Tromsø, the light of the Arctic.
Tromsø: a journey close to the pole.
Located in the heart of the Norwegian Arctic, Tromsø embodies a captivating blend of history, Arctic adventure and timeless natural beauty. Officially founded in 1794, the town is thought to be much older, with remains of wooden churches (called stavkirke or stavkyrkje) dating back to the 1250’s. Trømso has played a key role in polar exploration, becoming a strategic city for many historic expeditions. Trømso is also the gateway to Svalbard, an archipelago even further north and the starting point for polar expeditions. Svalbard is a wilderness, and with the exception of nine inhabitants on Bear Island, 238 km to the south, its 2,667 inhabitants can be found on Spitsbergen, the only other inhabited island and the largest in the archipelago.
Tromsø’s history is closely linked to the conquest of the Arctic. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the town was a rallying point for intrepid explorers seeking to unravel the mysteries of the polar lands. The expeditions of Nansen and Amundsen, among others, used Tromsø as a base for their incredible journeys north, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Arctic exploration.
Beyond its glorious past, Tromsø offers an incomparable natural experience. Bordered by waters rich in marine life, the region is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether on land or at sea, Norway offers incomparable landscapes and opportunities for encounters with mythical animals such as musk oxen, sperm whales and orcas. The crystal-clear waters of the surrounding fjords and the sunless winter light add a spectacular dimension to this adventure, allowing you to plunge into the wild beauty of Arctic nature and into a bath of intense, electric colors. With a little imagination, you could almost imagine yourself as an explorer braving blizzards and extreme temperatures, just as the first adventurers did, equipped with equipment from the period (1850-1930), adding even more human value to their performance.
However, the real magic of Tromsø is revealed when night sets in, which is very quickly in winter as darkness arrives as early as 2.30pm. The city and its surroundings are renowned as one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights. As evening falls, the skies light up with bewitching colors, mostly green but also red, golden yellow or pink, and the aurora dance above the horizon.
The fjords surrounding Tromsø add the finishing touch to the Arctic experience. The majestic Lyngen and Kvaløya fjords offer marvellous scenery, with snow-capped mountains reflected in calm waters.
Tromsø is much more than just a historic Arctic town. It’s also a fishing port that can include sea fishing, salmon fishing, cod fishing, and other types of fishing depending on the season, including king crab fishing, which is a treat for the taste buds. Other specialities are as surprising as they are unique, such as dried fish or reindeer, elk or whale sausages. I can confirm that mulled wine was very welcome, even if wine is not the local drink.
Tromsø is a gateway to adventure and nature in all their splendor. Tromsø ‘s rich history blends harmoniously with the natural wonders that surround it.
Tromsø (Norway) – January 2024
