Tromso, Norway

Located on an island in the northern province of Troms, Norway, Tromso is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It is the largest city in the area with a population of 47,000.

Tromso is at the same latitude as Barrow, Alaska but its climate is not as harsh due to its location near the gulf stream. Tromso’s port is ice-free year round and during the winter the sun does not rise between November 21 and January 21.