Fløya Sherpa Steps - Wooden steps lead up through a lush forest.
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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 - Wooden steps lead up through a lush forest.

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

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

⏰ 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

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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Fløya Sherpa Steps can be a fun adventure for families, provided children have decent stamina. The 1203 steps offer a clear goal, and the numbered markers can make it a game to see how far you've come. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, and utilize the benches for breaks. The cafe at the top offers treats, which can be a great motivator for younger hikers. Reddit Consider the age and fitness of your children; it might be a challenging but rewarding experience for older kids. For very young children, the cable car might be a more practical option, though significantly more expensive. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Fløya Sherpa Steps are an absolute win for budget travelers. Hiking the steps is completely free, offering incredible value compared to the costly cable car alternative. Reddit Pack your own water and snacks to save money on the summit cafe, which can be pricey. Reddit This activity provides stunning views and a great workout without breaking the bank, making it a top choice for experiencing Tromsø's natural beauty affordably. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Fløya Sherpa Steps and summit are a dream. The well-maintained steps provide unique leading lines for dramatic shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTokReddit The panoramic views from the top are spectacular, capturing the city, fjords, and mountains in a single frame. TikTok Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add to the dramatic appeal of your photos. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sherpa Legacy

The Fløya Sherpa Steps are a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of Sherpa communities. For over 20 years, Sherpas have been coming to Norway to reconstruct and maintain hiking trails. These trails, often made of heavy stones, are built and carried uphill at severe inclines, a task perfectly suited to their expertise. TikTok This unique collaboration not only preserves Norway's natural beauty but also showcases a remarkable cultural exchange. The 1203 steps are a tangible result of this enduring partnership. Reddit

The construction of these steps is a significant undertaking, requiring immense physical effort and meticulous planning. The result is a durable and aesthetically pleasing trail that enhances the hiking experience for countless visitors. It's a fascinating intersection of tradition, hard work, and modern tourism infrastructure. TikTok

Hiking for All Levels

The Fløya Sherpa Steps are designed to be accessible, though they do require a moderate level of fitness. With 1203 steps and a total distance of about 1.5 km for the ascent, it's a solid workout. Reddit The steps are well-maintained and vary in size, but the consistent incline means you'll be working your legs and lungs. Many visitors find the climb manageable, especially with the benches available every few hundred steps for breaks. Reddit

While the steps themselves are the main feature, the journey to the very top viewpoint might involve a little extra walking and climbing after the last stair. Reddit For those seeking an even greater challenge, the Fløya summit is also a starting point for longer hikes to Bønntuva and Tromsdalstinden, though these require significant stamina. Reddit The overall experience is considered a rewarding hike for most, offering a great sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. TikTok

Maximizing Your Summit Experience

Reaching the top of Fløya via the Sherpa Steps offers more than just a physical achievement; it provides access to stunning panoramic views and amenities. The summit boasts a cafe where you can refuel with drinks, snacks, and even vegan brownies after your climb. Reddit While prices can be a bit steep, it's a convenient option for a post-hike treat. The views from the top are consistently praised, offering breathtaking vistas of Tromsø and the surrounding natural beauty, making it a prime spot for photography. TikTokReddit

To truly enhance your visit, consider the timing. Early mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying a more serene experience, and parking is also less of an issue. Reddit The golden hour light during sunrise or sunset creates magical photographic opportunities. TikTok Remember to wear appropriate footwear with good grip, as the steps can be slippery, and bring mosquito repellent during the summer months to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ascent and descent. Reddit

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