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How to get to Tromso Fjellheisen Cable Car

Quick overview

Fjellheisen, also known as the Tromso Cable Car, is in Tromsdalen on the mainland side of Tromso. It takes you up to the Storsteinen viewpoint, where you can enjoy views over the city and surrounding landscape. From central Tromso, you can get there by public bus, taxi, car, on foot, or a seasonal shuttle. The lower station is about 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes on foot from central Tromso. In winter, the timing of your visit can matter more than the distance, as evening crowds, weather, and queues for the ride down can affect your experience.

Where is Tromso Fjellheisen Cable Car located?

Location details

  • Location: The lower station sits in Tromsdalen, across Tromsobrua from central Tromso.
  • Address: Solliveien 12, 9020 Tromsdalen, Norway.
  • Shuttle pickup: Shuttle-included option starts at Tourist Shop Tromsø Harbour, 2 Kirkegata, Tromso, No
  • Distance from Tromso city center: Approximately 2 km (1.2 miles).
  • Time taken from Tromso city center: ~10 minutes by car or taxi.
  • Access: By foot, bus, or car. Shuttle services are available seasonally.
  • Recommended ticket: Tromso Fjellheisen cable car round-trip tickets

Tromso city center to Tromso Cable Car: Time & distance

  • Distance: Approximately 2 km (1.2 miles).
  • By bus: Take bus 26 from Torgsenteret to the 'Fjellheisen' stop.
  • By car: About 10 minutes without stops.
  • By foot: Approximately a 45-minute walk.
  • By shuttle: ~20 minutes on the seasonal shuttle service.

Each option offers a unique way to experience Tromso, catering to different preferences and timelines.

Why choose Fjellheisen round-trip tickets + shuttle bus transfer

  • Easy transport: Travel from the shuttle pickup point to Fjellheisen without arranging a separate taxi, bus, or parking.
  • Less planning: The shuttle takes you to the cable car, so you can focus on enjoying your visit instead of figuring out the route.
  • Convenient in winter: A shuttle can be especially useful after dark or when construction affects access and parking around the lower station.
  • A simple option for first-time visitors: Combine transport and the cable car in one booking for a more straightforward visit.

By walking

Walking to Fjellheisen from Tromso city center offers a scenic route across the iconic Tromso Bridge. As you make your way into Tromsdalen, you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding landscape, making the walk part of the experience.

  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
  • Route: Start in the city center, cross Tromso Bridge, and follow Turistveien. Turn right onto Anton Jakobsens vei and continue to the lower station.
  • Best for: Exploring on foot in mild weather.
  • Tips: Wear suitable footwear, especially in winter, as paths can be icy and exposed to wind.

By bus

Bus route

Taking the bus is a budget-friendly way to reach Fjellheisen from Tromso city center:

  • Route: Board bus 26 at Torgsenteret and get off at the 'Fjellheisen' stop.
  • Duration: Approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Economical, with updated fare details available on the Svipper app.
  • Best for: Budget travelers staying in central Tromso.
  • Tips: Check live schedules, especially in winter, as weather conditions and demand can affect journey times.

By taxi or self-drive

Driving is one of the quickest ways to reach Fjellheisen, with the journey from Tromsø city center usually taking about 10 minutes in normal conditions.

  • Duration: ~10 minutes from central Tromsø.
  • Cost: Rental and fuel; temporary parking is free.
  • Best for: Travellers with a car, couples, or groups.
  • Cons: No lower-station parking, winter driving can be challenging, and the temporary parking area requires a short walk.

By shuttle transfer

Opting for a shuttle transfer is one of the most convenient ways to reach the Fjellheisen Cable Car. You don’t have to worry about bus routes, parking, or arranging a separate taxi, making it a simple choice if you’re travelling from central Tromso.

  • Duration: About 20 minutes from the city center to the lower station.
  • Availability: Shuttle transfers are available as part of selected tickets.
  • Departure point: Typically starts from the Tourist Shop at Tromso Harbour.
  • Best for: Visitors looking for a hassle-free way to reach Fjellheisen without worrying about transport logistics.
  • Note: Check the shuttle dates and departure times when booking, as availability can vary by season.

Compare your options

ModeDurationCostBest forKey notes

Walking

~45 min

Free

Active travellers and scenic walks

Cross Tromsøbrua and continue into Tromsdalen

Public bus

~15–20 min

Budget-friendly

Budget-conscious travelers staying in central Tromso

Take bus 26 from Torgsenteret to 'Fjellheisen'

Taxi/self-drive

~10 min

Taxi: NOK 150–250; self-drive varies

Travelers seeking the fastest, most flexible option

Lower-station parking is unavailable during construction

Shuttle transfer

~20 min

Included with selected tickets

Visitors who want the easiest, most convenient option

Check ticket availability and shuttle schedules.

Train

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Tromso has no rail option for this route

Exploring the top of Fjellheisen

  • At the top: The Storsteinen area is compact enough to explore on foot. You can easily walk between the outdoor viewpoint and Fjellstua Café without needing extra transport.
  • Café as a weather break: Fjellstua Café is a useful place to warm up, but don’t expect it to always be quiet or spacious. During busy winter evenings, it can become another bottleneck.
  • Walking onward: If you want more than a quick viewpoint stop, you can continue along the upper-area trails towards Fløya. This works best in stable weather and with suitable footwear.
  • Sherpatrappa: The stone stair route is a proper walking route, not a casual shortcut. In winter, official guidance recommends good footwear and spikes, and parts of the route are in an avalanche area.
  • Descent strategy: If timing matters, don’t linger too long after the main light window. The queue for the ride down can take longer than the ride up.

Things to do at Storsteinen

Storsteinen viewpoint over Tromsø
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Storsteinen viewpoint

Step out at the top for Fjellheisen’s main payoff: wide views over Tromso, the bridges, surrounding water, and the mountain backdrop.

Fjellstua café

Warm up indoors with a drink or meal while still staying close to the view. It’s especially useful in winter when conditions change quickly.

Short plateau walk

Take a brief walk around the upper area to spread out from the main platform and enjoy slightly different angles over the city and fjord.

Floya trail continuation

Use the cable car as a shortcut into the mountain. This is the best add-on if you want your visit to feel like more than a photo stop.

Winter blue-hour viewing

Visit during Tromso’s winter light transitions for the strongest atmosphere. Just remember that the same dramatic timing usually brings the biggest queues.

Midnight sun or late-evening views

In the brighter season, Fjellheisen works well for a relaxed late-day outing when you want high views without a demanding uphill climb.

Handy tips 

  • Best time: For a less stressful visit, go outside the busiest winter sunset or blue-hour period, when return queues tend to build up fastest.
  • Booking tip: Buying your ticket in advance can save you time at the ticket counter, but it does not guarantee faster boarding.
  • Seasonal note: Weather can cause closures, and winter walking routes require spikes and extra caution.
  • Transport tip: If you’re driving, head straight to the temporary free parking area at Solstrandvegen 30.
  • Planning tip: In winter, leave plenty of time between Fjellheisen and any other timed tour.
  • Access note: Wheelchair access and access for visitors who rely on walkers are currently unavailable through 2027, according to the latest reconstruction information.

Frequently asked questions about the Fjellheisen Cable Car

Walking is the cheapest option when conditions are good. Public bus 26 is the most affordable motorized option, but fares can vary, so check the latest price before you travel.