Tromso in Norway: all you need to know for a stay in the “Paris of the North”

The Norwegian city of Tromso is the ideal place to discover the Arctic Circle for a few days. And here’s why.

First of all, a bit of history and geography. Capital of the Arctic and the starting point for many polar expeditions (Svalbard, North Pole, etc.), Tromso is located on the island of Tromsøya in Norwegian Lapland. With some 76,000 inhabitants, the one nicknamed “the Paris of the North” is the northernmost city of more than 50,000 inhabitants in the world. It is indeed 350 km north of the Arctic Circle.

Regarding its history, Tromso was officially founded in 1794 but it would be much older until the middle of the 19^e century, it has only 1,400 inhabitants but will experience a strong expansion at the end of the 19^e century when the numerous expeditions to the boreal regions intensified for the seal hunt.

Today, Tromso is a very dynamic city with many scientists present, but also many curious tourists.

Visiting Tromso in summer or in winter?

If the Arctic Circle rhymes with winter, summer is also a great season to visit it. Note that for the winter season, the sun does not appear between the end of November and mid-January. The polar night extends more or less from November 28 to January 14. It is not completely dark but the brightness is not exceptional. However, the activities remain numerous: observing the killer whales, the northern lights, sledding … As for the temperatures, they are around -10 ° and 0 degrees Celsius in Tromso. They can be cooler outside of town.

Going to Tromso in summer is also a good idea. There will be no snow (except on the mountain tops near the city), no northern lights, but there are many other activities and the temperatures are quite pleasant (they can go up to 25 degrees).

Where to sleep in Tromso?

While it is possible to find a few Airbnb rentals, there are some very good hotels like the Smarthotel Tromso located a stone’s throw from the hyper-center and very affordable. In a slightly higher range, there is the Thon Hotel Polar or the Radisson blu which has a very nice view by the sea.

What to visit in Tromso?

You see it pictured while researching Norway and Tromso, the Arctic Cathedral of Tromso (Ishavskatedralen in Norwegian) is the city’s most iconic place. It is located at the exit of the bridge which connects the city center to Tromsdalen. There is also the city’s other cathedral (Tromsø Domkirke in Norwegian) which is located in the center. Built in 19^e century, it has the particularity of being built in wood. Also to see, the territorial prelature (photo).

To continue the story, the Polar Museum is also to be seen, as is the library and its sublime bay window. To do also, Polaria, the aquarium of the city, which is therefore the most northerly aquarium in the world.

For the geography and to be amazed, you have to cross the bridge and take the Fjellheisen (the cable car in Tromsdalen) to have the most beautiful panorama possible over Tromso. In summer, this is perfect since there is the possibility to hike and climb the 1,300 steps to reach the top of Mount Storsteinen, at about 420 meters above sea level.

What activities to do in Tromso?

After the visits for general culture, it’s time for activities (often sporting). In winter, sled dogs, reindeer sleds or snowmobiles are obviously recommended. Not to mention the Northern Lights, but also to venture out to sea to spot orcas and whales.