Tromsø and the Arctic Cathedral

Background

Tromsø lies inside the auroral zone, so you can see the northern lights from the town itself. When it received its town charter in 1794 it had only about 80 inhabitants; in the 19th century its prosperity earned it the name 'the Paris of the North'. Polar explorers such as Amundsen, Nobile and Nansen relied on Tromsø people's knowledge of the Arctic and often recruited crews here. Tromsdalen Church on the east side of town, designed by Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965, is called the 'Arctic Cathedral' because it looks like an iceberg, though it is actually a parish church. From late November to mid-January is the polar night, when the sun does not rise; from late April to mid-August it is too light to see the aurora.

Local customs

• Locals carry on living and exercising normally through the polar night
• in winter people often wear headlamps and reflectors outdoors

Religion & beliefs

• The Arctic Cathedral belongs to the Church of Norway
• please keep quiet during services.

Rules that apply here

Travel tips

• The coastal weather is often cloudy, so your chance of seeing the aurora depends heavily on cloud cover — join a tour that drives to 'chase the light' according to the weather. In winter, meltwater often refreezes, so take care walking and driving. The aurora depends on solar activity and weather, so check the aurora forecast (Kp index) and cloud cover before you go
• chances are usually best between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Get away from city lights, bring a tripod and dress very warmly.