There are few things more impressive than being amazed by a night sky illuminated by green, purple or blue light bursts . There is no better place to observe the Northern Lights than Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic , an enclave of great strategic and scientific value. And best known for being the starting point of the great expeditions to the North Pole since the mid-nineteenth century. Those who made famous Robert Peary, Frederick Cook and Roald Amundsen.
Tromsø is located on an island, Tromsoya , almost two hours by plane from Oslo and its jagged coastlines studded with fjords, glaciers and impressive steep peaks covered in snow all year round give the feeling that nothing begins beyond them. It is Norway's gateway to the Arctic , and is located about 350 kilometers north past the imaginary line of the Polar Circle.
PREPARE YOUR MOBILE FOR THE SHOW
Upon landing on the The airport of Tromsø-Langnes , it is best to rent a car to be able to freely explore the surroundings of the city and go hunting for the auroras.
The first thing would be to get hold of some of the mobile applications that help us to know if the weather conditions are ideal to contemplate these special and delicate phenomena. Norway Lights Y Aurora Alerts , for instance.
WHERE CAN WE SEE THEM BETTER?
One of the most incredible places to see the Northern Lights is the Ersfjordbotan fjord , about 30 minutes west of central Tromsø, where you can see some of the most spectacular views in the area.
And while we wait for them to be seen there is nothing better than having something hot in Bryggejentene Cafe . From there you can cross to the Kvaløya Island to get to sommarøy , or walk the rugged coast until you are surprised brensholmen beach , to later take a ferry to senja and see whales and orcas. But if you want to ensure the sighting you can resort to a specialized cruise company such as Boreal Yachting . Can you imagine seeing the whales jump in the light of the auroras?
Sommarøy.
If you decide to go east, after crossing the sandnessund bridge , you will head towards the Scandinavian peninsula, where the Fjellheisen cable car and the so-called arctic cathedral , and it is precisely by observing this futuristic court parish , when one begins to realize that here, the relationship between heaven and earth is not so much celestial as cosmic.
In this direction you will reach Lyngen and you will pass through some of the most spectacular fjords in the area, such as the Sorfjord inside the fjord Ullsfjord . And if you're already on the road you won't mind getting to Jøvik , a small town formerly dedicated to the packaging of herring oil , and one of the areas from where the northern lights are best appreciated. As a curiosity in Lyngen area the northernmost whiskey distillery in the world is located, Aurora Spirit Distillery.
Lyngen.
Another way to enjoy the spectacle of the northern lights is to get carried away by the more adventurous slope and chase the auroras riding a dog sled , traversing the white slopes on a snowmobile or practicing biathlon or cross-country skiing lysløpe , the ski slope that crosses Tromsøya. and sites like Tromso Outdoor They can organize the excursion and rent the equipment to ensure you have a unique experience.
TROMSO LIKE YOU WOULD NEVER IMAGINE
After observing how beautiful science can be through this atmospheric phenomenon, and back in this small metropolis, it is time to discover its historic center that barely occupies a few streets full of colored wooden houses, and structured by its main street, storgata and the true cathedral of the city, kongeparke . But don't be confused.
Tromsø is a modern, cosmopolitan city that goes far beyond its immense nature . It is the art, culture and science capital of the Arctic, thanks to museums such as the Northern Norway Art Museum, where you will find an interesting collection of paintings from the 18th century to the present day. And the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Tromsø.
Also for the Perspektivet Museum dedicated to photography. Or the Verdensteatret, which is the oldest cinema in Northern Europe still in use and the seat of the Tromsø International Film Festival . Not forgetting the Hålogaland theater dedicated to opera As far as science is concerned polarmuseet (The Polar Museum) brings us closer to the history of this particular part of the world. Y polaria , the most important aquarium in the Polar Circle and whose main function is to promote knowledge of arctic flora and fauna, together with awareness of the climatic and environmental consequences if it deteriorates.
Modern, cosmopolitan and with a great gastronomic offer.
To the surprise of many, one of the characteristics of this polar city is its incredible and diverse gastronomic offer . Ranging from traditional Norwegian food that you can try at the Emma's Drommekjokken. To novelle cusine and avant-garde from the restaurant Mathallen Tromso. Where the menu changes with the season and is based on the local culinary tradition. You can also buy some of their delicatessen products.
Emma's Drommekjokken.
Although if you prefer something more mundane, one of the trendy places is the Pizza shop hell house They will prepare your pizza to order in its traditional wood-fired oven.
And if what you want is to mix with city people of all kinds and conditions (by the way, the inhabitants of northern Norway are much more friendly and open than you might expect), nothing better than going to dinner at the Huken's Pub . A popular place, small and noisy, but with some amazingly good burgers, some delicious baked potatoes seasoned with cheese, and pints of the quintessential arctic ale, the Mack.
Mathallen Tromso.
We cannot forget one of the most popular places in Tromsø when it comes to eating, Risø Mat and Kaffebar . A small cafe in the historic center, which has a menu of simple dishes made with local and seasonal products.
If you want a recommendation, be sure to try its reindeer meat sausage accompanied with tuber salad , their soup of the day, or any of their dishes made with products from the area. And for a snack, for example, nothing better than going to Tromsø kaffebrenneri , where you will taste their coffee roasted by themselves and one of their kanelbolle homemade. And to finish, you can enjoy the nightlife in one of the city's trendy bars: Bastard bar or Blå Rock Café.
Due to its location, Tromsø is home to such special and unique phenomena as the polar night in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Along with its hidden fjords and the frozen paradise of its surroundings come together to offer one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world , leaving us the impression that we are very far from this earthly world and closer to discovering the truth.
Risø Mat and Kaffebar.