Day 158 – Tromsø, Norway

Viking Sky arrived in Tromsø, Norway’s most northerly city, this morning. Tromsø is known for its stunning Arctic landscapes and rich history as a trading post and base for Arctic exploration. Although it was cloudy and overcast, the temperature was mild, and no rain was in the forecast.

Sailing into Tromsø

Tim and I decided not to venture too far afield today, so we selected the included excursion, “Panoramic Tromsø,” described as follows:

Witness the unique structures and natural beauty of Tromsø amid its stunning island setting and winter landscapes. Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. Admire its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, marvel at the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary. Afterward, return to your ship via the Tromsø Bridge.

As we left the port, we passed by many of the historic buildings for which Tromsø is known. The center of Tromsø features the largest collection of wooden houses in northern Norway and an important concentrations of Neoclassical style houses. Here, these buildings are made of wood, not stone.

A Few of Tromsø's Historic Houses of Various Styles and Kongsbakken Upper Secondary School (center)

We stopped at the Science Center of Northern Norway, a popular scientific learning and experience center located on the campus of the University of Tromsø, Norway's Arctic University. In the planetarium’s full-dome format, we reclined our seats and watched Extreme Auroras, a film that presented the most spectacular images of the Northern Lights in the Arctic. The photography was spectacular, and we felt as if we were surrounded by the auroras. This is the closest we will come to seeing the Northern Lights, however, since they are not visible during the Midnight Sun.

Science Center of Northern Norway and Extreme Auroras

We next made our way to the building I most wanted to visit, Tromsdalen Church popularly known as the Arctic Cathedral. This modern architectural landmark, completed in 1965, is visible from most locations in Tromsø and was designed by renowned architect Jan Inge Hovig. Hovig's vision was to capture the essence of the Arctic landscape in the cathedral's design, and he was inspired by the surrounding mountains and icebergs. The Return of Christ glass mosaic window dominates the interior.

The Arctic Cathedral

The Interior of the Arctic Cathedral

Our tour continued around the city of Tromsø, past more of the historic wooden houses. We reached the southern tip of the island and even crossed one of the bridges to see a herd of reindeer.

A Few More of Tromsø's Wooden Buildings

The Southern Tip of Tromsø and Reindeer

After circling the island, we returned to the ship by way of the downtown area, past the main shopping street of Storgata, the Tromsø Cathedral, and the Northern Norway Art Museum.

Northern Norway Art Museum, Storgata, and Tromsø Cathedral

I surprised myself after lunch by returning to the center of town for a bit of shopping on Storgata. Although I rarely shop while I travel, I was in desperate need of a new pair of pants. Unlike most passengers, Tim and I have lost weight, and my pants were way too big. I’m certainly not complaining, but today was my best chance to find what I needed. The clothing shops here were lovely, with helpful staff, and I ended up with two pairs. Success!