I just watched Frozen...now I want to go to Norway!

I am a proud member of the Chicago Community Chorus, and we’ve just gotten the music for the new season. Among the stack of multicultural winter/holiday pieces was Vuelie—the haunting opening chant from Frozen. That discovery pushed me to rewatch the movie. I hadn’t seen it since my very first time, and honestly, it was out of spite.

Let me explain: I was promised Idina Menzel as a Disney princess… only for Elsa to have twelve lines and a single song! To add insult to injury, I was working at Hollywood Studios during the Frozen Summer that never ended—they even canceled Star Wars Weekends for it. I was not amused. But now, older and allegedly wiser, I can set aside my Broadway betrayal and watch with a traveler’s eyes instead. And what I saw this time? A whole itinerary waiting to be lived. Because Norway isn’t just the inspiration for Arendelle—it is Arendelle.

Fjords sparkle like Elsa’s magic, villages tumble down to the sea like something out of a storybook, and if you time it right, the sky itself dances in swirls of emerald and violet. Here’s how to step straight into Frozen’s world, without needing a talking snowman to guide you.

7 Day Tromso Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival & Cozy Beginnings Touch down in Tromsø, your gateway to the Arctic. Settle into a snug hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows—your very own warm hug against the cold. As dusk falls, stroll the harbor where boats bob like Kristoff’s sled team waiting for adventure. Breathe in that crisp Arctic air and let it reset your senses. Dinner should be something hearty and comforting, like Beef stew with egg gnocchi at Agenturent Bar or grab a quick hot dog and beer from Raketten. Tonight, sleep with anticipation—the adventure has only just begun.

Day 2 : The Sky Wakes Today, the city itself beckons. Tromsø is compact but full of charm: step inside the soaring Arctic Cathedral (its angles could give Elsa’s palace a run for its money), wander through the lively center, and—yes—pop into the Troll Museum. After all, you never know when you’ll need advice from a wise old troll.

As night falls, bundle up and join a Northern Lights chase. Your guides (let’s call them Sven-approved) will whisk you out of town to find dark skies. There, wrapped in blankets with a warm bowl of Reindeer Stew, you’ll watch as the aurora unfurls above you—like Elsa painting the heavens in real time.

Day 3 : Into the Lyngen Wilds (Day Trip) The fjords are calling, and you must go. A day trip to the Lyngen Alps reveals landscapes so dramatic they might have been storyboarded by Disney animators: sharp peaks, mirror-like fjords, and a silence that makes you believe you’ve wandered “Into the Unknown.” Choose your own adventure—gentle snowshoeing, a scenic transfer, or something more daring like snowmobiling. Whatever you pick, it’s a setting worthy of a duet. Return to Tromsø for a quiet evening, perhaps warming up with a drink Olaf himself would approve of (he does love all things hot).

Day 4 : Reindeer, Stories & Fireside Joik No Frozen-inspired journey is complete without reindeer. Spend the day with Sami hosts at a reindeer camp where you’ll feed the herd and maybe even glide along in a sled. Afterward, gather in a lavvu tent around the fire. Here you’ll hear stories and joik—songs older than Arendelle itself. It’s a kind of magic no ice powers can replicate: the magic of living culture and tradition.

Day 5 : Glass-Igloo Dreams or Local Adventure Tonight, trade castles for domes. Spend a night in a glass igloo or aurora cabin near Tromsø. It may not be as grand as Elsa’s ice palace, but trust me, watching the Northern Lights from bed feels like something only Disney could dream up. If you prefer to stay in town, opt for a morning dog-sledding ride or a relaxed day exploring cafes and museums—because even Anna needed a break between mountain climbs.

Day 6 : A Gentle Goodbye The hardest part of any fairy tale is “the end.” Savor a slow morning, pick up souvenirs (yes, they do sell trolls), and take one last look at the fjord-blue water before heading home. You’ll leave with photos, yes, but also with memories that sparkle brighter than Elsa’s gown.

Norway proves you don’t have to “let it go”—you just have to book the adventure. And that’s where I come in. I’ve crafted a full Norwegian Destination Guide that goes deeper into activities, lodging, and insider tips. Think of it as your own enchanted map. You can use it as a launching pad for your own planning—or hand it off to me, your friendly neighborhood travel advisor, and I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the magic.

Download Destination Guide