Last day in Paradise - Northern Norway

In my previous post, I opened the door to my Arctic adventure in Northern Norway, where I’ve spent the winter season. That chapter is slowly coming to an end, and soon I’ll be making my way back to Central Europe.

But before I leave, I’m taking some time to explore the breathtaking fjords that surround me. The beginning of this little trip couldn't have been more perfect—greeted by what was possibly the most beautiful sunset I've ever witnessed here north.

Now, as I write these words from a hotel room, the scene outside couldn’t be more different. I’m wrapped in the sound of heavy rain, howling wind, and a thick veil of fog that has swallowed the landscape.

It’s a reminder of how quickly things can shift out here in the North—but that’s all part of the magic and experience

I set out on a little road trip to the tiny settlement of Tromvik, located on the Kvaløya peninsula, just a short drive from the well-known Arctic city of Tromsø.

If you're expecting smooth, freshly paved roads, Northern Norway might not be for you. Out here, you’ll quickly learn what it means to handle a steering wheel. Think narrow, winding roads where passing a bus feels like threading a needle—and that’s on a good day.

Even though local road maintenance crews are doing their best, they simply can’t keep up with the massive influx of tourists in recent years. The infrastructure wasn’t built for this kind of traffic, and it shows.

When I arrived in Tromvik, I took a left turn at the end of the village, which led me up into a sort of mountain pass. There’s a larger parking area up there, and from that point, you can either head left or right into the surrounding wilderness.

I got there a long time before sunset, which gave me the perfect opportunity to scout out the best spot. Without a doubt, the view in the direction of Mount Brosmortind is just something else.

One of the things I love about Northern Norway is that you never know what kind of wildlife you’ll stumble upon. Up here, it’s not uncommon to spot reindeer, moose, and other animals.

I was lucky enough to cross paths with two reindeer at this very spot—both of them lying peacefully, as if they, too, had come to enjoy the sunset from this elevated viewpoint.

In case you didn’t know, every reindeer in Norway belongs to someone. They’re all owned by the Sámi people—the Indigenous people of the North—and they’re the only ones legally allowed to own and herd reindeer in this part of the world.

During a stay in Northern Norway, you can experience a complete shift in your sense of time. At the end of January, I saw the sun for the first time, just for five minutes. Now, the sun sets around 8 in the evening. The difference is incredible, and it makes you appreciate every ray of light.

At this spot, I got extremely lucky. No wind, not a single cloud in the sky. The calm, the clear air, and the colors were stunning. That sunshine and those warm tones were exactly what I needed.

Even after the sun had set, I stayed a little longer, drawn in by the glowing afterlight—those soft, fiery reds that lingered on the horizon. Eventually, I started making my way back to the car. But the journey wasn’t quick—I kept stopping again and again, unable to resist the view.

A deep, fiery red stretched across the sky, reflecting off the surface of the ocean. It was the kind of sight that makes you forget everything else.