Troms is a wild arctic playground where island roads wind through steep fjords. You find yourself in the shadow of the Lyngen Alps where the peaks rise straight from the cold blue water. The region is a world of sharp light and deep snow where the northern lights dance above the mountain ridges. It is a place of extreme beauty where the wilderness is always just outside the window.
Traveling here takes you through tunnels and across bridges that connect a world of beauty. You can visit the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø or hike the dramatic mountain teeth of Senja. The sense of freedom is absolute and the air is clear. The roads provides constant views of the Arctic Ocean and the sharp mountains that define the coast.
The route takes you to the island of Kvaløya where the landscape is a mix of steep cliffs and turquoise water. You can find lonely beaches at Ersfjordbotn and spectacular viewpoints that look out over the sea. The scenery is raw and unedited. Troms is a destination for those who want to experience the power of the arctic and the majesty of the high north.
Troms highlights
- Tromsø Arctic Cathedral See the iconic triangle church that glows like an iceberg against the sky. The modern design and massive glass wall are world famous.
- Senja Scenic Route Drive along the "Dragon Teeth" mountains and the turquoise fjords of Norway’s second largest island. The scenery is raw and dramatic.
- Lyngen Alps Explore the sharp peaks and glaciers that rise straight from the blue ocean. It is a world class destination for skiing and hiking.
- Sommarøy Island Visit this white sand paradise with its crystal clear water and coral beaches. It looks more like the Caribbean than the Arctic.
- Polar Park Meet wolves and bears at the northernmost animal park in the world. You can even join a guided wolf kiss for a truly unique experience.
- Fjordgard Viewpoint Hike to the top of Segla for a vertical view of the sea and the cliffs below. It is the most famous photo spot on the island of Senja.
- Tromsø Cable Car Take the lift to Mount Storsteinen for a panoramic view of the city and the islands. It is the best place to see the midnight sun.
- Målselvfossen Watch the massive salmon run up the ladders at this powerful waterfall. The surrounding valley is a beautiful forest escape.
- Hella Stone Houses Visit these historic houses that were moved from the city to the coast for preservation. The area is a popular spot for fishing and picnics.
- Kvaløya Fjords Drive the coastal roads past deep fjords where whales can often be spotted in the winter. The mountains here are wild and untouched.
The local Four
History of Troms
Troms is the "Gateway to the Arctic" where history is a saga of exploration and survival. For centuries the city of Tromsø was the last stop for polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen before they headed into the ice. The town was filled with sealers and trappers who brought back stories of the high north and the northern lights. It was a place of high adventure where the local bars were filled with the toughest sailors in the world.
Out on the islands like Senja and Kvaløya the history is tied to the ancient sea-Sami and the Norse fishermen. They lived in small turf huts and small wooden houses built in the shelter of the steep mountains. Life was dictated by the tides and the arrival of the cod which brought life to the cold fjords. This was a land where the border between the world of men and the world of spirits felt very thin during the long polar night.
During the Second World War the fjords of Troms became a hiding place for the massive German battleship Tirpitz. The ship was eventually sunk by Allied bombers near Tromsø marking the end of a long and tense naval game of cat and mouse. Today the region is a center for arctic research and space science continuing the tradition of looking toward the unknown. Troms history is a story of light and dark and the bravery required to live in the far north.