn about Arctic marine life and environmental topics.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Polaria

Plan your visit to Polaria to catch the seal feeding sessions, which are a major highlight for many visitors. Arriving early or during off-peak hours can help you avoid crowds, especially during busy seasons. Consider checking their website for any ongoing renovations that might affect your experience.

Navigating Polaria and Tromsø

Polaria is easily accessible by public transport in Tromsø. Downloading a city bus app like 'Swipper' can be very helpful for navigating local routes. While Polaria itself is manageable, consider tours for other attractions like the Ice Domes, as independent travel can be time-consuming.

Best Times

When
Daily, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM
Why
Seal feeding times
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Four full days in Tromso in March without a car - looking for feedback on my itinerary

🎯 Catch the Seal Feeding

Don't miss the seal feeding sessions! They happen 3 times daily. Arrive a bit early for a good spot. :seal:

🎟️ Family Ticket Value

Consider the family ticket for cost savings. It's a great deal for groups and offers good value for the experience. :ticket:

🚌 Easy City Access

Polaria is easily reachable by city bus. Download a local transit app for seamless navigation around Tromsø. :bus:

🎬 Immersive Cinema

The panoramic cinema offers incredible 3D films. It's a must-do for a unique Arctic visual experience. :movie_camera:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Seal Feeding

Don't miss the seal feeding sessions! They happen 3 times daily. Arrive a bit early for a good spot. :seal:

🎟️ Family Ticket Value

Consider the family ticket for cost savings. It's a great deal for groups and offers good value for the experience. :ticket:

🚌 Easy City Access

Polaria is easily reachable by city bus. Download a local transit app for seamless navigation around Tromsø. :bus:

🎬 Immersive Cinema

The panoramic cinema offers incredible 3D films. It's a must-do for a unique Arctic visual experience. :movie_camera:

🛍️ Souvenir Treasures

The souvenir shop has a fantastic selection of gifts and keepsakes. Perfect for finding a memento of your trip. :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Polaria is a well-regarded Arctic aquarium and experience center in Tromsø, praised for its engaging seal shows, educational exhibits, and immersive 3D cinema. Visitors appreciate the unique architecture and friendly staff, making it a great family outing. However, some reviewers have expressed concerns about the size of animal enclosures and seating availability during peak times.

"The spaces where the animals are kept are too small. The seals look healthy and I'm sure they take great care of them but the tank they have is awfully small. They just swim around in circles and it was sad to witness that.
One staff was giving a talk about starfish, holding one out of the water (which I'm pretty sure shouldn't be done) kids were poking it and nothing was said.
The interactive exhibition is good and has a lot of good information. I just think animals deserve a better quality of life."

tlmstlmx

"A small aquarium in Tromso.
Worth to visit.

There is seal meet up section.
Very educational and happy moment.
Just that the seating area is small, not enough for the visitors. Thus, many of them need to stand.

There are different marine creatures to visit. Even can listen to whales voices.
There is a theatre too. Seal meet up is 3x daily.

There is a cafe on first floor.
Friendly staffs.
With toilet facility.
Easy to access."

Annie Chuie

"We absolutely loved it! A great place for the whole family. The seals were the highlight — graceful, clever, and fascinating to watch. The exhibitions are engaging and educational, offering insight into Arctic nature.
We stayed for about 2 hours, but we could have easily stayed longer. The family ticket cost 740 NOK (around €70), which is worth it. Parking cost 60 NOK for 2 hours.
The staff was friendly and helpful. The souvenir shop is excellent, with a wide selection of gifts and keepsakes. Highly recommend, especially for families with kids!"

Daria Buianova

What People Like

Engaging seal feeding
Educational exhibits
Unique architecture

What People Dislike

Small animal tanks
Limited seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Polaria is conveniently located in the city center of Tromsø and is easily accessible by foot from most hotels. You can also take a local city bus; downloading a transit app like 'Swipper' is recommended for easy navigation and ticket purchase. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near Polaria. One reviewer mentioned paying 60 NOK for 2 hours of parking. Reddit

Absolutely! Polaria is a short and pleasant walk from the main city center of Tromsø, making it easy to incorporate into your exploration of the town. :walking:

Several city bus routes stop near Polaria. It's best to check the local Tromsø public transport schedule or use a transit app for the most up-to-date route information based on your starting point. :bus:

Yes, you can reach Polaria by rental car. There is parking available nearby, though it is a paid service. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but a family ticket was mentioned at 740 NOK (around €70) by one visitor. It's advisable to check the official Polaria website for the most current pricing and potential discounts. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets directly at Polaria. One reviewer noted that the family ticket option was not easily found online but was available for purchase at the venue. Reddit

Polaria offers family tickets, which are a good value for groups. It's always a good idea to inquire about any other group or special discounts when purchasing your tickets. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Polaria website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit. :clock:

While advance booking might not always be necessary, especially during off-peak times, it can be a good idea during peak tourist seasons to secure your entry and avoid potential queues. :ticket:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Polaria features an Arctic aquarium with marine life, a panoramic cinema showing 3D films about the Arctic, and interactive exhibitions. The highlight for many is the seal feeding sessions. Reddit

The seals have feeding sessions three times a day: at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Arriving a little before these times is recommended to get a good viewing spot. Reddit

Yes, Polaria is very family-friendly. The interactive exhibits and the seal feeding are particularly engaging for children, making it a great educational and fun outing. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours at Polaria, but you could easily extend your stay if you wish to rewatch films or spend more time at the exhibits. Reddit

Polaria often hosts talks and presentations, such as one about starfish mentioned by a visitor. Check their schedule upon arrival or on their website for any daily events. :microphone:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located on the first floor of Polaria that offers refreshments and snacks. It's a convenient spot to relax during your visit. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light snacks, coffee, and other beverages. It's a good place for a quick bite or a warm drink. :coffee:

Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance of Polaria, offering a wide range of dining options. :forkandknife:

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to consume outside food in designated areas or outside the attraction itself. The cafe provides a convenient option for refreshments. :sandwich:

Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon your visit for current offerings. :leafy_green:

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Polaria, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas, especially near exhibits. :camerawithflash:

The seal feeding sessions, the unique architecture of the building, and the panoramic cinema screen (if permitted) offer great photo opportunities. The marine life in the tanks can also make for interesting shots. :seal: :camerawithflash:

Photography is typically not permitted during movie screenings in cinemas to avoid disturbing other viewers and for copyright reasons. :noentrysign:

Flash photography can sometimes disturb animals and other visitors. It's best to avoid using flash, especially when photographing the marine life, unless explicitly permitted. :camerawithflash:

The lighting inside Polaria can be consistent due to its indoor nature. However, the seal feeding times often provide the most dynamic and engaging moments for photography. :seal: :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Polaria is an excellent destination for families. The seal feeding sessions are a guaranteed hit with children, offering a chance to see these charismatic animals up close. The interactive exhibitions are designed to be engaging and educational, making learning fun for younger visitors. Reddit

Consider purchasing a family ticket for better value. The panoramic cinema also offers captivating 3D films that can entertain children, provided they can sit through the movie. The cafe on-site is convenient for snacks and drinks, making it easy to manage a visit with little ones. Reddit

💡 Budget Travelers

While Tromsø can be an expensive city, Polaria offers a relatively affordable way to experience Arctic marine life and culture. Look into purchasing a family ticket if you are traveling with a group, as this often provides the best value. Reddit

Polaria is easily accessible by public transport, so consider using city buses instead of taxis or rental cars to save on transportation costs. Reddit Pack some snacks or plan for a light meal at the cafe to manage food expenses, or explore nearby eateries for more budget-friendly options. :moneybag:

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Polaria offers unique photographic opportunities, from the striking ice floe architecture of the building itself to the marine life within the tanks. The seal feeding sessions are particularly dynamic and rewarding for capturing action shots. InstagramReddit

Be mindful of lighting conditions inside and avoid using flash where it might disturb the animals or other visitors. The panoramic cinema might offer unique visual perspectives, though photography during screenings is usually prohibited. [^noentrysign:] The souvenir shop also provides opportunities for interesting product shots. :camerawithflash:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Architecture of Polaria

Polaria's building is an architectural marvel, designed to resemble ice floes drifting ashore. This distinctive shape not only makes it a landmark in Tromsø but also reflects its Arctic theme. The structure is a key part of the visitor experience, setting a unique tone from the moment you arrive. TikTok

The design is both functional and symbolic, housing the aquarium, cinema, and exhibition spaces within its curved walls. This innovative approach to museum architecture ensures that the building itself is an attraction, offering a memorable visual experience that complements the marine life and educational content within. The striking visual of the ice floes is a popular subject for photos. Instagram

Arctic Marine Life Encounters

Polaria offers a glimpse into the diverse marine ecosystems of the Arctic. Visitors can observe various species of fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures in carefully designed habitats. While some reviewers have noted concerns about tank sizes for certain animals, the focus is on educating the public about Arctic biodiversity and conservation. Reddit

The seal feeding sessions are a major draw, providing an opportunity to see these intelligent animals up close and learn about their behavior from the staff. These interactive moments are often described as educational and heartwarming, making them a highlight for families. Reddit Listening to whale sounds is another unique sensory experience offered at Polaria. Reddit

Immersive Arctic Cinema Experience

The panoramic cinema at Polaria is a standout feature, offering visitors an immersive 3D cinematic journey through the Arctic. The films typically cover topics like the Northern Lights, the wildlife of Svalbard, and the general beauty of the polar regions. This is a fantastic way to experience the vastness and wonder of the Arctic without leaving Tromsø. TikTok

Reviewers consistently praise the quality and visual impact of these films. They provide a captivating and educational supplement to the aquarium exhibits, offering a broader perspective on the Arctic environment and its challenges. The 3D effects are particularly noted for their realism. Instagram