The Hurtigruten: Tromso, Paris of the North

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage Reaches Scenic Town of Tromso

Sep 25, 2008 Helen Krasner

On the 5th Day from Bergen, The Norwegian Coastal Steamer reaches Tromso, famous for its Arctic Ocean Cathedral and Polaria Arctic Experience Centre.

On the 5th day after leaving Bergen, the Hurtigruten is well into the Arctic region. The scenery is stark, treeless and beautiful. It is likely to be cold and sunny in the summer, with constant daylight, while in winter the sun will never reach above the horizon. But the Arctic has a beauty all of its own, and most passengers sit in one of the lounges for most of the day, unable to take their eyes away from the fantastic scenery unfolding before them. But the ship makes a number of stops, so there is plenty to see on shore too….

Morning Visits

For early risers, it is possible to spend an hour in Harstad, an important trading centre, since the ship docks here at 7 am. Harsted is an important agricultural region, and also the centre for oil exploration in this part of the country.

For those who want to enjoy a leisurely breakfast the first port of call is Finnsnes, where the ship docks for a short period around 11.30 am. As with many other small places visited by the Hurtigruten, there is not much to do here, but it is interesting to watch the loading and unloading of cargo, or possibly buy fresh seafood from stalls by the dockside.

Tromso, Gateway to the Arctic

The ship stops at 2.30 pm in Tromso, and remains there for four hours. Tromso is the main town of this part of Norway and has many names to live up to – Paris of the North, Gateway to the Arctic, and Gateway to the Arctic Ocean. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Tromso is a lively, friendly place, with plenty to see and do.

Tromso’s Arctic Ocean Cathedral is justifiably famous. A spectacular cone-shaped modern building, it has a gorgeous stained glass window taking up the whole of one wall. Concerts are held here in the summer evenings…but for Hurtigruten passengers, these cannot be visited until the return journey, when the ship stops in Tromso at night.

Tromso’s Polaria Arctic Experience Centre is also worth a visit. This wonderful modern centre is right near the sea, just five minutes walk from the centre of the town, and is shaped like a series of blocks of ice. Polaria has an Arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits, a panoramic cinema, and a gift and souvenir shop.

Tromso also has excellent modern shops, and one can buy lovely traditional Norwegian sweaters here. In fact, shopaholics may well forget about the other sightseeing!

At 6.30 pm it is time to leave. But never mind – the next day the ship will reach the North Cape!

Other 'Hurtigruten' Series Articles

The North Cape and Midnight Sun

Kirkenes and the Russian Border

The copyright of the article The Hurtigruten: Tromso, Paris of the North in Cruise/Island Vacations is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish The Hurtigruten: Tromso, Paris of the North in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Tromso and its Arctic Ocean Cathedral

Stained Glass Window in Tromso's Cathedral.