I loved the Arctic Cathedral. Its simplicity and lack of adornment mirrors the land of Norway. The Cathedral doesn’t distract viewers. It invites visitors to appreciate every nail that built it, every ray of sun that shines through the windows, every violin sound during the midnight concert.

It’s an ethereal experience, one to envelop guests in the essence of Norway.

The long gågate (strolling promenade) and shopping district is wonderful during the summer. Stroll, shop, sit at cafes and people watch, enjoy music and public art, and a lot of points of interest are along this long street. Get on some comfortable shoes and walk from one end to the other and have some fun. Beware the aggressive seagulls! they will dive bomb, poop on, and brazenly snatch food from your table.

New Transit Center and Visitor Information on the waterfront is the hub for local and regional buses, taxis, Hurtigruten and cruise ships. It has shops, eateries, ticket offices and the official visitor center. NOTE: the old visitor center near the domkirke is a gift shoppe and not the official city information desk.

I personally thought the Arctic Church was underwhelming. It is neither old/historic, or especially ingenious in design, but…. just up the hill from it is the Fjellheisen, a very steep gondola ride up to the top of the mountain where the view is spectacular and unforgettable! there is an observation deck and a cafe with panoramic view (and ice cream). Or hike around the mountain top. Well worth it. Btw, though one could take a city bus there (I recommend buying a day pass for 100kr for unlimited rides for 24-hrs) one can walk over that huge iconic bridge, to the Arctic church, and then up to Fjellheisen.