A weekend in the Arctic - Tromso, Norway

Reindeers, snow snow snow and sleeping outside…

We had 3 days in Tromsø. I still think this is one of the most beautiful citys in the world! The small island surrounded with fjords and mountains. It looked almost the same as when I left 5 years ago. BUT LOTS of tourists! Wow, its really booming, the northern lights tourism and Saami tourism.
When you’re in Tromsø you should really look up in the sky. During winter its a big chance to see the northern light. It was way to cloudy during our weekend for northern light though. But we did a lot of other funny things.

Sleeping in a lavvu and reindeer sledging
Lavvu is the Saami tent people lived in while they were reindeer herding. It’s really cosy, sleeping on reindeer skins (and warm sleeping bags) and if its a clear night you can go out and watch the northern lights. Or just sit and chit- chat by the fire. We did this the first night just outside of Tromsø.

Next day we’re reindeer sledging and had a culture experience while a reindeer herder talked about the Saami Life, History and Culture. We got to feed the reindeers, go reindeer sledging and if you’re lucky its a green northern light above you. We we’re not that lucky, we only had big white snow flakes falling down. It was a great experience anyhow. So I was traveling with two vegetarians so I got to eat a lot of reindeer. The traditional reindeer stew is named Bidus. Its meat, potato and carrots. Really yummu. Lucky for my friends they had a vegetarian option (I’m impressed!!)

Lavvu, reindeer sledge and northern light. Photo from Tromsø Lapland

Checking in into the lavvu.

Feeding the reindeers

After a long walk over the bridge we checked out the famous Arctic Cathedral (from the outside). Our mission was to take the cable car Fjellheissen. The best view over Tromsø Island 421 m on the mountain Storsteinen. Its’s best on a sunny day, but the weather change fast so you never know. We were lucky with clear sky in 10 minutes before the snow came, again. Up on the top you can eat and drink at Fjellstua – they have everything from reindeer to waffles. Norwegians for sure love waffles!

The Arctic Cathedral

View over Tromsø Island

Other things you should check out
Tromsø Museum is really great. I worked here before and I loved all the exhibitions. Even the Church Art from Northen Norway. Check out Sápmi – becoming a nation – about the Sáami People struggle for nationhood in Norway. Its also exhibitions about the Viking Era, The Saami Culture and the Northern Lights.

Vulkana – I haven’t tried this yet. But next time I will. This is a boat and a spa and a restaurant. It’s like a kinder egg. 3 things in one! Watch whales, take a sauna and eat some local shrimps..

STAY
IN A LAVVU
Tromsø Lapland or Sami Adventure, both have the option
AIRBNB
We rented a small apartment close to town
CLARION EDGE
My favorite hotel in Tromsø

DO
Tromsø Lapland – Sami experience and culture, book it!

EAT & DRINK
Emmas Drømmekjøkken – cod tongue, whale and reindeer.
Huken Pub – Burgers and beers!
Cafe Sånn – great cafe, coffee, food and beer.
MACK Brewery – The local and northenmost brewery!
Rorbua Pub – epic place if you want to drink lots of beer and meet locals… You should visit this place.