A beautiful, magical Norwegian city in the winter months is the gateway to several stunning nature experiences.
Located 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø in Norway attracts two million visitors yearly who flock to see the incredible Northern Lights.
As the centre of the Northern Lights oval, there is a good chance of capturing a glimpse of the spectacle between September and early April, meaning you can see the Aurora Borealis even when the activity is low.
To maximise your chances of observing the lights, it is recommended to venture away from the city light pollution and find locations with wide, unobstructed views.
One of the best spots for panoramic views over the city and the magical Northern Lights is from Mount Storsteinen, an incredible 421 metres above sea level.
Visitors can ride the Fjellheisen cable car up or, if they are feeling brave, climb the 1,200 stone steps on the Sherpa staircase.
Tromsø is so far north that when the sun sets at the end of November, it does not come up again until the end of January. On the other hand, during June and July Tromsø also enjoys 24 hours of daylight.
With a bustling downtown filled with charming restaurants and shops, it is easy to lose yourself in the city’s charm.
Drawing visitors from around the globe, Tromsø’s strikingly modern, glass-facade Arctic Cathedral is a must-see.
Now an emblematic symbol of the city the glass mosaic depicts God’s hand from which departs three rays of light: one through Jesus, one through a woman and one through a man.
Your winter getaway to Tromsø wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Arctic Alpine Botanic Garden, where you can find thousands of colourful plants from polar regions and mountains all over the world.
It is the world’s northernmost botanical garden, just a short bus ride from the city centre.
The one drawback to this stunning destination is its freezing weather.
The Arctic city counts around 160 days with at least 25 centimetres of snow on the ground, according to an average of climate data.
The record for snow depth was set on April 29, 1997, when the meteorological station on top of Tromsøya – an island in Tromsø municipality – recorded 240 centimetres of snow on the ground