Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway. Most of it is on the island of Tromsøya which is connected to the mainland by two bridges, both constructed in 1960. Tromsø is home to the world's most northerly university, as well as the world's most northerly botanical garden. It is also one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Tromsø Airport is situated on the western side of the island. Prestvannet lake is located in the middle of the island, and the lake and the area around it is now a nature reserve area. The University of Tromsø, Tromsø police station, Tromsø fire station, University Hospital of North Norway, and Tromsø Museum are all located on the eastern part of the island.
The city's largest workplaces are the University of Tromsø (UiT) and University Hospital of North Norway. The Norwegian Polar Institute also has its headquarters in Tromsø. The Northern Lights Observatory was established in 1928, and two companies affiliated with the Kongsberg Gruppen collect satellite data from space using the observatory. The fishing industry is very important. Norway's Norges Råfisklag and Norges sjømatråd (seafood council) both have their headquarters in Tromsø. Sparebanken Nord-Norge also has its headquarters in the city. Furthermore, "Skatt nord", an agency of the Norwegian Tax Administration is based here too.