Tromso is a great place for travelers if you know what to look out for

1) Northern Lights & 24-hour Darkness

Also known as ‘Aurora Borealis’, the Northern Lights are a spectacular phenomenon which comes about when the sun’s electron rays collide with Earth’s magnetic field. Folklore recounts that Northern Lights are the breath of warriors who sacrificed their lives for their king and country. Really a sight worth catching if you’re lucky, since wintertime Tromso means you will experience nearly 24 hours of darkness. Best time to look out for this is on a cloudless night or early morning.

2) Book Your Table Fast!

The Christmas season means you MUST book your table when dining out! Hotel food can be pricey and walk-ins at restaurants are rare…Reserve your table once you are in Tromso and you are guaranteed a warm meal in a very cold town.

3) Reindeer Meat

Exotic cuisine on offer includes the rare and wonderful reindeer meat. Emma’s Dream Kitchen is highly recommended – posh food in homely surroundings. A wholesome-looking waiter/waitress introduces you to their 5-course menu and suggests suitable wines for each course. A delight as Emma’s has a well-stocked wine cellar. Try their cinnamon refresher – uniquely Norwegian.

4) Language & Humor

‘Goddag’ is hello in Norwegian but thankfully Norwegians are fluent in English. Do fall in love with the Norwegian sense of humor: it is dry, strong yet good for the spirit.

5) Sami People

Sami are the indigenous people of Norway, known for their reindeer herding and ice-fishing activities. But they are gradually assimilating into the mainstream. Join them in their ‘lavvo’ (Sami tent) and let them impress you with reindeer stew – it smells like beef broth but its meat tastes lighter.

6) Home of the Huskies

Dog lovers must try this! Sled on your own or let a guide take you. Groups of 8-10 Alaskan huskies or Malamutes will take you around the snow-clad hills and you can love up these huskies before and after sledding. Be lavish with your love – dog sledding is one of the top ten things to do in life.

7) Cuisine

Italian cuisine is common in Tromso and pizza will fill you up nicely. Interesting Norwegian foods include the Arctic Crab and Lute Fish. Lute fish is firm white fish made translucent using bicarbonate of soda (according to natives). It tastes like normal fish, so don't be afraid to try it. Norway is also known for its flatbreads - made of rye, they make good light snacks for the afternoon, especially with dip.

8) Candle Making

Not many know that candle making is an important industry. Christmas is ideal for candle-shopping. Candles with unusual scents like ‘Cookies & Cream’ or ‘Blue Lagoon’ are perfect for gift-giving. Buy loads to take home.

9) Polaria

The most beautiful film about the Arctic can be seen here. Five screens side by side give you a panoramic view of the life in the Arctic. Warning: it may bring you to tears. See exhibits of Arctic life and visit the one-of-a-kind souvenir shop which has unusual items made of seal and exotic fish.

10) Wooden Houses

Finally, colorful wooden houses on the mountainside truly capture the spirit of Tromso. (The oldest wooden house dates back to 1789.) These houses, and the fashionable ladies encountered by explorers in the 19th century, have inspired many to call Tromso ‘Paris of the North’. Enjoy your trip to Tromso and remember to wrap up warm.