Tromso
Tromso is a city of about 85,000 people 250 miles above the Arctic Circle. As we approach the summer solstice, it is never dark! Most of the city is on a large island, Tromsoya, connected to the mainland by a high, long bridge. We arrive early in the morning with changing weather: patchy clouds, with more sun than not, punctuated by brief drizzles that freshen the air and dock almost under the bridge.
Many options this morning, from nature walks to cultural tours, many chose the tour that begins with the Arctic Cathedral and its beautiful stained-glass windows. Our visit is pretty early because there is a private Conformation ceremony scheduled for 9:30am. Like other Norwegian churches, the Arctic Cathedral is hung with replicas of sailing ships for whatever blessings can be given. Next, we visit a Sámi camp.
The Sámi are the native peoples of northern Scandinavia, once known as Laplanders or Lapps. They are traditionally a traveling people who make camps with teepee-like tents. I am told they are here to sell reindeer from the herds they tend; a few could be seen at the camp. After this stop it is on to the museums.
At the Polar Museum we learn about the lives and achievements of Norway’s two most famous explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, as well as the exploits of the hardy trappers, whalers, fishermen and hunters. Nansen was not only an explorer, but also a scientist of some note. Amundsen was among the first group to reach the South Pole and perhaps the North Pole.
At the Tromso Museum we could peruse information on the natural history of Polar Norway, including Svalbard, and learn more about the Sami people.
Lunch could be taken ashore or on the ship and the afternoon could be spent exploring on your own, hiking with Richard, or just relaxing. I found walking in town and poking into the shops to be particularly enjoyable. Hot dogs were also available everywhere.
