Arctic Cathedral Historical Facts and Pictures

Arctic Cathedral (Norwegian: Tromsøysund kirke or Tromsdalen kirke), formally referred to as Tromsdalen Church or Tromsøysund Church, is a place of worship for the Christians in Tromsø city, Troms county, Norway. Also known as “The Cathedral of the Arctic Sea,” the church lies in the Tromsdalen Valley as a part of the Tromsøysund parish in the Tromsø arch-deanery in the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland.

Arctic Cathedral Norway

History

Designed by Jan Inge Hovig, the construction of the church was completed by Ing. F. Selmer A/S Tromsø. Consecrated by Bishop Monrad Norderval, the parish church served as the venue for many concert performances because of its brilliant acoustics.

Architecture

The church was built mostly of concrete wherein cast-in-place aluminium-coated concrete panels were used. A large glass façade with a noticeable cross surrounds the main entrance on the western side. In 1972, a glass mosaic by artist Victor Sparre comprising many symbols was added to the eastern side. It portrays God’s hand from which three rays of light departs – one through Jesus, one through a woman and the other through a man.

Among the most significant fittings are the oak pews, the large prism chandeliers, the altar rail, and pulpit – all exist in a style that perfectly blends with the severity and simplicity of the cathedral.

The Organ

In 2005, a new organ built by Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri was acquired by the church. The organ comprises three manuals, pedal, 42 stops, and 2940 pipes.