The 31th EU-US TTF Workshop will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø, centrally located on the waterfront in the heart of the city.
Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is a vibrant northern Norwegian city surrounded by dramatic mountains, islands and fjords. Located nearly 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the city combines spectacular Arctic nature with a lively cultural scene, excellent restaurants and a welcoming, walkable city centre.
Tromsø is an ideal setting for a conference: compact enough to explore on foot, yet filled with experiences that make a visit memorable. From the historic waterfront and colourful wooden houses to panoramic mountain views and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, the city offers a truly distinctive backdrop for both professional exchange and social activities.
The conference will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø, centrally located on the waterfront in the heart of the city. The hotel is within easy walking distance of Tromsø’s main attractions, restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural venues.
With views towards the harbour, Tromsø Bridge and the surrounding mountains, the Radisson Blu provides a convenient and comfortable base for conference participants. Its modern meeting facilities, accommodation, restaurant and central location make it well suited for both conference sessions and informal networking.
The airport is approximately 10–15 minutes away by taxi or airport bus, while most of the city centre can be reached on foot from the hotel.
Tromsø has long been an important meeting place in the north. The area has been home to Sámi people for thousands of years, and Sámi culture remains an essential part of the region’s identity today.
The town developed into a significant trading centre during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Its strategic location made it a hub for Arctic hunting, fishing, exploration and expeditions, earning Tromsø the nickname “Paris of the North.” In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many polar expeditions departed from or passed through Tromsø on their way to the Arctic.
Today, Tromsø is a modern university city and an international centre for Arctic research, technology, culture and tourism. Its strong connection to the sea, the Arctic environment and Indigenous Sámi heritage continues to shape the city.
Participants may wish to extend their stay or make time before or after the conference to discover some of Tromsø’s highlights:
Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen): One of Tromsø’s best-known landmarks, recognised for its striking modern architecture and impressive stained-glass façade.
Fjellheisen Cable Car: Take the cable car up Mount Storsteinen for sweeping views of Tromsø, the surrounding islands, fjords and mountains.
Polar Museum: Learn about Tromsø’s role in Arctic hunting, expeditions and polar exploration.
Polaria: An Arctic experience centre featuring exhibitions on the region’s wildlife, climate and marine environment.
The historic city centre: Explore charming wooden buildings, independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants along the harbour and in the city’s pedestrian streets.
Northern Norway Art Museum: Discover Norwegian and international art, including works connected to northern landscapes and cultures.
Sámi cultural experiences: Learn more about Sámi traditions, storytelling, handicrafts and reindeer herding through local tours and cultural activities.
Visit Tromsø provides plenty of information on possible activities and attractions in Tromsø during your stay.
Tromsø offers exceptional seasonal experiences throughout the year. From roughly September to April, Tromsø is one of the world’s most popular destinations for Northern Lights experiences. By early September, nights in Tromsø are becoming dark enough for aurora viewing, while temperatures are usually milder than during the winter season. The period around the autumn equinox is often considered favourable for geomagnetic activity, although the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed. Guided evening excursions take visitors away from city lights in search of the aurora borealis.
Other popular activities include:
Fjord and wildlife cruises
Arctic wildlife and photography tours
Hiking in the mountains around Tromsø
Kayaking and boat trips on the fjords
Fishing excursions
Cycling and sightseeing
Wildlife safaris and sea eagle tours
Whether you are looking for Arctic adventure, cultural discoveries, exceptional food or simply time to enjoy the scenery, Tromsø offers an unforgettable experience alongside the conference programme.