During the long winter, festivals keep the Tromsø inhabitants going. The Tromsø International Film Festival is a most splendid idea; why not watch films when it's so dark outside?

One week later, the Northern Lights Festival is a selective festival of classical and contemporary music. The Sami Week in early February includes the celebration of Sami culture and identity, as well as the National Championship in Reindeer Racing, right in the middle of Tromsø's main street.

Since Tromsø is considered by many the dirty joke-capital of Norway, the Festival of Humour in late February comes as no surprise.

The summer is another time of celebration; the mid-June Midnight Sun Marathon attracts an increasing number of international runners.

The Bukta Rock Festival late in July, taking place on Tromsø's main beach, is the place to hear the latest rock bands in Norway.

As autumn darkness sets in, the Ordkalotten Festival of Literature invites you to meet with Norwegian and international writers.

Pre-Christmas events include the annual visit of farmers from the inland valleys, descending upon Tromsø with unfamiliar accents, freshly cut Christmas trees, carol singing and a lively market of Christmas delicacies. Tromsø's dramatic scenery contributes to the New Year Festivities, since the fireworks are reflected in the waters of the Tromsø Sound.