Tromsø features an array of French Empire, Swiss and neoclassical architecture, earning its nickname “Paris of the North.” Visitors from Southern Europe were surprised that an Arctic city encircled by snowcapped mountains could exude such a cosmopolitan air. By the 19th century, the city was recognized for its polar exploration know-how; expedition crew members were often recruited from here. The 1970s brought a renewed interest in protecting the language and traditions of the Sami culture, ensuring that its cuisine and pastimes are now celebrated cultural treasures.