Midnight Concert Ticket at Tromso Cathedral

Tromsø Cathedral: the yellow wooden church in the city centre

Tromsø Cathedral, known in Norwegian as Tromsø Domkirke, is the yellow wooden church in the city centre. It was built in the middle of the 19th century and is the only wooden cathedral in Norway. Its bright exterior stands out against snow and dark winter skies, and the interior is warm with wood, candles and a high ceiling.

Do not confuse it with the Arctic Cathedral, the white triangular church across the bridge, because the Midnight Concert takes place in the yellow cathedral in the centre. If you plan to visit Tromsø Cathedral, the concert is one of the best ways to see the inside, since regular opening hours change by season.

The Midnight Concert and its music

The Midnight Concert has been a Tromsø tradition for more than twenty years and is loved by both locals and visitors. In about 30 minutes, two musicians and one vocalist perform a varied programme of psalms, folk tunes, traditional North Norwegian music and Sami music, including the joik. The programme can change from one evening to the next.

The size of the cathedral gives the concert a close, personal feeling, and the acoustics of the wood help every note to carry. Because the concert takes place late at night in the Arctic, many people find it deeply atmospheric, whether the sky is dark and starry or glowing with midsummer light.

Planning your evening: times and how to get there

Doors open at 22:30 and the concert begins punctually at 23:00, so there is no need to arrive before the church opens. If you are wondering how to get to Tromsø Cathedral, it stands on Storgata in the city centre, an easy walk from most hotels. Arrive around the time the doors open to choose a good seat.

Your ticket includes admission to the cathedral, the concert and skip-the-ticket-line entry. Transport, food and drinks are not included. Keep the concert time in mind when planning dinner or an aurora trip, because the concert and a late night activity can overlap.

Before and after the concert

A midnight concert fits well after a day of hiking, dog sledding or a fjord cruise, because it is calm, short and indoors. If you plan an early start the next day, the 30-minute length keeps the evening light. Dress warmly for the walk, and leave your coat on if the church is cool.

Silence your phone during the performance and respect the rules of a place of worship. The cathedral is close to shops, cafés and the waterfront, so you can walk around the centre before or after the concert. On a clear winter night, the aurora may even appear above the rooftops as you leave.