2 January 2025
The Tromsø International Film Festival offers a magical experience of watching movies during the polar night. This prestigious event turns Norway’s Arctic capital into a cinematic paradise in January 2025.
Filmmakers, critics, and movie lovers worldwide will gather at the festival from January 13-19, 2025. Your visit can include everything from thought-provoking documentaries to groundbreaking feature films while you soak in Tromsø’s winter charm. You’ll also discover the festival’s connection to the city’s rich cultural heritage through specialized walking tours.
Let us help you explore the festival’s offerings, plan your visit, and create unforgettable memories at Norway’s most awaited cultural celebration.
Ready to experience the 35th Tromsø International Film Festival? Let’s walk through what you should know about the 2025 edition.
The ticket sales kick off January 6th, 2025 at 8:00 AM. You’ll find amazing films showing at these venues throughout the city:
The 2025 festival brings something special – they’ve turned the old Alfheim swimming pool into a unique cinema space with recycled seats.
You’ve got several ways to grab your tickets. The ticket cards with 12 or 22 tickets are perfect since you can share them with friends. Students and anyone under 25 can snag a great deal – three tickets for 300 NOK.
Want the best festival experience? Become a festival friend and you’ll get to buy tickets before everyone else.
This year’s festival focuses on reconstruction and smart resource use. This theme shows up in both the films they’ve picked and how they run the festival, so you’ll enjoy great cinema while supporting environmental consciousness.
TIFF’s Winter Cinema in Stortorget square is the festival’s crown jewel. This magical outdoor theater lets you watch films under the polar night sky. The best part? Winter Cinema screenings are completely free and available to everyone.
You’ll find an impressive selection of films at multiple venues. The festival shows thought-provoking quality films that appeal to both local and international audiences. One highlight is the world premiere of “Everything Must Go,” a powerful Norwegian family drama.
The 2025 edition highlights include:
TIFF’s spirit goes beyond just the theaters. Film enthusiasts pack the city’s cafés and restaurants, creating an exciting festival atmosphere throughout Tromsø. Most films play in their original language with English subtitles, which gives viewers an authentic experience.
You’ll need to plan your trip to the Tromsø International Film Festival carefully. Hotel rooms get booked quickly, so you should secure your accommodation well ahead of time.
Here are some great places to stay right in the center:
Budget-conscious travelers might want to check out Tromsø Lodge & Camping.
Festival venues spread across the city. A stay near Storgata (the main street) puts you close to most screening locations. This area also has plenty of restaurants and shops that make your festival experience more convenient.
The Tromsø International Film Festival Walking Tour is a chance to learn about the city’s cinematic history. Starting at Verdensteatret Cinema and ending at Alfheim Swimming Pool, the tour includes a special screening. Tours cost 350 NOK and run Thursday through Sunday during the festival. You can read more information about it here.
Getting there a day early helps you adjust to the Arctic environment and improves your festival experience. Remember to pack warm clothes since you’ll be there during the polar night.
The Tromsø International Film Festival 2025 is a remarkable celebration of cinema set against Norway’s polar night. TIFF has become a must-visit cultural event thanks to its free Winter Cinema screenings, specialized walking tours, and thoughtfully selected films. The 2025 edition’s emphasis on reconstruction and sustainability gives you another great reason to attend.
Save the dates January 13-19, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable week of cinema under the polar night sky. Your TIFF memories will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
If you’re planning a winter holiday in the Arctic, combining Rovaniemi, Finland, and Tromsø, Norway is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Lapland while maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Both destinations lie within the Auroral Oval, making them excellent places to hunt the aurora. Each offers a unique […]
If you’re visiting Tromsø in September, October or early November, you might think it’s too early for dog sledding. After all, the Arctic winter hasn’t fully arrived yet. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Autumn dog sledding with carts (also called dog carting or wheeled dog sledding) lets you experience the excitement of being pulled by […]
Are you planning a winter journey between Tromsø in Northern Norway and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland this winter? Although flying may initially appear to be the fastest option, the total travel experience involves much more than the time spent in the air. Traveling by bus between Tromsø and Rovaniemi can be simpler, more scenic and […]
Planning a winter trip across the Arctic and wondering how to travel between Rovaniemi and Tromsø? During the winter season 2026/2027, travelers can choose between two bus routes connecting Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland: the Arctic Route daytime bus and the Aurora Express Nightliner. Both routes connect two of the most popular winter destinations in […]
Landing in Tromsø is exciting, but after a long journey, one question often comes first: how do you get from Tromsø Airport to the city centre with luggage? The easiest option for many visitors is the Airport Express bus operated by Best Arctic. The service is designed for travellers arriving in Tromsø and offers a […]
Dog sledding is one of the most popular activities in the Arctic and a must-do for many travelers visiting Tromsø. However, depending on when you travel and the snow conditions you can encounter two different options: dog sledding with carts during autumn (from mid-September and throughout November) and traditional dog sledding on snow during winter […]
