Explore More - Epic Expedtions

TROMSØ The spirit of

TROMSØ The spirit of the Vikings lives on in this ancient Norwegian city known as the ”Gateway to the Arctic,” a starting point for many Arctic expeditions If the huskies, seascapes, pristine surrounding tundra and the northern lights are not enough of a draw, the largest city in northern Norway packs a punch when it comes to food and culture. Despite the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, seasons in Tromsø are acute: summer brings the midnight sun, while in winter the sun barely rises, making way for the northern lights. You do not have to go far to sense the wilderness beyond Tromsø—it is here that Europe fragments into hundreds of frozen islands held together by fjords. Most of the city is on an island linked to the mainland by the Tromsø Bridge. The illuminated Arctic Cathedral is at one end, contrasting the pre-20th-century wooden houses dotted around nearby. For outdoor enthusiasts, Tromsø is a launch pad for the endless snowbound pursuits beyond, but the city itself has plenty to offer. Get a sense of the region’s geography and history from the Polar Museum, admire David Hockney’s artwork at the Northern Norway Art Museum, or enjoy a stroll around the pretty harbor and boutique-lined square of Tromsø Cathedral. Must-sees The Arctic Cathedral is equally beautiful inside and out—Victor Sparre’s glass mosaic wall is one of the largest in Europe. Whales often congregate to feed in the fjords; your best chance of spotting them is to join a whale safari excursion. The Polar Museum may feel a little taxidermy-heavy for some, but a quick tour around the 19th-century wharf house is a great way to appreciate the many daring expeditions that have set out from the city. Get closer to Arctic life during a visit to Tove Sørensen and Tore Albrigtsen’s home, the Tromsø Wilderness Center, which they share with more than 300 huskies. When darkness falls, take a cable car up 1,381 feet to Fjellstua café Clockwise, from above: Arctic Cathedral; Tromsø Cable Car; stockfish hung out to dry on wooden racks; Roald Amundsen bust at the Polar Museum 50 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE

CITY GUIDE to admire the city’s lights. At times, the northern lights can be glimpsed from a field next to the cable car station. Notable people Roald Amundsen is one of Norway’s most famous sons and is a great figure in the field of polar exploration. Amundsen led the first expedition to traverse the Northwest Passage by sea, became the first to reach the South Pole in 1911 and spearheaded the first overflight of the North Pole in an airship. The larger-than-life Roald Amundsen monument in Tromsø remembers the explorer who embarked on his final expedition from the Nordic town, and its presence has, without a doubt, gone on to inspire legions of budding explorers to follow in his footsteps. Gastronomy Tromsø’s culinary scene stays true to its Norwegian roots, with residents favoring fresh, local produce. Traditional dishes are made from the raw ingredients readily available from the surrounding landscape. Look out for kjøttboller, large meatballs like the ones found in Sweden, typically consumed with potatoes and an authentic cream sauce. Svinestek (roast pork) is a typical Sunday dinner meal served with pickled cabbage, a sweeter version of German sauerkraut. Fårikål is Norway’s national dish—a hearty mutton stew that sees locals through the long, cold winters. Elsewhere, Tromsø residents are not afraid to experiment, taking inspiration from outside influences to create new modern dishes. Keep an eye out for the likes of an Arctic seaweed cocktail or the locally brewed Mack Pale Ale. Go online: Watch a video of the Into the Midnight Sun cruise at voc.com/videos. EXPLORE MORE VIKING.COM 51