Our day began with a delightful sail past the enchanting island of Fugløya. Despite its small size, the island stands proud and tall, serving as a bustling home to countless adorable puffins. The weather smiled upon us, and we were treated to a breathtaking spectacle as vast swarms of puffins filled the skies while our ship glided close to shore. To our absolute delight, we even spotted seven majestic white-tailed eagles soaring gracefully among the cliffs!
After this unforgettable encounter with nature's wonders, we arrived at the stunning island of Tromsø, known as the gateway to the Arctic. The island's beauty and charm immediately captivated us.
Following lunch on board, we were treated to a beautiful concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Designed in 1965 by the talented Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig, this modern architectural gem blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Its white, pointed, and triangular structure mirrors the majestic shape of the surrounding mountains and evokes images of icicles. They say it even resembles the mesmerizing aurora borealis that graces this area during the winter.
Later in the day, our exploration continued with visits to two fascinating museums. Our first stop was the Tromso Museum, closely linked to the University of Tromso. This captivating museum focused on the city's history, archaeology, and the rich cultural heritage of the Sami people. The exhibits not only showcased ancient artifacts from the earliest Mesolithic settlements to more recent times but also sensitively shed light on the challenges the Sami people faced throughout the past century. The museum also delighted us with captivating natural history exhibits, and we learned about the local fauna and its crucial role within the unique ecosystems of northern Norway.
Next, we explored the Polar Museum, which beautifully displayed artifacts and historical information relating to European High Arctic exploration and the early Svalbard expeditions. As we wandered through the carefully curated displays, we could envision the lives of early whalers, sealers, and trappers, thanks to original artifacts recovered from 17th-century settlements on the archipelago. We also marveled at the impressive collection associated with Norwegian polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, a true testament to Norway's adventurous spirit.
Tromsø embraced us with its vibrant summer ambiance, and the joyful songs of birds filled the air around the island. The kittiwakes added to the symphony of nature, busily tending to their nests throughout the town. It is a stark contrast to the winter wonderland when the island is blanketed in four to nine feet of snow and bathed in the ethereal glow of the northern lights, rightfully earning it the title of the "Paris of the North."
As our journey continues southward, we were eagerly welcomed into the kingdom of the majestic Norwegian fjords. The beauty of the landscape left us awestruck, and we cannot wait to embrace more of nature's wonders.
