Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and glassy fjords, Tromsø sits within a dramatic backdrop some 200 miles into the Arctic Circle. Naturally, this Norwegian city is a good base for watching the famous northern lights, but there’s much more to it than craning your neck skyward to glimpse the aurora borealis.
Whether you’re eating reindeer stew with traditional Sámi herders or soaking in the striking architecture of the Arctic Cathedral, you’ll find the city known as the “Paris of the North” is a delight long before the evening sky lights up. Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Tromsø, Norway.
Best Things to Do
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Spot the northern lights.
The greatest light show in the world appears above Earth’s most northerly reaches from late August through early April—and Tromsø’s latitude just below 70 degrees north means it’s highly likely you’ll catch the kaleidoscopic glow of the aurora. There are several places to enjoy the lights when the clouds part, from the summit of Storsteinen to open parkland with less light pollution. One of the more magical aurora experiences is aboard one of Brim Explorer’s electric-powered boats as it glides quietly through the Tromsøysundet strait’s darkness while the bright green streaks flare across the night sky.
Learn about Sámi reindeer culture.
The Sámi people are indigenous to northern Scandinavia, often living semi-nomadic lives largely based around reindeer herding. Tromsø Arctic Reindeer is a rural camp around 30 minutes north of the city, and it’s a wonderful window into Sámi life and their relationship with reindeer.
Here, you can listen to stories from Sámi people inside toasty lavvu tents, feed the reindeer, go for sleigh rides, and sample traditional meals like hearty stews cooked with reindeer meat, carrots, and potatoes. If you’re visiting during the colder months, you might even catch the northern lights, too.
Go Arctic fishing.
Even in the coldest months, fishing in Tromsø’s freezing fjords is possible, and several companies offer Arctic fishing trips. These waters are home to the likes of cod, salmon, herring, halibut, and even basking sharks. Even if you aren’t lucky, the camaraderie and beautiful passing scenery are worth the journey. Just don’t forget to bring a pair of gloves; clutching a rod in frigid temperatures becomes a fairly testing experience after a while.
Explore a northern cathedral.
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Completed in 1965, the multilayered triangular design of the Arctic Cathedral is one of Tromsø’s most arresting sights. Whether it was inspired by the nearby twin-peaked island of Håja or the shape of a Sámi lavvu tent—there’s no definitive answer—it’s undeniably Arctic. Crossing the wind-blasted Tromsø Bridge as the cathedral reveals itself only feels more evocative, and the stained-glass windows are particularly majestic at night.
Where to Eat and Drink
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Ølhallen
Tromsø’s oldest pub is a wonderfully old-world way to escape winter’s chill. Opened in 1928, Ølhallen is the first place to start any evening in Tromsø. Many of its beers are brewed by Mack, billed as the world’s northernmost brewery. Be sure to sample the classic pilsner, and don’t miss the chance to pose with the pub’s imposing taxidermy polar bear.
Fiskekompaniet
Despite Tromsø’s extreme climate—you’ll experience 24 hours of daylight between late May and late July—quality produce can still be grown, and Arctic seafood is a local speciality. The best of the region’s distinct gastronomy is showcased at Fiskekompaniet, a slick, fine-dining restaurant that serves a multicourse tasting menu near Tromsø’s waterfront.
Where to Stay
Clarion Hotel The Edge
The angular Clarion Hotel The Edge looks out over Tromsø’s harbor; it’s in the perfect location for guests to jump on a boat tour, explore the city, or simply watch the night sky. Speaking of which, you’ll find Tromsø’s only rooftop bar on the 11th floor.
