Uncle Says Travel Series: Tromsø, Norge
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø lies in the far north of the Scandinavian peninsula hidden in one of the more isolated parts of the world. From the northern lights to wildlife spotting on the bay and delicious seafood, this is a city shrouded in polar frigidity but just as bright as any beach getaway. Travelling to Tromsø is rather arduous and involves two or more plane journeys the final of which typically begins at Oslo Gardermoen. The flight to Tromsø takes approximately three hours and fifty-five minutes. I went during winter and encourage everyone to brave the polar air to witness this city in all its hoary majesty.
While flying northwards, one begins to understand the great size of Norway and its behemoth coastline. From approximately November 20th, the sun no longer rises which means that as you fly North, the sunsets if you have left Oslo during the day. This surreal experience of a two PM sunset was one of the strangest things I have ever witness. Landing in pitch black during the afternoon was another!
Tromsø Cathedral
Tromsø Storgata
On your first day I would sincerely suggest just walking around the city. Temperatures in the city tend to be up to 10C more than in the forest so when I went it was typically -3- -1 in the city and -10- -14 in the forest. Check out the Arctic and Tromsø Cathedrals and take the cable car to Fløya mountain and bask in the beauty of this Arctic gem! In the evening, venture on a northern light sightseeing tour and behold the majesty of the Aurora Borealis. Uncle advises you to pack sensibly for this trip! Uncle brought short socks with him and immediately regretted it!
Northern Lights ft. A tired Uncle!
Norwegian cuisine is notoriously unique and typically associated with seafood and Brunost (brown cheese). However, I can confirm that everything I ate was a delight for the senses. From kanelboller (cinnamon swirls) to the fresh fish caught and prepared on my boat tour in the fjords was sensational. One thing to note is that food in Norway is beyond expensive so it was useful staying at a hotel that included two meals and going on excursions that include food too!
Kanelboll & Hot Chocolate
Fresh Salmon and Herb soup
As a whole, the city of Tromsø, especially during Winter, is beguiling to say the least. Friendly locals and copious fresh air made this trip unforgettable for all the right reasons. I spent two days in Tromsø but wrote a whole chapbook exploring this picturesque speck of the Arctic. Uncle’s top tips include; planning well in advance to make this trip more budget friendly. Planning out meals and excursions and taking the airport bus directly to the city center as it’s far more affordable!
Tromsø Bay & a photo of Tromsø overhead during the lightest period of the day!
