Car Hire Tromso

Tromso Mini Guide

Tell me About Tromso
Tromso is one of the northernmost cities in Europe yet has a sophistication and atmosphere that belies its position where for months of the year it barely gets light. It’s deep inside the Arctic Circle but because of the warming effects of the Gulf Stream it has a relatively mild climate for its latitude. The city is built on an island which extends to the mainland and another smaller island by means of bridges. Historically, it’s also one of Norway’s oldest cities and had been in existence for nearly 900 years before gaining its city charter.

What’s the Best way of Getting to Tromso?
Tromso Airport, also called Langnes Airport is found just outside the city and accepts flights from many Norwegian destinations including two daily flights from Oslo. There is also a daily flight from London Gatwick for UK passengers. A local bus takes you into the city centre but many people hire cars there to be able to explore the coast and fjords around Tromso.

What is There to See and Do in Tromso?
Tromso has many things for the traveller to see and do whilst staying in the city. It’s very compact and is best explored on foot.  Tromso has the biggest collection of old wooden houses in Norway and in the old centre of the city they make attractive subjects for photographs with their simplicity and bright colours. Tromso is also very popular for watching the Northern Lights. From December through to March there’s a spectacular display each evening. Back in the city, the most photographed building is the Arctic Cathedral which, although only just over half a century old, is stunning in design and with the largest stained glass window in Northern Europe.

What Should I buy as Souvenirs in Tromso?
Tromso has a wealth of local and unique souvenirs. Try the seal skin slippers sold in Snarby Strikkestudio; they also make the famous original Norwegian knitwear. Elsewhere, amongst the imported tat, you’ll find sculptures and statues carved from whalebone or wood. Finally, you should visit Blast, Europe’s northernmost glass factory for unique pieces that will make a lasting and valuable memento of your visit.

What is There to Eat in Tromso?
Eating out is expensive in Tromso but you can get good value depending on what you eat. Unsurprisingly, fish is a cheaper option depending on the season but there are also local delicacies such as whale meat and seal should you fancy trying something different!

What do People do to Party in Tromso?
There are so many festivals celebrated in Tromso that you’re certain to be there during one. In the winter there’s the Northern Lights Festival with music, dance and food together with the Polar Night Half Marathon. In summer there’s another, and even more popular, marathon together with a beer festival celebrating the city’s own beer brand, Mack. Beyond this, there are film festivals, salsa festivals and more.

Tromso is one of the oldest cities in Norway having been inhabited since the end of the ice age. Accordingly it has some of the oldest buildings in Norway. That includes the Church of Saint Mary in Troms near the Heathens which was built in 1252, which at that time was the northernmost church in the world.

Yet in fact the biggest tourist attraction in Tromso is a modern building called the Arctic Cathedral. We also get requests for car hire in Tromso as this is a cultural focal point and holds a number of exciting summer festivals.