What To See In Tromso's Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Summer
Tromsø is the 'Gateway to the Arctic,' and when I learned it also hosts the world's northernmost botanical garden, which is free to enter, I decided I had to visit.
It's not every day you get to encounter an Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, and as someone who loves visiting gardens during my travels around the world, I didn't want to miss my chance. I was interested in identifying which plants could survive and thrive in Northern Norway's severe winter conditions, then bloom again in spring and summer.
In this post, I have selected a small set of my photographs to highlight the garden's design and the plants and flowers you will see in summer, from May to October. I enjoyed my visit and found Tromso's botanical garden a beautiful and tranquil place to spend a few hours.
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What to see in the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden
The botanical garden is divided into twenty-seven collections, from native to international arctic and alpine plants and herbs. A unique feature is the Norwegian Traditional Garden, which features over 600 plants relocated from historic gardens in Northern Norway.
Stroll around the garden's rockery and see the arctic succulents, sit amongst the alpine flower beds, and step across ponds and bridges to find hidden spots to relax with your thoughts. It is a lovely place to visit, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains (even in summer).
Pops of blue from the wooden bridge to the flowers make a lovely contrast. My favourite flower was the vivid blue "Himalayan" poppy (Meconopsis baileyi), and I was pleased to find that I could buy seeds in the UK to plant in my garden.
How long do you need to spend at the Arctic-Alpine Garden
Located on the grounds of Tromsø University, the botanical garden isn't huge - you can easily wander around in an hour - but it is worth a trip when you visit Tromsø in summer.
After seeing the plants, stay for a coffee and a light bite at the heritage Hansine Hansen's café and listen to the birdsong filling the air.
The cafe is open from June to mid-August from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Getting to Tromso's Botanic Garden
Address: Stakkevollvegen 200, 9019 Tromsø.
The garden is easy to reach and open 24 hours a day. If you visit in summer, as I did, you can see the gardens late into the evening and experience them in the glow of the midnight sun!
You can hop on bus number 34 from the centre of Tromso (Smørtorget) to the Arctic-Alpine Garden (Borgtunvegen), and then it's a few minutes' walk, or you can take a 10-minute taxi drive. If you want to walk from the Tromso centre, it will take approximately 45 minutes.
If you have your car with you, paid parking is available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., after which it is free.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.