Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Church · Tromsø, Troms
Ishavskatedralen
The Catedral do Ártico, in Tromsdalen on the other side of the Tromsø Bridge: a concrete and aluminium church formed of overlapping triangles, with a large stained‑glass window on the east wall and midnight concerts in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ishavskatedralen
Ishavskatedralen, the Catedral do Ártico, is the parish church of Tromsdalen on the mainland, just after the Tromsø Bridge. It was designed by the architect Jan Inge Hovig and consecrated in 1965. Despite the name, it is not the diocese cathedral — that role belongs to the wooden cathedral in the city centre.
The building is made of triangular concrete panels clad in aluminium, arranged in sequence and each one taller than the last, like an iceberg or like Sámi tents and the ice peaks of the Arctic. Viewed from the bridge and the centre, with the mountains behind, it is Tromsø's best‑known image, especially at night when lit up.
Inside, the east wall is occupied by a stained‑glass window of about 140 square metres, designed by Victor Sparre, depicting Christ's return in rays of light. The west wall, of glass, houses an organ and a crystal chandelier. On summer nights under the midnight sun there are often midnight concerts; in winter there are concerts by candlelight and with aurora‑themed music.
The cathedral is a 20‑minute walk from the centre across the bridge, or a few minutes by bus. The lower station of the Fjellheisen cable car is nearby.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour; about 1 hour with a concert.
Best time
In summer, June to August, for the midnight concerts during the midnight sun. In winter, concerts normally take place in the evening. Check the schedule and visiting hours.
How to get there
It is in Tromsdalen, on the other side of the Tromsø Bridge. On foot via the bridge it's about 20 minutes from the centre; by bus, a few minutes.
Tip
Walk across the bridge to watch the cathedral come into view with the mountains behind. Combine the visit with Fjellheisen, 10 minutes on foot, and return to the centre by bus.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ishavskatedralen
Is the Arctic Cathedral Tromsø's cathedral?
No. It's the parish church of Tromsdalen; the diocesan cathedral is the wooden one in the city centre.
How do you get to the Arctic Cathedral?
By walking across Tromsø Bridge in about 20 minutes, or by bus.
Are there concerts in the cathedral?
Yes, there are often concerts at midnight in summer and in the evening in winter. Check the programme.
What's inside?
A large stained-glass window on the east wall by Victor Sparre, an organ and a crystal chandelier on the glass wall.