How do Tromsø residents thrive in long, dark winters in this stunning Arctic landscape, where the sun barely rises?
Tromsø, Norway’s Arctic gateway sits on an island 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
Visitors come to experience the spectacular northern lights and the Polar Nights, when the sun is below the horizon.
Winters here are long, dark, and frigidly cold, yet Norwegians, particularly those in Tromsø, don’t experience the same winter blues. Stanford University PhD student Kari Leibowitz in The Conversation noted that:
The key is to have a positive wintertime mindset
Locals embrace winter through community events and outdoor activities. In Tromsø, Northern Norway’s largest city, the long nights are met with cozy cafés, sports, and festivals. People gather for warmth, building strong social bonds.
The city’s vibrant culture shines despite the dark. Northern lights festivals, midnight sun celebrations, and winter sports keep spirits high.
The enduring cold fosters a sense of unity and resilience.
Locals know how to enjoy the winter, creating shared joy even in the harshest months. Tromsø’s residents, like their Sami ancestors, are experts in surviving and thriving in the Arctic environment.
Their strength and community spirit turn the cold season into a time of connection, rather than isolation.
Canada and Norway share the Arctic, with similar wildlife and seasonal experiences, though the indigenous people differ.
The Sami, fair-haired and light-skinned, are reindeer herders and hunters. Inuit, with Asiatic features, also thrive in the harsh Arctic conditions.
From late May through July, Tromsø enjoys the surreal experience of the Midnight Sun, offering 24/7 daylight. The pristine wilderness and fjords are ideal for activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whale safaris, or visiting the Sami community.
Posted: January 14, 2019 | Updated: January 05, 2025
