Return of the Sun
In Tromsø the sun officially returns from the long winter on the 19th of January. However, we still can’t see it. This is because the 19th is the first day the sun peeks back over the horizon. However, because Tromsø is surrounded by mountains, the traditional ‘day of the sun’ is when you can see the sun from the steps of the Tromsø Cathedral, usually about two to three days later.
If you stand on the Cathedral steps today you will only see buildings, yet the day is still recognised and is celebrated with the Solboller (sun bun/bread).
It is only from the Arctic Circle and up that the sun disappears for the winter. On the line of the Arctic Circle the sun is not seen for one day, whereas at the North Pole the sun isn’t seen for six months! As Spring comes, the sun will continue to rise over Norway and it won’t be until 15th February when Norway’s northernmost territory, Svalbard, will see the sun.
Unfortunately it was cloudy today – doh! But I have left you with some pics of the Tromsø Cathedral in Summer. (Not to be confused with the Arctic Cathedral.)
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The further ‘out of the way’ you go the more common it is to see folk cottages standing by the side of roads, along fjords or in a thicket of trees, minding their own business. 
The bunad is a traditional Norwegian costume worn by both men and women. It can either come from established rural traditions or have a more modern design inspired by historical patterns and cuts.
The sun never goes down during this season but the mountains to the East are so high that the sun still has to raise above them in the morning hours and an artificial dawn-effect wakes the city.
Runes were the written language of the Vikings.
Beautiful pictures!!!
very nice pics