Chase the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway: A Winter Adventure
The city of Tromso is in the north of Norway. It is on an island in the Arctic Ocean. It is the biggest city in Northern Norway, called the “Gateway to the Arctic.” The Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, and beautiful lakes are natural wonders that bring people to Tromso.
The city has a long past and a lot of culture. There are museums, art galleries, and cultural events all year long. Tromso is also home to the northernmost university in the world and a lively group of students. Many bars, clubs, and restaurants are open late in the city.
Even though Tromso is in the Arctic Circle, it has a warm climate because of the Gulf Stream. Average winter temperatures are -4°C and summer temperatures are 12°C. Troms is also easy to get to by air, with flights to big towns in Europe and other parts of Norway.
Tromso History
Troms has a long and exciting past that goes back to the time of the Vikings. Around 10,000 years ago, the first people moved into the area, and there is proof that people lived there as early as 2,500 BC. During the Viking Age, Tromso was an important business center. European traders came there to buy and sell things like furs, fish, and wood. The city’s location on the edge of the Arctic Ocean made it an important place for expeditions and research in the Arctic.
In the 1800s, Tromso became an important center for the whaling business in the Arctic. During this time, the city’s wealth and prosperity grew. During World War II, Troms was also essential to Norway’s resistance. It was the center of the resistance movement and necessary for the Allies to gather information.
Today, Tromso is a busy, diverse, and cosmopolitan city with a thriving cultural scene. Its museums, galleries, and historic buildings show the city’s past and heritage. Its location as a gateway to the Arctic continues to make it an important center for Arctic research and exploration.
How To Get Into Tromso
Many people think that Tromso, which is far above the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The town’s remote site is excellent for seeing the Northern Lights in the winter but makes it hard to get to. You can get to Troms by plane, boat, train, bus, or car.
By air
Troms Airport (TOS), an international airport, is about 5 kilometers northwest of the city center. Several big airlines, like SAS, Norwegian, and Wideroe, fly to and from the airport. They offer daily flights to places in Norway and Europe and some flights to Asia and North America.
There are several ways to get from the airport to the center of Troms. Taking a cab, which you can find right outside the airport building, is the easiest and most common way to get there. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to get to the city center. You could also take the shuttle bus from the airport. The trip takes between 15 and 20 minutes and costs between 70 and 90 NOK per person. You could also rent a car at the airport and drive to the center of Troms. There are several places to rent cars at the airport, such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
By rail
Railways must connect Troms directly to the rest of Norway, so you can’t get there by train. You can, however, take a train to Narvik or Fauske and then switch to a bus or a rented car to get to Tromso.
The train ride from Oslo to Narvik takes about 17 to 18 hours and has beautiful views of mountains, lakes, and ports. Along the way, the train stops at towns like Trondheim and Mo I Rana. You can take a bus or rent a car to get to Troms from Narvik. The trip takes about 3–4 hours.
You could also take the train to Fauske, further south than Narvik. The train ride from Oslo to Fauske takes about 13 to 14 hours. From Fauske, you can take a bus or rent a car to get to Tromso, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.
Train travel in Norway can be costly, but it is a safe and beautiful way to see the country. Also, buying tickets ahead of time is best, especially during busy journey times.
By bus
A bus is a popular and cheap way to get to Tromso, especially if you are coming from another part of Norway. Several bus companies go to Tromso. Nettbuss and Lavprisekspressen are two of them. Several daily bus trips from Oslo, Norway, to Tromso, leaving at different times. Depending on the path and stops, the journey takes between 24 and 28 hours. Most buses have comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
Other towns in Norway, like Trondheim and Narvik, also have direct bus routes to Tromso that leave several times a day. The length and path of the trip affect how long it takes, but most of the time, it takes between 5 and 10 hours. To buy a bus ticket to Troms, you can use an online booking service like Entur or go to the bus companies’ websites. It is best to book your tickets ahead of time, especially during busy travel times, to ensure they are available and get better deals.
Tromso Climate
Tromso has a subarctic climate, which means that the weather there is cool to cold all year long. But because of the Gulf Stream, Tromso is warmer than places like Alaska or Siberia, which have the same latitude.
In winter, the average temperature in Tromso is around -4°C (25°F), and in summer, it is around 12°C (54°F). Most of the time, the most fantastic time of year is from December to February, when temperatures sometimes drop below -20°C (-4°F). Usually, the warmest time of year is from June to August, when temperatures can sometimes hit 20°C (68°F).
Troms is also famous for its midnight sun and cold nights. During the polar night, which lasts from mid-November to the center of January, the sun does not rise above the horizon. The sun doesn’t set below the horizon during the midnight sun, which happens from late May to mid-July. People from all over the world come to Tromso to see these unique nature events.
Top Sights In Tromso
The Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is one of Tromso’s most popular places to visit. It is in the city center, in a building that used to be a customs office in 1830. The museum tells the story of Norway’s polar exploration and has a lot of interesting displays and artifacts that show how the history and culture of the Arctic have changed over time.
Many polar explorers’ maps, photos, tools, and personal items, like those of Fridtjof Nansen, Roald Amundsen, and Otto Sverdrup, are in the museum. People can learn about the difficulties and successes of these scientists’ trips to the North Pole and Antarctica.
The Polar Museum also has displays about the Sami people, who have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years and have their way of life. You can learn about the Sami people’s traditional way of life, like how they used to fish and herd animals. You can also see their traditional clothes, tools, and artifacts.
Arctic Cathedral
The Arctic Cathedral in Tromso, Norway, is a fascinating building. The cathedral was finished in 1965 and is a famous place in Tromso. It was designed by the Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig.
The unique design of the church is made up of eleven triangular panels that look like ice floes and a tall stained-glass window that goes all the way along the building. The stained-glass window is made of 10,000 pieces of glass and beautifully shows Jesus on the cross. The Arctic Cathedral is a real church with daily services, events, and concerts annually. It’s a popular place for people to visit because of how beautiful it looks and how it looks out over Tromso and the fjords nearby.
People can take a guided walk of the cathedral, which gives them access to the balcony, where they can see a comprehensive view of Tromso and its surrounding area. The church is open all year, with different hours for each season. It is free to get in.
Polaris
Polaris is an aquarium and learning center in Tromso, Norway, about the Arctic. The center gives a unique and interactive way to learn about the Arctic and the people who live there. The main thing to see at the center is a panoramic theatre where you can watch films about the Arctic and its animals.
Polaris also has a variety of live marine animals from the Arctic, such as bearded seals, harbor seals, and arctic fish, which can be seen in specially-made tanks. The center’s displays look at things like climate change, Arctic environments, and the history and culture of the Arctic. Visitors can also try out a variety of interactive exhibits and displays, such as a virtual dog sledding ride, an ice cave, and a snowstorm that looks just like the real thing. Polaris has a lot of educational programs and events for kids and adults, like guided trips, workshops, and lectures, in addition to its exhibitions. The center is open all year and is a popular place for tourists and people living there.
The Northern Norwegian science centre
The Northern Norwegian Science Centre, or Nordnorsk Vitensenter, is an interactive science museum in Tromso, Norway. It is also known as the Northern Norwegian Science Centre. The centre is meant to get people of all kinds interested and creative through hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
The museum has many displays about science, technology, and nature, but most are about the Arctic and Northern Norway. People can interact with collections about climate change, renewable energy, space travel, and other topics. The planetarium is one of the best parts of the Northern Norwegian Science Centre. It has a variety of shows about astronomy and space science. The planetarium has a state-of-the-art digital projection system. This lets people explore the world in great detail.
Throughout the year, the museum also hosts a variety of teaching programs, workshops, and events, such as summer camps, science clubs, and programs for schools. These programs aim to get people interested in science and technology in a fun and hands-on way.
Tromso Bridge
The Tromso Bridge, also called the Tromsoysund Bridge, is a suspension bridge that connects the shore to the island of Tromsoya, where the city centre is. The bridge is 1036 meters long and goes over the Tromsoysundet strait. It is the largest bridge in Northern Norway.
One thing that makes Tromso Bridge stand out is its towers, which have a unique triangular shape and were made to survive the harsh Arctic climate. The bridge also has beautiful views of the fjords and mountains nearby, making it a popular place for tourists and locals.
At night, the bridge is lit with bright lights, creating a beautiful show that people can see from all over the city. The Tromso Bridge is a crucial way to get around town and a must-see for anyone who goes to Tromso.
Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden
The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Tromso, Norway, is a unique place to see plants. It is the northernmost botanical garden in the world, and its primary purpose is to gather and show off arctic and alpine plants.
The park was started in 1994 and is about 1.5 hectares in size. It is on the slopes of Mount Storsteinen and has beautiful views of the mountains and lakes around it. The garden has over 2,500 plant species, including many arctic and alpine plants and plants from other mountainous areas worldwide. The plants are set up in various themed gardens, such as a rock garden, a heath garden, a bog garden, and a woods garden.
In addition to its collection of plants, the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden has several educational exhibits and displays, such as information about the ecology and geography of the Arctic and subarctic areas. People can visit the garden and take walks from the end of May to the beginning of September. It is a famous place for botanists and people who love nature to go, and it is a unique way to see the beauty and variety of arctic and alpine plants.
Magic Ice Bar Tromso
Magic Ice Bar Tromso is a unique and popular place to visit in Tromso. It is a bar made of ice, which is fantastic to see. The bar is in the middle of the city, always between -5°C and -8°C. It has ice sculptures, artwork, and furniture. When people come to the bar, they are given warm capes and gloves to wear inside. The cost of getting in includes one drink in a glass of ice. Beer, wine, and cocktails are among the drinks available at the bar.
Magic Ice Tromso has an ice bar and an ice gallery with sculptures and paintings made entirely of ice. Visitors can look around the gallery at their own pace and take pictures with the ice figures. Magic Ice Tromso is open all year, and both visitors and locals like to go there. It’s best to book ahead, especially during busy travel times, to ensure rooms are available.
Tromso City Details
The city of Troms is in the county of Troms og Finnmark, which is in the northern part of Norway. It is the biggest city in Northern Norway, with about 77,000 people living there.
Troms is about 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. It is known for its unique natural beauty, such as the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the Midnight Sun, which can be seen during summer. Mountains, fjords, and islands circle the city, making it popular for people who like to be outside.
- Tromso currency: Norwegian Kroner
- Tromso Weather: 6°C, Wind SW at 26 km/h, 56% Humidity
- Tromso Population: 60,351 (2017)
- Tromso official language: Norwegian
- Tromso(Norway) dials Code: +47
Getting around in Tromso
The city of Troms is small and easy to get around on foot, but if you need to go further, here are some options:
- Bus– Troms Fylkestrafikk runs a sound bus system for the people in Troms. Buses run often, and you can buy tickets on the bus or through an app called Troms Mobillett.
- Taxi– There are taxis all over the city, and you can either flag one down on the street or call a taxi business to make a reservation.
- Bicycle -If you like to ride bikes, you can rent one in Troms at places like Troms Outdoor and Arctic Adventure Tours.
- Car rental – If you want to see more of the area or go further away, you can rent a car from one of the many places in Troms that offer this service.
- Walking – Troms is a small city with a nice pedestrian-only downtown area. This makes wandering a great way to get around.
- Ferry – From Troms, several boat services, including the Hurtigruten coastal express, take passengers on beautiful trips along the Norwegian coast.
- Air – Troms Airport is in Troms, with flights to domestic and international locations.
Tromso Cuisine
Troms is in the Arctic region of Norway, and its food represents the food culture and ingredients available there. Here are some of the most common meals and ingredients in Troms:
- Seafood -Since Troms is on an island, fish is essential to the local diet. Fresh fish and shellfish, like cod, salmon, prawns, and king crab, are all available.
- Reindeer -Reindeer is a popular part of traditional Sami food, and restaurants in Troms often serve it. It can be cooked, smoked, or made into a stew, among other things.
- Arctic char is a popular fish in Troms and the area around it. It lives in freshwater. It has a mild taste and is usually fried or smoked.
- Cloudberries– Cloudberries are a berry that grows in the Arctic and is often used in sweets and jams.
- Brown cheese– Brunost, also called “brown cheese,” is a sweet, caramelized cheese staple in Norwegian cooking. It’s a popular snack in Troms, often served with crackers or bread.
- Kjottkaker– Kjttkaker are meatballs made with a mix of beef and pork. They are usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Rommegrot– Rmmegrt is a traditional Norwegian porridge made with sour cream and eaten with sugar and cinnamon.
In addition to these traditional dishes, Troms has a lively food scene with many choices worldwide, such as sushi, Thai, and Italian.
Tromso Nightlife
Troms has a lively party scene, especially during winter when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, and the city has polar nights. Here are some choices for enjoying Tromso’s nightlife:
- Bars and pubs – Troms has bars and pubs for everyone, from cozy places like Lhallen and Huken Pub to hip places like Circa and Bardus.
- Nightclubs -There are several bars in Troms, like Driv, Blrock, and Graff, for people who want to dance all night.
- Live music – Troms is known for its music scene, and there are places like Hlogaland Teater, Rorbua Pub, and Skarven where you can see live music.
- Northern Lights – During the winter, you can also see the beautiful Northern Lights from different places in and around Troms. You can go on a tour to see the Northern Lights or get out of the city to see them.
- Cultural events – Troms has many cultural events throughout the year, such as the Northern Lights Festival, the Troms International Film Festival, and the Bukta Open Air Festival, which has music acts from all over the world.
Approximate Budget
Based on what other tourists have spent, you should spend about kr1,235 ($118) daily in Tromso. This is the average daily price. Historically, travelers paid an average of kr431 ($41) for food and kr313 ($30) for local transportation for one day. Also, the average hotel room cost for two people in Tromso is kr1,203, or about $115. So, it costs an average of kr17,285 ($1,654) for two people to go to Tromso for a week. These average travel prices were gathered from other travelers to help you plan your trip.
Conclusion
Troms is a beautiful and lively city in northern Norway. It has a unique mix of beautiful natural scenery, fascinating history, and exciting cultural activities. Troms has something for everyone, from discovering the Arctic wilderness to seeing the Northern Lights. There are many ways to get around, such as buses, taxis, bicycles, rented cars, walks, ferries, and planes. Troms is a great place to visit because the people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the scenery is fantastic.
Happy Travels!