An English speaker’s guide to Tromsø

Although Tromsø and the surrounding area are now popular tourist destinations virtually year-round, most place names and signs remain largely in Norwegian. Some common expressions get translated rather literally, too. This article is designed to provide English-speaking visitors with useful background information to add an extra dimension to the Tromsø experience.

THE SPERMING CLUB IN KARLSØY

The place name once voted as the county’s funniest is Våtræva (wet arse), a large rock in Kvæfjord municipality near Harstad in South Troms. Another contender is Sædingsklubben in Karlsøy municipality. Named after an old dialect name for a breed of sea gull, the name of the hill literally means “the sperming club”.

ROAD FINANCED BY ALCOHOL SALES

A major road in Tromsø, Dramsveien (dram road), was financed by the sale of alcohol in the 19th century. The term dram (a small measure of whisky) is also used in Scotland. Well before the establishment of the government-owned Vinmonopolet (Wine Monopoly), the Tromsø Samlag for Brændevinshandel (The Tromsø Cooperative for Liquor Sales) opened two sales outlets and three pubs in 1878.

THE STREETS OF TROMSØ

Storgata is the Norwegian version of the English high street. The section of Storgata in the city centre is a gågata (pedestrian street). Other street names in Tromsø include Tromsø’s oldest street, Sjøgata (sea street), Midnattsolvegen (Midnight Sun road), Nordlysveien (Northern Lights road), Idrettsveien (sports road), Havnegata (port street), Bankgata (bank street) and Turistvegen (tourist road), which leads to Fjellheisen (the Cable Car).

NORWEGIAN IS A DIALECT LANGUAGE

Don’t be surprised if Norwegians greet you by saying “Takk for sist” (Thank you for last time). They really mean “Nice to see you again”!

If your waiter says “Håper det smaker” (Hope it tastes) when serving your meal, they mean “I hope you enjoy your meal”!

By the way, a vacuum cleaner is a “støvsuger” (dust sucker), a fridge is a “kjøleskap” (cooling cupboard) and an electric kettle is a “vannkoker” (water boiler).

If a Norwegian says she will “write something behind her ear” (skriv noe bak øret), it’s a direct translation. She really means he will make a mental note or remember it.