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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Tromso: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Tromso
- Troms is a city in Northern Norway that cannot be compared to any other in Europe.
- The city is located on the island of Tromsya, which is surrounded to the east by forbidding mountain peaks such as the famous Tromsdalstinden.
- If you want to see the Northern Lights in the winter, Troms is the place to go, and there are guides and tour operators who can help you see and photograph the Aurora.
- Troms is in the midst of the Polar Night at that time of year, a far cry from the summer, when the city enjoys two months of Midnight Sun.
- You'll be tempted to spend all of your time on excursions to see these natural wonders, such as fjord crossings and whale sightings.
- On a small island 349 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the port of Troms, northern Norway's largest city, is located between Narvik and Hammerfest.
- Troms, which dates back to the 13th century, is a popular spot for viewing and studying Norway's aurora borealis, or northern lights.
- Troms hosts the Northern Lights Festival (Nordlysfestivalen) every year in late January/early February, a musical extravaganza that draws artists and symphonic orchestras from all over Scandinavia.
- The midnight sun, which can be seen here from mid-May to mid-July, is one of the most popular things to do.
- Troms' northern location and natural harbor ensure the city's importance as a base for Arctic expeditions and the numerous Norwegian fishing vessels that call it home.
- It's also a popular boarding point for ferries and cruise ships bound for major ports like Bergen, as well as coastal cruises to places like Spitsbergen in the summer.
- International Airport: Tromso International Airport (TOS)
- Population: 76,974
- Currency: Norwegian krone
- Time: UTC/GMT +1 hour
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: Norwegian
- Religion: Lutheran Christianity
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Tromso
- For those interested in Northern Norway's unique flora, the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Troms and its unique collections are a must-see.
- Polaria, Troms' one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to all things Arctic, as well as the world's most northerly aquarium, is difficult to miss.
- Toms is an ideal home base for polar expeditions because of its location more than 321 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle.
- The Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum is a first-rate art museum located close to both the harbor and the city's main tourist information office, making it one of the best free things to do in Troms.
- The Perspective Museum is a one-of-a-kind photography collection with over 500,000 images that explores modern and historical Troms.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Tromso
- Spring (between May and June) and fall (between September and October) are the best times to visit Norway because the weather is beautiful and there aren't as many tourists.
- The best time to visit Norway is from mid-June to August.
- This is when the crowds will be at their heaviest, so book your hotel well ahead of time.
- The entire winter in Norway is considered the low season.
- Although there are a few ski slopes open during this time, it is bitterly cold, and most attractions will close.
- The Northern Lights are best seen from higher altitudes, and they are most visible between September and March.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Tromso
Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden
- For those interested in Northern Norway's unique flora, the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (Arktisk alpin Botanisk hage) in Troms and its unique collections are a must-see.
- Despite the snow, the flowering season begins in early May, with displays of purple saxifrage and yellow cushion plants, pasque flowers, and a variety of flowering bulbs to delight visitors.
- It's divided into 25 collections, each showcasing a different cold-weather species or region, including plants from the Himalayas, the Arctic, and other extreme climates, as well as traditional Norwegian plants.
- It's said to be the world's most northerly botanic gardens.
- The giant Tibetan blue poppy and a wide variety of cold-hardy rhododendrons are among its most prized specimens.
Polar Museum (Polarmuseet)
- Toms is an ideal home base for polar expeditions because of its location more than 321 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle.
- It was dubbed the "Gateway to the Arctic" in the late 1800s as a result of this.
- The Polar Museum (Polarmuseet) is one of the best places to learn about the region's long history, from its discovery and early settlements to its role in the once-thriving whaling industry and eventual transformation into a central Arctic research base.
- Exhibits include historical information about early expeditions and explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, as well as exhibits presenting the results of ongoing extensive research.
Arctic Cathedral
- Tromsdalen Church is located on the mainland, just before the Troms Bridge.
- Jan Inge Hovig designed the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen) in 1965, which is a striking example of the bold modern architecture that is now common throughout Norway.
- Hovig's design echoes the shape of ships' sails and the stark white of the ice, combining elements divine worship with the Nordic surroundings.
- This striking structure, which can be seen from incoming flights and from Troms Sound, is a major landmark and tourist attraction.
- The 1,500-square-foot glass mosaic designed by artist Victor Sparre is the cathedral's most famous feature.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Tromso Off the Beaten Track
Tromsoya
- The main island, Tromsoya, is home to the majority of the shops, restaurants, and museums.
- As a result, it is the best place to stay in Tromso if you want easy access to food and entertainment.
- It's also close to other popular Tromso areas, as well as the best places to see the northern lights!
- You'll most likely want to see the northern lights while you're in Tromso.
- That isn't to say you shouldn't take advantage of the rest of what this cool city has to offer.
- Make sure you spend the day exploring the town's attractions before heading away from the city lights to watch nature's light show.
Tromsdalen
- Traveling to Tromso can be expensive, especially if you stay in the city center.
- This is a good alternative if you're looking for the best area in Tromso to stay in on a budget.
- There are a number of good Tromso lodging options in this area, and it's close enough to the city center to be useful.
- The city center is within walking distance of Tromsdalen, which is located across the harbor.
- When you're hungry or want to do some shopping, you simply cross the bridge.
- While you're in this part of town, you can also visit several attractions and participate in some fun activities.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Tromso Culture and Traditions
- The Norwegians have a strong affinity for the outdoors, which is understandable given their country's breathtaking natural beauty.
- They're especially addicted to cross-country skiing, and in the summer, you'll see them switch to roller skis to stay in shape.
- With a population of around five million outdoorsy types, it's easy to see how Norway's law of allemannsretten, or "freedom of movement," came about.
- Allemannsretten is an ancient custom that was signed into law in 1957, allowing those tramping through their vast wilderness to essentially go wherever they want, including across private property.
- You may cross undeveloped private land without the owner's permission, according to the law.
- The national drink of Norway, aquavit, is an important component of the Norwegian Christmas meal (as well as any festive gathering).
- With a 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), it's no surprise that such a toe-warming tipple is so popular in a snowbound destination like Norway.
- Aquavit, which is traditionally served in an elegant fluted glass, has been a part of Norwegian culture since the 15th century.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Tromso: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Fårikål – Mutton and Cabbage
#FOOD
- The Norwegian national dish is farikal, which literally means "mutton in cabbage."
- This recipe is hearty and juicy, and it's surprisingly easy to make.
- Farikal is a stew-like dish. Mutton and cabbage are seasoned with salt and pepper and added to water.
- The stew is then simmered for several hours on the stove, until the meat and cabbage are tender.
- Despite its simplicity, it is frequently served at family gatherings or as a weekend meal.
- farikal is primarily consumed in the fall, when the weather in Norway begins to cool.
- It's a traditional Norweigan dish that's been passed down through the generations.
- It's a must-see for anyone visiting Norway in the fall or winter and wants to sample traditional Norwegian fare!
Lapskaus – Stew
#FOOD
- Lapskaus is a traditional Norwegian dish that is very popular.
- It comes from Germany, but Norwegians have been enjoying it since the 1800s.
- Throughout the year, Norwegians eat lapskaus for dinner on any given day.
- It's hearty and filling, especially in the cooler months.
- Beef, potatoes, carrots, swede, and leeks are used in traditional lapskaus.
- All of the ingredients are combined in a pot, as if making a stew.
- The meat and vegetables are simmered until tender.
- Lapskaus is typically served with flatbread and butter once the juices are running and the dish is piping hot.
- Lapskaus comes in two varieties: light and dark.
- The dark version has a brown sauce base, which adds even more flavor.
Andresens Vaabenforretning
#Fashion
- Andresens Vaabenforretning A/S was founded in Troms in 1870 by Anton Andresen, a trained gunsmith from Frosta in Northern Trndelag.
- The shop's foundation was the manufacture of weapons and ammunition for use in arctic coastal hunting and fishing.
- Andresens Vaabenforretning has become a trademark within the hunting and fishing environment throughout Norway in the nearly 140 years since the shop's founding.
- Svein Anton Andresen, the shop's current owner, has been in charge since 1979.
- He is the fourth generation of his family.
- Meanwhile, his daughter, Julie Andresen, plans to take over the shop, making her the 5th generation to do so.
Blåst Glass blowing studio
#Fashion
- Blast Glass Blowing Studio has become a natural stop for roundtrips in Troms since its inception in 2002.
- They’re open Monday through Saturday, and we make glass on weekdays. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the artist in action!
- They make and design all of the items in our workshop, and they are all handcrafted in the traditional manner.
- This lovely glass is making its way around the globe! Don't be afraid to take something nice home if you find something you like.
Hunderfossen Adventure Park
#FUN
- Trolls and adventures are the main themes of the fairy tale park Hunderfossen Adventure Park near Lillehammer.
- Meet the massive Hunderfossen Troll, who guards the Gudbrandsdalen valley, rediscover folk tales in Ivo Caprino's fairy tale cave, and take a breath-taking ride in Norway's wildest car, the Il Tempo Extra Gigante.
- In the winter, you can stay in Scandinavia's southernmost snow hotel or get married in the ice cathedral, and there are plenty of rides and exciting evening shows.
Kongeparken, Stavanger
#FUN
- Under the tagline "What kind of hero are you?" Kongeparken outside of Stavanger, a Norwegian institution and the largest theme park in Fjord Norway, offers fun and action for the entire family all year.
- Adrenaline junkies, daredevils, and the adventurous will all find rides and experiences to their liking here.
- The park is busiest in the spring and summer, but in the autumn, it transforms into a kingdom of pumpkins, scary shows, and ghost nights, with witches and zombies roaming the grounds.
- Also, don't forget about the incredibly warm and inviting Christmas season!
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Tromso: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Polaria, Troms' one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to all things Arctic, as well as the world's most northerly aquarium, is difficult to miss.
- The building, which is only a few minutes' walk from central Troms, is designed to resemble Arctic ice floes that have been forced up onto land, with an exterior that looks like a toppling set of dominoes.
- Visitors will find a variety of exhibits about the Arctic here, including a large installation demonstrating how climate change is having an irreversible effect on the glaciers and wildlife of the Arctic.
- A film about the aurora borealis is also available (northern lights).
- The seals, on the other hand, are the stars of the show, as they can be seen in a close replica of their natural habitat.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Tromso Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The city of Troms has been immersed in a musical extravaganza the last week of January for the past twenty-five years.
- Each year, the Northern Lights Festival has featured top artists from a wide range of genres, including early music, modern music, opera, jazz, chamber music, and symphonic orchestras.
- Names like Norwegian musicians Leif Ove Andsnes, Jan Garbarek, and Mari Boine, as well as internationally renowned performers like Martin Fröst, Yuri Bashmet, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, have all performed at the festival.
- Il Giardino Armonico and The Hilliard Ensemble, The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet, and the symphony orchestras from Gothenburg, St. Petersburg, and Oslo have all performed at the festival.
- This demonstrates that the festival's programs have featured an interesting mix of high-quality performances, including many from the North.
- The festival also includes spectacular outdoor events, lectures, exhibitions, and other activities such as the Northern Lights cruise, festival pubs, and musician master classes.
- It is safe to say that the Northern Lights Festival is a high-quality art music festival with a program that will appeal to a diverse audience.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Tromso Holiday
Places similar to Tromso to visit
Places similar to Tromso to visit
Places similar to Tromso to visit