Tromsø: Discovering Norway’s Arctic Playground

Tromsø, Norway, located in the Arctic Circle, is one of my favorite winter destinations. During the winter months, the city’s stunning natural landscapes, including its fjords and mountains, become even more magical, covered in snow. Visitors can experience a range of winter activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Tromsø is also known as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Sadly I missed this, but my favorite part of this trip was definitely the whale safari.  Tromsø is one of the best places to experience whale watching, with humpback and killer whales frequently spotted in their natural habitat. Despite the limited daylight hours during the winter months, Tromsø is a safe and welcoming destination for solo travelers, and its rich culture and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit winter wonderland.

 I spent a weekend alone in this magical city and felt completely safe the entire time. With limited time, below is a list of what I felt was most important to see. 

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Fjellheisen – Cable Car

Start your day by taking the Fjellheisen (cable car) to the top of Mount Storsteinen. The journey takes around four minutes and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding fjords. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a hot drink and a pastry at the Fjellstua restaurant while taking in the panoramic views.  I spent a while walking around and soaking in this incredible view.

Arctic Cathedral

After descending back down from the cable car, make your way to the Arctic Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The cathedral’s striking triangular shape and stained glass windows are worth a visit, and you can even attend a concert or service inside.

Polaria

Next, head to Polaria, an Arctic aquarium and research center that features interactive exhibits and shows about Arctic wildlife and climate. You can watch a 360-degree movie about the Northern Lights, pet some friendly seals, and learn about the effects of climate change in the Arctic. I probably spent way too long here, but the seal show was just too cute.

Food

Near the Polaria is the world’s most northern brewery,  Ølhallen. The brewery has been in operation since 1928 and offers a selection of traditional Norwegian beers and snacks like reindeer meatballs and smoked salmon.

Another option I really enjoed was Svermeri Kafé og Redesign. This cozy cafe serves homemade soups and pastries like their famous carrot cake, made with local ingredients.