Nature
Troms has a varied coastline. Norway's two largest islands are located here, while the fjords virtually cut into the landscape. Mountains rise wildly and inaccessibly directly from the sea into the sky and are alluring for keen mountain hikers. Rivers and streams flow down the mountain sides and continue through expansive agricultural areas. Troms' many watercourses are ideal for exciting fishing and paddling experiences.
History
The eldest traces of human settlement in Troms are more than 10,000 years old and originate from a nomadic culture. Troms is also home to the world's northernmost traces from the Viking era.
The rich maritime resources combined with agriculture, created the basis for the first permanent settlement in Troms. The indigenous Saami population has always utilised the coast as summer grazing areas for their reindeer herds and the border areas with Sweden and Finland as winter grazing areas.
The interior of Troms was settled by farmers from places such as the Gudbrandsdalen Valley who took their culture northwards. The Kvens, people of Finnish stock, also settled in the county and their building style and culture is visible in several places.
The City of Tromsø has always been a starting point for polar expeditions and the world's northernmost university gives it an even more international flavour.
Facts
The county of Troms has a population of 154,642 and includes three cities/towns. The largest city is Tromsø with a population of 65,286, followed by Harstad with 23,105 inhabitants and Finnsnes with 11,160 inhabitants. The county's 22 municipalities contain many villages and smaller settlements.
Midnight sun
Experience the magical midnight sun in for example Tromsø where it is visible from 20 May to 22 July.
Polar nights
In Tromsø the polar nights are between 20 November and 21 January.
Northern lights
The flickering majestic lights of the northern lights can usually be seen in Troms from September until the beginning of April.
Climate
The weather in Troms is influenced by the Gulf stream creating mild, snowy winters along the coastline, with temperatures hovering around -3 to -6 degrees Celsius. In the inland areas temperatures occasionally drop below -30 degrees Celsius, although the dry air makes it less no colder than - 5 degrees Celsius whilst inland areas can get up to minus 30 degrees Celsius but dry.
Summer temperatures vary from 10 degrees Celsius to well over 20 degrees Celsius and make the area very fruitful.
Average temperatures in degrees Celsius
| |
Harstad |
Tromsø |
| January |
-2,8 |
-4,4 |
| February |
-2,6 |
-4,2 |
| March |
-1,2 |
-2,7 |
| April |
1,8 |
-0,3 |
| May |
6,2 |
4,8 |
| June |
9,9 |
9,1 |
| July |
12,3 |
11,8 |
| August |
11,9 |
10,8 |
| September |
8,1 |
6,7 |
| October |
4,3 |
2,7 |
| November |
0,5 |
-1,1 |
| December |
-1,9 |
-3,3 |
Recommended clothing
Summer: We recommend a mix of warm and light clothing. Wind and water-proof clothing is necessary. Good trainers/hiking boots provide the possibility to explore the countryside.
Winter: Woollen underwear or similar, fleece or wool clothing and a wind and water-proof outer layer. Do not forget gloves or mittens, a woollen hat and scarf. Winter shoes or boots, preferably lined with thin woollen socks (two pairs if there is space).