More than 600 islands protect Tromsø from the fury of the Atlantic, some small, flat and windswept, suited only for sea birds, other are mountainous with pockets of lush greenery.

Although Man settled here 10 000 years ago, some hamlets only have a life for a few weeks in summer. Others, like the village of Sommarøy, bustle with life, especially when the lovesick cod reaches the coast in winter. The catch is sold at good prices worldwide, and ensures an international outlook among the hard-working islanders. This is the place for fishing trips and bird watching, beach volleyball on those white south sea beaches, island hopping with local ferries and sea kayaking to abandoned fishing villages and archaeological digs.

Male sperm whales with picky food habits spend their summers off Tromsø, feasting on delectable halibut and enjoying the absence of female nagging.