Family Adventure in Tromsø: Chasing the Northern Lights

Chasing Auroras and Lakeside Serenity

Today was a day dedicated to the wonders of the Arctic sky and the peaceful beauty of Tromsø's landscapes. It was a delightful mix of education and relaxation, perfectly capturing the essence of our family adventure in Norway. I'm always eager to share these experiences with you, hoping to inspire your own travels and explorations.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Suvi. Maximilian, Astrid and I enjoyed a selection of pastries and strong coffee, fueling up for our day of exploration. Suvi had a very calm atmosphere and fancy decor, and I enjoyed the start of the day there.


Discover Suvi in Tromsø for an exceptional sushi dining experience blending tradition with modern Asian fusion flair.

Our first stop was the Northern Light Planetarium. Astrid's eyes widened as we stepped inside, and I felt a thrill of anticipation myself. As a librarian with a love for Nordic mythology, I was eager to learn more about the science behind the auroras that dance across these skies. The planetarium is located on the campus of the Arctic University of Norway and is a premium research facility. The planetarium in the center is one of the largest in the country. We settled into our seats, ready for the show. The lights dimmed, and the dome above us came alive with swirling colors and patterns. It was a 360-degree, high-resolution movie of the Northern Lights, and it felt like we were right there, under the Arctic sky. The presentation explained the science behind the phenomenon, the solar winds, and the Earth's magnetic field and how they all come together to create the magical display. Astrid was full of questions afterward, and Maximilian and I did our best to answer them, feeling like we had a better understanding ourselves.


Discover the celestial wonders of the Northern Light Planetarium, Tromsø's premier destination for astronomy enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The sky is an infinite movie to me. I never get tired of looking at what's happening up there.

After the planetarium, we decided to embrace the outdoors and visit Prestvannet, a serene lake located on the highest point of Tromsø island. We rented ice skates from Tromsø Outdoor, and took the bus to Prestvannet. The lake was frozen over, and it was transformed into a natural ice-skating rink. Astrid was thrilled, and Maximilian, despite his initial hesitation, soon joined in the fun. I watched them, my heart full of joy, as they skated around, laughing and enjoying the winter wonderland. I was a bit more cautious, my scar reminding me of past tumbles, but I managed to stay upright and enjoy the crisp Arctic air and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It was easy to see the peaks of Kvaløya, Ringvassøya, and Malangen. Although it was the middle of the day, it was easy to imagine how it would be a great place to see the Northern Lights at night.


Explore Prestvannet in Tromsø, a stunning nature preserve with scenic hiking trails, tranquil lakes, and diverse wildlife for an unforgettable Norwegian experience.

For lunch, we found ourselves at Wedeb's Restaurant. It's an African and Ethiopian restaurant, and it was a delightful surprise to find such diverse cuisine so far north. We sampled a variety of dishes, including shiro (sprouted chickpeas) and tim timo (a spinach sautee). The food was flavorful and comforting, and it was a welcome change from the traditional Norwegian fare we'd been enjoying. The staff was very friendly and happy to help us learn about the different foods.


Discover authentic East African cuisine at Wedeb's Restaurant in Tromsø - where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

As evening approached, we ventured into the heart of Tromsø for dinner at Raketten Bar & Pølse, a tiny but iconic hot dog stand. It was established in 1922 by 18 year old Margit Løkke. We all opted for the reindeer hot dog, a local delicacy, and savored every bite as we stood outside, watching the bustling city life pass by. The hot dog was delicious, and Astrid was delighted by the novelty of eating reindeer. I was excited to see that they had gluten-free hot dog buns, which meant I could enjoy the local cuisine without worry.


Discover Raketten Bar & Pølse: Tromsø's top spot for gourmet sausages and local brews in a vibrant atmosphere.

To cap off our evening, Maximilian and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at Agenturet Øl og Vinbar, a cozy wine bar known for its extensive selection of craft beers and wines. Astrid was happy to go back to the hotel with the promise of a bedtime story. The bar had a bistro-style decor and was warm and welcoming. We sampled a couple of local brews, chatting about our day and making plans for tomorrow. I was happy to see Agenturet Øl og Vinbar made sure to carry a wide variety of drinks, and I enjoyed a local white wine. It was the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and wonder.


Discover Tromsø's vibrant nightlife at Agenturet Øl og Vinbar, where a diverse selection of wines, beers, and cocktails await.

Tomorrow, we're setting sail on an Arctic cruise with Arctic Cruise in Norway AS, hoping to get a different perspective of Tromsø and its surrounding fjords. We plan to visit Tromsø Harbour as well. Astrid is particularly excited about the boat ride, and I'm looking forward to capturing the beauty of the Arctic landscape from the water. We'll be having breakfast at Emmas Dream Kitchen, lunch at Peppes Pizza - Tromsø, and dinner at Roast. We're also planning a visit to The Northern Lights Giftshop & Cinema to pick up some souvenirs before we head home. It's hard to believe that our adventure is coming to an end, but I'm determined to make the most of our last day in this magical place.

As I sit here, reflecting on our day, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Tromsø has captured our hearts, and I know we'll cherish these memories for years to come. The blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and family bonding has been truly special, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Until then, góða nótt (good night) from Tromsø!