The Sherpa Stairs, also known as Sherpatrappa, is a stone hiking trail consisting of approximately 1,203 steps leading up Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Norway. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for planning an ascent.
Updated April 2026: As of this month, the Fjellheisen cable car (located at the top of the stairs) has closed for a significant maintenance and reconstruction period, with a planned reopening in June. Hikers should be aware that the café and toilet facilities at the upper station may have limited availability or adjusted hours during this construction phase.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Information | Details |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily (Daylight recommended) |
| Ticket prices | Free of charge |
| Address | Fløyvegen, 9020 Tromsdalen |
| Nearest transport | Bus stop: Fjellheisen (Route 26) |
| Time needed | 45 to 90 minutes (one way) |
Sherpa Stairs opening hours
The Sherpa Stairs are an outdoor public trail and are officially open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are no gates or entry restrictions, allowing visitors to use the stairs for midnight sun hikes in summer or aurora viewing in winter.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact the visit:
- Winter and Spring (November – May): The stairs are frequently covered in thick ice and snow. Crampons or spiked footwear are essential for safety during these months.
- Summer (June – August): The stairs are clear of snow and are popular for midnight sun excursions.
- Avalanche Risk: During periods of heavy snowfall or rapid thaws, parts of the trail may be subject to avalanche warnings; visitors should check local weather advisories before starting.
Sherpa Stairs ticket prices
There is no admission fee to hike the Sherpa Stairs. The trail is free to use for all individuals and groups, and no advance booking is required.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
While the hike itself is free, the Sherpa Stairs are often combined with a descent via the Fjellheisen cable car (when operational). The cable car is included in the Tromsø Pass (Culture and Classic editions). Other attractions included in these schemes are:
- The Arctic Cathedral
- The Polar Museum
- Polaria Aquarium
- Tromsø Museum (University Museum)
How to get to the Sherpa Stairs
The Sherpa Stairs start in the Tromsdalen suburb on the mainland, approximately 2.5 kilometres from Tromsø city centre. Visitors can walk across the Tromsø Bridge in about 30 to 40 minutes or take a 10-minute bus ride.
To reach the trailhead via public transport, take bus route 26 from the city centre (Sjøgata or Fredrik Langes gate) and disembark at the Fjellheisen stop. From the bus stop, follow the signs for “Sherpatrappa” or “Fjellheisen,” which lead a short distance uphill to the start of the stone steps at Fløyvegen.
Parking at the Sherpa Stairs
Parking at the immediate base of the Sherpa Stairs and the Fjellheisen lower station is currently unavailable due to ongoing construction and reconstruction projects in the area. Visitors arriving by car are directed to use alternative designated parking areas in Tromsdalen.
A temporary parking area is located at Solstrandvegen 30, which is approximately a 5-to-10-minute walk from the trailhead. Visitors should follow local signage for current parking regulations to avoid fines, as residential streets in the immediate vicinity are restricted to permit holders.
How long to spend at the Sherpa Stairs
The time required to climb the Sherpa Stairs varies by fitness level, but most visitors reach the upper plateau in 45 to 60 minutes. A round trip on foot typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, excluding time spent at the summit.
If you plan to continue hiking toward the peak of Mount Fløya (671m) or spend time at the viewing platforms, you should allow for 3 hours in total. During the current cable car maintenance period, visitors must factor in the return walk down the stairs or via the alternate mountain trail, as the gondola is not available for descent.
Accessibility at the Sherpa Stairs
The Sherpa Stairs are not accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, or individuals with significant mobility impairments. The trail consists of over 1,200 uneven stone steps with a total elevation gain of approximately 400 metres.
There are no handrails along the majority of the route, though several stone “resting benches” are integrated into the staircase design. For those unable to climb the stairs, the view from the base of the mountain is accessible via paved roads in Tromsdalen, but the summit remains inaccessible while the cable car is undergoing reconstruction.
Inside / what to see at the Sherpa Stairs
The Sherpa Stairs are an outdoor architectural and engineering feat, constructed from local granite by Nepalese Sherpas to prevent erosion and provide a stable path for hikers. The trail begins in a wooded area and ascends steeply up the western face of Mount Storsteinen.
The primary highlight of the climb is the series of numbered steps. Many of the stones have their sequence number carved into them, allowing hikers to track their progress toward the total of 1,203 steps.
As the trail gains elevation, the forest clears to provide panoramic views of the Tromsø strait. From the mid-point and upper sections, visitors can see the Tromsø Bridge, the Arctic Cathedral, and the neighbouring island of Kvaløya.
At the summit plateau, there are stone viewing platforms and several bonfire areas designed for public use. These areas offer 360-degree views of the surrounding Arctic landscape and the Lyngen Alps in the distance.
The path is also a gateway to the wider mountain plateau. Once at the top of the stairs, the terrain levels out into a network of alpine trails that lead further into the Tromsdalen valley or toward higher peaks like Fløya and Bønntuva.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice |
| Timing | Start your climb in the morning to avoid the afternoon sun and the busiest periods for local exercisers. |
| Crowds | Expect the steps to be busy during weekends and cruise ship dockings, as this is Tromsø’s most popular hike. |
| Layout | The steps are wide enough for passing, but it is standard etiquette to yield to those climbing upward. |
| Entry process | Simply walk to the start at Fløyvegen; no registration or check-in is required for this public trail. |
| Logistics | Carry water and windproof layers, as temperatures and wind speeds are significantly higher at the summit. |
Frequently asked questions about the Sherpa Stairs
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Sherpa Stairs suitable for children? | Yes, the stairs are suitable for active children, though the steep sections require supervision. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Sherpa Stairs? | No, the trail is a public path and is free to access at any time without a ticket. |
| Is the Sherpa Stairs open on Sundays? | Yes, the stairs remain open 24 hours a day, including Sundays and public holidays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Sherpa Stairs? | Yes, hikers typically carry daypacks, but there are no storage facilities at the base of the trail. |
Things to do near the Sherpa Stairs
- Fjellheisen Cable Car: The lower station is located adjacent to the stairs; it provides an alternative way to the summit (check for reopening dates in 2026).
- The Arctic Cathedral: A landmark church located within a 15-minute walk of the Sherpa Stairs trailhead.
- Tromsdalen Valley (Tromsdalstinden trail): A valley floor trail that offers easier, flat walking paths leading toward the base of the higher mountains.
- Tromsø Bridge: A pedestrian-friendly bridge that offers a scenic walk back to the city centre from the mainland.
- Polaria Aquarium: Located across the bridge on the main island, this is an Arctic-themed aquarium with seals and educational films.
What to visit tomorrow
- Mount Fløya: A higher peak accessible by continuing the hike past the top of the Sherpa Stairs for more expansive views.
- Bønntuva: A nearby mountain summit reachable via a well-marked trail from the upper cable car plateau.
- Kjølen (Kvaløya): A popular hiking peak on the neighbouring island, offering a similar level of challenge with coastal views.
- Brosmetinden: A shorter, scenic mountain hike on Kvaløya that provides views of the open ocean and dramatic cliffs.
- Rødtinden: A suburban mountain hike on the south of Tromsø island that is popular for its accessibility and views of the Malangen fjord.
