Travel: Norway

26 May 2026

Tromsø

Tromsø is Norway’s largest city north of the Arctic Circle and the main gateway to the far north. It sits on an island surrounded by fjords and mountains, connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges. The city is lively for its size — universities, good restaurants, and a compact walkable center. It is also home to the world’s northernmost McDonald’s, a fact the locals are entirely aware of and that the restaurant leans into. Beyond the novelty, Tromsø is the best base for northern lights hunting, reindeer experiences, and dog sledding in winter, and for midnight sun hikes in summer.

Northern Lights

The aurora borealis is best seen from Norway’s northern regions — Tromsø is the most popular base, sitting well above the Arctic Circle. The lights appear as rippling curtains of green, occasionally shifting to pink and violet, dancing across a dark sky. The season runs roughly October through March when the nights are long enough; you need clear skies and minimal light pollution, so head out of the city. Guided tours drive you to darker locations and wait out the clouds, which is worth it given how unpredictable the aurora can be.

Reindeer Cultural Experience

In the far north, Sámi communities offer encounters with the reindeer herds that are central to their traditional way of life. Visitors can feed and interact with the animals, learn about their role in Sámi culture and seasonal migration, and hear about the history of one of Europe’s few remaining indigenous peoples. The experiences range from brief farm visits to multi-day stays. Tromsø and the Finnmark region are the main hubs; look for operators that are Sámi-owned and run.

Chocolate

Norwegian chocolate punches well above its weight. Freia, the country’s oldest chocolate brand, has been making milk chocolate since the 1800s and is something of a national institution — their creamy bars and Kvikk Lunsj (a wafer chocolate essentially identical to a Kit Kat, but Norwegians will correct you on this) are everywhere. Geilo and other mountain towns sell high-quality local varieties. Pick up a selection at any grocery store; the prices are far lower than specialty shops abroad.

Waffles

Norwegian waffles are thinner and softer than Belgian ones, cooked in a heart-shaped iron and served folded rather than stacked. The classic accompaniment is sour cream (rømme) and strawberry jam, though brown cheese (brunost) — a sweet, caramel-like whey cheese — is the local preference and worth trying. Waffles appear everywhere: cafés, mountain cabins, ferry terminals, museum cafeterias. The combination of brunost and rømme on a fresh waffle, eaten somewhere with a fjord view, is one of the simpler pleasures Norway offers.