Arctic Cathedral
Tromsø, Norway
A white, angular church across the bridge from central Tromsø, with a tall glass front facing the sound. Come in the evening for the light, and cross the Tromsø Bridge by car or on foot, taking care in winter.
The Arctic Cathedral, officially Tromsdalen Church, was completed in 1965 to a design by the architect Jan Inge Hovig. The reinforced-concrete building with aluminium cladding consists of eleven slabs with gaps between them that let daylight in. The west end is a glass wall with a concrete cross running its full height; Victor Sparre's large stained-glass window on the east side was added in 1972. Despite its nickname, it is a parish church and not a cathedral.
The church stands on the mainland side of the Tromsø Bridge, opposite the city centre. You reach it by crossing the bridge. Around half an hour to an hour is enough for a visit. Whether the interior is open depends on services and concerts, so check the current visiting times beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Tromsø, Norway
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 69.6490, 18.9550
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Tromsø Lodge & CampingMotorhome stopover2 km from Arctic CathedralMotorhomes
- Tromsø Lodge & CampingCampsite2 km from Arctic CathedralTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Tromsdalen Lodge & CampingCampsite2 km from Arctic CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping ØvrevollMotorhome stopover22 km from Arctic CathedralMotorhomesWi-Fi
- ÆraCampsite22 km from Arctic CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Norway · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arctic Cathedral?
Arctic Cathedral is in Tromsø, Norway, at GPS 69.6490, 18.9550. It is about 50 km from Lyngseidet.
Can you camp near Arctic Cathedral?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Tromsø Lodge & Camping, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Arctic Cathedral?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tungeneset (65 km), Andenes Lighthouse (116 km), Abisko Canyon (144 km) and Alta Rock Art (168 km).
When is the best time to visit Arctic Cathedral?
Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)