When I asked him what he likes the most about Tromsø, he talked about the proximity to the mountains, ocean, fjords and secluded nature. Tromsø is also very close to Finnmark, the northernmost district of Norway and, therefore, Europe. Roy vacations in Finnmark every summer, where he enjoys his time walking through the beautiful natural landscape without the interruptions of many people.
Tromsø is not a large city by Norway's standards, but it is the largest city in Northern Norway and is considered the cultural hub of the north. The cultural opportunities of Tromsø are much higher than any other city in the north. One would have to travel quite far to be afforded the same urban opportunities and proximity to nature for skiing, climbing and having fun on the water. Tromsø's unique way of life has attracted many people in recent years, and Roy has seen firsthand the swift demographic change and rapid construction on the island.
If I were answering this question 100 years ago, I might have responded differently. It is interesting to consider that many people now voluntarily live above the Arctic Circle in Tromsø for careers that don't necessarily require the northern location, such as fishing, reindeer herding or ore extraction. Many who live in Tromsø remain here because of the easily accessible nature. These natural environments offer a form of enjoyment and help people to live here despite the difficult winters without the sun.
Roy told me the winters are "more wet than snow" in other parts of Norway, whereas Tromsø has proper winters, with plenty of snow, making skiing a very popular activity, especially cross-country skiing.
