Family Adventure in Tromsø: Chasing the Northern Lights

A Day of Arctic Exploration

Today was a day of embracing the Arctic spirit in Tromsø! We dove headfirst into the wonders of the north, exploring marine life, soaring to breathtaking heights, and even braving an ice bar. It's days like these that make travel so rewarding, filling our minds with new knowledge and our hearts with unforgettable memories.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Risø Mat og Kaffebar. David and I enjoyed strong coffees while Sophie devoured a pastry, all of which were made with local ingredients. It's the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring! I always appreciate finding cafes that focus on local sourcing; it’s a small way to support the community and experience authentic flavors. I am a big fan of trying local cuisine, as it tells a lot about the culture of a place. I remember when David and I were in China, and we would always try to find the most authentic, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Those were always the best experiences.


Discover fresh flavors at Risø Mat og Kaffebar in Tromsø - your go-to spot for delicious breakfasts and exceptional coffee experiences.

Our first stop was Polaria. Sophie was absolutely thrilled to see the seals! The bearded seals were especially captivating, their whiskered faces and playful antics keeping us entertained for ages. We even caught a seal training session, which was both educational and adorable. Polaria is more than just an aquarium; it's an educational experience that sheds light on Arctic marine life and the challenges they face. I learned so much about the Arctic ecosystem, and it reinforced my commitment to sustainable living. Sophie, of course, was most interested in the seals, but I think she also absorbed some of the important conservation messages.


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

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Next, we headed to Fjellheisen, the cable car that whisks you up to Storsteinen Mountain. The ride itself was thrilling, ascending quickly and offering panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding fjords. At the top, the view was simply breathtaking. Despite the December chill, we spent a good amount of time soaking it all in. The city spread out below us, nestled amidst snow-dusted mountains and the vast, shimmering sea. We took countless photos, trying to capture the magic of the moment. Sophie, bundled in her warmest gear, was fascinated by the tiny-looking buildings below. I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, having reached such a vantage point. It reminded me of hiking in the Swiss Alps as a child, a feeling of being on top of the world.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Tromsø from Fjellheisen, your gateway to the Arctic landscape and breathtaking adventures.

Lunch was at Fiskekompaniet, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh, local ingredients. David and I opted for the tasting menu, a culinary journey through the flavors of Northern Norway. Sophie, predictably, chose fish and chips, but even she admitted that the fish was exceptionally fresh. The restaurant itself had a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for warming up after our mountain adventure. I appreciated the chef's commitment to showcasing the region's seafood, a testament to the bounty of the Arctic waters. It was interesting to learn about the different types of fish and their unique flavors. I remember one time when David and I were in Japan, and we went to a sushi restaurant where the fish was so fresh, it practically melted in your mouth. This experience at Fiskekompaniet was similar, highlighting the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients.


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

Dinner was at Arctandria SjømatRestaurant, another seafood gem. I was excited to try some traditional Norwegian dishes. The restaurant is located in a charming building with a cozy atmosphere. I decided to be adventurous and try the reindeer steak, while David had the stockfish. Sophie, of course, stuck with her usual – salmon. My reindeer steak was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, and the stockfish was also delicious. It was fascinating to taste these unique dishes, so deeply rooted in Norwegian culture. This reminded me of my childhood in Switzerland, where we would often eat traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette. Sharing these culinary experiences with my family is something I truly cherish.


Experience authentic Arctic cuisine at Arctandria SjømatRestaurant, where fresh seafood meets stunning views in Tromsø.

To cap off the day, we ventured into the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø. The entire bar is made of ice, from the walls to the sculptures to the glasses! We were given warm ponchos and gloves upon entry, which were definitely needed. Sophie was mesmerized by the ice sculptures, and David and I enjoyed a signature cocktail served in an ice glass. It was a unique and slightly surreal experience, a fun way to end our day of Arctic exploration. The Magic Ice Bar was not only a cool place to grab a drink, but it was also a gallery of ice art. The sculptures were incredibly detailed, and it was amazing to see what artists can create with ice. Sophie was running around taking pictures with all the sculptures, while David and I enjoyed our cocktails. The Magic Ice Bar was one of the highlights of our trip, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Tromsø.


Magic Ice Bar Tromsø: Experience a unique blend of art and nightlife in a stunning ice-crafted bar in the heart of Norway.

As we walked back to the Clarion Hotel The Edge, the city was quiet, the snow crunching beneath our feet. The temperature was definitely dropping, but our hearts were warm with the memories we made today. I am so glad we decided to come to Tromsø. It is a truly magical place, and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. We are going to visit the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Pick Up point and Tromsø Cathedral tomorrow. I am especially excited about the reindeer. I have always wanted to see reindeer up close. I have heard that they are very gentle and friendly animals. I am also looking forward to seeing the Tromsø Cathedral. I have seen pictures of it, and it looks like a very beautiful and unique building.


Experience the best of Tromsø with Clarion Hotel The Edge; a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and stunning views in the heart of the city.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit the Tromsø Arctic Reindeer Pick Up point and Tromsø Cathedral. Sophie is especially excited about the reindeer, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the Sámi culture. It's moments like these, sharing new experiences with my family, that make travel so worthwhile. And who knows, maybe we'll even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights tonight! The forecast looks promising, so fingers crossed!

Even though it is December, there are many Christmas events in Tromsø. The city is decorated for Christmas, and there are Christmas markets and concerts. I am excited to experience the Christmas spirit in Tromsø. I have heard that the Christmas markets are very festive and that the concerts are very beautiful. I am also looking forward to trying some traditional Norwegian Christmas food.

Tonight, as I sit here writing, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to travel, for the chance to share these experiences with my family, and for the beauty and wonder of the Arctic. Tromsø has already captured a piece of my heart, and I know that the memories we are making here will last a lifetime.