This museum is closed temporarily.

The Polstjerna and its collection

The Polstjerna
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The MS Polstjerna, a Norwegian seal hunting ship that was put into service in 1949, is now a museum ship. It belongs to the University Museum of Tromsø, also known as Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum. This historical vessel offers a unique insight into Norway's maritime past and the seal hunting industry.

Location of the MS Polstjerna

Since 2004, the MS Polstjerna has been displayed in a dry dock of a conservation building. This location is conveniently near the Polaria aquarium in Tromsø, making it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the area.

Exhibitions at the MS Polstjerna Museum

In addition to housing the MS Polstjerna, the building also features temporary and permanent exhibitions. One notable exhibition is SNOWHOW, which showcases the preparations for the polar expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. It also highlights the Norwegian polar know-how, or "snowhow", which is based on the knowledge of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, including the Inuits and Samis, and the Arctic environment of northern Norway.

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NOMS Polstjerna
FRMS Polstjerna

Science & Technology Science & Technology History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Maritime Ethnology

The Polstjerna
Hjalmar Johansens gate 10
9007 Tromsø

Visitor information The Polstjerna

Opening hours

Closed for the season. Visit website for more updates.

Admission

0 – 17Free
AdultsNOK 50.00
SeniorsNOK 25.00
StudentsFree

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of The Polstjerna.

Location & Map

Hjalmar Johansens gate 10, Tromsø

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in The Polstjerna have been found.

The Polstjerna Reviews

The Polstjerna has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Polstjerna, a museum ship located in Tromsø, Norway, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's maritime history. This restored fishing vessel, now serving as a floating museum, provides an authentic experience of life aboard a traditional Norwegian fishing boat.

    Visitors appreciate the well-preserved interior of the ship, which showcases the living and working conditions of fishermen from the early 20th century. The compact space is filled with original equipment, tools, and personal items, giving a realistic impression of the challenging life at sea.

    While many find the museum informative and interesting, some note that the experience is relatively brief and may not occupy more than an hour of your time. The lack of extensive written information in multiple languages is occasionally mentioned as a drawback, though this is somewhat mitigated by the visually rich exhibits.

    The museum's location in the harbor adds to its charm, offering nice views of the surrounding area. However, a few visitors mention that access can be a bit tricky, especially for those with mobility issues, due to the ship's authentic, narrow passageways and steep stairs.

    Overall, The Polstjerna provides a good introduction to Tromsø's fishing heritage and is generally considered worth a visit, particularly for those interested in maritime history or looking for a quick, educational stop during their time in Tromsø.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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