See Tromsø by cable car with Fjellheisen
If doting on mesmerising landscapes is up your alley, then the Fjellheisen cable car in Tromsø is the attraction for you. Gaze down upon the Christmas town scene where multicoloured houses pepper snow-swept scenery in the Arctic winter. Hike to the top for spectacular views across the mountainous terrain under the Midnight Sun. And be awed by the ethereal beauty of the northern lights, all from this brilliant vantage point.
I found myself in Tromsø on a weekend of heavy snowfall, the kind that almost broke a 100-year record. In early November daylight hours are short, often shaded in golden tones from an everlong sunset. On a Sunday afternoon, I decided to seize the opportunity to view Tromsø from above with a break in the weather.
The break was short-lived before I was swept up in fat, fluffy flurries of snow. Layering onto the already 3-inch deep frozen snowbed, I began to doubt whether I’d see anything when I reached the top of Tromsø’s cable car. But, perseverance paid off and once I rode the gondola up the mountainside to Storsteinen, I knew the decision was the right one.
Fingers frozen and cheeks rosy, I trudged on through the snow-laden landscape to explore. The clouds parted for a time, soaking everything in shades of pink and amber. Snowflakes picked up by the wind glittered under the afternoon sun. It was only 2pm, but it felt more like dinnertime.
Down below, the scene played out like something from the cover of a Christmas card. Roofs were painted white with the day’s fresh dumping of snow while the brightly painted panelled exteriors broke through the whiteout landscape. Across the fjord, Tromsø harbour was a buzz of locals going about their business, ships passing through with a fresh catch or local sea safaris returning from a day on the water.
In the other direction, Tromsdalstinden towered some 1200m above sea level, disappearing into the cloak of darkness as the sun dipped behind the horizon for the long hours of the polar night. With scenes like these, it’s easy to see why Fjellheisen is one of Tromsø’s most-loved attractions.
Here’s everything you need to know about Fjellheisen to make the most of your time there, however long you choose to linger.
What is Fjellheisen?
Fjellheisen is the cable car in Tromsø that has been operating since it opened in 1961. Taking passengers from Solliveien in Tromsdalen up 421m above sea level to the mountain ledge Storsteinen for more than 60 years, the gondolas still bear reference to the founders of the tramway, calling the two cable cars Seal and Polar Bear. No, they weren’t polar animals, they were a shipping company that were key players in polar fishing and expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Fjellheisen is one of the most popular things to do in Tromsø, rightly so due to the panoramic views available from the large terrace. From this sensational vantage point, you can marvel at endless views of mountains, fjords, the sea, and the northernmost city in Norway below.
How to visit Fjellheisen
In winter you will need to take the scenic tramway on a return journey as snow-covered hillsides mean it’s not possible to hike to the top. However, if you’re visiting in the summer months, usually from June - September, you can hike one way and take the cable car for the return trip.
There are two cable cars that operate every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. During busy periods the cable car will run more frequently as needed. Carrying between 18-25 passengers on a standard journey, the cable car takes just 4 minutes each way as you rise above the city below.
Is Fjellheisen in Tromsø worth visiting?
In a word, yes. I braved blizzard-like conditions to reach the top and the view was worth every minute. So in better weather it will be undoubtedly one of the best things you will do while here. I visited in early November when days are short and spending just a few hours watching the light change across the landscape was superb.
If you visit from early afternoon during the Arctic winter, you can linger for a few hours and watch the light completely transform the view from daylight through golden hour, blue hour, and eventually nightfall. I did this and was at the top from approximately 1pm-3:30pm and you can see the change in the view from the photos in this post. I recommend doing this if you have time.
How much does the Tromsø cable car cost?
You can choose a single or return journey on the cable car, though it’s more economical to purchase a return ticket. You will need to purchase a return ticket in winter as snowfall means it is not possible to hike.
Round trip
Adults 345 NOK | Children (3-15 years) 170 NOK | Family (2 + 2) 700 NOK | Student 290 NOK
One way
Adults 225 NOK | Children (3-15 years) 115 NOK | Family (2 + 2) 460 NOK | Student 190 NOK
What are Fjellheisen’s opening hours?
Fjellheisen is open daily from 10am-midnight so you can easily enjoy the spectacular views across the fjord and mountainscapes of the region. The Fjellstua Cafe at the top is open from 10am-11:30pm daily and the kitchen operates from 11am-10pm if you fancy a bite to eat or something to drink while visiting.
Does Fjellheisen offer disability access?
Yes, the cable car is designed for accessibility with a ramp at the lower station and a wheelchair lift at the upper station. Visitors who require assistance will need to visit with a companion.
Can you see the northern lights from Fjellheisen?
Yes! Fjellheisen is a wonderful place to watch the northern lights when in Tromsø. While you will be slightly hindered by light pollution from the city below, it is certainly still possible to take in the sights here.
Tromsø is located inside the Arctic Circle, situated in what is known as the “Northern Lights Belt”, which makes it a prime viewing location for the aurora borealis. The northern lights can generally be viewed between September and April and the best time is usually between 8pm-2am. You will need clear, cloudless skies to see the lights, and they aren’t guaranteed to show every night - it’s just when nature works her magic.
If you’d prefer to head to darker skies, this small group tour is a great option where you can let the experts guide you to chase the northern lights.
RECOMMENDED | HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
How to get to Fjellheisen
If you’re based in downtown Tromsø, there are a few options to reach the lower cable car station.
On foot
If you’re walking, it takes around 45 minutes to reach the lower station. Head across Tromsø bridge and follow the road to Turistvegen which runs beside the Arctic Cathedral. Take a right onto Anton Jakobsens vei and from there it will be a 5-minute walk to the cable car.
By Bus
The no.26 will take around 15 minutes from outside Peppes Pizza in Sjøgata. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machine at the bus stop or use the “Mobillett” app. You can find the bus timetable here.
By car
If you’re driving, the journey will be around 10 minutes from downtown Tromsø. Take the Tromsø bridge across the other side of the fjord and follow the road to Turistvegen which runs beside the Arctic Cathedral. Turn right onto Anton Jakobsens vei, follow until you reach the cable car. If you take a taxi, the fare will cost approximately 150-250 NOK from downtown.
