We are traveling to Tromsø! What is it like to live in the far north? I was arriving at one of the largest cities in the Arctic circle (the largest in Scandinavia). Unlike industrial Russia, Norway was meeting me with cute wooden houses and mountaneous landscapes.

When traveling to Tromsø, many guides would refer to as one of the best places to see northern lights (winter) and a place to see  midnight sun (summer), but I think this city is much more than that! Here I would share how Tromsø in summer looks like and tell about things to do.

While I was getting closer to the north, I saw how high pine forest changes to small northern trees. At some point, the trees don’t block the view and you can see the whole area around. This is amazing! Because trees are so tiny, you can see every single feature of the landscape: houses next to the sea, mountains and small waterfalls.

Traveling Tromsø, first impressions

When I think about the Arctic, it reminds me of my father, who was taking part in the expeditions to the North Pole. I still remember myself sitting next to a bonfire and listening to his stories about Arctic exploration. I had a very warm feeling, then I saw this:

Most of the city, including the central part, is located on the Tromsøya Island. It is surrounded by mountains and, being there, make you feel separated from the rest or the world. Big areas with old wooden architecture make it look surreal.

I arrived in Tromsø on Saturday, and in the evening and I was surprised by the amount of nightlife. Later I got to know, that the streets are full of newly arrived students, all the pubs were full.

Overall, I must say, that it is a very special place, with its unusual nature and climate. You can see the mountains from almost every spot in the city and there is fresh air from the sea.

Past and present, few facts

• Saami are the large part of Tromsø population, and it is one of their major centers
• For many years, Tromsø has been a starting point of Arctic expeditions and Arctic hunting
• These days it is a developed center of Arctic research and Arctic tourism
• During the war, most of the cities in northern Norway were destroyed, but not the wooden Tromsø
• In Tromsø, there is the Arctic University of Norway, it brings many students to the city

5 (mostly budget) things to do

1.      Get on top of the mountain for a panoramic city view

I think it is good to start the trip to Tromsø from a panoramic view of the city. The cable car can bring you on the top of the mountain Storsteinen. Go there, and you will see the whole island. On top of the mountain, you can also go for a hike and see some rural areas from above.

2.      Get to know about modern Sami

I have been to Sami culture museums before, most of them show the livelihood and traditions of the past. This museum, as well as covering traditions, also tells about the modern life of Saami.

3.      Find out more about Arctic nature and exploration

This is Polaria. The exhibition in this domino-style building is actually bigger, than it may look from outside.

Most of the things are located underground. There you would find the aquariums, showing the life of the Arctic ocean. There are four seals, and at a certain time, you can see their performance.

The Polar museum brings you an overview on the Arctic expeditions and hunt.

4.      Nightlife

There are many pubs around the city, in the night the streets are full of people. If there is a place to party on the far North – that is one of the best.

5.      Old wooden architecture

The city center has the largest amount of untouched old wooden architecture in the North!

Tromsø travel tips and more

There is a lovely spot, located on top of the city. Don’t be lazy to get up the hill, it definitely worth it. The lake is called: “Prestvannet”. In the evening, you can see how the sun sets behind the mountains and listen to birds.

I found the city center area not very suitable for jogging or cycling. There are too many people and often, you have to share the road with cars. Instead, go to the opposite side of the island. It has nice walking paths and magnificent views onto the mountains.

Remember that weather in Tromsø can change very fast!

And few more pictures of Tromsø

Further reading

If you travel in winter, take a look at these 30 things to do in Tromso

If you would like a top 10 list of touristy things to do in Tromso, check out this post.

If you are in Tromsø to see the Northern lights, see my Northern lights gudie 

Please consider sharing

Series Navigation