Tromso, Norway

Tromsø, aptly referred to as "The City of Explorers," has a rich history of being the launchpad for numerous polar expeditions. Famed explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen often selected their crew from this very city. Today, it also houses the Norwegian Polar Institute, continuing its legacy as a pivotal hub in Arctic exploration. 

Despite its location 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø defies the expectations of an Arctic region. The warming influence of the Gulf Stream ensures that the sea remains unfrozen during winter, and permafrost is notably absent in the area. Thus, Tromsø enjoys a milder climate compared to other locales situated at similar latitudes worldwide.