Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral is the popular name for Tromsdalen Church, a landmark church building in Tromsø, Norway noted for its sharply pitched, triangular form and distinctive modern design. It was consecrated in 1965 and designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig.

The building’s exterior is composed of a series of sloping concrete panels that create a silhouette intended to evoke ice or sails, while the interior focal point is a large stained-glass window at the east end. The church is active for worship and also hosts frequent concerts and cultural events.

The church was built in the mid 20th century as a parish church for Tromsdalen and quickly became an iconic symbol of Tromsø because of its modernist architecture and prominent riverside location. The design and the stained-glass window are the building’s principal artistic elements.

It stands on the Tromsdalen side of Tromsø, immediately across the Tromsø Bridge from the city centre, making it easily visible from the harbour and central areas of Tromsø.

• Date and architect: Consecrated in 1965 and designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, it is commonly known as the Arctic Cathedral though it is formally Tromsdalen Church.
• Concert venue: Often used for organ and choral concerts, especially during the midnight sun season and winter Northern Lights period.

What to See #

• Stained-glass window: A large triangular glazed window at the east end forms a prominent interior feature and admits coloured light into the nave.