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Tromso is one of the best places to get a taste of Norway, offering excellent experiences of culture, nature, and history in equal measure. It’s also a fantastic place to view the northern lights and experience the midnight sun, unique opportunities you’ll have a hard time finding elsewhere in the world. From reindeer sledding and whale watching to the Arctic Cathedral and Mount Floya, here are some of Tromso, Norway’s best offerings.

Reindeer Sledding

Most places around the world don’t have reindeer, so reindeer sledding is a truly unique opportunity. Reindeer can only be herded by the Sami people indigenous to Norway, but there are multiple reindeer sledding tour operators. If you’re looking for a relaxed and uniquely Norwegian activity that will also teach you a bit about the Sami people, reindeer sledding is the perfect choice.

Arctic Cathedral

The Tromsdal Church, more commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral, is sure to impress anyone who appreciates unique architecture. Often compared to the Sydney Opera House, the white and triangular design of this Tromso landmark is a fascinating feat of modern innovation.

Polaria

Polaria is another example of inventive architecture, but the building itself is a museum. Made to resemble ice flows pressed up onto the land, Polaria contains an Arctic aquarium, exhibits, and a panoramic cinema showing features about the Arctic wilderness and Northern Lights. Don’t miss the bearded seals in the aquarium, and once you leave the cinema check out the Arctic Walkway’s videos and displays.

City Center

Tromso’s city center is full of both wooden houses and Empire houses, making for a quaintness that is incredibly welcoming. But you’ll also find a large concentration of shops, cafes, and restaurants, especially along Tromso’s main pedestrian street, Storgata. This street is also where you’ll find most of the city’s clubs and pubs, and a perfect setting if you’re looking for nightlife.

The Fjord Queen

The Fjord Queen is a classic wooden boat which you can enjoy a five hour cruise around the Norwegian fjords and Arctic Sea. Providing amazing views of natural beauty as well as a great fishing opportunity, a cruise on the Fjord Queen is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend your afternoon. The tour guides are very knowledgeable, and the crew also prepares a light lunch of delicious fish soup. Keep an eye out for puffins, seals, dolphins, and sea eagles.

Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

Northern Norway is home to some beautifully unique flora, and the Tromso Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is the best place to see it. This is the northernmost botanical garden in the world, but it’s nonetheless wonderfully lush and green. There’s also a small café if you’re feeling peckish.

Polar Museum

Norway has an intriguing and exciting history, and the Polar Museum is one of the best places to learn about it. Tromso was established at the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ in the late 1800s, and became a launching point for many polar exhibitions. Many exhibits at the Polar Museum explore these exhibitions, while others describe the hardships faced by hunters and trappers. You can also explore a well-preserved sealing vessel, the MS Polstjerna.

Mount Floya

One of the most popular spots for sightseeing is the top of Mount Floya, which provides phenomenal views of the Tromso city center. The cable car ride to the top is a fun little trip, but you can also walk up. However you get there, Mount Floya will give you fantastic photo opportunities as well as an ideal spot to experience the midnight sun during the summer.

Whale Watching

Whether you visit in the summer or the winter, whale watching is always a worthwhile adventure. Humpback whales, fin whales, and killer whales all enter the fjords around Tromso in search of herring, and there are a number of whale watching safaris and boat trips to help you catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Be sure to bring your camera!

Science Center of Northern Norway

The Science Center of Northern Norway is home to the country’s largest planetarium. It’s home to the fantastic Northern Lights movie ‘Extreme Auroras’, a 26-minute film full of breathtaking photos and videos of Aurora Borealis. In addition to the planetarium, the center also hosts a plethora of interactive exhibits dealing with energy, climate, and the environment.

Norway is beautiful country and the city of Tromso does not disappoint.  From sea safaris and boat trips, to majestic views of northern lights and midnight sunsets Tromso offers an excellent experience of culture nature and history.

Planning a travel incentive or executive meeting in Tromso, Norway? Contact Gavel International to learn more about our programs.

Jim Bozzelli
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