TRAVELLERS from Manchester Airport will soon be able to fly directly into the Arctic.

Two airlines are launching services to Tromsø, the world’s most northerly city, in the coming weeks.

Norwegian and easyJet will both fly direct to Tromsø in just over three hours.

Norwegian’s flights launch this Wednesday and will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

easyJet’s will also run twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting on Tuesday, November 19.

Aurora, the famous Northern Lights, can be seen from TromsøAurora, the famous Northern Lights, can be seen from Tromsø (Image: Pascal Debrunner unsplash.com.jpg)

Tromsø is considered the world’s most northerly city as it is perched on an island in a fjord on Norway’s North Atlantic coast.

Visitors can’t get any closer to the North Pole than Tromsø with a direct flight from the UK, so it’s a great spot to get into the mood for the festive season.

Take a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered mountain passes and learn about the native Sami culture that has scratched a living from this harsh landscape for more than 3,000 years.

Whale watching tours are hugely popular here and commonly-sighted species include humpback whales and orcas.

On land, you might be lucky enough to spot moose, arctic foxes, seals, and white-tailed eagles.

As the only major Norwegian city inside the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is one of the finest spots in the country to catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights when the sky is clear.

There’s a strong chance of seeing the Aurora from September until early April, but the middle of winter is the best time to go.

One of Tromsø’s quirkier sights is a nod to the myths and legends passed down generations in this part of the world.

At the Troll Museum, and interactive Augmented Reality experience allows you to immerse yourself in Norwegian folklore, and learn about the stories Norwegian children grow up with, many of them tracing their roots to Norse mythology.

Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, said: ” Here at Manchester Airport we're proud to connect the people of the North to an ever-growing route network of over 200 destinations.

“These new services to Tromsø are a really exciting addition and give people planning their next city break or adventurous holiday a truly unique option.

"Tromsø is the most northerly destination available from Manchester and visitors will get a true taste of life inside the Arctic Circle.”