Tromsø is a city located in Tromsø Municipality within Troms county, Norway. It serves as the administrative centre for both the municipality and the county. The urban area sits on the island of Tromsøya, which lies in the Tromsøysundet strait just off the mainland of Northern Norway. This geographical positioning places it in the far north of the country, near the Arctic Circle.

The area has been inhabited since the end of the last ice age, with archaeological remains dating back 9,000 to 10,000 years. The first church on Tromsøya was erected in 1252, making it the northernmost church in the world at that time. The settlement received its city charter on 20 June 1794, driven by the abolition of Bergen's trade monopoly, and was established as a municipality in 1838.

The city centre contains the highest number of old wooden houses in Northern Norway, with the oldest dating from 1789. The mainland suburb of Tromsdalen is connected to the city centre by the Tromsø Bridge and the Tromsøysund Tunnel, while Kvaløysletta on Kvaløya is linked via the Sandnessund Bridge. The urban area is home to Norway's ninth most populous settlement, excluding many students who do not change their address.

Tromsø is a cultural hub for the region, hosting several festivals during the summer. It was historically known as the Paris of the North due to the sophistication of its residents in the 19th century. The city offers art, history, and nightlife, surrounded by spectacular scenery. In 2026, it will hold the title of European Youth Capital, focusing on empowering young people in the Arctic region.

The population was 38,980 as of 2017, though other sources cite higher figures for later years. The city hosts the world's northernmost university and research institutes like the Norwegian Polar Institute. It is a major starting point for Arctic expeditions and one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in winter. The climate supports a skilled population that retains the straightforwardness typical of the North.