Tromso
For decades arctic explorers used Tromso as a departure port and in many cases a first contact after returning from their adventures. Having braved the hardships of the high arctic the colorful waterfront buildings were undoubtedly a welcome and comforting sight. For the modern explorers on the National Geographic Endeavour the town of Tromso was the re-entry point from an exciting and activity packed week in the Svalbard Archipelago.
Green lush hills form the setting for life in this far north town of about 65,000 people. Tromso is the center for activity on the north of Norway. Two of the icons for Tromso are the Arctic Cathedral and the clean gentle arch of the bridge connecting this island town to the mainland and adjoining islands. It is hard to believe that this vibrant community is still miles above the Arctic Circle. And there are even trees on the lower slopes of the fjords and valleys.
Two options were planned for the day. Because of the misty conditions at the start of the day, many people decided that a drive around the island of Tromsoya and some of the sites of the city would be more comfortable. A second smaller group went with a number of the naturalist staff to a mountain valley on the main island west of the city. The weather turned favorable so this group had a pleasant morning hiking through scrub birch forest and then to treeless and shrubless tundra. Flowers were in profusion and attracted some of the photographers. Those in town visited the Polar Museum learning about some of the important figures in arctic exploration and exploitation. Associated with the local university, the Tromso Museum had interesting displays on the Northern Lights and Soumi culture. The third attraction of the visit was the Arctic Cathedral designed to represent an iceberg. The afternoon was left open so people could revisit the museums or shop in the many stores or just stroll around the friendly streets.
In the late afternoon we left the dock then soon passed under the high arching bridge on our south. The finale of the day was our first official sunset of the so far voyage.
For decades arctic explorers used Tromso as a departure port and in many cases a first contact after returning from their adventures. Having braved the hardships of the high arctic the colorful waterfront buildings were undoubtedly a welcome and comforting sight. For the modern explorers on the National Geographic Endeavour the town of Tromso was the re-entry point from an exciting and activity packed week in the Svalbard Archipelago.
Green lush hills form the setting for life in this far north town of about 65,000 people. Tromso is the center for activity on the north of Norway. Two of the icons for Tromso are the Arctic Cathedral and the clean gentle arch of the bridge connecting this island town to the mainland and adjoining islands. It is hard to believe that this vibrant community is still miles above the Arctic Circle. And there are even trees on the lower slopes of the fjords and valleys.
Two options were planned for the day. Because of the misty conditions at the start of the day, many people decided that a drive around the island of Tromsoya and some of the sites of the city would be more comfortable. A second smaller group went with a number of the naturalist staff to a mountain valley on the main island west of the city. The weather turned favorable so this group had a pleasant morning hiking through scrub birch forest and then to treeless and shrubless tundra. Flowers were in profusion and attracted some of the photographers. Those in town visited the Polar Museum learning about some of the important figures in arctic exploration and exploitation. Associated with the local university, the Tromso Museum had interesting displays on the Northern Lights and Soumi culture. The third attraction of the visit was the Arctic Cathedral designed to represent an iceberg. The afternoon was left open so people could revisit the museums or shop in the many stores or just stroll around the friendly streets.
In the late afternoon we left the dock then soon passed under the high arching bridge on our south. The finale of the day was our first official sunset of the so far voyage.
