11/19 Tromso

 11/19 TROMSO:

Last night, just as we finished our dessert the call came out the Northern Lights were out. We gather our cameras and coats and up to deck 9 we flew. They were out for a good bit, then the cloud cover came.

Well I am excited to return to Tromso for a couple reasons. First is last time we were here we did not have time to visit the Polar Exploration Museum. Tromso is a great location for such a museum, as it was from Tromso many polar expedition sailed from after the final fitting out of supplies. The Expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen sailed from Tromso. 

The Raketten Bar & Pølse located in the center of town. This is a very small kiosk often billed as the smallest bar in Norway or the world. On our last visit we enjoyed a hot dog there, so a return is in order. They are good for sure.

After breakfast we relaxed a bit as the Arctic Exploration Museum did not open until 1100. Off the ship we went to the visitors center and purchased a couple bus fares. This would be used later to visit the Arctic Cathedral. 

We made our way to the Arctic Exploration Museum. The first part dealt with the commercial hunting and trading in the area. The last part I really liked as it delved into Amundsen and Nansen. 

I could go on and on and on and on about these great explorers, but will save you my lengthy discourse. 

The exhibits were excellent and many tidbits I had filed away were remembered. Hammerfest and Tromso are epicenters of their explorations. The Fram sailed from and returned to Tromso. I’ll stop now. 

 





As we had spent almost 2 hours there, we were ready for lunch. What does one have in Tromso for Lunch, a hot dog of course. 

The smallest bar ever has hot dogs, simply a little kiosk, so we visited here and had a local favorite.

 

 

Next we took a local bus to the Arctic Cathedral. A modern church and has a really nice stained glass. 

 



We then returned by city bus to the center of town and a stroll back to the ship. 

There was only 3-ish hours of daylight and the sun had set by the time we were in city center. 

We did find some stumbling stones, they are a sad and dark reminder of WWII. 

 



Back on board, I had a specialty beer and Lynn and hot chocolate.