Modern melting pot and innovation centre in the North

Far above the Arctic Circle, at nearly 70º North, lies Tromsø, capital city of Northern Norway and host city for the world's northernmost university. Nansen, Amundsen, Nobile and Andrée set out from here on their polar expeditions, and hence the city's nickname, "the Gateway to the Arctic". Even this far north, we reap benefits of the Gulf Stream, which gives us mild winters and ice-free ports.

Tromsø is easily reached by travellers. It only takes 90 minutes by plane from Oslo, the same time it takes to travel further to Spitzbergen. There are 12 daily direct flights to and from Oslo, and the airport is a scant 10-minute drive from the city centre.

Tromsø has a population of almost 61,000 and is among the fastest growing cities in Norway. It is a centre of education, research and culture in the north, and its inhabitants are among the best educated in the country. The extensive cultural life in the city includes theatre, a symphony orchestra, art museum, an Arctic adventure centre, and a wide range of festivals. The local brewery is the world's northernmost, as is an 18-hole golf course. Tromsø is one of Norway's leading conference cities; national and international conferences characterise the cityscape, as do people from 110 different countries. It is known for its energetic night- and daylife, with a high number of restaurants, pubs and cafés.

Today, Tromsø stands out as an international leading centre of fishery- and polar-related activities, satellite communications, and telemedicine as one of the new, attractive growth areas. The city is also a national and international competence- and business development centre for the northern regions, and was recently chosen as the national centre for cod breeding.

New technology makes it possible to exploit the large deposits of oil and gas registered off the coast of Northern Norway all the way to the Russian border. Tromsø will definitely play an important role in this context in the future.

Development of a satellite-based surveillance system for the Arctic waters is important for protecting the environment and preventing pollution and accidents. These efforts will be of great importance for trade and industry.

Tromsø harbour is an important juncture for goods transport, reloading and building up of sea-related activities associated with utilisation of the great natural resources. A comprehensive service-, competence- and harbour environment will be important for transport of petroleum, fish, metals and other goods along the Norwegian coast from Russia - and, in the future, also to and from Asia along the Northeast Passage.

Tromsø plans to develop its role as a fishing industry centre by creating an international fishing port. A major advantage is the town's function as a central hub for international transport and logistics, with the airport close to the centre.

The University of Tromsø is the largest research- and educational institution in Northern Scandinavia. Key elements include research on the northern lights, space research, marine biology, multicultural societies, Sami culture, community medicine, and general research on Arctic topics.

The Norwegian Polar Institute and The Polar Environmental Centre contribute greatly towards strengthening Tromsø as an international centre for Arctic research.

Tromsø Science Park Ltd and The NORUT Group are vital links between Northern Norwegian business activities and the university. Positive results show how research in the university environment has stimulated growth and innovation in the northern regions of the country.

With all the opportunities and challenges we have here, Northern Norway - with Tromsø at the lead - is perhaps the region in Northern Europe with the greatest business development potential in the years to come.

Tromsø kommune
Postmottak
Rådhuset
9299 Tromsø
Norway

Tel: 77 60 40 00
Fax: 77 60 40 99
E-mail: postmottak@tromso.kommune.no
Website: www.tromso.kommune.no

 

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