Norwegian is the official language of Norway and it is the most commonly spoken language in Troms. Norwegian is mutually intelligible with Danish and Swedish.
Sami is official in one municipality, Kåfjord.
Most people speak English well. In theory, all Norwegians are also able to speak a third language, usually German or French (but also Spanish, Italian or Russian), as learning a third language is mandatory in the Norwegian school. However, most people's knowledge of their third "school language" is basic at best.
The easiest, fastest and probably cheapest way to reach Troms is by air.
There are three airports in Troms:
Tromsø airport is the largest airport in the county. Domestic flights to:
and a number of smaller towns in Northern Norway
International flights to:
Bardufoss airport serves Mid Troms, including Finnsnes and the island of Senja. Domestic flights to:
Sørkjosen is a small airport in Northern Troms. Connections to Tromsø every day, and some towns in Finnmark county.
Evenes airport is in Nordland county, and is the main airport for southern Troms, including Harstad. Domestic flights to:
Domestic flights are operated by Norwegian, SAS and Widerøe.
E6 is the main route to Troms when driving from the southern parts of Norway (Oslo, Trondheim). Be aware of the long distances. From Oslo to the southern border of Troms it is appr. 1400 kilometers, and to the northern border appr. 1820 kilometers.
It is also possible to drive to Troms from Finland via European Route E8 from Tornio through the Torne Valley. E10 from Kiruna and Luleå in Sweden enters Norway just north of Narvik in Nordland county. The distance from the national border to Troms county border is appr. 50 kilometers.
If you arrive during winter, be aware that winter tires are necessary and required by law. Do not try to drive without, even if you don't expect snow or ice.
There is no railroad in Troms. The closest station is in Narvik just south of the county border. From Narvik there are buses to Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø and other towns in Troms. Narvik is the end station of the Swedish Malmbanan ("the ore rail"). Passenger trains are operated by Veolia Transport. Narvik is not connected to the main norwegian railroad network.
Getting around in Troms is easiest if you have your own car. There are reasonably good roads all over the county. The main road network is mostly of quite good standard. Some roads are narrow and windy, this is especially true when it comes to local roads. Traffic levels are low, except in and around the largest towns.
If you do not have a car, bus might be a good option, maybe even the only option. Most communities in the county can be reached by bus. There are regular bus connections between the larger towns, normally several buses each day. There are also regular connections to Alta in Finnmark county and Narvik in Nordland county. When it comes to smaller communities there might be a very limited service, maybe just a few buses during the week. It's important to plan ahead and check the timetables!
Many coastal communities can be reached by catamaran from the nearest town; Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromsø or Skjervøy. There are also catamaran routes between these towns. Hurtigruten travels most of the Norwegian coast and also calls at these four ports.
Air travel is possible between Tromsø and Harstad (Evenes airport), and between Tromsø and Storslett (Sørkjosen airport). If you book your ticket well in advance this is likely to be the cheapest (and fastest) way of travelling between these places.
Timetables for most city- local- and regional buses, catamarans and ferries in Troms county can be found at 177troms.no. Unfortunately this page is in Norwegian only. Look for "Rutetabeller".