Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø
Norway’s iconic city of Tromsø has become a sought-after travel destination for adventurers seeking authentic Arctic experiences! Learn more about this fascinating city by reading our Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø.
Norway’s famed winter wonderland, the city of Tromsø, is the stuff of legends. A dream destination in the Arctic, it is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and fjords with rugged terrain and a wild beauty that has entranced adventurers and explorers alike. Whether you’re discovering this distinctive Nordic area or are eager to know more, read on for our Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø!
1. Nicknames
The first item of the Top 5 Fun Facts about Tromsø is its numerous nicknames. Like all iconic cities, Tromsø has been fondly christened with many nicknames relating to its history and culture. Let’s take a gander, shall we? “The Gateway to the Arctic” - going back to the 19th century, Tromsø’s storied history was also shaped by polar explorers who used the town as a base to obtain supplies and even a team before departing on their famed expeditions into the Arctic wilderness. “The Arctic Capital” - As the largest city in northern Norway, Tromsø is also crowned as the country’s most vital urban centre above the Arctic Circle with engaging museums, a world-renowned university, and research institutions such as the Norwegian Polar Institute. “The Paris of the North” - This nickname also refers to Tromsø’s dynamic cultural life and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Lastly, “The City of the Northern Lights” - Tromsø’s northern location above the Arctic Circle makes it an ideal place to view the breathtaking Aurora Borealis in all her glory!
2. The Tromsø Bridge
Tromsø is located on the island of Tromsøya and it may surprise you to learn that a bridge connecting the island to the mainland wasn’t built until 1958 with construction finishing in 1960. Before the innovative Tromsø Bridge, access to the island was, of course, uniquely via boat and ferry. Measuring a total of 1,036 metres (3,399 feet), Tromsø Bridge is Norway’s first cantilever bridge and was a shining example of modern architectural innovation. The construction of the bridge allowed for greater and more convenient access to Tromsøya Island. As a result, Tromsø’s popularity with international tourists continued to grow, cementing its dominion as northern Norway’s jewel of the Arctic.
3. Milder Temperatures
High on our list of the Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø is its milder temperatures. Situated approximately 350 kilometres (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, one would think Tromsø would be suspended in a perpetual deep freeze in the winter months, but not so! Annual winter temperatures from December to February average between a gentle -4°C to 2°C (25°F to 36°F). This does not suggest that Tromsø is a tropical paradise, far from it! However, it has milder winter temperatures than the interior regions of Norway or its Arctic counterparts in Russia or Greenland due to the presence of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic current. The Gulf Stream transports warmer waters from the tropics via the Atlantic Ocean, which, in turn, affects the climate and winter temperatures of coastal Norway. Nonetheless, we still recommend bundling up if you’re travelling to Tromsø in the winter!
4. Polar Night
What is ‘Polar Night’? Polar Night is a remarkable natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter months in polar regions, resulting in perpetual darkness or twilight hues where the sun does not rise above the horizon. Tromsø’s Polar Night period typically happens from mid-November to late January. With no direct sunlight for several weeks, the area is bathed in a surreal kind of glow. It is important to note that Polar Night doesn’t leave Tromsø completely in the dark. Midday, the region’s skies are enveloped by a purple and blue glow known as blåtime (blue hour), lasting for several hours. A truly captivating experience not to be missed! One might think that Polar Night could be a bit of a downer but with so many exciting and relaxing outdoor activities in Tromsø in addition to visiting the city’s world-class cultural institutions, or cuddling up around a roaring fire indoors, Polar Night in Tromsø is something to look forward to and enjoy!
5. The Northern Lights
Our last item on the Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø is the Northern Lights. While Tromsø is reputed to be one of the best places in the world to take in this majestic and unearthly light show, the light pollution of the town can hinder the magnificence of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. So much so, that most guided excursions to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø, depart from the city and head into the wilderness. Far away from the city lights, your chances of observing the dazzling and vibrant colours of the Northern Lights are far greater. Nevertheless, it isn’t known as the “City of the Northern Lights” for nothing! Since Tromsø is situated above the Arctic Circle and in the Auroral Oval, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights even in the centre of the city. But we still recommend setting out into the wilderness that surrounds the city for an unparalleled experience in the tranquillity of nature!
And that wraps up our Top 5 Fun Facts About Tromsø article, we hope you’ve learned something new about this amazing city in Norway! And if you’re obsessed with the “Gateway to the Arctic”, we invite you to check out our articles on Sami Culture and the History of Tromsø and the Best Family-friendly Activities in Tromsø.