This museum is closed temporarily.
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.
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.
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.
Science & Technology History & Anthropology Maritime Ethnology
#3 History & Anthropology in Tromsø #2 Science & Technology in Tromsø #2 Ethnology museums in Tromsø #72 History & Anthropology in Norway #29 Science & Technology in Norway #14 Ethnology museums in Norway #15 Maritime museums in Norway #130 History & Anthropology in Scandinavia #56 Science & Technology in Scandinavia #19 Ethnology museums in Scandinavia #16 Maritime museums in Scandinavia #118 Ethnology museums in Europe #92 Maritime museums in Europe
No exhibitions in The Polstjerna have been found.
The Polstjerna has 1 rating.
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.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
Discover museums near The Polstjerna in or around Tromsø.