Family Adventure in Tromsø: Chasing the Northern Lights

A Sunday in Tromsø

Today was a day of exploration and indulgence here in Tromsø. We immersed ourselves in the Arctic's unique culture and natural beauty, creating memories that I know Astrid will cherish for years to come. From fascinating marine life to stunning architecture and exquisite cuisine, Tromsø continues to captivate us.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hildr Gastro Bar. Maximilian had read great reviews, and it was close to our apartment. It was a cozy spot, perfect for a Sunday morning. I opted for a traditional Norwegian breakfast, while Astrid enjoyed some waffles. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our day of sightseeing. I was delighted to see that they offered several vegetarian options, and Maximilian enjoyed some local craft beer with his meal. It's always a treat to find places that cater to everyone's tastes.


Experience modern Norwegian cuisine at Hildr Gastro Bar in Tromsø – where local flavors meet contemporary dining.

After breakfast, we made our way to Polaria, Tromsø's Arctic experience center. The building itself is quite striking, designed to resemble ice floes pushed up on land. Astrid was immediately excited, and I must admit, even I was curious to see what awaited us inside. Polaria offers a fascinating glimpse into the life that thrives in the Arctic Ocean. We were all captivated by the aquarium, home to a variety of fish and crustaceans native to the region. But the real stars of the show were the bearded seals. Astrid was absolutely mesmerized as we watched them glide effortlessly through the water. They are such graceful creatures, and it was wonderful to see them up close. Polaria is also an educational hub, with exhibits shedding light on important issues like climate change and its impact on the Arctic. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of this unique environment, but also inspiring to see the work being done to protect it. I picked up a few books about the arctic wildlife for Astrid, hoping to foster her interest in the natural world.


Explore the Arctic marine life at Polaria Aquarium, Tromsø's unique destination for family-friendly education and entertainment.

Travel is more than seeing the sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

Next on our itinerary was the Arctic Cathedral, or Tromsdalen Church as it's officially known. As we approached, its unique architecture immediately caught our eye. The cathedral's design is inspired by the Arctic landscape, with its triangular shape resembling icebergs or perhaps even Sami tents. Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive. The high ceilings and clean lines create a sense of serenity, and the large glass mosaic behind the altar is simply breathtaking. The mosaic, created by Victor Sparre, depicts the Resurrection of Christ and fills the space with a stunning array of colors when the light streams through. I learned that the church was built in 1965 and is actually a parish church, not a cathedral, despite its nickname. Maximilian, ever the history enthusiast, was particularly interested in the story behind the cathedral's construction and its significance to the local community. Astrid, of course, was fascinated by the chandeliers, which are designed to resemble icicles.


Discover the stunning Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, Norway – a masterpiece of modern architecture surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

After soaking in the beauty of the Arctic Cathedral, we decided to do some shopping at Veita Shopping in the city center. Astrid needed a new warm hat, and I was hoping to find a nice Lopapeysa, an Icelandic wool sweater, as a memento of our trip. Veita is a small but centrally located shopping mall with a variety of shops and restaurants. We found a lovely little shop with local handicrafts, and I finally found the perfect Lopapeysa. Astrid picked out a bright pink hat with a fluffy pompom, which she immediately put on. We also grabbed some groceries at Rema 1000, the supermarket in Veita, for our apartment.


Explore Veita Shopping in Tromsø for a unique blend of shopping, art galleries, and outdoor adventures in the heart of the Arctic.

For lunch, we had a delightful meal at Emmas Dream Kitchen. The restaurant had a cozy, vintage charm, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I had heard wonderful things about their seafood dishes, so I decided to try the grilled cod, while Maximilian opted for the reindeer steak. Astrid, of course, chose the classic fish and chips. The food was absolutely delicious, and the presentation was impeccable. My cod was perfectly cooked, and the accompanying vegetables were fresh and flavorful. Maximilian raved about his reindeer steak, saying it was the best he'd ever had. Astrid happily devoured her fish and chips, declaring it the best meal of the trip so far. It was a truly memorable dining experience, and I would highly recommend Emmas Dream Kitchen to anyone visiting Tromsø. The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I even managed to get the recipe for their delicious carrot marmalade. As a librarian, I appreciate the little touches that make a place special, and Emmas Dream Kitchen certainly has that in spades.


Experience exquisite local cuisine at Emmas Dream Kitchen in Tromsø—where traditional flavors meet modern innovation.

In the evening, we had dinner at Fiskekompaniet, a renowned seafood restaurant right by the harbor. The restaurant has a modern and elegant ambiance, with stunning views of the water. We decided to go for the tasting menu, which featured a variety of fresh, locally sourced seafood. Each course was a culinary masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The creamy lobster soup was a particular highlight, as was the pan-fried cod. The service was impeccable, and the staff were knowledgeable and passionate about the food they were serving. Maximilian, who is usually not a big fan of seafood, was thoroughly impressed. Astrid, surprisingly, enjoyed the fish soup and even tried some of the mussels. It was a truly special dining experience, and the perfect way to end our day of exploration. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of the dishes when we get back home; perhaps I'll even host a Nordic-themed dinner party for our friends in Hannover.


Experience the finest seafood dining at Fiskekompaniet in Tromsø—where fresh ingredients meet exquisite culinary artistry.

As we walked back to our apartment, the city was bathed in the soft glow of the streetlights. The air was crisp and cold, but we were all warmed by the memories we had made today. Tomorrow, we're planning a dog sledding adventure at the Tromso Wilderness Center, which I know Astrid is especially excited about. We'll also visit the Northern Norwegian Art Museum, and I'm looking forward to delving into the region's artistic heritage. For dinner, we've made reservations at Skarven Kro, a traditional Norwegian restaurant, where I hope to try some more local specialties. I'm also hoping we'll have a chance to stop by Ølhallen, a historic pub with a wide selection of Norwegian beers.

I'm so grateful for these opportunities to experience new cultures and create lasting memories with my family. Tromsø is truly a special place, and I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings. It’s days like these that remind me how important it is to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. And as much as I love my books, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the world firsthand.

Until tomorrow, or next time – farvel!