The Arctic Cathedral is not actually a cathedral. Its real name is Tromsdalen Church, and it is a parish church, not a bishop's seat. But the nickname stuck, and it has become the symbol of Tromsø.
Designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965, the building is shaped like overlapping triangles of white concrete panels, meant to evoke ice floes or Arctic landscapes. It seats 600 people. The large stained glass window in the east wall, created by artist Victor Sparre in 1972, is one of the largest glass mosaics in Europe. When the light hits it right, especially on winter afternoons, it is genuinely impressive.
The church sits on the mainland side of the Tromsø Bridge, in Tromsdalen. From the outside, it photographs well against the mountains behind it. Inside, it is simple and striking. Midnight sun concerts are held here in summer.
It gets busy with cruise ship groups during the day in summer. Early morning or evening visits are quieter. There is an entrance fee for tourists outside of services.
Designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965, the building is shaped like overlapping triangles of white concrete panels, meant to evoke ice floes or Arctic landscapes. It seats 600 people. The large stained glass window in the east wall, created by artist Victor Sparre in 1972, is one of the largest glass mosaics in Europe. When the light hits it right, especially on winter afternoons, it is genuinely impressive.
The church sits on the mainland side of the Tromsø Bridge, in Tromsdalen. From the outside, it photographs well against the mountains behind it. Inside, it is simple and striking. Midnight sun concerts are held here in summer.
It gets busy with cruise ship groups during the day in summer. Early morning or evening visits are quieter. There is an entrance fee for tourists outside of services.