Arctic Cathedral – Tromsø

The Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen, officially Tromsdalen Church) stands at the Tromsdalen end of the Tromsø Bridge and is the city’s best-known building. Designed by the architect Jan Inge Hovig and consecrated on 19 November 1965, it is built of eleven aluminium-clad concrete panels on each side of the roof, rising like an iceberg or a Sámi tent. In 1972 Victor Sparre’s great glass mosaic was added to the east wall: God’s hand, from which three rays of light go out.

Visiting (2026): open all year – from 1 June to 15 August daily 9–18 (Sundays from 13), the rest of the year 10–17 (Wednesdays closed 13–14, Sundays from 13). Adults NOK 90, children under 12 free; closed to visitors during weddings and funerals. The church holds concerts all year, in summer also midnight sun concerts that start just before midnight.

Tips for campers: from the city centre you can walk across the Tromsø Bridge in about 20 minutes, or take bus 20, 24, 26 or 28, which stop right by the cathedral. Drones are not allowed. The lower station of Fjellheisen, the cable car up to Storsteinen, is close by – good to combine.