Tromsø: Northern Norway’s Standout City

Tromsø is one of my favourite cities in Norway, situated in the far north of the country. It is incredibly diverse, stunningly attractive, has good food and an infamous nightlife, all in a bustling, small municipality of 78,000 people. It is surrounded by spectacular scenery that is visible from everywhere in town. And the city’s residents display the directness and wry humour for which northern Norwegians are famous.

Cruising into Tromsø is a marvellous experience with strikingly beautiful snow-covered mountains as far as the eye can see, and then the magnificent Tromsø Bridge comes into view. The city centre is located on the island of Tromsøya, but the urban area spreads to the mainland and part of the island of Kvaløya.

You can also fly into Tromsø International Airport at Langnes on the western shore of Tromsøya. It is the fifth-busiest airport in Norway, handling more than two million passengers every year, and it’s conveniently located just five kilometres from the city.

Tromsø is a surprising city with a highly skilled population and a very strong competency profile in numerous industries including the maritime sector, oil and gas exploration, information technology, space and satellites, biotechnology and medicine. It is home to the world’s northernmost university, the Arctic University of Norway or UiT.

UiT’s unique position makes it one of the leading universities in the world for research into environmental science and climate change. The university sees it as its mission to protect the Arctic and its invaluable terrain. UiT also offers courses in Indigenous Studies focusing on the culture, language, law and history of the local Sami people and other indigenous peoples around the world.

UiT is one of the most international universities in the world and each faculty has both undergraduate and postgraduate courses available in English. Around 10 per cent of the university’s students and some 20 per cent of its staff come from outside of Norway.

Another important institution is the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the region and addressing issues faced by the governments and indigenous people of the Arctic. Since 2012 the council has been headquartered in Tromsø, although the chair rotates every two years and meetings are held throughout the Arctic region. Norway is the current chair of the council until 2025. Member states of the Council are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

Tromsø municipality is the largest in northern Norway and it’s one of the largest cities north of the Arctic circle anywhere in the world. The city population is around 42,000 with a total population in the municipality of 78,000. The latter figure is forecast to reach 80,700 by 2030 and almost 85,000 by 2050.The population is surprisingly international, with more than 120 nationalities represented.

At a latitude of approximately 69.5 degrees north, Tromsø has a subarctic climate, characterised by long, cold winters and short, warm to cool summers. Snow is common from October to mid-May. However, Tromsø is less cold than most other places at the same latitude due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, a relative lack of permafrost and the ice-free Norwegian Sea.

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of northern Norway, Tromsø is a destination that captures the essence of Arctic beauty and adventure. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ and regarded as one of the best places to witness the mesmerising northern lights, Tromsø offers a plethora of attractions that appeal to travellers seeking both natural wonders and cultural experiences.

Here in no particular order are ten of the best attractions you should see if you visit this beguiling city.

Tromsø Bridge

Spanning 1,036 metres across the Tromsøysundet Strait, the Tromsø Bridge is not just necessary infrastructure but also a scenic landmark. You can drive, cycle and walk across the bridge (for motorists there’s also an undersea tunnel providing an alternative crossing to the bridge). In the evening, the bridge’s illuminated arches create a stunning spectacle against the Arctic twilight.

There’s a dedicated walking path on the south side of the bridge and it takes about 15 minutes to cross. Cyclists can also cross the bridge using a separate bike path on the north side.

There’s another shot of the bridge in the title picture and it provides an interesting optical illusion. The top of the guard rail alongside the pedestrian walkway blends into the road, giving the false impression of a sheer drop onto the walkway.

Arctic Cathedral (Tromsdalen Church)

I featured this striking piece of architecture in my last blog post. Its distinctive triangular shape and towering white facade (pictured above) make it a prominent landmark in the city. Inside, visitors can admire the crystal chandeliers, the beautiful stained-glass windows featuring the ‘Return of Christ’ mosaic, and the cathedral’s renowned organ.

Tromsø Cathedral

I also mentioned this attraction last time. A symbol of faith and history in the Arctic, Tromsø Cathedral is claimed to be the northernmost Protestant cathedral in the world. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the cathedral’s elegant architecture and ornate interior make it a serene sanctuary amidst the rugged Arctic landscape. Visitors can attend services or take part in the evening concerts.

Tromsø city centre

Tromsø’s vibrant city centre is a hub of activity, its streets lined with colourful buildings, cosy cafés, pubs and bustling markets. Visitors can wander through the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets, exploring boutique shops, art galleries, and traditional Norwegian eateries. In the summer months the city centre comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals and cultural events, offering visitors a taste of Tromsø’s lively atmosphere.

Tromsø Public Library

The Public Library of Tromso is a library for both residents and guests of the municipality of Tromso. The main building was moved from its old premises in Storgatbakken to the more central Focus Quarter and reopened on August 3, 2005. There are collections on four floors.

The building was constructed under the original roof of the old Focus Cinema, which was designed by architect Gunnar Böberg Haugen and opened on 16 March 1973. He designed a special roof structure based on the design of the Spanish architect Félix Candela, often called a Candela shell.

Polaria

For a deeper understanding of the Arctic environment and its inhabitants, Polar Aquarium and Arctic Experience Centre, commonly known as Polaria, offers an immersive experience. Here, visitors can witness Arctic wildlife up close, including bearded seals, fish and unique flora. The highlight of Polaria is its panoramic cinema, where visitors can watch documentary films capturing the beauty and challenges of life in the Arctic. The Polaria Museum occupies a distinctive futuristic building that resembles ice floes pushed up on land by the Arctic Ocean.

Fjellheisen cable car

^{The view from the top station of the cable car, with Tromsø Bridge and the Arctic Cathedral clearly visible. Photo: Olga Fil/Pixabay}

For unparalleled views of Tromsø and its surrounding fjords, a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car is a must. Ascending to the top of Mount Storsteinen, the cable car affords breathtaking vistas of the city, fjords, and distant snow-capped peaks. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the mountain restaurant or explore the hiking trails that criss-cross the surrounding wilderness.

Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Storsteinen, the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden showcases the unique flora of the Arctic and alpine regions. Despite the harsh climate, the garden boasts a diverse collection of plants from around the world, adapted to survive and thrive in the Arctic environment. Visitors can wander along scenic trails and see rare flowers, mosses and shrubs, while enjoying panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding wilderness.

Tromsø Wilderness Centre

^{Husky dog sledding. Photo: Cuetor59/Pixabay}

^{Arctic wildlife. Photo: Erik Wimmer/Pixabay}

For those seeking authentic Arctic experiences, the Tromsø Wilderness Centre provides opportunities for dog sledding, reindeer encounters and traditional Sami cultural experiences. Visitors can embark on husky-led adventures through snow-covered forests, learn about Sami reindeer herding traditions and even enjoy a traditional meal in a lavvu, which is a Sami tent.

Northern Lights

Undoubtedly the most iconic attraction of Tromsø, the aurora borealis or northern lights paint the night sky with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink. Tromsø’s location within the northern aurora oval makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness this celestial spectacle. Visitors can embark on guided tours into the surrounding wilderness or take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen, increasing their chances of seeing the lights.

Fjellheisen operates until midnight throughout the year and up to 1.00am during the midnight sun period.

^{The Tromsø waterfront. Photo: Sharon Ang/Pixabay}

Tromsø’s allure lies in its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and Arctic adventure. The city offers a truly unforgettable experience for travellers seeking adventure and inspiration in the far north of Norway.

Photos © Judy Barford except where otherwise credited

Title picture: Sharon Ang/Pixabay