Tromso- Small Town in the Artic, Northern Lights and Dog Sledding

One of the things that we wanted to cross-off our list was seeing the Northern Lights. I think it’s in almost anyone’s bucket list. I’ve never been to Norway so we saw this as an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. So we decided to watch the Northern Lights in Tromso.

 

What is Tromso like?

Tromso is a very small city but full of life inspite of the harsh climate conditions. At the end of the day, it is a university town, so you’ll encounter lots of young people. The town is divided into two ares: the city centre and beyond the bridge. The city centre is full of restaurants, hotels, shops, museums, library, supermarkets and all the essentials that you might think of. The other side of the bridge I found it to be more residential and it’s where the artic church and the city’s viewpoint are located. I know some airbnb’s are located in this area too. Staying at the city centre is very convienient as you get to walk to most places.

The Weather in Tromso

If you are used to extreme cold weather maybe Tromso weather is nothing for you, but for me this was quite an experience. I’ve never been to a city with such quantieties of snow and ice. To me it looked like the authentic winter wonderland. Even when there wasn’t much snow, ice was the king of street. Walking was an adventure and trying not to fall a conquer. Thermal layers are a must and so is waterproof clothing. I went in February for one week and climate was cold but very uncertain. There were sunny days, rainy days, windy days and snowy days. The best advice I have is to be well prepared for any adversity. From mid November to mid January they have polar night.

Where to stay in Tromso?

Overall, Norway doesn’t have extremely luxurious accomodations or high-end and well-known hotel brands. Five star hotels are quite minimal and very much scandic style in terms of interior design. Tromso offers different accommodation options. There are several hotels around the city centre and in other areas. Airbnb’s are also available if you prefer staying in an apartment. Keep in my that as people travel here in high season, securing a hotel room could be tricky. I’d suggest you do it as soon as you know you’ll going to Tromso.

We stayed at Clarion The Edge Hotel, just in the city centre. Location was amazing, food was good and our room was nice and cosy.

What to wear in Tromso?

Extreme weather conditions and often weather changes makes dressing  a challenge, but once you know what to wear it’ll make your life easier. There is no room for pretty clothes, only functional and convinient pieces of clothing that’ll keep you warm. Especially if you go to se the Northern Lights in Tromso.

Layers

The smartest thing to do is wear layers, thin thermal layers with a high ability to keep you warm. The best material for this is Merino wool, as it’s very thin, regulates your body temperature and keeps you warm. I bought upper boddy and lower body thermals from Devold, a Norwegian brand. Merino wool socks were a smart thing to buy too because your feet will suffer from the cold. I ended buying a loop infinity merino scarf too. Merino wool is expensive but worth every cent in my honest opinion. And if treated with care, it’ll last you for ever.

Waterproof outwear

I know you want to look your best but in Tromso this won’t be the case. Waterproof trousers and waterproof jacket will be your outfits. Yes, I saw people in jeans walking through the snow with half of their legs wet. And it didn’t look good.

Footwear

As you’ll mostly walk on ice, I’d suggest boots that have good soles suitable for this kind of weather. I used some Salomon hiking boots that were waterproof and fit for the weather. They’re not the most beautiful shoe, but the were extremely comfy and did the job.

Gloves

Please make sure you have a nice and warm pair of gloves. I’ve seen people with the typical knitted gloves and their hands were suffering to the point they did’t want to go outside in the middle of an excursion. You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, so don’t take keeping yourself warm for granted.

Hand and feet warmers

You can buy this for an additional warmth. They’re little sockets that you shake and generate heat. You can put it in your pocket or stick it to your feet. I used them a lot, very convinient.

What to see in Tromso apart from Northen Lights?

Storgata Street

This is the main artery of the city centre where all the main shops, tour shops and restaurants are located. A nice place to have a walk and buy something you forgot.

Roald Amundsen monument

he was a norwegian explorer of the polar sites. He conducted the expedition to the Antartic and was the first one to reach the South Pole. We couldn’t see de monument very close as there was too much snow.

Tromso Cathedral

One of the two cathedrals in Norway made of wood and built in 1861.

Tromso Townhall

A modern building in Tromso that have a square with good views of Tromso port.

Prelature of Tromso

Catholic church and the northest catholic church in the world.

Tromso Port

An enjoyable walk through wooden houses and small fish boats.

Tromso Bridge

Inaugurated in 1960, it’s the largest bridge in Northern Europe. It has a small sidewalk if you want to cross it by foot. We didn’t as weather was windy and cold. I think it was enough doing it by car, up to you.

Artic Cathedral

Lutheran Church built in 1965 with a very unique design. However, it was closed when we went to visit it. The exterior was just fine for us.

Fjellheisen cable car

it reaches 421 metres above sea level. At the top there is a viewpoint from where you can see the whole city, the surrounding mountains and fjiords. Before going up it’s very important you check the weather. Otherwise it could be a waste of time and money.

Polar Museum

Museum about polar expeditions and hunting in the Artic. It is located in the old customs house next to the pier. So we went here on our final day as it was raining, it was interesting but I know not everyone’s cup of tea. I just enjoy the cultural part of travelling.

Smallest bar in the world

cute little bar in the middle of the street. You can eat food and drink hot chocolate. I didn’t do it, maybe you would like to try it.

Must do activities

Northern Lights in Tromso

Northern Lights in Tromso is pure magic and it should be in your top things to do. The pictures below were taken by tour guide Meda

Dog Sledding

Really fun and amazing experience. Don’t worry, it’s easy to learn. And you get to learn a bit of Sami culture.

Whale Cruise

I din’t do this as sadly it wasn’t the season for watching whales anymore. But if you go earlier in the winter it should be ok.

Fjiords excursion

A very cool way to see all the fjiords and key places surrounding Tromso. I enjoyed very much. The first few hours weather was awful, but once the sun shined, it was beautiful and worth it. I got to see for the first time a snowy beach and surfers bathing!

Where to eat in Tromso?

• Smak
• Fiskekompaniet (check mi review here)
• Bardus Bistro
• Mathallen
• Graffitti
• Arctandria
• There are also fast food restaurants like pizza, burger king and a delivery app if you want to order some food.