Nordnorsk vitensenter
Science centre on the university campus in Tromsø with an interactive exhibition and the Nordlysplanetariet, Norway's largest planetarium.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Nordnorsk vitensenter is a popular science learning and experience centre on the university grounds in Tromsø, with a department in Alta. The centre aims to make natural science and technology accessible to children, young people and adults through an interactive exhibition where visitors can try things out and experiment for themselves, and through activities, courses and school programmes.
One of the highlights is the Nordlysplanetariet, Norway's largest planetarium. The dome has a diameter of 12.2 metres, and the auditorium seats 95 people. An aurora film is shown daily, and at weekends and during holidays other films are also shown; in autumn 2021 the planetarium was upgraded with new digital projectors. The building itself is owned by the university but is used only by the science centre. The centre also has a mobile planetarium that can be taken to schools and to the Alta department.
The science centre also arranges an experiment club, a coding club, evening labs for young people, children's birthday parties and competitions such as First Lego League, and receives schools and kindergartens by arrangement.
Highlights
- Nordlysplanetariet, Norway's largest planetarium, with a dome 12.2 metres across
- Interactive exhibition for all ages
- Daily aurora film in the planetarium
- Mobile planetarium for schools
- Coding club, experiment club and evening labs
Permanent exhibition
- Interaktiv utstilling og Nordlysplanetariet – Interactive science centre exhibition and shows in the Nordlysplanetariet, with a daily aurora film.
- Operated by
- Nordnorsk vitensenter
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 150 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | NOK 135Seniors |
| Children & teens | NOK 80free up to age 2 · Children from age 3. |
| Seniors | NOK 135Seniors (honnør) |
| Students & apprentices | NOK 90 |
| Groups (10+ people) | NOK 60 per personKindergartens and schools (primary and upper secondary) after advance booking: NOK 60 per child or pupil. Groups of 10 or more should contact bestilling@nordnorsk.vitensenter.no. |
| Families | NOK 395Two adults and three children; NOK 75 for each additional child. |
| Annual pass, child | NOK 450 |
| Annual pass, adult | NOK 550 |
| Mæ og dæ card (child and optional adult) | NOK 900 |
The ticket gives access to the interactive exhibition and to announced activities and shows in the planetarium on the same day. Tickets are bought at reception on arrival. Annual passes are valid for one year and cover standard admission only. The aurora show “Extreme Auroras” has its own ticket, which also gives admission to the exhibition during opening hours.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | NOK 395 · Two adults and three children; NOK 75 for each additional child. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Interactive exhibition for children and families, children's birthday parties, experiment club, coding club and evening labs for young people.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
There are good bus connections to the university area.
By car
Parking available
The science centre is on the university grounds, with the entrance from Hansine Hansens veg, right opposite the administration building on campus. From the city centre it takes about 40 minutes to walk.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Corporate events and children's birthday parties can be booked; group and evening visits are arranged on request at bestilling@nordnorsk.vitensenter.no.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The planetarium has an auditorium for 95 people. Schools and kindergartens book teaching programmes in advance. |
