Fjellheisen Cable Car in Tromsø

Cable Car Fjellheisen: The Best Views of Tromsø from Storsteinen

Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car for spectacular views of Tromsø. Discover ticket prices, opening hours, the Storsteinen viewpoint and useful visitor tips.

Fjellheisen Cable Car to Storsteinen

One of the most popular things to do in Tromsø is taking the Fjellheisen Cable Car, which takes you to the Storsteinen viewpoint at an altitude of 421 metres in just four minutes. From the mountain, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø, the surrounding fjords and snow-covered mountain peaks. In winter, it is also a popular place to see the Northern Lights, while in summer you can experience the Midnight Sun. The Fjellheisen Cable Car is located in the Tromsdalen district, across the water from Tromsø city centre. Operating since 1961, the cable car takes visitors up to the Storsteinen viewpoint, situated 421 metres above sea level. The cable cars travel a distance of 752 metres and reach the upper station in approximately four minutes.

Once at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, the Tromsø Bridge, the Arctic Cathedral and the surrounding islands. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the fjords and mountains of Northern Norway. On the other side of the mountain, you can admire the impressive Tromsdalstinden, which rises to 1,238 metres. Near the upper cable car station, you will find several viewpoints and the Fjellstua café, where you can enjoy a hot drink while taking in the panoramic scenery. The views are particularly beautiful at sunset and in the evening, when the lights of Tromsø illuminate the city below.

^{Fjellheisen Cable Car to Storsteinen}

^{Panoramic views from the Fjellheisen Cable Car}

Things to Do on Storsteinen Mountain

1. Enjoy the Panoramic Views

The main reason to visit Fjellheisen is the spectacular view over Tromsø. From the viewing platform on Storsteinen Mountain, you can admire the city stretching across the island of Tromsøya, surrounded by beautiful fjords and mountains. On a clear day, this is one of the best photography spots in Northern Norway.

2. Watch the Northern Lights

From September to April, you may be able to see the Northern Lights above Tromsø when the skies are clear and dark enough. Storsteinen is a popular place to watch the Aurora Borealis, thanks to its panoramic views of the surrounding area of Tromsø. However, sightings of the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. Light pollution from the city can also affect visibility. For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, organised tours to darker locations outside Tromsø are often a better option.

3. Experience the Midnight Sun

Visiting Tromsø in summer? From Storsteinen, you can experience the magical Midnight Sun. Between approximately 20 May and 22 July, the sun never sets in Tromsø. Watching the sun illuminate the city and surrounding fjords around midnight is an unforgettable experience.

4. Fjellstua Café

At the upper cable car station, you will find the Fjellstua Café. Here, you can warm up with a coffee, hot chocolate or something to eat while enjoying the panoramic views. Especially during the cold winter months, it is a lovely place to relax indoors and admire the scenery.

5. Hiking on Storsteinen Mountain

From the upper cable car station, you can explore several hiking trails across the mountain plateau. In summer, this is a beautiful area for walks with spectacular views of the fjords. Wear sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. In winter, the trails are often covered in snow and ice, making hiking potentially dangerous. Stick to safe viewpoints or consider a guided snowshoeing tour (more information). Below are the hiking routes signposted at the top of the mountain. Please note that the distances are one-way and the trails vary considerably in difficulty:

1. Sherpatrappa (1.3 km): A steep stone staircase with approximately 1,200 steps connecting the lower and upper Fjellheisen cable car stations. A challenging but rewarding way to hike up or down the mountain.
2. Steinbøhytta (1.2 km): A relatively short hike from Fjellstua towards Mount Fløya. About halfway up the mountain, a marked trail leads to Steinbøhytta, a distinctive stone mountain hut.
3. Fløya (1.8 km): A scenic hike to the summit of Mount Fløya, which rises to 671 metres above sea level. The trail initially heads south from Fjellstua before climbing towards the summit, passing the historic Steinbøhytta stone hut.
4. Bønntuva (3.4 km): A longer mountain hike from Fjellstua via Fløya to the 776-metre-high summit of Bønntuva. Along the way, you can enjoy impressive views of the Djupdalen Valley and the Rødryggen mountain ridge.
5. Kaldsletta (10.9 km): A long hiking route that passes Fløya and Bønntuva before descending into the Djupdalen Valley. The trail then follows the historic Kaldslettstien path towards Tromsdalen.
6. Rødkoreshytta / Svarthammaren (9.3 km): A varied mountain hike via Fløya and Bønntuva through the Djupdalen Valley. The route passes several mountain huts and beautiful alpine landscapes before descending towards Tromsdalen.
7. Tromsdalstinden (11.1 km): A challenging hike to the summit of Tromsdalstinden, which stands at 1,238 metres and is the highest mountain in the immediate vicinity of Tromsø. The route passes Fløya, Bønntuva and the Djupdalen Valley before continuing towards the summit, where spectacular views await on clear days.
8. Tromsdalen Power Line (8.5 km): A long hike through the mountainous landscape of Tromsdalen, particularly suitable for experienced hikers. The route is generally partly snow-free between June and October, although wet and snow-covered sections may remain, especially early in the season.

Where Is the Cable Car Located in Norway?