At a latitude of nearly 70 degrees north, Tromsø is the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle. Surrounded by the Lyngen Alps, vast forests, blue fjords and an archipelago of hundreds of islands, this lively university city has much to offer the visitor whether summer or winter.
The winter months, with its moderate arctic climate of -4°C, brings the natural phenomena of the Polar Nights (November 21 and January 21) and Northern Lights (September to April) as well as a host of activities to suit all interests from dog-sledding, glacial walking, snowmobile safaris and snow shoe excursions.
For two months in the summer (May 21 to July 21) the Midnight Sun is visible and the mild temperatures (average of 12 degrees rising to a maximum of 28 degrees) make this the perfect time of year to explore the beautiful landscape around the city or wander in the countryside.
The evocative and lively city of Tromsø, with its mix of wooden buildings and modern developments, has much to offer the visitor. Popular attractions include: the Polar Museum which tells the exciting story of the polar expeditions which departed from the city; the much photographed Arctic Cathedral which, during the summer months, plays hosts to midnight concerts; Polaria, an arctic themed visitor centre, Tromsø museum with its exhibition of Sámi cultures past and present, and the wonderful cable car ride to the top of Mount Storsteinen (421m) which affords a fantastic view over the city and the surrounding archipelago.
Surrounding Tromsø is a breathtaking landscape of lofty mountains, traditional fishing villages, vibrant coastal communities, green fertile lands and white sand beaches. Contrasting with modern Tromsø, within a short drive you will find a landscape almost untouched by time and age-old traditions still very much alive.
The Lyngen Alps with its peaks reaching up to 1833m, gushing rivers, blue glaciers, rugged, weather beaten lands and marked walking trails are wonderful to explore by car or on foot.
Protecting Tromsø is the island of Kvaløya – Whale Island – a photographer’s dream with its steep mountains falling into the fjords and colourful fishing villages. From Kvaløya it is possible to visit the islands of Musvaer (2 inhabitants), Risøy (1 inhabitant) and Lofoten Husky dog-sled excursion Sandøy (3 inhabitants) and truly experience the meaning of island life.
In the winter months the snow-capped mountains of Kvaløya Island and the mainland form a magical backdrop for the city of Tromsø. With the winter months in Tromsø comes the natural phenomena of the Polar Nights (November 21 to January 21) and the Northern Lights (September to April), as well as a host of activities to suit all interests.
