Additional Coverage:
- I ate at the world’s northernmost McDonald’s. The menu was packed with items I’d never seen before, but I’m not sure it was worth the trek. (businessinsider.com)
Tromsø’s Claim to Fame: Home to the World’s Northernmost McDonald’s
Forget reindeer burgers and fur-lined uniforms. The world’s northernmost McDonald’s, located in Tromsø, Norway, is surprisingly similar to its American counterparts. While a visit to this Arctic outpost might not conjure images of a unique culinary adventure, it’s certainly a novelty.
Tromsø, with a population of nearly 79,000, sits above the Arctic Circle at a latitude higher than most of Canada, Russia, and Greenland. Opened in 2024, this McDonald’s took the “northernmost” title from a location in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Located on the first floor of an office building, the Tromsø McDonald’s seats 140 and employs about 60 staff. While the interior is spacious and modern, with around 30 tables, the ambiance is standard McDonald’s fare.
The menu, while featuring familiar items, boasts some intriguing options like the homestyle hot chipotle burger, the “big tasty bacon” sandwich, and the McFeast. Sides include chili cheese tops, hot wings, and sweet potato fries.
Seafood options are limited, with the Fish McFeast and a smaller “Happy Fish” sandwich. Desserts and drinks offer a more distinctive experience, with McFlurries featuring regional chocolates like Daim and Non Stop, along with cinnamon rolls, Oreo muffins, and a variety of macarons and doughnuts.
Unique drink options include banana and banoffee milkshakes, various teas, and specialty coffees.
While the food quality felt slightly above average, the taste was largely familiar. The chili cheese tops, however, were a standout – crunchy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and surprisingly filling. The Daim McFlurry, with its crunchy chocolate pieces, was another highlight.
The real draw of this McDonald’s is its novelty. Postcards proclaiming “Welcome to the northernmost McDonald’s in the World” are available for purchase, making for a unique souvenir.
While Tromsø offers a diverse culinary scene, including high-end restaurants and local specialties like reindeer and whale dishes, the northernmost McDonald’s offers a cheap, quick, and undeniably memorable experience. Perhaps grab a McFlurry and a postcard, but save your appetite for the local delicacies.