Tromsø

History, culture, the Northern Lights, and quick and easy access to wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes… Tromsø is a must-see destination of the Arctic region.

Region: Arctic

Destinations: North Norway

PLEASE NOTE: We no longer offer expedition cruises in Northern Norway. Please see our numerous other voyages that operate in the Arctic and Antarctica.

Tromsø

History, culture, the Northern Lights, and quick and easy access to wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes… Tromsø is a must-see destination of the Arctic region.

The history of Tromsø

Archaeological finds made just outside of the city show that the Tromsø area has been inhabited for at least 9,000 years, and possibly a good deal longer. Richly imbued with both Sámi (indigenous tribes) and Norse heritages, Tromsø at one point boasted the northernmost church in the world, the Ecclesia Sanctae Mariae de Trums Juxta Paganos (“The Church of Saint Mary in Troms Near the Heathens”) built in 1252 to show the Sámi the supposed error of their ways.

Today Tromsø is a treasure-trove for history buffs. The city’s centre, located on the actual island of Tromsø, features historic houses, some of which are centuries old.

And there’s something even older in the air. Tromsø is known as one of the go-to places in the Arctic for Arctic cruise passengers to enjoy one of the great and beautiful wonders of the world – the Northern Lights.

Tromsø cruises

Want to visit the largest city in Northern Norway? Come join us on one of the cruises listed below.