Fløya Sherpa Steps
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Fløya Sherpa Steps

4.7
·602 reviews·Tromsø, Norway

Ascend 1203 stone steps for breathtaking panoramic views of Tromsø, a rewarding hike and a budget-friendly alternative to the cable car.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Fløya Sherpa Steps

Fløya Sherpa Steps

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend 1203 stone steps for breathtaking panoramic views of Tromsø, a rewarding hike and a budget-friendly alternative to the cable car.

4.7
(602 reviews)

"Beats 55 EUR gondola ride every time! The view is great, even if the sun is not shining."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Good Grip Shoes

The steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Good traction is essential for a safe and comfortable climb.

🦟 Bring Mosquito Repellent

Summer months can bring flying insects. A good repellent will make your ascent much more pleasant.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 602 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 1203 Sherpa Steps

The 1203 Sherpa Steps

Base of Fløya

A meticulously crafted stone staircase offering a challenging yet rewarding ascent to breathtaking panoramic views.

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Top of Fløya

Unobstructed vistas of Tromsø, surrounding fjords, and mountains – a photographer's dream, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Summit Cafe Refreshments

Summit Cafe Refreshments

At the top of the steps

A welcome spot for a treat after your climb, offering drinks, snacks, and even vegan brownies.

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Planning Your Visit

Conquer the Steps: Stamina is Key

With exactly 1203 steps, the Fløya Sherpa Steps are a rewarding challenge. While manageable for most, bring good grip shoes and be prepared for a steady climb. Consider it a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the cable car for reaching the summit views.

Beat the Crowds & Summer Bugs

To enjoy the stunning views without the hustle, aim for early mornings, especially during summer. This also helps avoid the flying insects that can be prevalent in warmer months. Parking can also be tricky, so arriving early is a smart move.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sherpas in Norway
@distant.elephant
136K likes • 1.6M views

👟 Wear Good Grip Shoes

The steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Good traction is essential for a safe and comfortable climb. Reddit

🦟 Bring Mosquito Repellent

Summer months can bring flying insects. A good repellent will make your ascent much more pleasant. Reddit

@ann 🏔️🥾🏕️ how is this possible 😭🤍🇳🇴 📍 Tromsø, Norway 🏔️ 340 meters elevation gain 🚶🏻‍♀️ 3.5 km #norway #lofoten #sunrise #solotravel #femalesolotraveler #beautifuldestinations #bucketlistadventures #granolatok #winterhiking #sunrisehike #sunsetlover #snowypeaks #winterwonderland #moon #pastelsky #alpenglow #tromso
@annxhope
11.7K likes • 100.9K views
reddit.com

If you visit Tromsø and want to walk the sherpa stairs..

Please use proper outfit and spikes.

⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Parking is also easier to find earlier in the day. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

While there are benches, carrying water is a good idea for the steady climb. Reddit

reddit.com

Sherpatrappa conditions

So short update on the current state of sherpatrappa for anyone imterested, which I decided to hike this night because of the weather forecast for the next week, and I wanted to do at least something with the clear skies. It's not a trappa anymore, it's a slide. It was kinda…

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Good Grip Shoes

The steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Good traction is essential for a safe and comfortable climb. Reddit

🦟 Bring Mosquito Repellent

Summer months can bring flying insects. A good repellent will make your ascent much more pleasant. Reddit

⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Parking is also easier to find earlier in the day. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

While there are benches, carrying water is a good idea for the steady climb. Reddit

💰 Cable Car Alternative

The steps offer a fantastic, budget-friendly way to reach the summit compared to the expensive cable car. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(602 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Fløya Sherpa Steps as a fantastic, free alternative to the expensive cable car, offering rewarding exercise and breathtaking panoramic views of Tromsø. The well-maintained steps and available benches make the climb manageable, though good grip shoes and summer insect repellent are recommended. Some find the summit cafe a bit pricey.

"Easy hike, 1203 steps and you're up. Beats 55 EUR gondola ride every time! The view is great, even if the sun is not shining."

Roman Oblak

"Wonderful steps to the top. Around 1300 steps (that are marked with remaining steps every 100 steps). It's not an easy hike, you need some stamina and good working legs to do the hike. You could also buy an gondola up and walk back down e.g."

Michael Johler

"A really well made tour. The difficulty is easy-medium, time is about 1 hour up, 1 hour down (for intermediate hikers), with exactly 1203 stairs (every 100th stair is numbered for perfect indication of progress). There is also a fair bit of climbing to the initial starting point (first stair) which is a bit more steep and slippery, and a very little climb & walk to the viewpoint after the last stair. The view is gorgeous and definitely worth it! There are many stops, every 100-200 stairs or so, with benches to sit on. I recommend using mosquito repellent during the summer though, there are quite a bit of flying insects. Also recommend using shoes with good grip. The cable car takes you to the exact same viewpoint, however it is NOT operational at the moment (probably under maintenance, but prices seem expensive with 300kr per person up, then another 300kr down, or even just one of them)."

Erik Fekete

What People Like

Free access
Stunning summit views
Well-maintained steps

What People Dislike

Expensive cafe
Summer insects

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead is located near Tromsø. Many visitors drive and park nearby, though parking can be limited. Public transport options are also available, with buses stopping within walking distance of the trailhead. TikTok

Yes, there is parking, but it can be challenging to find, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended. Some visitors suggest parking further away and walking to the trailhead. Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Tromsø and can take you directly to the trailhead. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or worry about parking. TikTok

Yes, local buses in Tromsø serve the area near the trailhead. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes and times. TikTok

The starting point is clearly marked and is the beginning of the 1203 stone steps. There's a short, steeper climb to reach the initial stair. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Fløya Sherpa Steps is free. It's a public hiking trail, making it a great budget-friendly activity. Reddit

The steps are accessible 24/7, as it's an outdoor trail. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best views. TikTok

There is no entrance fee to hike the Fløya Sherpa Steps. It's a free public amenity. Reddit

Yes, a cable car also goes to the same viewpoint. However, it is often significantly more expensive than hiking the steps. Reddit

No booking is required. You can simply show up and start your hike whenever you wish. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

For intermediate hikers, it typically takes about 40-50 minutes to ascend, with a similar time to descend. This can vary based on fitness level and how many breaks you take. Reddit

The difficulty is generally considered easy to medium. The 1203 steps require stamina, but the well-maintained path makes it manageable for most. Reddit

Yes, there are benches located every few hundred steps, providing opportunities to rest and enjoy the changing scenery. Reddit

The summit offers gorgeous panoramic views of Tromsø city, the surrounding fjords, and the majestic mountains. It's a popular spot for photography. TikTokReddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, the cafe at the top likely has restroom facilities available for patrons. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a cafe at the summit offering various food options, including drinks, snacks, and baked goods like vegan brownies. Reddit

Prices at the cafe can be a bit high, with items like tea costing around 55kr. It's a convenient option, but be prepared for tourist pricing. Reddit

You are welcome to bring your own snacks and water. This is a good way to save money and ensure you have what you need for the hike. Reddit

Yes, the cafe at the top is known to offer vegan brownies, which is a nice option for those with dietary preferences. Reddit

The cafe offers a range of beverages, including tea, coffee, and other refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. TikTok

The entire summit area provides incredible vantage points. Look for clearings and elevated spots to get unobstructed shots of the city and fjords. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos during your ascent, but be mindful of other hikers and ensure you have stable footing. The numbered steps offer unique photo opportunities. Reddit

Weather can change quickly in Tromsø. Be prepared for sun, clouds, or even mist, all of which can create dramatic photographic opportunities. TikTok

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