Today’s leg would take me to Tromsø, the capital of the north. It is home both to the world’s northernmost university and the world’s northernmost cathedral, Tromsø domkirke – not to be confused with the Arctic Cathedral, which, despite its name and spectacular architecture, is not a cathedral but a parish church. Most of the city is located on Tromsøya island, which is situated picturesquely between mountains and fjords.
Tourism has boomed in recent years, and Tromsø is a popular destination for seeing both the northern lights and the midnight sun. Every summer, the port is busy with cruise ships.
Tromsø airport ENTC is located on the western side of Tromsøya island, with a single runway 18/36. Owing to the terrain, the approaches to both runway ends are steeper than usual, with a 4-degree glideslope in both directions.
The weather forecast for today was good: Some showers in the vicinity of Leknes, but otherwise only high-level cloud and CAVOK conditions in Tromsø, promising good views on the approach.
Preparing for departure
Running up the engines
Lined up and ready to go
Some showers on the departure track
Just after departure
Already picking up some spots of rain
Time to wash the Duke
On the climbout
Heading east over the Lofoten archipelago
Overhead Svolvær ENSH
Passing Stokmarknes ENSK
Cloudsurfing on the descent towards Tromsø
Tromsøya island coming into view in the distance
On the RNP runway 36 approach
Great views of the city. The bridge connects Tromsøya to the Tromsdalen neighborhood on the mainland.
Short final
Parked next to an SAS ATR 72
The next leg will take me to Honningsvåg Valan ENHV, located just south of the Nordkapp (North Cape), which I will of course have to circle before landing.