Troms is a city in Northern Norway that cannot be compared to any other in Europe. The city is located on the island of Tromsya, which is surrounded to the east by forbidding mountain peaks such as the famous Tromsdalstinden. If you want to see the Northern Lights in the winter, Troms is the place to go, and there are guides and tour operators who can help you see and photograph the Aurora. Troms is in the midst of the Polar Night at that time of year, a far cry from the summer, when the city enjoys two months of Midnight Sun. You'll be tempted to spend all of your time on excursions to see these natural wonders, such as fjord crossings and whale sightings. On a small island 349 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the port of Troms, northern Norway's largest city, is located between Narvik and Hammerfest. Troms, which dates back to the 13th century, is a popular spot for viewing and studying Norway's aurora borealis, or northern lights. Troms hosts the Northern Lights Festival (Nordlysfestivalen) every year in late January/early February, a musical extravaganza that draws artists and symphonic orchestras from all over Scandinavia. The midnight sun, which can be seen here from mid-May to mid-July, is one of the most popular things to do. Troms' northern location and natural harbor ensure the city's importance as a base for Arctic expeditions and the numerous Norwegian fishing vessels that call it home. It's also a popular boarding point for ferries and cruise ships bound for major ports like Bergen, as well as coastal cruises to places like Spitsbergen in the summer. International Airport: Tromso International Airport (TOS) Population: 76,974 Currency: Norwegian krone Time: UTC/GMT +1 hour Driving side: Right Main Electricity: 230 V Official Language: Norwegian Religion: Lutheran Christianity
For those interested in Northern Norway's unique flora, the Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden in Troms and its unique collections are a must-see. Polaria, Troms' one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to all things Arctic, as well as the world's most northerly aquarium, is difficult to miss. Toms is an ideal home base for polar expeditions because of its location more than 321 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle. The Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum is a first-rate art museum located close to both the harbor and the city's main tourist information office, making it one of the best free things to do in Troms. The Perspective Museum is a one-of-a-kind photography collection with over 500,000 images that explores modern and historical Troms.
