Culture in the Arctic Circle

They call Tromso "the Paris of the north", says Sarfraz Manzoor in the Observer - and this little city in the far north of Norway certainly seethes with cultural activity. Although only 65,000 people live here, there are festivals for everything: jazz, cultural diversity, Latin America, even trombones. Perhaps that has something to do with the enduring darkness in winter. For two months, the sun never climbs above the horizon - and the lack of light seems to bring out people's "warmth, friendliness and desire to stimulate their bodies and minds". Besides all the sophisticated urban culture on offer, there are plenty of earthier joys to sample: dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, even membership of the "frankly loopy" group who swim weekly in the "bone-chilling sea".

Norwegian Airlines flies to Tromso from London from £120. ·