The most beautiful religious buildings Laponie

It was designed by Jan Inge Hovig, and built mainly of concrete. Its architecture symbolizes the summer light and the winter night. It is one of Tromsø's proudest achievements and can be seen from the fjord when you arrive by boat. The large 23 m high glass mosaic is the work of Victor Sparre. The ishavskatedralen is not strictly speaking a cathedral, but a parish church. Tromsø Cathedral is the only wooden cathedral in the country.

Dating from 1912, this very pretty church built on the model of a Lappish hut is worth seeing. As you get closer, you notice that it seems to be entirely covered with red wooden tiles. The bright gold-plated statues that adorn it create a striking contrast with the dark red colour of the rest of the building. Inside, the magnificent sculpture of St. George and the dragon, the altar and, just above, the frieze painted by Lotten Zeinwoldt are worthy of note.

You will appreciate the atmosphere of this beautiful church, whose interior turns blue in winter, because of the snowy reflection through the windows. The somewhat naive representation of the aurora borealis behind the altar is truly magical. It is the work of the painter Ivar Hjertqvist. This church dates from 1902; it replaces an older one that was demolished. It was designed by the architect Gustaf Hermansson in an experimental neo-gothic style and has 3 naves. Its architecture is inspired by the church of Jokkmokk, erected 15 years earlier.

This impressive church, consecrated in 1961, is known for its original architecture, which was inspired by the cod drying sheds that once stood in the village. It is reminiscent of the architecture of the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. Located in the city, caught between the mountain and the shore, it is the successor to the many churches that the city has known. The last two were burned down, one by the fire of 1890, the other by German troops.

Completed in 1797, this neoclassical church is one of the measuring points of the Struve geodesic arch, which is part of the Unesco World Heritage. The point on the tower of the church was measured in 1842. It was marked in the clock tower and can still be seen on the walls. There was probably a wooden church in its place already in 1208. Surrounded by a quiet area by the water, you can spend a day here with a visit of the church.

Built in 1889, this white church with a pale green roof is rather original in the area. It looks like a fairy tale castle! Gothic-inspired architecture, but the interior is a model of sobriety - a real contrast. On the other hand, the painting above the altar is not at all banal: the Last Supper representing Christ surrounded by the Apostles is very modern, which is surprising, we must say. The visit is worth the detour!

Built in 1753, a fire totally destroyed it in 1972 and it was rebuilt identically. The interior is decorated in the same colors: blue, red and yellow. The church building is an elongated octagon with one floor and a vaulted roof. Around the church, a curtain wall was built in the style of the one that existed in the ^19th century. The crosses, chandeliers and hymn board of the church are made of wood from the fire-damaged church.

Approaching the pink church of Arjeplog, it almost looks like it is made of sugar. Once inside, the red and green pews put us in the Christmas atmosphere. In 1634, the discovery of silver in the region led to the establishment of four parishes, including Arjeplog. This church is peculiar in that the altar is turned abnormally to the west. The inhabitants explain this eccentricity by aesthetic issues; the view from the church was much nicer for the ships arriving at Arjeplog.

Small wooden church. Built in 1974 to replace the one built in 1807 which had become too small. It is one of the oldest in Norwegian Lapland, and also the only monument that was not destroyed by the Germans during the Second World War. It is worth a visit if you are in the area. The church is still in operation and you can, if you wish, hear a mass in Norwegian or Sami. There is also singing from time to time. The shape of this church is unusual!

The Vanha Kirkko Church is located outside the town and is surrounded by greenery and trees. Built in 1689, it is one of the oldest and best preserved churches in Lapland, and even in Finland, as it was spared the rout of the German army. At the time, it was only the third church built in Lapland after Inari and Kemijärvi. It is made of wood and has a roof of wooden scales in the shape of an overturned boat.

Completed in 1987, this magnificent church will finish by immersing you in the atmosphere of the Great North. The exterior already surprises: all in wood, with the shape of a chalet, it seduces you right away! This church was not built for Russian nationals, but for the Saami skolts. The latter fled the Petsamo region after the arrival of the Soviets and the catastrophic development of nickel mining. There is also a community of Saami skolts in Sevettijärvi, further north.

While walking around Tornio, don't miss the church on Seminaarinkatu. Certainly one of the most beautiful wooden churches in the country. Completed in 1686, the church was built in honour of the Swedish Queen Eleanor. A second church can be seen on Lukiokatu. It was in 1825 that Tsar Alexander I decided to build an Orthodox place of worship. The present building, dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, dates from 1884. You can also visit the Torne Valley Museum to learn more about the customs and traditions of the region.

The Gothic church was built around 1250 on a site that dates back to Viking times. Around the church lie the remains of fortifications used to protect an earlier wooden church. To the east of the church lies a small lake. According to legend, the first Christians in Northern Norway were baptized in its waters. A rather relaxing place to have a picnic with the family for example. The church itself is also very pretty and surprisingly quite bright and airy, with its upper gallery and black and white tiled floor.

Since its doors opened in 2013, Northernlight Cathedral has been the pride of Alta. Its steel body spiraling up into the sky does not leave one indifferent. Inside, a bronze Christ brought back from Tuscany by boat, quite different from those usually seen. Created by the artist Brandes Pieter, who does not like traditional representations, this one looks up to the sky and reflects joy. In the basement, the small Borealis museum will tell you more about the legends and the more scientific explanations about the northern lights.