From the city streets to the brilliance of the wild — Nature is right at Tromsø’s doorstep…
A Guided Hike to Tromsø’s Mountain Top!
Earthling will guide you on an incredible backcountry route that is scenic and calm. And it begins right at the edge of the city!
Up
Earthling will guide you on an incredible backcountry route that is scenic and calm. It begins from the streets at the city’s edge and ends at the top of Fløya, a local mountain that overlooks the city, sea and mountains. Along the way your guide will share fascinating knowledge about life so high in the Arctic, local history, culture and the environment. There are good stories to tell!
With Earthling there are only small group sizes of four or less, so you get a more personal experience than on other tours. The Earthling route avoids the traffic of the often busy ‘sherpatrappa stairs’ that run alongside the cable cars going up and down. This special route offers a chance at seeing wildlife such as reindeer, foxes, ptarmigan, hares and eagles. Enjoy the sound of mountain streams and singing birds while taking in the fresh air. Observe the rare Arctic flora, but be careful to stick close to the hiking path! As we reach the peak you’ll even have a chance to pick wild blueberries! Since there’s no hurry you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and ask questions.
Top
At the peak we’ll take a well deserved break. You will be rewarded with a snack (for example, a sandwich) and a warm drink. Now is the time to take photos of the sweeping views of the city below, the fjords and the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget about the magnificent valley and the mountain, Tromsdalstinden, behind you!
Down
Next we’ll trek down to Fjellstua, a cafe where you can enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a tasty dish. If you wish to purchase a one-way ticket to take the cable car the rest of the way down, the Fjellheisen is right here! From here it is also possible to use the sherpatrappa stairs to go down. These include 1203 stone steps built by Nepalese mountain road workers from a remote region in Nepal near Mount Everest. Otherwise we’ll continue on down to where we started the hike. Otherwise, come on down, back to the starting point with your guide!
And so, congrats! You’ve now experienced the untamed Arctic wilderness and you’ve summited Fløya. It was wonderful that you could join!
The Experience
Need to know:
Included: Guide, Trekking poles, sandwich lunch with snack, and stunning views!
Duration: 3-5 hours.
Language: English
Meeting location: Fløyvegen bus stop in Tromsdalen (about a 30 min walk from city center). Use Svipper to find bus routes, times and for payment. It’s also easy to arrive by taxi or Uber.
Meeting time (10 min before departure): 10:50 am (Group departs at 11 am sharp)
Minimum age: Participants should be at least 8.
Number of participants: 1-4.
Season: 1. June - 31. October.
Level of difficulty: This hike takes us up in elevation about 600 meters (about 200 ft) to the summit over a 3.25 km distance (about 2 miles). There are portions with uneven, rocky terrain that can be slippery if wet.
This trek will be moderately difficult if you are relatively active and you have no relevant health conditions (e.g. breathing problems or joint pain in your leg). Previous experience on long, uphill hikes will be helpful. If you decide it is too difficult, it is possible, weather permitting, to detour at about the half-way point, to the cable car station and purchase a one-way ticket to descend to the base.
What to wear: Weather conditions in Tromsø can change rapidly so it’s advisable to bring extra layers for warmth and rain and wind protection. It is often windy at the treeless, rocky summit and there can be strong gusts. What starts out as a calm day can surprisingly lead to weather that requires extra layers. Proper footwear is also advisable. It’s best to wear shoes or boots that offer comfort and good traction on a hiking trail rather than those that look good on a city street! Sunblock and sunglasses are also a good idea.
Safety: In the unlikely event of an accident your guide is first-aid certified by the Red Cross. Cellular signal range includes the hiking area so emergency services can be contacted (dial 113) at any time.
Book a Guided Hike!
Weather or Safety Cancellations:
- Earthling may cancel a hike due to sickness, severe weather, poor trail conditions, or safety concerns.
- In such cases, you may choose a new date or receive a full refund.