Sight guide · Tromsø · Norway
Visiting Arctic Cathedral
Jan Inge Hovig's white, triangular church of 1965, officially Tromsdalen Church, rises in stacked concrete and aluminium panels said to evoke ice and the shape of a Sami tent.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Henrik at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Arctic Cathedral is a religious site in Tromsdalen, Tromsø. Allow 45 minutes; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Tromsdalen
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- architecture, photo spot and after dark
- Best months
- June and September–October
About Arctic Cathedral
Jan Inge Hovig's white, triangular church of 1965, officially Tromsdalen Church, rises in stacked concrete and aluminium panels said to evoke ice and the shape of a Sami tent. Its east wall is filled with one of the largest glass mosaics in Europe, and the church hosts midnight-sun concerts in summer and northern lights concerts in winter.
Tip: Walk over the Tromsø Bridge in about 20–25 minutes for the classic view of the cathedral with the mountains behind, then continue to Fjellheisen.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Tromsdalen, the mainland side across the bridge, with the Arctic Cathedral and cable car.
Best time to visit Arctic Cathedral
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 5°C (41°F) highs, about 17 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- June: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Tromsø has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tromsø itinerary visits Arctic Cathedral on day 1, together with Fjellheisen cable car, Sherpa steps and Northern lights tours.
- No. 2 of the 16 sights in our Tromsø things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
Near Arctic Cathedral
Also in Tromsdalen, so you can walk between them:
- Fjellheisen cable car — 1–2 hours, mid-priced
- Sherpa steps — 1–1.5 hours, free
If you like Arctic Cathedral
- Northern lights tours — Tromsø region, 6–9 hours, evening into the night
- Tromsø Cathedral — Sentrum, 20–30 minutes
- Midnight sun — Tromsø region, An evening
Staying near Arctic Cathedral
Stay in Tromsdalen ($$) to walk here: the mainland side across the bridge, with the Arctic Cathedral and cable car. All areas to stay in Tromsø.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Arctic Cathedral?
Plan 45 minutes. With Fjellheisen cable car nearby, it fits a half-day in Tromsdalen.
+Is Arctic Cathedral free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Arctic Cathedral?
June and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Walk over the Tromsø Bridge in about 20–25 minutes for the classic view of the cathedral with the mountains behind, then continue to Fjellheisen.
+Do I need to book Arctic Cathedral in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.