Arctic cathedral


The Arctic Cathedral is one of Norway's attractions in Tromsø , reminding tourists that they are traveling through a northern country in which piercing frosts are a very frequent occurrence. Because of the external similarity with the Sydney Opera House, the Arctic Cathedral received its joking name - "Opera of Norway". The temple is active and invites visitors to concerts.

Location:

The majestic snow-white Arctic cathedral is located in the Norwegian city of Tromsø and is officially a Lutheran parish church. Its geographical position allows you to simultaneously enjoy the unusual architecture and observe the Northern Lights.

History of the Cathedral

In the mid-50's. XX century. at the council in Tromsdalen it was decided to build a parish church in the city. After 7 years, the plan was adopted by architect Jan Inve Hoghw, who embodied several years later with minor improvements. Works on the construction of the temple continued from April 1, 1964 to the end of 1965. On December 19, Bishop Montrad Nordeval consecrated the Arctic Council. Since then, the temple has been visited by both the parishioners of Tromsø and numerous tourists from different countries who want to admire the amazing architecture of the cathedral.

What is interesting about the cathedral?

In the design of the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø there are features of a Gothic style. The building is made in the form of two connected triangles that cross one another, from a distance it resembles a large iceberg floating in the polar night in the vast expanses under a clear sky. In winter, the temple fits perfectly into the local landscape, merges with the mountains and looks great in the days of the northern lights. But, perhaps, the most beautiful picture can be seen in the early morning, when the orange rays of the rising sun illuminate the stained glass windows of the temple, giving them mystical mystery and depth.

The stained-glass windows of this cathedral are recognized as the largest in Europe (the largest of them covers an area of ​​140 sq. M, 23 m in height). About 11 tons of glass were used for their manufacture. The main stained-glass window in the altar part was made by master Victor Sparre in 1972. It depicts the hand of God with the three rays of light that go from it to the figures of Jesus Christ and the two apostles. The main theme on the cathedral stained-glass windows is "The Coming of Christ".

The cathedral is characterized by excellent acoustics. The 3-register organ, which was built in 2005 in the French romantic style, is unique here. It includes 2,940 pipes and participates in divine services and numerous organ music concerts in the cathedral. In the summer (from May 15 to August 15) in the cathedral, concerts of the midnight sun (Midnightsun concerts), beginning at 23:30 and lasting 1 hour. There are also concerts of the Northern Lights.

In memory of visiting the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, you can buy postcards, souvenirs, postage stamps sold here.

Features of visit

The working mode of the cathedral is as follows:

Cost of visiting:

How to get there?

To visit the Arctic Cathedral, you can take a taxi or rent a car . It will be necessary to go along the E8 highway, turn to the elegant bridge Tromsøbrua, which is crossed via Balsfjord on the way from the mainland Tromsdalen to the island city center. The snow-white Arctic cathedral rises to the right of the road.