Around 400km above the Arctic Circle lies a quirky town called Tromsø. Known as the ‘Paris of the North’, its other nickname is the City of Lights… the Northern lights, that is! A popular bucket-list destination for many, here are three popular things to see and do in Tromsø, Norway:
Chase the Northern Lights
As one of the gateways to the North Pole, many Artic expeditions actually originate in Tromsø. You’ll have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights from September until mid-April, and during these months, it’s dark enough to see the magical spectacle dance across the sky.
While locals would advise a guided tour to increase your chances, we enjoyed exploring Tromsø on our own and highly recommend doing so. With less than 65.000 inhabitants, there isn’t much light pollution, so you can basically spot the phenomenon from any location in town. From there, all there’s left is to drive out into the dark and set up your camera. The temperature can drop to around -14°C (-7°F) in the winter, so be sure to bundle up and bring a hot thermos of tea!
Stay active
Even if aurora borealis doesn’t show, you won’t be disappointed, as the reindeer-roaming town has a lot to offer. Beautifully situated in the middle of majestic mountains and famous fjords, Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway with a history dating back to the Ice Age.
From cross-country skiing and whale watching to hiking with huskies and swimming like a Norwegian salmon after a visit to the sauna, this off-the-beaten-path destination offers plenty of activities for an action-packed trip.
Ride the Cable Car
While in Tromsø, don’t skip the cable car, which runs up to the mountain ledge Storsteinen. Only 421 metres above sea level, you’ll find the truest meaning of a winter wonderland: powder snow for snow angels, giant and tiny snowmen to take selfies with, and breathtaking views of the city, surrounding islands, mountains and fjords.
Where to stay
Being in the middle of raw and unspoiled nature doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on luxury. Book a stay at Scandic Ishavshotel for breathtaking panoramic views of the harbour and the city’s landmarks, and feast on what’s been rated the country’s best breakfast for seven consecutive years. It’s the perfect base for exploring North Norway.
Famished after a day’s out exploring? The hotel restaurant Roast offers the freshest seafood and finest local meats, all cooked in an original Josper grill. Pair the roast with a local draft beer and live like a (Vi)king. And if you prefer staying in, you can see the illuminated sky from the warmth of your room, if you’re lucky.
What to eat
Norway is known for its deep and clean waters, which provide the perfect habitat for countless species of marine life. Here you can enjoy salmon and king crab when they are freshly caught, but for a true local experience order yourself some Tørrfisk aka. dried cod.
From grouse and moose to reindeer, Norwegian game is world-class. Autumn is hunting season in Norway and game is served in both restaurants and Norwegian homes. Too adventurous? Norwegian lamb meat is especially tender and juicy, since the lambs graze in vast expanses of untouched nature, with clean flowing water and rich vegetation.
With so many wild and grazing animals, there’s also the dairy. The local cheese is called brunost, a caramelised whey cheese, made with cow’s milk or goat’s milk that locals often enjoy on bread or waffles with preserved berries. Both Restaurant Smak and Mathallen offer a modern take on traditional fare using fresh local produce. The menu changes each season, so make sure to check out their website for the latest!
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