Härnösand Cathedral
Västernorrlands län
Härnösand Cathedral is a neoclassical stone church located on a hill on Härnön island in Västernorrland County, Sweden. It serves as the cathedral of Härnösand Diocese and the parish church for Härnösand Cathedral Parish within the Church of Sweden. The original church was built shortly after the town's founding in 1593 and became a cathedral in 1647 when Härnösand superintendentia was established. The city and the church were burned during Russian raids in 1721, but the current building, designed by Johan Adolf Hawerman and constructed between 1842 and 1846, replaced the earlier structure. Architecturally, the cathedral is a three-aisled neoclassical church with a transept to the east and a choir in a semicircular apse. Its distinctive octagonal bell tower rises 46 meters above the city, offering sweeping views of Härnösand. The interior houses notable furnishings, including a 17th-century altarpiece by David von Cöln depicting Golgotha, four 17th-century chandeliers with dramatic histories, and a rare Spanish Rococo silver baptismal font from 1777, used mainly during midnight services at Easter and Christmas. The cathedral's organ, built in 1975 by Bruno Christensen & Sønner from Denmark, incorporates elements from an earlier 1731 organ facade. The cathedral remains an active center for worship and community activities, reflecting its blend of historical significance and living cultural heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and to catch the carillon performances at 8:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 daily. Consider checking the official website for service times and special events. Advance booking is not typically required for general visits, but group tours or concerts may benefit from prior arrangements. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The climb to the 46-meter tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of Härnösand and is well worth the effort.
Interesting facts
- •Härnösand Cathedral is the smallest cathedral in the Church of Sweden.
- •The four 17th-century chandeliers were sunk in the sea to protect them from Russian troops during the 1720-21 conflicts.
- •The cathedral's largest bell was cast in 1754 by Gerhard Meyer from Stockholm.
- •The cathedral's carillon consists of 36 bells and plays automatically four times daily.
- •The organ facade dates back to 1731, even though the current organ was built in 1975.
History
Härnösand was founded in 1585, shortly before the first stone church was consecrated on the site in 1593.
The church became a cathedral in 1647 when Härnösand superintendentia was established as an independent ecclesiastical jurisdiction following Sweden's territorial gains in 1645.
The city and cathedral suffered destruction during the Russian raids of 1721 but were quickly restored.
The present neoclassical cathedral was constructed between 1842 and 1846, designed by Johan Adolf Hawerman and built by Anders Magnus Atterberg.
It stands on the same hill as the original church, with parts of the original northern wall likely incorporated into the current southern wall.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Altarpiece17th century
The three-aisled nave features a prominent altarpiece painted by David von Cöln in the 17th century, depicting Golgotha. The nave's classical proportions and light enhance the contemplative atmosphere.
Bell Tower1846
The octagonal bell tower rises 46 meters above the city, providing panoramic views of Härnösand. It houses three bells and a carillon of 36 bells that chime automatically four times daily.
Baptismal Fonts1777
The cathedral contains multiple baptismal fonts, including a rare Spanish Rococo silver font from 1777, mainly used during midnight masses at Easter and Christmas, and a stone font with a pewter inner bowl used for regular baptisms.
Organ1975
The current organ, built in 1975 by Bruno Christensen & Sønner of Denmark, has 57 stops across four manuals and pedal. The organ facade dates from 1731 and includes original pipes from that era.
Contact
Phone: 0611-288 00
