Storsteinen

The viewpoint

Storsteinen is the accessible mountain shelf above Tromsdalen, facing Tromsø across the strait. Its height and open position make the city’s geography easy to read: Tromsøya lies below and west, with the bridge, water and mountain ranges spreading beyond it.

The main outdoor viewpoint is beside the upper cable-car station. Start there before moving on; visibility and light can change quickly in Arctic weather. Fjellstua, the café at the upper station, serves hot drinks, cakes and warm food when open.

Reach the top

The practical route is Fjellheisen from Solliveien 12 in Tromsdalen. The ride to Storsteinen takes about four minutes and services normally run on the hour and half-hour. From central Tromsø, take bus 26 to the Fjellheisen stop, walk about 45 minutes, or use a taxi.

There is currently construction at the cable-car site. Access note: the cable car is not wheelchair accessible during the reconstruction period, scheduled to last through 2027. Parking for private and rental cars is also unavailable at the lower station.

Walk up via Sherpatrappa

For an active approach, take the Sherpa Stairs from Fløyvegen in Tromsdalen. More than 1,200 stone steps climb to the Storsteinen plateau; allow 40–60 minutes uphill. The route was built with local stone by Sherpas from Nepal’s Khumbu region and includes benches and small viewpoints.

This is a steep hike, not a shortcut for casual footwear. Use sturdy shoes with grip and carry water. In summer, keep right where possible and let faster walkers pass.

Winter warning: do not use the stairs when they are snow- or ice-covered. The steep steps become extremely slippery and can be buried. Take the cable car instead, or hike only with suitable experience and equipment.

Choose the light

From 20 May to 22 July, Tromsø has midnight sun, making late-evening time on the plateau practical for walking and photography. In the darker months, Storsteinen is a useful elevated place to look for northern lights, provided the sky is clear; aurora is never guaranteed.

Mountain temperatures and wind can be markedly harsher than in central Tromsø. Bring a windproof outer layer even for a short visit, and insulated layers, hat and gloves in winter. If walking after dark, use a proper head torch rather than a phone light.

Extend the visit

Storsteinen is also a trailhead. In snow-free conditions, paths continue up toward Fløya and into the higher terrain. Stay within your ability, use the marked routes, and allow enough time to return to the upper station before the last descent.

For a short visit, ride up, take in the outdoor panorama, then use Fjellstua as a warm break before descending. Allow extra time on busy winter evenings, when the queue for the return cable car can be longer than the ride itself.