The Science Centre of Northern Norway (Nordnorsk vitensenter) is an interactive science centre and planetarium located at Hansine Hansens veg 17 on the UiT Arctic University of Norway campus in Tromsø, approximately 2.5 km south of the city centre. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, parking, accessibility and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
Last updated: April 2026. Critically, the interactive exhibitions close at 16:00 even on days when the planetarium runs until 18:00 — a scheduling detail that is frequently missing from third-party guides and directly affects visit planning.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Standard hours (most of year) | Daily 11:00–16:00 |
| Summer hours (20 Jun–17 Aug) | Daily 10:00–17:00 |
| Planetarium shows | Until 18:00 Wed–Sun (exhibitions still close at 16:00) |
| Closed | 1 Jan, 17 May, 24 Dec, 25 Dec, 26 Dec, 31 Dec |
| Address | Hansine Hansens veg 17, 9019 Tromsø, Norway |
| Adult ticket | 150 NOK (includes exhibitions and all planetarium shows that day) |
| Child ticket (3+) | 80 NOK |
| Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) | 395 NOK |
| Nearest bus routes | 20, 21, 22, 27, 32, 34, 36, 43 (UiT campus) |
| Parking | UiT campus car park (25 NOK/hour, free evenings and weekends) |
| Typical visit length | 2–3 hours |
Science Centre of Northern Norway opening hours
The Science Centre is open daily from 11:00 to 16:00 throughout most of the year. During summer — from 20 June to 17 August — opening hours extend to 10:00–17:00 daily.
The planetarium runs shows beyond standard closing time on certain days: Wednesday to Sunday, planetarium shows continue until 18:00, while the interactive exhibitions remain closed after 16:00. Visitors who wish to see a planetarium show and explore the exhibitions should plan to arrive during standard opening hours and stay for an evening show, rather than arriving late.
The Science Centre is closed on 1 January, 17 May, 24 December, 25 December, 26 December and 31 December. It is open during Easter.
Five great things to do in Tromso
- 🌌 Head out in search of the Northern Lights – on a guided tour with bonfire, dinner and winter suits.
- 🚤 Combine an Arctic fjord cruise – with wildlife-watching and a guided fishing experience.
- 🐋 Go silent whale-watching – in a hybrid electric boat.
- 🦌 On a Sami culture tour – feed reindeer and go reindeer-sledding.
- 📸 Take a fjord photographic tour – to Sommaroy with a professional photographer.
Science Centre of Northern Norway ticket prices
A single admission ticket covers both the interactive exhibitions and all planetarium shows on that day. There is no separate charge for planetarium shows; one ticket grants access to everything running during your visit.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 150 NOK |
| Senior | 135 NOK |
| Student | 90 NOK |
| Child (3 years and older) | 80 NOK |
| Child (under 3) | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | 395 NOK |
| Additional children (family ticket) | 75 NOK each |
Annual passes are available and valid for one year from the date of purchase. Child annual pass: 450 NOK. Adult annual pass: 550 NOK. The Mæ og dæ pass (one child with one optional adult): 900 NOK.
For group bookings of 10 or more, special events or after-hours bookings, contact the centre at [email protected].
The Science Centre of Northern Norway is included in the Tromsø Pass Classic (1,306 NOK adult, 2026 price), available from the Tourist Information Centre at Storgata 83 and Tromsø Harbour Prostneset. This pass also covers the Polar Museum, the Arctic University Museum of Norway, Polaria, the Cable Car (Fjellheisen) and the Arctic Cathedral. The Tromsø Pass Culture (1,964 NOK adult) and Tromsø Pass Family (1,405 NOK adult) also include this attraction. Note that Fjellheisen is closed for maintenance until at least 31 May 2026, and the pass is sold at a reduced price during this period.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website (nordnorsk.vitensenter.no) and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to the Science Centre of Northern Norway
The Science Centre is located on the UiT Arctic University campus, approximately 2.5 km south of Tromsø city centre. It is a 40-minute walk from the centre along low-traffic roads, but most visitors arrive by bus.
By bus — Multiple routes serve the UiT campus. The most direct from the city centre are Bus 20 (stopping at Universitetet), Bus 21 and Bus 34. Several other routes — 22, 27, 32, 36 and 43 — also stop on campus. From the airport, take Bus 42 to Giæverbukta and change to Bus 22 or 34. Use the journey planner at svipper.no to find current departure times; search for Universitetet or UiT as the destination. Bus tickets cannot be purchased at the Science Centre.
On foot or by bike — The walk from the city centre takes approximately 40 minutes along pedestrian and cycle routes. A bicycle rack is available at the entrance.
Parking at the Science Centre of Northern Norway
Visitor parking is available on the UiT campus surrounding the Science Centre. Between 07:00 and 17:00 on weekdays, parking costs 25 NOK per hour, payable via the Tromsø parking mobile app or by cash. Outside these hours and at weekends, parking is free. During evenings and weekends, visitors may also use parking spaces normally reserved for students and employees. A cycle rack is available at the entrance.
How long to spend at the Science Centre of Northern Norway
Most visitors spend two to three hours at the Science Centre. This allows time to work through the interactive exhibitions across all floors and attend one or more planetarium shows. Families with younger children who engage thoroughly with the hands-on exhibits may find three hours or more passes quickly.
The centre is generally quieter on weekday mornings. Weekend afternoons — particularly Saturdays when cruise ships are in port — tend to be busier. Arriving at opening time on a weekday gives the most comfortable experience of the exhibits.
Accessibility at the Science Centre of Northern Norway
The Science Centre is wheelchair accessible throughout the building. Because some interactive exhibits require physical manipulation, the degree to which wheelchair users can engage with individual installations may vary. The centre recommends contacting them in advance by phone (+47 77 62 09 45) or email ([email protected]) to discuss specific requirements and receive tailored advice before visiting.
Small children under three are welcome but are expected to be supervised by a parent or carer at all times. Not all exhibits are suitable for very young children; staff at the reception can advise on which sections work best for different age groups.
Inside the Science Centre of Northern Norway: what to see
Body and Brain (1st floor) — An interactive section focused on human biology and cognition. Visitors can test their balance, hand steadiness, memory and agility through physical challenges and games. Several installations allow visitors to compete against each other, and the section is well suited to older children and teenagers.
Energy and Environment in the North (1st floor) — A themed section covering renewable energy, including solar, wind and water power. Visitors can manipulate installations that demonstrate how energy is generated and transferred, including a track for ping-pong balls and an air cannon used to manoeuvre a larger ball. The section addresses climate and environmental themes in a practical, applied format.
Climate and Weather (2nd floor) — Covering weather phenomena relevant to the High North — snow, ice crystals, wind and Arctic climate systems. Visitors can explore how snow accumulates around structures, how ice crystals form, and interact with climate simulations and ocean carbon cycle models.
The Sky Above (4th floor, planetarium lobby) — The upper section of the centre focuses on space, astronomy and the Northern Lights, with installations covering the Earth’s magnetic field, sunlight and the seasons. This floor contains the entrance to the Northern Lights Planetarium.
Northern Lights Planetarium — Norway’s first public planetarium and currently its largest, with seating for 95 under a 12.2-metre dome. The current main programme is Extreme Auroras, a full-dome show covering the science, history and mythology of the aurora borealis. The show runs daily in English; German and Norwegian language screenings also run on specific days. On Saturdays and Sundays a second “Today’s Show” (typically in Norwegian) runs at 13:00 and is usually suited to younger audiences. All planetarium shows are included in the standard admission ticket.
Planetarium show schedule (regular programme):
| Day | Shows |
|---|---|
| Monday – Tuesday | 14:00 Extreme Auroras (English) |
| Wednesday – Friday | 14:00 (English), 15:00 (German), 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 (English) |
| Saturday – Sunday | 12:00 (Norwegian or English), 13:00 Today’s Show, 14:00, 15:00 (German), 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 (English) |
Check the planetarium schedule on the official site before your visit, as the programme is updated regularly and individual shows can sell out.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| One ticket covers everything | Standard admission includes both the interactive exhibitions and all planetarium shows on the day of your visit. There is no need to budget separately for planetarium shows or choose between them. |
| Exhibitions close at 16:00 — even on planetarium evenings | On Wednesday to Sunday, the planetarium runs shows until 18:00 but the interactive exhibitions close at 16:00. Visitors who want to do both should plan to arrive at 11:00 and stay for an early evening show, rather than arriving at 15:00 expecting to see the full centre. |
| Check the planetarium schedule before you go | The Extreme Auroras show is the current main programme but the schedule changes. Individual shows can sell out, particularly on weekends and during summer. Check and book at nordnorsk.vitensenter.no/en/planetariet/program. |
| Food and drink | The centre has a small café serving coffee, ice cream, muffins and soft drinks. It is not a full cafeteria. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, and additional dining options are available in the cafeteria and restaurants elsewhere on the UiT campus. |
| Parking is free in the evenings and at weekends | If visiting for a weekend planetarium show, campus parking is free; on weekday evenings parking is also free after 17:00. This makes an evening planetarium visit on a Wednesday or Thursday a lower-cost option. |
Frequently asked questions about the Science Centre of Northern Norway
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Science Centre of Northern Norway suitable for children? | Yes. The entire exhibition is interactive and hands-on. Children under three enter free but must be supervised at all times; some exhibits are not suitable for very young children. The Saturday and Sunday 13:00 planetarium show (Today’s Show) is typically aimed at younger audiences. |
| Are planetarium shows included in the ticket price? | Yes. A standard admission ticket covers both the interactive exhibitions and all planetarium shows running on that day. There is no separate charge for any show. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Science Centre of Northern Norway? | Standard admission does not require advance booking; pay on arrival at reception. Individual planetarium shows can sell out, particularly at weekends and in summer; checking the schedule in advance is recommended. |
| Is the Science Centre of Northern Norway open on Sundays? | Yes, from 11:00 to 16:00 (standard season) or 10:00 to 17:00 (summer). The planetarium runs additional shows until 18:00 on Sundays. The centre is closed on specific public holidays listed above. |
| Is the Science Centre of Northern Norway wheelchair accessible? | The building is wheelchair accessible throughout. Some interactive exhibits may not be fully usable depending on the visitor’s level of mobility. The centre recommends calling or emailing in advance to discuss specific needs. |
Things to do near the Science Centre of Northern Norway
The Arctic University Museum of Norway — On the same UiT campus, approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from the Science Centre. A natural history and cultural museum covering Arctic geology, Sámi culture, Viking artefacts and Northern Lights research.
UiT Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden — Located on the same campus, this is one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, with free entry year-round. The garden contains plants from the world’s mountain and Arctic zones; peak flowering season runs from late May to August.
Telegrafbukta beach — Tromsø’s main city beach, approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from the Science Centre. A flat walk along the waterfront with views towards the mainland mountains. Popular with locals in summer.
The Polar Museum — In central Tromsø, approximately 15–20 minutes by bus from the UiT campus. Covers Arctic exploration and trapping history including the expeditions of Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen.
Polaria — The world’s northernmost aquarium, on the Tromsø waterfront approximately 15 minutes by bus from campus. Includes live Arctic seals, a fish aquarium and a panoramic cinema.
What to visit next: similar attractions within the region
Comparable interactive science centres with planetariums are relatively rare in northern Norway. The following are the most practical options for visitors who want a similar experience.
Science Centre of Northern Norway, Alta — A smaller branch of the same institution, located in Alta approximately two and a half hours east of Tromsø by car or 30–40 minutes by domestic flight. Suitable for visitors continuing east into Finnmark.
Tromsø Zoo and Arctic Wildlife Park, Balsfjord — Approximately 40 minutes south of Tromsø by car. While not a science centre, it offers a complementary Arctic nature experience with live Arctic animals including wolves, wolverines, lynx and reindeer.
Nordland Science Centre (Vitensenter Bodø), Bodø — An interactive science centre in Bodø, reachable by a short domestic flight from Tromsø or a full day’s drive south. Bodø is also the gateway to the Lofoten Islands.
WaterPower Laboratory, NTNU, Trondheim — One of Norway’s most prominent science and technology venues, located in Trondheim. Reachable by domestic flight; better suited to an itinerary that combines Tromsø with central or southern Norway.
Svalbard Science Centre, Longyearbyen, Svalbard — On Svalbard, reachable by a 45-minute domestic flight from Tromsø. The Svalbard Science Centre houses the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and includes exhibition content on Arctic research, climate science and the environment in a genuinely High Arctic setting.
