—Tromsψ—
(Northern Norway)

       Europe's answer to Alaskan frontier towns—tunnels with traffic circles blasted into the heart of the mountains; native Lappland culture and crafts found side-by-side with oilmen and gold miners; the North Cape, northernmost point on the European mainland.

ARCTIC OCEAN CATHEDRAL,
TROMSΨ, NORWAY
photo © HOME AT FIRST

Attractions in Northern Norway: The North Cape—northernmost point on the European mainland; rugged mountains and coastline well above the Arctic Circle; Midnight Sun in summer, and no daylight at all in the dead of winter; Sami (Lappland) culture; the Aurora Borealis; 6,000-year-old rock carvings near Alta; reindeer herds.

ROCK DRAWING
FOUND NEAR ALTA

Lodgings: Ideally located hotel in Tromsψ, largest city (50,000) in the Norwegian north.

REINDEER                    
photo © HOME AT FIRST         

Getting Around Northern Norway: There is no comprehensive public transportation in the region—other than coastal steamers. There is also little traffic. And, in recent years, many new bridges and tunnels have been constructed throughout northern Norway making self-drive touring much faster and surer. Visitors travel by air to/from the region, and have a rental car while there. Note that, while cars may be equipped for arctic conditions, the driver and passengers may not be. Be sure to know road and weather conditions before driving distances in the arctic.

Getting to/from Northern Norway: Rental Car, Rail from Sweden to Narvik, Inter-Scandinavian Flights to/from Tromsψ Airport, Hurtigrute Coastal Steamship Services to/from Bergen and other Norwegian North Sea ports.

MIDNIGHT SUN   
photo © HOME AT FIRST