Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø

The Cathedral of Our Lady is a wooden church with Gothic Revival features, including pointed arches and a western tower that dominates the skyline. Its construction uses traditional Scandinavian woodworking techniques that remain visible throughout the structure.

A church first stood on this site in the 13th century, but the current building was constructed from the 19th century under architect Christian Heinrich Grosch. The completion of this wooden structure provided a new religious center for the expanding Arctic settlement.

The interior holds artworks created by Scandinavian artists that reflect the faith traditions of this northern community. These pieces show how art and religion shaped daily life for people living in the Arctic region.

The building is open to visitors during daytime hours, allowing you to move freely through the interior and observe the details at your own pace. The wooden structure is easy to navigate, and seating is available if you wish to spend time sitting quietly inside.

The structure was built using cog joint construction, a traditional woodworking technique that avoids nails and glue to ensure durability in harsh Arctic conditions. This method reveals the skill of the builders who designed it to withstand decades of extreme weather.

Location: Tromsø Municipality

Inception: 1861

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Made from material: wood

GPS coordinates: 69.65170,18.95690

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42