Tromsø: The Arctic Gateway

• HelloHei
  [hay]
• GoodbyeHa det bra
  [hah deh bra]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [vair soh goh]
• Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
• Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [oon-skyld]
• How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har doo deh]
• Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [bra oh doo]
• Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [snah-ker doo eng-elsk]
• I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yay for-stor ee-neh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, takk
  [yay veal yern-eh seh meh-nyen tahk]
• I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [yay spee-ser ee-neh shøt]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, takk
  [yay veal yern-eh beh-tah-leh tahk]

• Help!Hjelp!
  [yelp]
• Go away!Gå vekk!
  [goh vek]
• Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [ring po-lee-tee-et]
• Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [ring en lay-geh]
• I'm lostJeg er borte
  [yay air bor-teh]
• I'm illJeg er syk
  [yay air sook]

• I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...
  [yay veal shø-peh]
• I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [yay bah-reh sair]
• How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [vor mew-eh kost-er deh]
• That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh air for deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [kan doo sen-keh pree-sen]

• What time is it?Hva er klokka?
  [vah air klok-kah]
• It's one o'clockKlokka er ett
  [klok-kah air et]
• Half past (10)Halv ti
  [halv tee]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonEttermiddag
  [et-ter-meed-dahg]
• EveningKveld
  [kvel]
• YesterdayI går
  [ee gor]
• TodayI dag
  [ee dahg]
• TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mor-gen]
• 1En
  [en]
• 2To
  [too]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Syv
  [siv]
• 8Åtte
  [oh-teh]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Ti
  [tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hvor er...?
  [vor air]
• What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [vah air ah-dres-sen]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [kan doo vee-seh mayg (poh kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [nor gor nest-eh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)
  [en bee-let (teel)]

Tromsø, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Arctic,' was officially founded in 1794. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the region had been inhabited for thousands of years before that. The earliest settlers were likely Sami people, who have a deep-rooted history and culture in the area. Tromsø's location made it an ideal spot for fishing and trade, which laid the foundation for its growth.

In the 19th century, Tromsø began to establish itself as a center for Arctic hunting and exploration. The town became a starting point for numerous Arctic expeditions. Notably, explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen used Tromsø as a base for their ventures into the polar regions. This era brought a sense of adventure and international recognition to the city.

During World War II, Tromsø played a significant role in the events that unfolded in Norway. In 1940, as Germany invaded Norway, Tromsø served as a temporary seat of the Norwegian government. The city was also the final resting place of the German battleship Tirpitz, which was sunk by British bombers in 1944 in the fjords near Tromsø. The remnants of this period can still be explored today.

After the war, Tromsø underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. The city expanded its infrastructure, including the construction of Tromsø Bridge and Tromsø Airport. This period also saw the establishment of the University of Tromsø in 1968, which is now one of the world's northernmost universities. The university has contributed to the city's growth as a hub for Arctic research and education.

Tromsø is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Tromsø International Film Festival and the Northern Lights Festival. These events showcase a mix of local and international talent and draw visitors from around the world. The Sami culture is also celebrated, particularly during the Sami Week, which includes traditional music, joik singing, and reindeer racing.

Tromsø's unique position within the Arctic Circle makes it an excellent location for studying natural phenomena like the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the Midnight Sun. The city has several research institutions dedicated to Arctic studies, including the Norwegian Polar Institute. This focus on science and nature attracts researchers, students, and tourists who are eager to experience the Arctic environment.

Tromsø is accessible via air, sea, and road. The main gateway is Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS), which has direct flights from several European cities and domestic connections from major Norwegian cities. Alternatively, you can take the Hurtigruten coastal ferry, which stops in Tromsø on its route. For those driving, Tromsø is connected by the E8 highway, although the drive can be long and challenging, especially in winter conditions.

Tromsø has an efficient public transport system that includes buses and ferries. The local bus network, operated by Troms Fylkestrafikk, covers the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding fjords and countryside. Biking is also an option during the summer months.

The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout Tromsø. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit more remote areas where card payment might not be accepted.

Tromsø is generally a very safe city for tourists. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, 113 for medical emergencies, and 110 for fire services. Tromsø University Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected events.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Wear sturdy shoes for outdoor activities. Avoid wearing overly casual attire in finer dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do have your ticket ready before boarding and be respectful to the driver and other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like reindeer meat and fish. Don't tip excessively; service charges are usually included in the bill.

To experience Tromsø like a local, visit the local markets such as the Tromsø Market Square, where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian goods. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share stories about their city. Don't miss the Northern Lights during winter or the Midnight Sun in summer. For a unique experience, take a trip to the nearby Lyngen Alps or go on a whale-watching tour.