Tromsø, Norway
Norway Jan 2-6
While planning our trip to Scotland to visit family for Christmas, I kept looking at side trips we could tack onto the end of the trip. From Aberdeen, we could get cheap flights all over Europe. We were discussing Oslo or Helsinki or Stockholm when it stuck me…why not go north and try to see the Northern Lights?! With a bit of research, all roads pointed to Tromsø, Norway. Nicknamed “Paris of the North” and inside the arctic circle. Tromsø was the ideal place visit and chase the lights.
what we Loved:
1. Stay: Postludium Airbnb
I was so pleased to find this sweet airbnb. It’s located above a thrift shop (what a dream!). It was easy to access and we carried our luggage all the way up to the top floor. This 19th century wood building is just dripping in character. It was so charming and cozy with slanted attic walls. The space was decorated in a perfect mix of mid century and other vintage items. It also couldn’t be in a better location. It’s in the middle of town, right next to the Tromsø Cathedral and close to absolutely everything.
2. Tour: Northern Lights Chase with Wandering Owl
When I attempted to write this one, I realized I couldn’t sum this excursion up in a few lines. I created another post to tell the whole experience. Click here to go.
TL/DR: This was one of the best experiences of my whole life. Ever.
This is pure happiness. Wandering Owl, Tromso Norway.
3. Explore: Fjellheisen Cable car
This isn’t off the beaten track by any means, but it is a *bit* out of the way. It’s well worth going to. We took the city bus over and back, and that worked out great. We went midday so we’d have lots of light. It was a beautiful view of the town and surrounding fjords.
4. Tour: Beer Safari
This was a great way to do a “city tour”. We got tons of information about Tromso while traveling from one taster to the next. Our guide, Bernhard, had a great (dry) sense of humour. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
5. Eat: Huken pub
We try not to repeat places, especially on short trips, but we love it so much we ate here twice! The small, electric space is filled with cozy places to sit. Their menu consists of pancakes, burgers and jacket potatoes. It’s amazing how much flavour they manage to cram into everything that leaves the kitchen. I’m still daydreaming about the Taco Pancakes.
6. Coffee: Risø mat & kaffebar
Coffee lovers paradise. Go for the coffee, stay for the cinnamon rolls! As a rule, cinnamon rolls are not my favourite baked good. These changed my mind. They were fresh out of the oven and melt in your mouth.
7. Spa Boat: Vulkana
We did the Spa & Brunch aboard the Vulkana. It was well catered; good coffee and a great spread for breakfast. There was a sauna, steam room and a hot tub. I think most of the spa goers jumped off the boat into the freezing arctic water. I took a pass on this, freezing water isn’t much of a novelty for us Canadians! haha
I have to say I was a little disappointed by and number of people on the boat. A few less people would have made the experience run a bit better.
8. Shop: Rein Love
We stumbled on this local streetwear brand while wondering around. They had a great selection of beautifully made graphic merchandize. We decided on a practical toque each and are very happy with our purchases. We get a lot of wear out of them!
9. Eat: Arctandria Sjømatrestaurant
I had some money set aside for our last night. It was for either another northern lights chase, or a fancy dinner. Since we didn’t think we could top our experience the night before, we decided on dinner Arctandria. The decor was perfect. The menu had a sense of humour. The food was incredible. I had reindeer & Jono had the arctic char. YUM.
10. Shop: Fretex: Salvation Army Thrift Shop
This was the cleanest, brightest, best smelling Salvation Army Thrift shop I’ve ever been in. I love thrifting and don’t mind digging through a little dinge for some treasures. In Tromso, there was no dinge to be seen! I loved that even the SallyAnne was up to strict Scandinavian standards.
11. Cocktails: Magic Ice
I mean….I knew going into this that it would be a giant tourist trap. And it was. But it was also pretty fun! Everything was ice, the walls, the seats, the drink glasses. They gave us warm capes to wear and gloves. There was only 1 other group there, so we felt like we had the run of the place. The cocktails were terrible/basic, but the novelty was worth it.
next time. there’s never enough time for everything.
1. I would love to spend some time outside Tromso. This Airbnb luxe (heated) tent Camp North would be an amazing way to experience the Arctic and a chance to see the Northern Lights! They include meals and transfers to and from Tromso. You can take excursion tours from this location.
2. We didn’t have enough time to fit a Sami Cultural tour into our short stay. I would make sure to do it next time. The Sami people have been thriving as reindeer herders in this harsh climate for 5000 years! Tromsø Arctic Reindeer is one company that offers experiences to learn about their ancient way of life.
3. I would have loved to do a fjords cruise. Jono would have liked one of the fishing trips!
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