Tromso is thereby presented as a featured jewel in Norway, the ‘Arctic Capital’ that is always awake, providing the prospect for an adventurous buzz. Being an active city in the area of fjords and mountains, it also incorporates the typical nostalgic reproduction of culture and history and a lot of opportunities for tourism. There are so many things to learn about the city of Tromso, watch the Northern Lights, go through the history, and discover treasures hiding in the streets of the city if you decide to spend only one day here. Here, you will get all the recommendations as well as relevant information on what to do and how to do it in Tromso.
Importance of Tromso to Tourists
Now, it is appropriate to name what and why Tromso is important to tourists, and only then describe the detailed program. Tromso, at the latitude of approximately 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, has vibrant, active tourism and is the gateway to many Arctic adventures. Tromso, however, is a town with a historical background that has developed through ages because of the impacts of Sami people, Vikings, and Arctic explorers.
Detailed Program
It means that before choosing to visit Tromso within a day, the following information should be taken into consideration.
Preparation Tips
As you prepare to cross Tromso, it is always helpful to have some basic tips up your sleeves.
- Duration of Visit: As for the rest, Tromso can be visited in a day; nevertheless, the primary attractions are located either online with maps indicating the places of interest or through the districts marked on the map, primarily the historical district or the central part of Tromso.
- Getting Around: Tromso is a very powerful city which is accessible majorly by foot, and most of the sites are a walking distance away. However, if you prefer public means of transport, you can utilize Troms Billet App for the grant of bus tickets.
- Recommended Activities: If you would like to stay more in Tromso, it will be rather useful if you hear some historical and cultural tourist guide. Also, do not forget such items as to see the Northern Lights and other major attractions.
- Accommodation: If you want to stay in Tromso for more time, there are some hotels and, as it has already been mentioned, almost all of the apartments, situated close to the city center and the places where you can possibly meet the Northern Lights. Other facilities that the tourists can opt for include or are Scandic Tromsø, Radisson Blu Hotel Tromso, or Arctic Homes City Square.
Detailed Itinerary: Top Recommendations
Therefore, based on the above ideas, the essentials are set to delve into the essence of Troms if you are willing to. Here’s a curated list of must-see attractions and activities to help you make the most of your day:
Witness the Northern Lights
Tromso is well known for being one of the best places on Earth to observe the splendid phenomenon of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Tromso is one of the locations where the Northern Lights can be seen moving from the beginning of the year’s fourth quarter to mid-third of the year; nevertheless, the better chance is during winter. As there is no assurance on the probabilities of the lights sighting, there should be no negative implications in attending a Northern Light Tour.
Explore Tromso Pier
To begin with, one should suggest visiting Tromso Pier in the morning, which is a historical port that has a connection with the Arctic. Take a walk for an eye-pleasing set of houses painted in clear colors of wood and for a longer maritime experience, take a walk near the shore. If indeed you are lucky to be in this town when it is winter, then you might wish to undertake whale watching or spend time on the floating sauna.
Visit Town Hall Square
Town Hall Square is in the rather central location of the city, surrounded by the old town hall and the statue of King Haakon VII of Norway. I like walking around the squares, it is possible to estimate historical information and look at stunning architecture’s masterpieces.
Explore Tromso’s Cathedrals
Tromso now has two special cathedrals that talk about the religious diversity in the city. Visit the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Tromso, which also has quite a racially mixed congregation and the Tromso Cathedral, which is a Lutheran one and has several 19th-century remaining. These two cathedrals are endowed with the freedom of entry and indeed make the visitors have a sneak preview of the historical background of religion in Tromso.
Discover Tromso Library
It is also a multi-functional cultural point, being the world’s northernmost library. Thank it for neo-classical features, a little request of contemporary design which was accompanied with glass phasing to allow natural lighting to be part of the building’s features. Take as many books as you can from the beautiful library. The library is located on the higher floor and it has big windows giving us the overlooking view of the fjord.
Stroll Along Storgata
Take a walk through the Street: Storgata: Storgata is an important communication road; business district of Tromso. There will be Tōdai-ji temple and climbing 15 steps to enter the main hall with shops cafes and restaurants in wooden buildings some of them are marked with blue plaques as the heritage sites of the street.
Visit Verdensteatret
Worry less for a moment and visit the Verdensteatret was known to be one of the oldest cinema halls in Northern Europe that have not been shut down. This theatre was completed in 1915 and holds the Tromso International Film Festival and shows both present and past movies.
Explore Tromso’s Historic Buildings
Several buildings exist in Tromso that is in connection to the architectural aspect of the city. Some of these include firstly built brick structure in Tromso appears to be a commercial building that has impressively been remodeled to accommodate classy structures such as the Hard Rock Cafe Building or one of the oldest store dealing in equipment such as the Andresen VAAPENFORRETNING store in Tromso, Norway.
Visit the Arctic Hunter Monument
Tromso has this connection with water again that can be seen through the Aboriginal Art that is provided at the Arctic Hunter Monument; a statue of a whaler and his harpoon. This monument is located right close to Tromso dock and is dedicated to the worthy hunters and fishermen who faced certain death to head to Arctic seas, to come back home with something to feed their families.
Experience the Polar Museum
Explore the city’s evolution with regards to polar exploration by paying a visit to the Polar Museum located in a structure that used to be a customs building by Tromso dock. Find out about the geographical background of the place, the Arctic and first nation people of the region, the Sami people to get a feel of life more so up in the Arctic.
Wander Nordre Tollbodgate
It will only take a five minutes walk away from the Royal Palace via this old 19th-century style street, Nordre Tollbodgate. Get a view of the many well contrasted and rather appealing structures that are characteristic of the older period of architecture in Tromso.
Admire Street Art Murals
The street art is present all throughout Tromso, so there is no need to intentionally seek for murals painted on the walls of the buildings. These modern paintings can provide the Tromso tourist with the latter days culture and history of the area which can be quite inspiring taking into consideration the overwhelmingly traditional motifs.
Cross Tromso Bridge
To view the whole of Tromso and the vicinities one should try to cross the Tromso Bridge which connects the mainland with the island of Tromsoya. This is truly a marvelous engineering the bridge measures more than a kilometer long and it resembles a giant and monumental Bridge having 58 arcs.
Visit the Arctic Cathedral
Before you go to bed, make sure that you drop by by the Arctic Cathedral that is currently one of the most popular tourist spots in Tromso. Sweep down the exterior design as it is inspired by arctic area and did not fail to appreciate the stained glass and the organ inside. You should also ideally try and ascertain the time at which the cathedral is open and possibly schedule a visit especially with an intention to have a feel of the interiors.
Conclusion
Since Tromso has many things to offer that make a day in Tromso a day well spent no matter how long a tourist stays in the city. If you are in search of the mystery of Aurora Borealis, following the traces of history, or simply in need of feeling the Arctic vibes, Tromso will not disappoint anyone. With this guide, you are now ready for your own arctic escapade and getting to know more of Tromso in a day. Therefore, put on your boots, take your scarf and hat, wrap yourself in a warm coat, and get prepared to be surprised by the views of the Arctic capital.