About me

An Atypical Italian

Hi! My name is Mirko and I’m from Vittorio Veneto, a small town in northern Italy.

Since childhood I’ve been an atypical Italian: I felt more alive in the dark and cold embrace of winter than in the scorching Mediterranean summer; I preferred a walk in the forest or in the mountains over slow-cooking under the sun on the beach; I avoided big crowds and always opted to spend time with my small circle of friends; and I was in love with Symphonic Metal.

Let me explain 🙂

Northern Europe is home to many legendary metal bands, and that’s what first sparked my interest in the Nordic countries. The more I learned, the more I was fascinated by their culture, history, and breathtaking nature.

Is Guiding Even a Job?

After completing my master’s degree in Venice, I decided to take the leap and move to Norway — more specifically, to Bergen.

My Norwegian was pretty shaky, and I had no references, so finding a job wasn’t easy. When a friend mentioned a job opening as a tour guide, I was skeptical: Is guiding even a real job? But I was starting to feel desperate, so I applied.

And—abracadabra!—I became a guide.

(Abracadabra = five intense months of training, studying everything about Bergen’s history, museums, and city life.)

It wasn’t that bad. Actually, it wasn’t bad at all.

It made me genuinely happy to welcome visitors from all over the world, curious to discover my new city. I loved guiding them through the streets, telling stories, and creating meaningful connections. It felt strange to go to work… without it really feeling like work.

But something was missing…

Bergen Wasn’t Arctic Enough for My Taste

Deep down, a Sehnsucht — a kind of mystical longing — kept growing inside me, drawing me to Tromsø: the comforting cloak of the polar night, the golden stillness of the midnight sun, and the magic of the aurora dancing in the starry sky.

And I had a dream: to become the northernmost Mirko in the world.

So, I left Bergen, the Gateway to the Fjords, and moved to the Gateway to the Arctic.

Chasing the Aurora in Tromsø

I knew I had to keep doing what I did best. So, I deepened my knowledge of Arctic history and culture, and once again found work as a guide.

Inspired by the evocative landscapes and atmosphere of my new home, I also bought a camera and learned photography.

That allowed me to level up: I evolved from a tour guide into an Arctic guide. In other words: not only am I now more vulnerable to climate change, but I also turned northern lights chasing into my actual job.

(There’s no such thing as a “Arctic tour guide,” I made it up 🙂 )

Your Tromsø Guide

Since 2018, I’ve been sharing my passion and knowledge of the Arctic with thousands of explorers from all over the world. In cities and museums, along deep fjords and in remote villages, through snowstorms and beneath the northern lights — I’ve guided guests through memorable experiences, capturing them with my camera.

Your Tromsø Guide, launching in summer 2025, was born from the desire to build something of my own — free from compromises — where every experience truly reflects the quality and passion I believe in.

I also asked myself: Do I have something unique to offer, something that sets me apart from big companies and makes my tours more inclusive and accessible?

While working for others, I noticed a barrier that’s often overlooked: language. Understanding English isn’t always easy — and joining a tour in your own language can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and one that stays with you.

With Your Tromsø Guide, my goal is to truly welcome you: to guide you through authentic adventures, told in the language that makes you feel at home.

I can’t wait to show you this incredible place.

(P.S. I’m still not 100% sure I’m the northernmost Mirko on the planet… but I like to think I am!)

📅 Book now