The Arctic capital of the northern lights
Tromsø sits on an island ringed by snowy peaks some 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, yet it has a cathedral, a university and a surprisingly busy bar scene. From late autumn to early spring, tours head out of town to chase the northern lights, and in winter orcas and humpbacks follow the herring into nearby fjords. The Arctic Cathedral's white triangular front is the city's landmark, and the Fjellheisen cable car lifts you to a view over it all.