
Tromso is a lively city located beyond the Arctic Circle, among fjords and mountains. It is a major port and university center, which is often called the "gateway to the Arctic" and "Paris of the North". In addition, Tromso is a popular point on the route of sea, car, and bike trips along the fjords of Norway, it also attracts lovers of mountain walks, rock climbing, and fishing.
The main part of the city is located on the small island of Tromsei, with separate areas on the mainland and on the island of Kvalei. The city center is small, it is easy to get around on foot. The historical part includes the main street Storgata, also the streets Strandgata, Skippergata, and Skansegata, lying closer to the sea. The main market square of Stortorget offers views of the harbor and the Arctic Cathedral across the strait. On the other side of Storgata, the houses climb steeply up the ridge of hills that separate the eastern part of the city from the west and from the airport.

The Tromso Tourist Office is located at: Kirkegata 2; Tel.: +47 77 61 00 00, +47 77 61 00 10. Working hours: from May 19 to August 31: Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, Sat and Sun 10:00-17:00, the rest of the time 9:00-16:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, Sunday off.
Since Tromso is located beyond the Arctic Circle, in summer you can see the midnight sun (polar day), and in winter — the northern lights.
How to get
Tromso is located between Narvik (4 hours drive) and Alta (6 hours).
Troms has its own Langnes airport, which accepts flights from Russia and the EU, in particular from Murmansk (Aeroflot-Nord). In addition, there are direct flights from London (Gatwick), Munich, Riga, in summer - from Antalya, Chania, Palma, Rhodes, and Stockholm.
Local flights connect Tromso with Oslo (up to ten times a day, SAS and Norwegian), Bergen (Widerøe), Trondheim (via Bude, Norwegian), also with nearby towns of the Arctic region (Widerøe). Planes going to Oslo, as a rule, land at Gardemoen Airport, but some of the cheap flights go to Thorp / Sandefjord or Ridge.

From the center of Tromso to the airport can be reached by bus Flybussen. The first departure from the center is at 5:40, the last from the airport is at 00:00 (Fri), the fare is 90 NOK (children's - 45 NOK), the journey time is 14 minutes. In addition, there are regular buses No. 40 and No. 42, operating hours: 6:25-23:50, fare 50 NOK (children - 25 NOK), travel time 15-20 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the center costs 200-250 NOK, about 10 minutes on the way.
Due to the mountainous landscape, the entire northern part of Norway has been cut off from the country's railway system since Bude. It is not yet possible to get to Tromso by train.
Shopping
The largest shopping center in Tromso, Nerstranda Senter (address: Nerstranda 9, tel.: +47 77618855, opening hours: 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-18:00) is located in the heart of the city, a minute's walk from Prostneset, from where intercity buses depart.
The largest shopping mall in Northern Norway, Jekta, is located near the airport (address: Heiloveien 19, tel.: +47 77604500, opening hours: 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-18:00).

Souvenirs are worth buying in museum shops, as well as in: Tromsø Gift and Souvenir Shop, Snarby Strikkestudio (in the very center, opposite the city bus stops; Norwegian sweaters), Blåst (between Nestranda and the brewery; souvenirs made of glass), Arppa (Sami products, jewelry, as well as books in Sami).
Tromso
Welcome to the northernmost city in the world. A city is famous for the beauty of its wooden buildings, picturesque fjords, and high surrounding mountains. A city where winter polar nights are replaced by summer white ones. This is the place from where it is best to observe the Northern Lights. And a real paradise for fishermen. This is Tromso, the largest city in Northern Norway.
The city of Tromso is divided into several parts, which are located on two islands, Tromseia and Kvaloya, and on the mainland. All three parts of the city are connected by bridges. The city of Tromso is located 350 km above the Arctic Circle. Therefore, it is often called the gateway to the Arctic. It is from Tromso that most polar expeditions begin. But despite this, about 63,000 people live in the city, which makes Tromso the largest city in Northern Norway and the eighth-most populous in the country. The geographical location of Tromso, the most favorable place from where you can see the Northern Lights. And the warm current of the Gulf Stream provides Tromso with the best fishing in all of Norway. Occupies an advantageous economic position.
The official language spoken in Tromsø is, of course, Norwegian. But no less popular here is the so-called Sami language - the local dialect spoken by the indigenous population of Tromso - Sami. In addition, English is popular in Tromso. Therefore, you will not have any problems with communication.

Archaeological excavations in Northern Norway have shown that the first settlements on the territory of Tromso existed back in the Iron Age. In the Middle Ages, the city acquired the status of a major commercial port, thanks to its favorable location. In the XIII century, in Tromso, as in most European cities, Christianity began to spread. In 1252, the first Christian church was built in Tromsø. In 1794, Tromso received the status of a city. And in 1834, after the opening of the bishopric in the city, the importance of the city increased. In 1848, the first college was opened in Tromsø. In 1872 - a ship repair yard, which allowed to expand of the city's trade relations. In 1968, by the decision of the Storting, the first university was opened in Troms.
Thanks to the same warm Gulf Stream, the climate in the city is quite mild. The main feature of the climate of Tromso is a large amount of snow. During the winter, the depth of the fallen snow can be equal to 2 meters. It is relatively warm here in winter. The air temperature does not fall below minus 4 degrees Celsius. But it's cool in summer. The average temperature in July is 12 degrees Celsius. Spring is considered the best time to visit Tromso. It is at this time that the weather in the city pleases with warm sunny days, and the harsh polar nights are already behind.

The fastest way to get to Tromso is by plane. Therefore, you will have to get to Oslo airport, and from there, on a domestic flight, fly to Tromso. And for those who go to Tromso, mainly to go fishing, it is best to get there by car.
There is a huge selection of comfortable hotels in Tromso, with a full package of services that will satisfy the needs of every visitor. Hotel reservations can be made on the spot, using a plastic bank card. Or through the official websites of travel campaigns. Moreover, for canceling a reservation, you will not be fined.
You can spend an unforgettable vacation in Tromso. Insofar as the city is replete with sights and entertainment for every taste. To appreciate the cultural riches of Tromso, you can climb over the city in the funicular. From there you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the city and the surrounding area.
The most famous and popular place in Tromso is the famous Arctic Cathedral. Admiring it from a distance, you catch yourself thinking that the Cathedral resembles a giant iceberg, which miraculously acquired these majestic features. This magnificent work of art, made of glass and shining in the rays of the rising Sun, is a symbol of the cultural heritage of Scandinavia and the hallmark of the city. The Arctic Cathedral is famous for its stained glass windows, which are considered the largest in Europe. The building was designed in 1964 by architect Jan Inge Hovig.

Even being beyond the Arctic Circle, the city of Tromso is rich in its cultural and social life. Tromsø has its own university, several colleges, and higher schools. In total, about 10,000 students live in the city. Therefore, Tromso can be called a "young" city. By the way, the average age of a Norwegian student is slightly higher than that of a Russian one.
In Tromso, there is a huge number of museums on all kinds of topics. First of all, it is worth visiting the University Museum, which is the largest museum in Northern Europe. It presents expositions on the rich flora and fauna of the Arctic. Here you can get acquainted with samples of stones and minerals of the Norwegian land, examine the fossils of ancient animals. To get acquainted with the history and culture of the Sami, the ancient people of this land. And also to study the entire long and interesting history of Northern Norway, starting from the Iron Age and ending with our days.
Another, no less remarkable, the museum is POLARIA. In this museum, you will learn about the most interesting regions of the Arctic and the Barents Sea. The expositions of this museum are represented by exhibits dedicated to the cultures of fishing and hunting, which were extremely popular in these places. In the museum, you will be able to watch a three-dimensional video broadcast on four screens, which will tell about environmental problems and possible ways to solve them. And besides, there is an aquarium with live seals in the museum. There is a private cafe.
In addition to peaceful sightseeing, Tromso can offer you an active holiday. For example, to take an ascent to the Tromso - Exfjordjokelen or Lyngen glaciers. Or ride the famous dog sledding, take a ferry ride and go canoeing in the waters of the fjord. But the most popular type of recreation in Tromso is fishing.

