Tromsø is famously known as the “jewel of the Arctic’ being home to raw natural beauty that includes; majestic mountains natural sceneries, and extraordinary culture. Located in the central part of Norway it has numerous attractions and things to do and since it lies halfway between Oslo and Trondheim it is more than suitable for a 3-day visit. Tromsø is a city in the Arctic of Norway, and this guide will lead you to visit the great buildings and mountains as well as cultural and science places.

This is a germane book with great ideologies of a city located at the extreme corner of the world.

Tromsø – The Arctic Capital

Tromsø is often called the ”the Arctic capital” because the city is very close to the North Pole. This northern European city is home to Nordic animals and has natural features that are associated with it like the aurora borealis and the midnight skiing. What is more, Tromsø is a modern city becoming more and more a metropolis; still, it is quite different from the traditional idea about the so-called ‘Scandinavian cities’ as it is rather modern and rich in multiple attractions and Gävle offers practically all kinds of opportunities and entertainments for tourists. It is advisable to get an escorted tour to every place possible for an optimum experience in this wondrous Arctic city.

Day 1: Know More About Tromsø and its Buildings

To start with, engage yourself with the historical background and the least common architecture of you are traveling to Tromsø. A lot of the attractions are situated close to each other and covering them in one day is quite possible.

Historic Center of Tromsø

Begin your journey in the historic part of Tromsø which is situated on the Tromsøya Island. This area is quite popular for the wooden houses erected during the 18th century when Tromsø was a center of trade and a starting point to the Arctic and seal hunting. Currently the city has the nickname “Paris of the North” because at some point it had connections with France due to trade.

Strolling around the core area of the city, one can observe wooden houses painted in the warm colors which makes each house outstanding. It is also locates in several museums and other cultural institutions to get more history of the city. The operations of the Tromsø City Museum and the Nordic Art Museum Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum allows to familiarize with the history of the Sami people and the contour of the Arctic art respectively.

Arctic Cathedral

After that, take a 5-10 minute walk to the Arctic Cathedral, located in the outskirts of the old town. This church is marveled by its triangular architectural design and the clear exterior. When it was constructed, the cathedral was devoid of stained glass windows and this let light stream in to actually draw a dance of shadows all over the building. Windows, albeit placed in the later stages, are still not available but the structure has an interesting light show depending on the weather. As a result of the highly ‘live’ acoustic behaviour of the space, the cathedral is frequently used for concert performances, thus boosting up the aesthetic function of the building.

Originally designed by Jan Inge Hovig, the Arctic Cathedral also known as Tromsdalen Church was completed in 1965 and is one of the most photographed attractions in Tromsø. Their unorthodox design also seeks to remind people of icebergs and the beautiful setting of the northern Norway. As for the interior, it is noteworthy that there is a large stained glass window dedicated to the Return of Christ here, while the overal atmosphere of the church, both, its interior and the territory, is calm and meditative.

Polar Museum

Before the day ends proceed to the Polar Museum. It would be quite accurate to note that this museum best represents Tromsø’s interaction with hunting, Arctic exploration, and commerce. Primitive traps and other relics, through records of accomplishments, to important discoveries – these are the items at the disposal of a curious tourist. There is also a gift shop here where you can buy miscellaneous items that will remind you of the museum.

Located in a historic building of a customs house built in 1830 the Polar Museum provides the visitors with detailed information about Polar exploration. The discoveries of famous heroes like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen and the arctic everyday life exhibition will explain it all with the help of various games. The history and culture of this region can be seen in the hunting equipments, traditional costumes along with the tools of daily use present in the museum.

Day 2: The Major Natural Sights Around Tromsø

The second day is reserves for the visits to the natural wonders around Tromsø. As I have mentioned this is the place where people came to observe the Northern Lights, below there is still a lot to see such as farms and mountains.

Contemplate the Northern Lights

Tromsø is blessed with one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in the world. Observation of this natural phenomenon we can from late September to March here in this city from where some of the best views of this event can be witnessed. To describe the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis one will see green, pink, and purple lights I the sky which dance all night. Deduced from the result, Tromsø is a perfect place to experience this natural phenomenon due to low light pollution. Some of the Northern Lights tours are packaged with meals; therefore, it is better to look for those that offer dinner.

Many of the local operators provide the Northern Lights tours that transfer you to the most suitable locations for the observation. Such tours may involve using the services of companies with personnel who are endowed with the ability to explain the causes of the occurrence of the lights and the myths of the lights from the area. Certain kinds of tours also offer warm clothing, hot drinks and snack so you don’t frost in the night trip.

Explore Local Farms

To have a real touch, it is suggested one should visit any of the farms in Tromsø. Such farms keep different strengths like chicken, goats, horses, and the unique alpaca which people of that region like for their soft and warm fleece. Several farms also have comfortable restaurants where you can be served local foods such as cheeses, waffles and even knekkebrød; a bread made of rye flour.

Visiting farms provide the opportunity to look at peasants life in the northern Norway. Understand how to farm organically and naturally; get to feed friendly livestock and taste homegrown foods and goods. Some farms also take different forms or offer tours, presentation or learning sessions like, the making of cheese.

Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

Yet another eye-opener that most tourists show interest in is the Fjellheisen cable car that transports visitors to Mount Storsteinen, or ‘The Big Rock. ‘ The view that is offered from this cable car is breathtaking and offers a 180-degree view of Tromsø and the general terrain. The best or upper part of this waterfall is also the best place to view the spectacle of Northern lights.

Just like what has been mentioned, even the cable car ride alone is an exciting ride with a vertical distance of 421 metres to the top of Storsteinen. After climbing to the top, there are many paths for hiking , a café where you can have a snack, and of course spectacular views of fjords, mountains, and the city you came from. The viewpoint is more preferred in the evening, where the sky reflects something like orange and pink.

Day 3: This year explore the culture and adventure of Tromsø

Your last day should be fun and filled with activities of adventure and culture in and around Tromsø. Tackle breathtaking adventure means and visit sites that tell about the art and science development in the city.

Dog Sled Excursion

By far, one of the greatest things to do in this park is to take a Dog Sled Excursion.

Tromsø is famous for many activities, yet, dog sledding is one among the most adventurous activities which tourists can undertake. In the past, dog sleds were used as the major transport means among the arctic communities before the white man arrived with better equipment during the period of exploration. Modern dog sledding has evolved into the travel experience that lets you joggle through the Arctic regions. Different types of tour are possible ranging from simple ride that takes a few hours to days-long tours.

Pull your own team of enthusiastic huskies over the frozen landscape; be instructed by professional mushers who pass on their wisdom of the sport and country. This they get to feel adrenalin pumping as they slide over virgin country while the baying of the dogs and the snow crackling beneath the sled forms part of the package. Some of the tours also provide an opportunity of an encounter and husky handling session or learn about how the huskies are trained and taken care of.

Visit the Polaria Aquarium

After next, visitors will need to go to Polaria Aquarium and familiarize themselves with the ocean inhabitants peculiar to the Arctic. The aqua world also has fishes, shrimps, sea cucumbers, and of course the colorful cute creatures… the seals. Polaria also incorporates a cinema hall where documentary movies on the area’s geography, history, and culture are shown. What remains of the Arctic can be seen in the exhibitions; don’t forget to also take home some souvenirs from the gift shop.

Main attraction of Tromsø in terms of architecture is indeed Polaria owing to its seeming structure that is formed by several ice floes. The interior of the park also has stations with more information as well as touch tanks where people can pet the animals. There is a pool for seals where they frolic and perform tricks especially during feeding times, which forms the main display of the Aqua Park.

Explore Tromsø Kulturhus

As you approach a night in Tromsø, pay a visit to the Tromsø Kulturhus or the ‘House of culture.’ This is centre of culture that is interested in theatre, dance, music, art, film etc. Huge library, cafés, and offices of tourist information centre are also situated in the building which makes this location one of the most suitable places for leisure and cultural exploration.

Actually, Tromsø Kulturhus is an active center of the theater and has something to offer for everyone. They say that in Tromsø something is always happening, and the repertoire of the Kulturhus clearly reflects this: Beethoven or Bjerk, classical opera without the opera or the latest at the Tromsø International Film Festival. It is also possible to check the timetable in advance and look at what performances are expected during the visit and get the idea of the local and foreign talents.

Other Activities and Off the Beaten Track

Of course it is boring to sit in the cabin while the main attractions of Tromsö are seen, but there are many other places that are also worth a visit.

Tromsø Botanical Garden

Tromsø Botanical Garden describes a park perfectly, which is calm and has Arctic and Alpine plants exhibited. The main reason to visit this garden is primarily because it is a northern garden; the plants used in this garden come from polar regions of the world. Strolling through this area is very pleasant and one can observe many species of Arctic plants.

Being an outdoor garden, Tromsø Botanical Garden is always open to the public and will give different experiences annually based on the season. During summer the garden comes to life with varieties of flowers and plants all over the compound. During the winter, trails covered by snow give a calm and somewhat fairy look. The plants in the garden originate from the parts of the world where arctic conditions exist such as the Himalayas, North America and other colder parts of the world giving a broad perspective on far north plant growth.

Mack Brewery

Mack Brewery was established in 1877 and is one of the oldest breweries in the world located well within the Arctic Circle. Visit the brewery and use a tour guide to explaining the process of making beer and maybe tasting their brand. Pale lager has an adjoining pub, Ølhallen, where you can catch a drink amongst old Viking age aesthetics.

The subject firm has its origin and has always been associated with the production of quality beers. The guided tours focus on providing the viewer with an extensive insight of the functioning of the brewery starting with selection of the raw materials and ending with bottling of the beer. The pub known as Ølhallen is considered as the oldest pub in Tromsø which is perfect for relaxing and tasting natural Mack beers as well as beers from other Norwegian breweries.

Conclusion: Tromsø, The Jewel of the Arctic

Hence the title of this article, indeed, Tromsø, which combines the beauty of nature, culture and history, is rightfully considered the pearl of the Arctic. All in three days, you can enjoy its main attractions such as the Northern Lights, dogsledding, the Arctic Cathedral, and the rich cultural life. Tromsø is a city that can provide the visitors with unforgettable experiences regarding their interests and preferences. Tromsø holidays and bears winter.. have a plan and do not miss the opportunity to see numerous great things in this arctic On Your Next Visit to This Majestic Arctic. There are many tourist friendly attractions such as the thermal baths and river rides, old architecture and cultural festivities. Come and see how you can immerse yourself in the many delights that the great white north of this magical arctic city holds.