We're Still Heading North!

Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway has long been considered the gateway to the Arctic. Housing construction boomed in the late 18th to the early 20th century. The city boasts many things including the northernmost brewery.

We were taking an included tour in the afternoon so the morning found us getting off the ship to explore the town on our own. Unlike, Leknes, Tromso was full of things to see - interesting shops, restaurants, boats along the water, aquarium and we met some local residents:

There is a university in this city which brings in a lot of young people. 

We walked to a church we could see from the ship - it's the northernmost Protestant church in Norway (or in Europe?). There's a lot of 'northernmost' talk and pride in this area of Norway.

We shopped a bit, found the "northernmost" brewery - well, it wasn't open yet but the shop was. And then we headed to Polaria - their aquarium - for a quick visit. Saw the seals, king crab, native fish, and a movie on the northern lights.

In the afternoon our tour took us to a cable car ride up the mountain for spectacular views of the fjord and city below. Ed even found a flat-coated retriever he would have liked to take home.

Then a quick visit to the Arctic Cathedral (some say it has a resemblance to the Sydney Opera House). We did not have tickets to go inside so that was a little disappointing. 

Finally we finished our afternoon tour at the local Polar Museum. Located inside a very old building that used to be the customs house. Our guide was very informative as he took us through the museum sharing information on the first men to reach the North Pole as well as other local history. As I said the museum was small and we were a big group so we wandered on our own as much as possible; but most of the write-ups were in Norwegian, it was good that our guide narrated most of the visit. And Ed enjoyed the old boats hanging around outside of the building. The tulips were beautiful as well.

Another busy day as we continue our travels.