Enter the Arctic's gateway at Tromso

Most Arctic cruises pass through the Norwegian city of Tromso, often considered the capital of northern Norway and the gateway to the true arctic.

Visitors can cement their Arctic experience by visiting the Arctic Cathedral. Made of concrete and glass, the structure mimics its surroundings' harshness as well as fragility. Designed to match the tent shape of the indigenous Sami culture, the cathedral also pays homage to the region's cultural past. Visitors should also examine the artistic notes of the eastern wall's stained glass, currently estimated to the be the tallest stained-glass window in all of Europe.

Tromso's traditional livelihoods become center stage at the Polarmuseet, or Polar Museum. Here, adventurous travelers can look at Tromso's history with seal trapping as well as its place in several Arctic expeditions. Travelers can learn about Roald Amundsen, Norway's most infamous explorer here as well, the last city he was in before his Arctic death in the early 20th century. 

However, it is the environment that truly makes this city so special, so guests can get a better sense of their landscape with a less-than-difficult "trek" up a nearby mountain by way of cable car.