Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø

Kimkim team favorite · 4.4 (37 reviews) · Upscale
Contemporary waterside hotel with panoramic harbor views, renowned breakfast, modern dining, and convenient central location

Overview

Scandic Ishavshotel, an award-winning and stylish waterfront property, is set along Tromsø's picturesque quayside. Its prime location places guests near the Hurtigruten ferry terminal and within an easy walk of attractions like the Polar Museum. Rooms are modern, ranging from cozy standard rooms to more spacious suites with balconies and sea or fjord views, some designed with families in mind. Guests can savor the hotel's acclaimed breakfast featuring organic options and enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine at Roast Restaurant after a day of exploring the Arctic.

Kimkim's Take

Pros
  • Scandic Ishavshotel is right on Tromsø's quayside, offering panoramic views of the fjord harbor and city.
  • The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Polar Museum, shops, and restaurants.
  • You'll find easy access to transportation with a bus stop right in front for airport transfers and excursions.
  • The breakfast buffet is highly praised, ranking among the best in the country.
  • Rooms are designed with sustainability in mind, using keycards for electricity and offering optional room cleaning.
  • The hotel's architecture and modern Scandinavian vibe add a unique touch to your stay.
Cons
  • Some rooms might not have a scenic view, but the location ensures you're close to all the action in Tromsø.
  • While the hotel is bustling and lively, it can sometimes feel crowded.

Authenticity

Scandic Ishavshotel is a modern property inside and out, making use of Scandinavian design the world has come to know: simple, clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and functional. While it may lack the charm of a historic building, its focus on sustainability, such as water and electricity conservation measures, reflects a commitment to the environment, typical of many Nordic properties. The hotel features traditional Norwegian cuisine at its Roast Restaurant, and local draft beer is served at the Roast Bar.

Location

Located by the quayside, Scandic Ishavshotel is conveniently situated near the downtown area and across the Tromsøysundet strait from the iconic Tromsdalen Church (The Arctic Cathedral). It's an easy 7-minute walk to attractions like the Polar Museum or less to various shops and eateries, and a 5-minute walk to the ferry terminal. The Flybuss airport express bus stop is directly in front of the hotel.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms at Scandic Ishavshotel offer a clean and modern Nordic aesthetic with muted tones, blonde wood accents, and minimalist furnishings; every space is thoughtfully considered. Large wall-to-wall windows provide panoramic views of the fjord and sea, though some rooms face Fredrik Langes gate and might be subject to a little noise. Standard Family Rooms are a little tight in space, but most other units, particularly the Junior and Master Suites, are decently sized with plenty of floor space. For families or larger parties, consider the smaller Standard Family, Superior Family, or the spacious Presidential Suite, sleeping up to four guests.

Amenities

The hotel's standout feature is its breakfast buffet served in the Roast Lobby, which has been recognized as one of the best in the country. The Roast Restaurant (only open for dinner service) serves fresh seafood and locally produced meat prepared in an open kitchen. Meanwhile, the Roast Bar is a cozy spot for drinks with views of the Tromsø Bridge and the famous Arctic Cathedral. The hotel also provides bike rentals for a fee and is wheelchair accessible.

Family-Friendliness

Scandic Ishavshotel offers two family-oriented room options, Standard Family Three and Superior Family, which can sleep up to four guests.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 77666400
Hotel address icon Fredrik Langes gate 2
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website
Free wifi
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Stunning Views

Many reviews highlighted the stunning views from the rooms, particularly overlooking the harbour and being right on the water. (6 mentions)

A
“Great room with large windows and overlooking harbour”  — Adele M.
E
“it was clean, comfortable and has great views being right on the water”  — Elizabeth C.
Laura
“Stunning view from our room!”  — Laura W.
Convenient Location

The hotel is praised for its excellent location, being near many places of interest in Tromso, with easy access to bus stops and walking distance to shops and restaurants. (5 mentions)

E
“It's near a lot of the places we wanted to visit in Tromso”  — Elizabeth C.
Susan
“Very convenient location with great views.”  — Susan M.
Susan
“Walking distance to many restaurants”  — Susan M.
Transportation Accessibility

The hotel's proximity to bus stops, especially the airport bus, is a notable convenience for travelers. (4 mentions)

E
“the bus stop right in front made transportation to and from the hotel easy”  — Elizabeth C.
Susan
“Easy access to airport bus”  — Susan M.
Laura
“Bus stop out front makes traveling to the airport convenient.”  — Laura W.
Great Breakfast

Guests appreciated the breakfast buffet, commenting on the good variety and quality of the food. (4 mentions)

Susan
“Nice breakfast buffet included”  — Susan M.
Qian Tong
“the breakfast is really good”  — Qian Tong L.
Laura
“Nice breakfast with good variety.”  — Laura W.

Traveler Reviews

37 total ratings, 26 with reviews
4.4
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.3
Location
4.9
Staff
4.2
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.5
Asad
Asad A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025
Room kind of small for three people
Breakfast is very good, hotel location is the best
View is awesome
Read more

Room kind of small for three people
Breakfast is very good, hotel location is the best
View is awesome

Authenticity & Character
Location
At the middle of everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2025
Linda
Linda D.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025
Unfortunately, this hotel was not good. The beds were super uncomfortable, the room was very hot with no way to regulate the temperature except a small fan that was left in the closet. It was very loud and the staff was not able to do anything except all for us a very hard board to put under the mattress which did not help. We did not stay at this hotel. Read more

Unfortunately, this hotel was not good. The beds were super uncomfortable, the room was very hot with no way to regulate the temperature except a small fan that was left in the closet. It was very loud and the staff was not able to do anything except all for us a very hard board to put under the mattress which did not help. We did not stay at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
It wasn’t unattractive Building and not as nice as the other ones we stayed in
Location
The location was the only thing that was good about it. It was right by the city center.
Staff
They were not able to solve our mattress issue or the heat in the room
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2025
Wiley
Wiley C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2025
For us, seeking a luxury trip experience, this was just so-so. But great location with amazing views. Read more

For us, seeking a luxury trip experience, this was just so-so. But great location with amazing views.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very indifferent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2025
Kathlyn
Kathlyn A.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025
Great location. Comfy beds. Great view of the iconic Tromso sites. Northern lights outside the hotel Read more

Great location. Comfy beds. Great view of the iconic Tromso sites. Northern lights outside the hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2025
R
Renee J.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2025
Loved Tromso and would have liked to stay longer. Hotel and location were great. Read more

Loved Tromso and would have liked to stay longer. Hotel and location were great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2025
P
Pam W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025
This hotel was very convenient for walking around Tromso. Read more

This hotel was very convenient for walking around Tromso.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2025
Kathryn
Kathryn J.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2025
The hotel was well designed, perfectly located, had a wonderfully helpful staff, an excellent breakfast, including a real barista, (who was extremely nice and she made great lattes!), and an amazing view of the harbor from our room and the dining area. Read more

The hotel was well designed, perfectly located, had a wonderfully helpful staff, an excellent breakfast, including a real barista, (who was extremely nice and she made great lattes!), and an amazing view of the harbor from our room and the dining area.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel had more modern, Scandinavian design, and we really enjoyed it. The location was right on the harbor and within walking distance of quaint historic buildings, which housed museums, restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Location
Amazing views and walkable to everything
Staff
All the staff are very accommodating and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was perfect
Stayed in April 2025
Keith
Keith G.
Kearny, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025
Busy hotel in the heart of the port of Tromso. Short walk to any public transportation as well as restaurants and pubs. Many excursions pick up directly in front of the hotel. Hotel restaurant was a bit expensive but the service and atmosphere were good. Our room had a beautiful view of the port and cathedral. Read more

Busy hotel in the heart of the port of Tromso. Short walk to any public transportation as well as restaurants and pubs. Many excursions pick up directly in front of the hotel. Hotel restaurant was a bit expensive but the service and atmosphere were good. Our room had a beautiful view of the port and cathedral.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2025
N
nancy a.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025
This hotel was right on the harbor and close to everything including bus station Read more

This hotel was right on the harbor and close to everything including bus station

Authenticity & Character
It was right on harbor in the middle of town
Location
Staff
Again front desk staff seemed to not be very helpful even though it was suppose to be off season
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2025
Jennifer
Jennifer M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2024
Great location! Bus terminal was close by and you could walk everywhere! Read more

Great location! Bus terminal was close by and you could walk everywhere!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2024

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3.5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +47 77666400
Hotel address icon Fredrik Langes gate 2
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website
Free wifi