TROMSO: 3 great attractions for families with autistic kids (Arctic circle)
- sunshinelayla
- Sep 9
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 16
Many people choose to visit Tromso for a couple of days as part of a dream visit to the Arctic Circle.
Widely known as the capital of the arctic, Tromso is a gateway to many incredible experiences for families with autistic kids, such as the northern lights & dog sledding in Winter and kayaking in the midnight sun during summer.
With only 1 day to explore, read on to discover where we went and why we all enjoyed it so much.
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LAKE MJOSA, NORWAY: A 5-night Travel Guide for Families with Autistic Children
Visiting the Arctic Circle with autistic kids
We visited the arctic circle for 6 nights as part of a trip that started with 5 nights on the shores of Lake Mjosa (an hour north of Oslo). After extensive research, and keen to spend as much time in nature as possible, we decided to base ourselves on the stunningly beautiful island of Sommaroy, and visit Tromso on a day trip half way during our stay.
We planned our day trip to Tromso mid-week through our stay on Sommaroy, and thought carefully about how we would spend our time. Our autistic children do not normally have the physical and mental stamina of non-autistic kids, so our itineraries have to be quite pared back, with plenty of space for sensory activities to help them stay regulated and able to enjoy the things we do actually do. Read on to discover where we went and why we all enjoyed it so much.
3 great ideas for a TROMSO day trip in the ARCTIC CIRCLE - (Leaving from Sommaroy)
Although Sommaroy is only around 1hr and 15minutes from Tromso airport, we planned an early start to make the most of the day, and were on the road by 8:30am. We planned to visit the Fjellheisen Cable Car, Polaria and the Alpine Garden.
1. Fjellheisen Cable Car
Our first stop of the day was Tromso's famous Fjellheisen Cable Car - which I first saw in a final episode of Race Across the World and had wanted to visit ever since!
GETTING THERE AND PARKING AT FJELLHEISEN
The route across Tromsoya island after we crossed the bridge from Kvaloya was reasonably straightforward, with the added benefit that it took us past the iconic peaks of Tromso's Arctic Cathedral. An unlikely looking road took us to the car park for the Cable Car and we were able to pay by app. As of July 2025 the car park was temporarily closed for maintenance and an alternative was being provided. I recommend checking on the Fjellheisen website for up to date information and the best options for using public transport.
THE CABLE CAR EXPERIENCE FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
The cable car takes visitors from the lower station, Solliveien, to the upper station, called Fjellstua. Fjellstua is the gateway to Mt Floya and many other activities and hiking trails. The cable car runs approximately every 30 minutes, with more rides put on during peak periods. We found it was straightforward buying tickets from the kiosk, and didn't have any problems.
Unfortunately the cable car ride itself was over far too quickly for the boys - it climbs 370m in just 4 minutes. They both adore cable cars and funiculars, and it was all we could do to stop them turning around and waiting to go straight back down again! We all enjoyed the amazing views and it was great fun being able to look down and wave to the brave souls who were walking up / down the mountain using the stone steps (Sherpasteppen) - it looked brilliant fun but too physically demanding for us.
AT THE TOP OF FJELLHEISEN
At the top of the cable car is large viewing deck with a glass wall at the end. While I don't have a fear of heights I sometimes get hit by a wave of vertigo - which happened when I saw the boys run up and lean their whole bodies against the glass and stare down! The views across Tromso were spectacular but I couldnt relax and enjoy it until J had taken the boys out and onto the mountain!
On the mountainside there was a rather bleak looking playground although our youngest wasn't a bit put off and enjoyed going up and down the slide.
If you want to explore further afield there are a number of paths you can take. for more information please visit
THE FJELLSTUA CAFE
At the time of our visit there was a cafe - Fjellstua - open at the top of the Fjellheisen Cable Car. It had sweeping, panoramic views of Tromso and the surrounding mountains. It was still mid-morning when we got to the top so it was not yet busy and very easy to get one of the fabulous tables by the window. It was a very enjoyable place to enjoy our quick snack, even if our youngest did keep running around! The cakes were delicious so it wasnt all bad!
The opening times are 9am - 11:30pm however there are plans for refurbishment - so it is a good idea to check the website for up to date information.
2. Mt Floya Mountain walk, TROMSO
The cable car takes you to a viewing point, called Fjellstua, on Mt Floya, and this is a great starting point for an alpine walk.
We visited towards the end of August and found that it was very cool at the top. We had packed coats, hats and scarves so this didn't both us, but I would stress that even in the summer months warm weather clothing is highly recommended!
SOMMERS CAIRN
We walked as far as the boys little legs would take them, knowing we would need to retrace our steps - rather than loop around on a circular walk. We made it uphill to Sommers Cairn - a half a mile - before we decided to call it a day. J was overtaken by a mild bout of summit fever but even he could see that the boys were done, and there was no way they would make it all the way to the top! The walk to Sommers Cairn was still great fun. It took us along a rocky path with loose pebbles and some up and down sections which involved a little fun clambering and the to the sides of the path the landscape was dotted with lovely alpine plants and pretty flowers.
At this point we were about 500m above sea level - having gained around 80m during the walk - it had become very windy and we could see the rain starting to roll in, it was definitely time to go back down.
We all absolutely loved our morning visit to Mt Floya and the Fjellheisen Cable Car and would absolutely recommend it to other autistic families.
3. Polaria Aquarium
The Polaria Aquarium bills itself as a 'unique arctic experience centre' in Tromso, and we were impressed by what we found. It was bigger than we expected and had a great range of arctic themed hands on exhibits for the boys to enjoy - topics included arctic animals, ice flows and arctic weather patterns.
SEAL FEEDING
There was a small aquarium with plenty of marine life and we spent quite a bit of time watching the different sea creatures, however the star attraction of the day was the seal feeding and play training session. It is held three times a day and we had arrived just in time for the 12:30 feed. The seals looked like they were really enjoying themselves, and it was a great opportunity to view a species that is exclusive to arctic waters. The boys (and us) were captivated by the seals and the way they interacted with the trainers.
After the show we had our picnic lunch, which the staff were happy for us to eat in the gallery areas usually reserved for school groups. This was light, airy and quiet and the perfect place for the boys to calm down and reset after the excitement of the seals.
ARCTIC FILMS
Inside Polaria is a panoramic movie theatre which shows a rotating list of arctic themed films. These are short and accessible to those with limited attention span. The boys happily sat through the show about the northern lights, and our eldest was clearly captivated by what he saw - as he asked many questions about it on the way home!
We probably spent about 2 hours or so in Polaria and in the end had to prise the boys away so we could walk into town. We would definitely recommend this museum for families with autistic kids.
CLOSE TO THE CENTRE OF TROMSO
From Polaria it is an easy stroll into Tromso, and we enjoyed walking along the path by the harbour and looking at the big merchant ships. By the time we got to the shops it was raining quite hard and the boys were getting tired so after a quick trip into a supermarket (and vinmonopoli!) we cut short our tour of the city and headed back to Polaria where we had parked the car.
Please note we visited during the construction phase of the new Polaria, which I believe has now been finished and was due to open to the public summer 2025. For more information visit the Polaria website.
4. Arctic Alpine Botanic Garden Tromso
Our last stop for the day was Tromso's Alpine Garden, which is open 24 hours a day. As a keen gardener I was really looking forward to viewing its collection of rare plants and flowers from the arctic and other mountainous regions in the world. So you can imagine my disappointment when, by the time we got there it was raining so hard the boys refused to get out of the car!
I did venture in myself, but unfortunately it was just not meant to be, and conscious of two little ones waiting in the car I had to content myself with a quick stroll before heading back. Although I didnt get to experience the full beauty of the garden it comes highly recommended and I would encourage to consider including it on your itinerary and hoping for more sun than we got!
FINAL COMMENTS
Although the weather was against us in the afternoon, we all had a brilliant day in Tromso, and would definitely go back again. The cable car ride was a great way to see the incredible mountains, and explore the landscape. The seal feeding was a real highlight and we all loved the rest of the museum exhibits.
The boys even said they would be happy to do the exact same day, although I know J and I would be keen to try the Alpine Garden again, and even add in a few new activities!
