Grønnåsen Church in Tromsø

Grønnåsen Church (Grønnåsen kirke) is a modern wooden parish church in the northern part of Tromsø, built in 1996 and designed with a distinctive fan-shaped plan. It serves the Grønnåsen parish of the Church of Norway.

Where is Grønnåsen Church?

The church stands in the Breivika area, in the northern part of the city of Tromsø on the island of Tromsøya. It is a residential part of town rather than the compact centre, and the church is described as sitting close to forest and a ski track, which fits the everyday, local character of the building.

What is the church like?

The building is made of wood and has a plain facade of vertical panelling painted grey. The architects were E. Hallset and K. Ragnarsdottir, and the fan-shaped layout is the first thing that sets it apart from the traditional long nave found in older Norwegian churches.

Inside, an axis runs from the entrance to the altar. A skylight in the ceiling ridge follows that axis, so daylight falls along the route a visitor takes through the room. A band of windows runs along the sloping ceiling toward an open bell tower placed behind the altar. This is a notable choice: the bell tower is part of the view from the pews rather than a separate structure outside.

The sanctuary seats about 450 people.

What kind of church is it?

Grønnåsen is a so-called "working church" (arbeidskirke in Norwegian), a type that became common after the Second World War. Such churches combine the worship space with offices and a parish hall under one roof, so the building serves as a community base for the parish as well as a place for services. The church is also cited in the Norwegian architecture journal Glass og fasade (1/1998).

How does it fit into the church organisation?

Grønnåsen Church is the church of the Grønnåsen parish, which belongs to the Tromsø domprosti (arch-deanery) in the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland. The church was consecrated in 1996. A recent job listing from the municipality mentions a parish of roughly 10,000 members.

Is it worth a visit?

Grønnåsen is not a typical sightseeing stop; it is a working parish church in a residential area, so opening hours depend on services and parish activities. It is most interesting for visitors who care about modern Nordic church architecture, particularly the contrast with Tromsø's better-known landmarks. It is worth a look from outside for the grey wooden facade and the unusual fan-shaped form, and the church's own programme is the best guide if you want to see the interior.

Frequently asked questions

When was Grønnåsen Church built? In 1996.

Who designed it? The architects E. Hallset and K. Ragnarsdottir.

How many people does it seat? About 450.

What is it made of? Wood, with grey vertical panelling on the facade.

Which diocese does it belong to? The Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland, in the Tromsø domprosti.