A student’s guide to Tromsø

Prior to December, I had seldom considered Scandinavia as a travel destination. Blinded by fantasies of the buzz and bustle of Asian cities, palm trees and scorching sunshine, Norway had not reached the apex of my ‘to-travel’ list. How mistaken I was. Having been gifted with what would turn out to be the holiday of my – yet unrealised – dreams by my overwhelmingly generous boyfriend, the seemingly unreachable opportunity to experience the Northern Lights and enter the Arctic Circle was firmly in my grasp. Even our itinerary, of which I knew very little prior to the day of departure, was exciting: one night in Oslo, followed by four nights in the town of Tromsø, returning for a final night in Norway’s capital before returning home.

While Oslo was charming in many respects, with its uncharacteristic quietness given its title as a capital city, its architecturally astounding Opera House and numerous quirky bars and shops, I was fascinated even further with the town of Tromsø. Tromsø is situated above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, here, the temperature never reached above freezing, the sun never fully rose, and one pint would set you back around eight pounds. It was a different world.

Tromsø is situated above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway

Despite having researched rather relentlessly before travelling, there remained much to learn about our destination, particularly given the extortionate cost of Scandinavia and our student-sized wallets. Despite my temptation to list an infinite number of hyperboles to describe the trip of a lifetime, I will refrain and instead offer a guide based on my own experiences, to not only show why it should be of prime position on your bucket-list, but also why feeble funds should not hold you back.

1. Buy your own food

As I mentioned before, Norway may be beautiful, but it is no friend to your bank account. We swiftly discovered this when a simple baguette in the airport was upwards of seven pounds. Restaurant prices followed this trend, with a burger in the fantastic local pub – Huken Pub – costing a whopping £18.50. Eating out for three meals a day was simply not an option; it was essential that we stayed in an apartment with kitchen facilities. A staple diet of predominately eggs, potatoes, and salami prevailed, lessening the strain on our wallets and allowing us to spend our money on activities instead.

Norway may be beautiful, but it is no friend to your bank account

2. Take warm clothes

As someone who wears four layers and a hot water bottle just to stay warm at home in Leamington, the prospect of sub-zero temperatures meant I was well prepared on the thermals front. You’ll need layers, snow boots and fleece galore if you intend to spend a lot of time outdoors. Indoors, however, everywhere was wonderfully heated making it comfortable and homely. We stayed in the Viking Hotel Apartments.

You’ll need layers, snow boots and fleece galore

3. See the Northern Lights

Endeavouring to see the geomagnetic phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, better known as the ‘Northern Lights’, is an essential component of any winter trip to Norway and often the prime motivation for booking. Although it is never certain that you will see them light up the sky, it is worth placing the odds in your favour by booking a ‘chase’; these are guided tours that take you away from light pollution on the hunt for the best locations to see the lights on your chosen night. We opted for the company ‘Chasing Lights’, which had impeccable reviews, and our tour cost around £95 per person including refreshments and professional photos that became priceless souvenirs.

Aurora Borealis, better known as the ‘Northern Lights’, is an essential component of any winter trip

We were some of the lucky ones. The Auroras danced in rippling waves of green, pink, and white above our heads as we stood at the vast shore of a Norwegian Fjord. It was truly astounding, indescribable, otherworldly.

4. Go cross-country skiing

Tromsø is a real-life winter wonderland, make the most of the snowy surroundings by renting cross-country skis and exploring the beautiful hills of the Arctic town. We rented our package from ‘Tromsø Outdoor’ for around £30 per person, grabbed a map, and went on our way. Neither of us was familiar with the sport, but you needn’t be. If, like me, you are not naturally gifted with sporting abilities, do not fear. If you have balance, enthusiasm and a little patience, gliding through the Norwegian country is just a ski-rental away.

Make the most of the snowy surroundings by renting cross-country skis and exploring the beautiful hills of the Arctic town

5. Alcohol lovers, beware

Quick tip. In Norway, alcohol cannot be purchased in supermarkets after 8pm on weekdays, 6pm on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays, moreover you will not find your favourite tipples in these stores if they are upwards of 4.7% alcohol. If spirits are your preferred alcohol, you must be 20 years old to purchase these liquors in specific stores, and will not be able to order them in bars unless you are 21.

In Norway, alcohol cannot be purchased in supermarkets after 8pm on weekdays

6. Explore the town and cross the bridge

While it may be small, Tromsø is not short of character. If your budget allows, try visiting their Arctic Aquarium (Polaria), the local Mack Brewery or dog sledging with local Sami tribes. If free activities are your preferred option, browsing the various quirky stores in the town centre was a pastime for us. What’s more, if you feel explorative, walk over the bridge to the other side of the water to see the Arctic Cathedral and get a whole new perspective on the area.

If free activities are your preferred option, browsing the various quirky stores in the town centre was a pastime for us

So, what are you waiting for? If you hadn’t guessed already from my enthusiasm, I was lucky enough to have the holiday of a lifetime in December 2017. Even if we had been unfortunate and missed the Northern Lights, it would have been incredible nonetheless. In short, if Norway wasn’t on your bucket list already, it needs to be.