TROMS COUNTY Welcome to Troms County and the weather right now! Troms County is one out of 19 countys in Norway with a area of 25.848 km2 and a population of approximately 153.000. Each County is divided into different township / county council. For Troms County you will find the links to your "right" (township for the whole country is 430) or read a short story given below. Principal industries are Fishing and fisheries, agriculture, services, tourism and public service industrics. The main attractions in Troms are Målselvfossen waterfall, Midnight Sun, Northern Lights and Polar Nights. Norway´s largest troll, the Senja Troll. SEE VIDEO WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT US ! The transition from Nordland to Troms is not easy to identify. The high majestic mountains and skerries are the same. On the map, however, we see that the border with Sweden turns eastwards to provide a broader main land. However, while there are rich farming traditions in municipalities in the south, such as Kvæfjord, the landscape becomes distinctly more barren the farther north you travel. The number of combination farms increases, and in many places the fishing boat is vital for economic survival. Lyngen is literally crowded with peaks and glaciers, with the mountains rising directly out of the fjords to a height of 6,000 feet. The area is referred to as the Lyngen Alps. Due to the warm ocean currents the fjords are ice free all year and the weather surprisingly mild. The cross country skiing and the mountain climbing were truly fantastic. Recommend the area for skiing and climbing in April through mid May or hiking and climbing in July. We have the Midnight Sun in our region from 20th May - 20th July. During this period, the sun stays above the horizon, and it is light 24 hours a day. The sky must be clear and there must be unobstructed visibility northwards in order to see the Midnight Sun. A summer night on the fjord or in the mountains is an experience not to be missed, you can go fishing in the fjord, which contains splendid variation of fish, or you can take a walk in the wilderness surrounding. Aurora Borealis is the Latin name for the Northern Lights - solar winds that meet the atmosphere in a zone around the magnetic North Pole. The Northern Lights are only visible when the sky is dark and clear, from August to April, and they are most intense from 10 pm to midnight. The region on the 700 northern latitude is a fantastic place for experiencing the beautiful and intense play of colours given off by the Northern Lights. The dark time, or the long, dark Polar Night, lasts from 30th November - 12th January - there is only a twilight-dusk type of light (the blue light) for a few hours during the middle of the day. This does not mean that it becomes totally dark, however. The aurora borealis trails its multicoloured banner across the sky and the moon lights the scene just like the nightlight of Our Lord. The experience of the winter with the uniqueness of the light, the northern lights and snow is fantastic. Especially beautiful is the blue light southwards, just before it becomes dark. Much of Norway´s goat milk cheese is produced from the county´s 19.000 goats. Goats thrive in this terrain. Troms is an island county. Over half of the county´s population live on islands. Thus, much of the industry is linked to the sea. Following many lean years, fishing stocks have begun to grow, and the coastal fishing fleet, which many claim has survived only by sheer defiance, once again moves towards better prospects. The farther north you travel in Norway, the more dependent the economy becomes on the sea. This is mainly due to the lack of alternative industry. But the fisherman is the same regardless of whether you meet him at Haltenbanken off North Trøndelag or at Malangsgrunnen where the Norwegian Sea turns into the Arctic Ocean. Vessels and techniques can vary as much as the catches. But the people on board have clear common traits, formed by daily meetings with the ocean and its whims and rooted in a coastal culture which is the result of generations of labour, a determined race of the highest order. New and efficient technology meant that Norway and other countries fished more than resources could support. The 1980s and beginning of the l990s have been poor years along the coast, but thanks to improved knowledge and stricter regulations, stocks are on the verge of expanding again. There is renewed optimism in the fishery industries in this region where survival depends on responsible management of sustainable resources. During the last 10 years, aquaculture has become prominent as a new, sea based industry. The expansive coastline with deep fjords and clean water provides the perfect conditions for supporting fish farming. Diseases among young fish appear to be under control. Fish farming has all the signs of becoming a new and welcome economic cornerstone for the coastal region of the Green Arctic. TROMSØ The main town of the county, Tromsø, is also known as the "Paris of the North". Despite the Polar nights, or perhaps because of them, the town is noted for its night life. Tromsø is actually on an island, Tromsøya. The Tromsø sound divides the town from the mainland, where the famous Arctic cathedral stands with its unique architecture. On the mainland, a 4-minute trip by cable car takes you up Storsteinen mountain, 420 metres above sea level. At the top there is a magnificent viewpoint and a restaurant. Tromsø is also a natural centre for North Norway. It is the site of the world´s northernmost university and it has a rich research milieu. Since the future of the whole region is inextricably linked to a sustainable administration of the sea"s resources, it is only natural that the region is paramount where research and education related to fisheries, fish farming and marine life is concerned. Its geographical position is particularly suited for studying the aurora borealis, as Troms lies right under the northern light belt. More over, the county is well situated for research of the ozone layer and for receiving information from satellites. This has led to the development of a research environment that is respected the world over. Tromsø is also the centre for environment related research. Three different races populate Troms: the Lapps, people of Finnish stock, and Norwegians. In recent times, other denominations have found their way here. International contacts have been a regular feature of this area throughout history. The coastal inhabitants were seafarers and the it was only a short journey both south wards to the rest of Europe and eastwards to Northern Russia. COMMUNICATIONS The multitude of islands and deep fjords presents great communicational challenges. Previously, the boat was the only alternative; you had to have plenty of time and not a little luck with the weather. Today, bridges and tunnels provide an increasing number of mainland connections. However, the terrain still presents major challenges because of factors such as the volume of snow and danger from landslides. Express boats and small air craft cut down travel time to a minimum. The largest airports, Evenes at Harstad, Bardufoss and Tromsø, connect the county with the rest of Norway and the world beyond. Tromsø airport has a direct service to Murmansk and Archangel in north-west Russia. There is also a direct service to London in the summer. CULTURE The numerous influences from abroad could be one of the reasons for Troms being so rich in culture. The Festival at Harstad is one of the high-points. Each summer, top artists and amateurs within music and the arts meet here for a festival which has aroused international attention. The Halogaland Theatre is particularly renowned for its acting skills. With its strong use of language and controversial productions, the theatre has portrayed folk traditions and national character to rapturous applause. These institutions are inspirational. The mature North Norwegian humour is expressed in many forms both on the stage and in literature. The sum of these activities has earned Troms a substantial role in the organisation of cultural co-operation in the Arctic Region. There is no heavy industry in Troms or in the immediate vicinity. The county is too far north to be affected by acid rain or other sources of pollution. Thus, the county is one of the least-polluted areas in the whole of Europe. Towards the borders with Sweden and Finland, there is almost no population; virgin wilderness where only bears, wolves, wolverine and lynx roam. Troms, in many ways, is an outback. Farther north, polar fauna takes over! POSSIBILITIES In every township / county council you will find links to accommodation, restaurants, shopping, car rental, airports, coaches and train. ACTIVITIES The choice of different activities in Norway such as Golf, skiing, bikeing, cruising, fishing, stave churching etc. In order that you may get the best out of your visit we recommend that you visit our Tourist Information. Balsfjord Bardu Berg Bjarkøy Dyrøy Gratangen Harstad Ibestad Karlsøy Kvæfjord Kvænangen Kåfjord Lavangen Lenvik Lyngen Målselv Nordreisa Salangen Skjervøy Skånland Storfjord Sørreisa Torsken Tranøy Tromsø