The Arctic Cathedral

By The Arctic Cathedral
Victor Sparre’s distinctive glass mosaic inside the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø.
Ishavskatedralen
The Arctic Cathedral illuminated at night, seen across the Tromsø Sound from Tromsø island.
Yngve Olsen
Prism chandeliers and colourful glass inside the distinctive interior of the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø.
Yngve Olsen
The distinctive silhouette of the Arctic Cathedral against the sky in Tromsø.
Yngve Olsen
The organ and prism chandeliers inside the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø.
Yngve Olsen
View through the Arctic Cathedral with wooden pews, distinctive architecture and the glass mosaic.
Yngve Olsen
Prices from

90 NOK

per person

The Arctic Cathedral was inaugurated in 1965 and is known for its distinctive architecture, Victor Sparre’s glass mosaic and a varied concert programme throughout the year.

General information

Tromsdalen Church, better known as the Arctic Cathedral, was designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig and inaugurated on 19 November 1965. The church is a distinctive landmark that is visible from a wide area around Tromsø and Tromsdalen.

The building consists of 11 aluminium-coated concrete panels on each side of the roof, giving the church its characteristic appearance. The main entrance is marked by a large glass façade with a prominent cross.

The glass mosaic on the eastern wall was installed in 1972 and was created by artist Victor Sparre. The motif depicts the hand of God, from which three rays of light emerge – one through Jesus, one through a woman and one through a man. The glass mosaic is rich in symbolism and is a central feature of the church interior.

The oak pews, large prism chandeliers, altar rail and pulpit are important elements of the interior. Their design complements the simple and distinctive architecture of the church.

The organ

The church organ was built in 2005 by Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri. It has 42 stops divided across three manuals and a pedal, and is built in a modern style with a French-Romantic influence.

The organ is designed to complement the architecture of the church and can evoke associations with sails and ice floes. It has 2,940 pipes, with the longest measuring 32 feet and the smallest just 5 millimetres. Much of the woodwork is made from solid pine, and the bellows are made from reindeer hide.

Opening hours

Prices from

90 NOK per person

  • Admission:
  • Adult NOK 90
  • Free entry for children aged 12 and under

Facilities

  • Wheelchair access
  • Accessible for guests with hearing impairments
  • Family-friendly
  • Accessible for guests with reduced mobility
  • Disability-friendly

About The Arctic Cathedral

Modern church architecture. The Arctic Cathedral is a daring piece of architecture built in 1965, inspired by Arctic nature. The "Return of Christ" glass mosaic window dominates the interior. 


The cathedral

Tromsdalen Church, also known as Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral) was dedicated on November 19, 1965. Architect Jan Inge Hovig succeeded in creating a masterpiece. The cathedral is a landmark visible from the Tromsø Sound, the Tromsø Bridge and when landing in Tromsø by aircraft. The 11 aluminium-coated concrete panels on each side of the roof provide the cathedral’s form.



The main entrance on the western side is surrounded by a large glass façade with a pronounced cross. The fantastic glass mosaic on the eastern side was added in 1972. The glass mosaic is one of artist Victor Sparre’s most prominent works. It depicts God’s hand from which departs three rays of light: one through Jesus, one through a woman and one through a man. The glass work contains many symbols and generates considerable attention among our visitors.



The oak pews, the large prism chandeliers, the altar rail and pulpit are the most significant fittings, all of which are in a style that agrees with the cathedral’s severity and simplicity.



The organ



The cathedral’s organ was built in 2005 by Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri. It has three manuals and pedal and 42 stops, and is built in the French Romantic tradition. The organ is adapted to the cathedral’s architecture in a masterly fashion and provides associations with sails and ice floes. The organ comprises 2940 pipes, the longest of which measures 32 feet (9.6 m) and the smallest just 5 mm. Much of the woodwork is in solid pine and the bellows are made of reindeer hide.


The Arctic Cathedral
Phone: +47 410 08 470
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://ishavskatedralen.no/en/
Hans Nilsens veg 41, 9020 Tromsdalen