The beautiful arctic city 3 hours from the UK branded as 'Paris of the North'

Many people think of the Arctic as remote and difficult to reach, but one northern city has become a popular choice for a short break. Among many things, it is famous for long winters, bright colours in the sky and quiet streets surrounded by water. 

Visitors say it feels friendly, easy to explore and full of things to do at any time of year. It is also one of the most reliable places to see the northern lights. The best part is that getting there is far easier than most travellers expect. Direct flights from the UK take just over three hours.

The place in question is Tromsø. Tromsø is set on an island in northern Norway. 

Visit Tromsø describes it as “an Arctic gem”, pointing out that spotting reindeer on the road is normal for locals. 

The city has shops, cafés and museums, but it is also close to open water and mountains.

The tourism board says the area even has white sandy beaches and clear water, although the temperatures are very cold, especially in winter.

But the region has its own traditions during the winter months. One of them is “Sun Day”, which marks the moment the sun returns after a long dark period. 

People gather with hot chocolate and special buns to celebrate the first daylight of the year.

Reindeer racing also takes place in the city centre and attracts large crowds.

Visit Norway says winter is the busiest time for visitors because of the northern lights, whale watching and snow activities. 

Tromsø sits beneath the Aurora Oval, which means the chances of seeing the northern lights are higher there than in many other places. 

Guided tours run daily in winter to help people find clear skies.

The city is also home to the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria and the Polar Museum, where visitors can learn about past Arctic expeditions. 

Tromsø has many cafés and a busy nightlife thanks to the local university, and several festivals are held during the winter season, including the Tromsø International Film Festival.

What’s more, Tromsø is often called the “Paris of the North”. The nickname dates back to the 19th century when it became a successful trading town. 

Wealthier families followed European fashion trends, especially those from Paris, and the name has remained ever since.

There are also several places to visit just outside the city. The cable car, Fjellheisen, takes people up to 421 metres for a wide view of the area. 

Husky sledding and reindeer sledding are available throughout winter, and snowshoe walks are popular with beginners. 

Whale watching tours run from November to January, with orcas and humpback whales often seen close to the fjords.

For UK travellers, the journey is simple. Direct flights to Tromsø take just over three hours from airports including Manchester and London Gatwick. 

Airlines such as Norwegian and Jet2 operate the route, so it’s perfectly suitable for a long weekend or a short winter break.