Top of the World

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Honningsväg, Norway

This is the northernmost town on the European mainland, about 1300 miles to the North Pole, and the farthest point on our Norway fjord journey.

Yesterday in Tromsø, we were treated to energetic excitement at starting gate of the Midnight Sun Marathon where approximately 3,000 runners from around the world competed in 5K, 10K and half-marathons. A rousing warm-up rally featured a noisy mass exercise on the dock.

Sunbathing in the Arctic Circle while the Midnight Sun Marathon runners gathered on the dock below!

A stunning Arctic cathedral rises on the landscape, an architectural masterpiece.The 11 aluminium-coated concrete panels on each side of the roof provide the cathedral’s form. The main entrance on the western side is surrounded by a large glass façade with a pronounced cross. The fantastic glass mosaic on the eastern side was added in 1972. The glass mosaic is one of artist Victor Sparre’s most prominent works. It depicts God’s hand from which departs three rays of light: one through Jesus, one through a woman and one through a man. The oak pews, the large prism chandeliers, the altar rail and pulpit are the most significant fittings, all of which are in a style that agrees with the cathedral’s simplicity and elegance. Inspiring!

Billed as the tiniest bar in the world, we resisted the Reindeer hot dogs!

The Norwegian sweaters and woolen knitwear is prolific and beautiful. Almost makes me want to start knitting!