Norway
About My Trip to Norway
My trip to Tromsø, Norway was an amazing mix of exploration and adventure. Comfortable flights got me there, and once I arrived, I embarked on unforgettable experiences. A hike to the Fjellheisen Cable Car offered panoramic views, a land-based fjord tour showcased reindeer and colorful villages, and the historic Tromsø Bridge provided stunning cityscapes.
Chasing the Northern Lights was a highlight, even though the full display remained elusive. The vast night sky, the thrill of the hunt, and the camaraderie with fellow chasers made it a unique adventure. Food ranged from the world’s northernmost Burger King to delicious deep-dish pizza at Peppes Pizza, perfectly fueling my explorations. Storgata, Tromsø’s vibrant main street, offered colorful shops, cafes, and even whimsical troll statues.
Tromsø impressed me with its architectural gems as well. The Arctic Cathedral’s modern design stood out, and the bright interior with its stained glass was a beautiful sight. From breathtaking scenery to cultural experiences, Tromsø offered everything I love about travel. It was an unforgettable adventure.
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Tromsø
I flew from Amsterdam to Oslo on SAS Airlines on an Airbus A320. I was able to get an exit row seat so the flight was comfortable. In Oslo, I had to wait to clear customs before I could catch my connecting flight to Tromsø. That flight was on a Boeing 737-800 and took two hours.
For the return flight, I flew with Norwegian Airlines from Tromsø to Oslo. I caught the Flybussen from my hotel to the airport. Checking in for the flight was automated and I didn’t have any problems with security. My luggage was overweight but they didn’t flag it. Overall, I had a positive experience flying with SAS and Norwegian Airlines.
When I arrived, there was a red alert for avalanches, but I still decided to go to the top since I could see the view from there. The view from the top was amazing; I could see the city, the fjords, and the colorful buildings. It even snowed while I was there!
I spent a few hours at the top before riding the cable car back down. After walking back to my hotel, I decided to rest up for my northern lights chase that night.
I took a land-based tour of the fjords of Tromsø, Norway with Explore the Arctic. With our guide Horia, at the wheel, we departed at 10:00 AM. The late start allowed ample rest after a Northern Lights Chase the night before.
The first stop was Kaldfjorden, where we were able to get out of the van and walk around. There is a small village near Kaldfjorden. It even snowed while we were there!
We also saw reindeer. Horia explained that all of the reindeer in Norway are owned by the Sami People. They use the reindeer to pull sleds and as a source of food.
Another stop was Ersfjorden. The weather was constantly changing, but we were able to get out of the van and walk around.
The final stop was Katsfjorden. Horia parked the van and we walked to a viewpoint to see the fjord. There were red barns near the fjord that contrasted beautifully with the white snow.
The Tromsø Bridge is one of the most recognized sights in Tromsø, Norway. It is an impressive 3,399 feet (1,036 meters) long and crosses the Tromsøysundet Strait, connecting the mainland to the island of Tromsøya. When it opened in 1960, it was the first cantilever bridge in all of Norway! That means it was built with long arms that support the bridge deck in the middle, without a central support in the water. In addition to vehicles, pedestrians can also walk across the bridge.
I started my walk on the south side of the bridge, which is the designated walking path. The walk was easy and offered scenic views of the city and harbor. The bridge itself is quite a sight, especially when you consider its history as the first cantilever bridge in Norway.
As I crossed the bridge, I stopped a few times to take in the views. The city of Tromsø looked beautiful from up there, with its colorful houses lining the waterfront. I could also see the Tromsø Harbor, which is home to many fishing boats and cruise ships. If you are visiting Tromsø, walking across the Tromsø Bridge is a must-do activity. It’s a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the stunning scenery. Just be sure to watch out for ice and slippery conditions in the winter.
The chance to chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway had been calling my name for ages. Pictures just don’t do them justice, you know? I knew I wanted to maximize my chances of seeing this incredible natural phenomenon, and that likely meant venturing beyond Tromsø itself, maybe even into Finland. So after some research, I decided to book a small group tour with Friluftsenter.
The night of the chase arrived, and I bundled up in all my warmest gear, anticipation buzzing through me like a live wire.Our guide was fantastic, a true pro when it came to navigating the night sky and weather patterns. We piled into a van, the small group creating a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere, and headed out of Tromsø.
The chase was on! Our guide expertly navigated us away from the city lights, deeper into the Arctic wilderness. Every so often, the van would pull over, the engine cutting out and plunging us into an inky blackness. Cameras poised, we’d all crane our necks to the sky, eyes adjusting to the darkness.
There were moments of hope – faint smudges of green in the distance, a whisper of a light show. But nothing spectacular materialized. Despite the lack of a full-blown aurora borealis display, the experience itself was incredible. The vastness of the Arctic sky, the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie with my fellow Northern Lights hopefuls – it was all unforgettable.
Our guide never gave up, their enthusiasm unwavering. And though we didn’t get the epic light show we were all hoping for, their dedication and expertise made the entire adventure worthwhile. So, yeah, if you’re ever in Tromsø and chasing the Northern Lights, definitely consider a tour. You won’t regret the experience, even if the lights remain stubbornly elusive.
In Tromsø, my stomach started rumbling and I was faced with a tough decision: familiar American fare or something a little more adventurous? Being a sucker for a good Whopper, I popped into the Burger King, figuring it must be one of the furthest north locations in the world.
Let’s just say, it did the trick, but it wasn’t anything super special – just your typical BK experience. My Whopper combo set me back 160 NOK, which is about $20.
Feeling a little more adventurous for dinner, I decided to try Peppes Pizza. This place looked like it served Chicago-deep dish pies, and that was calling my name! I ordered a pizza with ham and pepperoni, because you can’t go wrong with a classic. To make it a real feast, I also got garlic bread deluxe and an Oreo brownie cheesecake sundae (hey, I was on vacation!).
The pizza did not disappoint – it had a nice, crispy crust and tons of toppings and cheese. The garlic bread was cheesy and flavorful, and the sundae? Let’s just say it was the perfect way to end a delicious meal. The whole thing cost 365 NOK, which is around $45. Overall, Peppes Pizza was a great choice for a more unique and flavorful meal in Tromsø.
Tromsø is a cool city! After I fueled up on delicious food, I decided to explore what the city had to offer. I wandered down Storgata, the main pedestrian street. It was lined with colorful shops, cafes, and restaurants. The vibe was friendly and welcoming, and there were people everywhere enjoying the fresh air.
The harbor was just a short walk away from Storgata. I loved the sight of the colorful buildings lining the waterfront. It looked like a scene straight out of a postcard! There were also several boats docked in the harbor, and I saw signs advertising boat tours. That could be a fun way to see the city from a different perspective, I thought, making a mental note for next time.
And speaking of fun, Tromsø is known for its trolls, those mischievous creatures of Scandinavian folklore. Sure enough, I even spotted a few troll statues on Storgata Street – a quirky touch that added to the city’s charm.
All in all, exploring Tromsø was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. The mix of shops, harbor views, and a touch of trollish whimsy made it a truly memorable experience.
Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral was definitely worth a visit during my exploration of the city. It’s this massive, modern church that looks like giant, intersecting triangles of glass and concrete jutting up towards the sky. It’s not your typical European cathedral for sure, but that’s what makes it so interesting!
The whole design is supposed to evoke the northern lights, which I thought was pretty cool. Even though I didn’t see the real aurora borealis, I got a little taste of it here in the cathedral.