Nestled above the Arctic Circle, Norway, Tromsø is a dream destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone chasing the Northern Lights. I visited in winter and its 100% the perfect time to soak up your surroundings. I spent around 7 days here and heres what I got up to!
LGBTQ+ rights in Norway 🏳️🌈
Like its Nordic neighbours, most Norwegians have a liberal attitude towards sexuality and gender identity, and the country was among the first to enact anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians.
In fact, Norway ranks among the top 10 countries on top of the 2022 ILGA-Europe annual Rainbow Europe Map. For more information visit the Tourism Norway website.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis due to how high up it is in the Arctic circle. From September to March, the dark Arctic skies come alive with dazzling displays of green, purple, and pink lights. There are many tours you can take to try and see them but the lights ofcourse are never guaranteed. If like me you were spending some time in Tromsø, you can download the Aurora app which gives you both weather and KP ratings (the strength of the geomagnetic activity). I followed these religiously every night and to my excitement the strongest Aurora i have ever seen in my life appeared across the bay! Yes I had to stay up until 2am but its totally worth it.
Raketten Bar – the smallest bar in the world! I took these on two different days.
Explore Tromsø’s Charming City Center
Tromsø may be known for its wild landscapes, but the city itself is full of cozy cafés, Arctic history, and vibrant nightlife. Some must visit spots include the Arctic Cathedral, a stunning modern church with dramatic architecture. If you want to brave it, its worth the walk across the bridge and good to get in some fitness. Quite close to the cathedral is the gondola that takes you up Storsteinen mountain to the best views in Tromsø.
Within the city itself are very cute streets with nice shops, lovely restaurants and bars. One of my favourite is the smallest bar in the world – Raketten. Established in 1911. Here you can get yourself a nice hot chocolate, a beer or maybe a reindeer hotdog, made with local meat.
In the surrounding areas there are many lakes that freeze over and the in daytime you can relax and watch as the locals ice skate. Walking on a frozen lake is something I have done many times before but when you move across frozen water and you hear the rumblings underneath it does make your hairs stand on end.
Views from Tromsø and beyond. Even the roads have beautiful scenery.
Beyond Tromsø: Fjords & Arctic Wildlife
In every direction you look, Tromsø is surrounded by stunning fjords, islands, and snow-covered peaks. It’s the perfect place to go on a snow filled adventure and there are many ways to do this. A fjord cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of Northern Norway, and if you visit between November and January, you can go on a whale-watching safari to spot orcas and humpback whales! Or if you rent a car you can take yourself further into Norwegian nature following the winding roads. Everywhere I looked on these journeys were like photos out of Lord of the Rings. The scenery is STUNNING!
Why Tromsø Should Be on Your Bucket List
So that is my time in Tromsø! For me this won’t be my last visit as it feels like the best place to be to begin your arctic adventure! Tromsø is the perfect mix of Arctic wilderness and small-city charm. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, exploring fjords, or experiencing Sami culture, this magical destination will leave you in awe.
For more information please visit the Visit Tromsø website.
Nomadic dani 
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