'''Troms''' is a county in Northern Norway. It borders the counties of Nordland (south) and Finnmark (north-east). Troms also borders Sweden and Finland. Some 155000 people live in the county.

Regions

  • South Troms - the area around Harstad; islands with mountains and some agriculture
  • Inland Troms and Senja - Bardu and Malselv; forested valleys, rivers and mountains, Dividalen national park, Senja island
  • Tromso area - the area around Tromso city; including mountainous islands and the Lyngen alps
  • North Troms - the northeastern part; islands and mountains, rivers, Reisa valley with Reisa national park
  • Cities

  • Bardufoss
  • Finnsnes - Third largest city (pop.: 10000)
  • Harstad - Second largest city (pop.: 22000)
  • Setermoen
  • Skjervoy
  • Storslett
  • Tromso - Largest city (pop.: 66000)
  • Other destinations

  • Lyngen
  • Senja
  • Understand

    Talk

    Norwegian is the official language of Norway and it is the most commonly spoken language in Troms. Norwegian is mutually intelligible with Danish and Swedish.

    Sami is official in one municipality, Kafjord.

    Most people speak English well. In theory, all Norwegians are also able to speak a third language, usually German or French (but also Spanish, Italian or Russian), as learning a third language is mandatory in the Norwegian school. However, most people's knowledge of their third "school language" is basic at best.

    Get in

    By plane

    The easiest, fastest and probably cheapest way to reach Troms is by air.

    There are three airports in Troms:

    Tromso

    Tromso airport is the largest airport in the county. Domestic flights to:
  • Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
  • Moss (a.k.a. Oslo airport Rygge)
  • Trondheim
  • Bergen
  • Bodo
  • Evenes (Harstad/Narvik)
  • Hammerfest
  • Alta
  • Kirkenes
  • and a number of smaller towns in Northern Norway

    International flights to:

  • London Stansted
  • Murmansk
  • Stockholm (summer only)
  • Bardufoss

    Bardufoss airport serves Mid Troms, including Finnsnes and the island of Senja. Domestic flights to:
  • Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
  • Sorkjosen

    Sorkjosen is a small airport in Northern Troms. Connections to Tromso every day, and some towns in Finnmark county.

    Evenes

    Evenes airport is in Nordland county, and is the main airport for southern Troms, including Harstad. Domestic flights to:
  • Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
  • Bodo
  • Tromso
  • Trondheim
  • Domestic flights are operated by Norwegian, SAS and Wideroe.

    By car

    E6 is the main route to Troms when driving from the southern parts of Norway (Oslo, Trondheim). Be aware of the long distances. From Oslo to the southern border of Troms it is appr. 1400 kilometers, and to the northern border appr. 1820 kilometers.

    It is also possible to drive to Troms from Finland via European Route E8 from Tornio through the Torne Valley. E10 from Kiruna and Lulea in Sweden enters Norway just north of Narvik in Nordland county. The distance from the national border to Troms county border is appr. 50 kilometers.

    If you arrive during winter, be aware that winter tires are necessary and required by law. Do not try to drive without, even if you don't expect snow or ice.

    By train

    There is no railroad in Troms. The closest station is in Narvik just south of the county border. From Narvik there are buses to Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromso and other towns in Troms. Narvik is the end station of the Swedish Malmbanan ("the ore rail"). Passenger trains are operated by [http://www.veoliatransport.se/ Veolia Transport]. Narvik is not connected to the main norwegian railroad network.

    By bus

    By boat

    Get around

    Getting around in Troms is easiest if you have your own car. There are reasonably good roads all over the county. The main road network is mostly of quite good standard. Some roads are narrow and windy, this is especially true when it comes to local roads. Traffic levels are low, except in and around the largest towns.

    If you do not have a car, bus might be a good option, maybe even the only option. Most communities in the county can be reached by bus. There are regular bus connections between the larger towns, normally several buses each day. There are also regular connections to Alta in Finnmark county and Narvik in Nordland county. When it comes to smaller communities there might be a very limited service, maybe just a few buses during the week. It's important to plan ahead and check the timetables!

    Many coastal communities can be reached by catamaran from the nearest town; Harstad, Finnsnes, Tromso or Skjervoy. There are also catamaran routes between these towns. Hurtigruten travels most of the Norwegian coast and also calls at these four ports.

    Air travel is possible between Tromso and Harstad (Evenes airport), and between Tromso and Storslett (Sorkjosen airport). If you book your ticket well in advance this is likely to be the cheapest (and fastest) way of travelling between these places.

    Timetables for most city- local- and regional buses, catamarans and ferries in Troms county can be found at [http://177troms.no/ 177troms.no]. Unfortunately this page is in Norwegian only. Look for "Rutetabeller".

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Get out