Roughly a third of the way up the Norwegian coast sits Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city, and the original national capital. This venerable city is home to a university, a massive cathedral that anchors one of the great Christian pilgrimages, and the Norwegian Crown Jewels. Trondheim is a place of history, tradition and time gone by, and in the same breath it is a vibrant modern European city.
Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace & the Norwegian Crown Jewels
Still a working parish church for the downtown residents of Trondheim, Nidaros Cathedral is a massive structure located near the center of Trondheim. According to legend, the cathedral’s high altar sits atop the grave of King Olav Haraldsson, the man credited with bringing Christianity to Norway. Much of the sprawling cathedral is open and available for guided tours. The rich architectural details visible from the outside are merely a taste of the ornate splendor inside the cathedral, from the stained glass windows to the religious carvings and reliefs that fill seemingly every nook and cranny.
Just south of the Cathedral (in the same complex) sits the Archbishop’s Palace. At one point this structure was the center of the Norwegian archdiocese, which encompassed not just Norway but also the Faroe Islands, the Shetland Islands, the Isle of Man, Iceland, and Greenland as well.
Today the Palace is a major museum complex. In addition to numerous archeological and historical exhibits and original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral, the west wing of the Archbishop’s Palace Museum houses an exhibit of the Norwegian Crown Regalia and coronation equipment. Among other items, the exhibit includes three royal crowns, two scepters, two royal orbs, the sword of state, the royal standard and anointing horn, and a number of other related items.
Festivals and Museums in Trondheim, Norway
With pleasant spring, summer and fall weather, and a young and vibrant student population, Trondheim has become the site of numerous popular festivals throughout the year, including the Olavsfestdagene (in honor of King Olav), the Trondelag Food Festival, the Nidaros Blues Festival, and the Kosmorama (Trondheim’s international film festival).
A witness to so much history, it comes as no surprise that Trondheim is home to a large number of museums and archives. Beyond Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace, a few other notable Trondheim Museums include: the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Trondheim Art Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Archaeology, the Trondheim Maritime Museum, the National Military Museum, and the Folk Museum.
Hurtigruten Coastal Cruise
Trondheim is a major port of call for most Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruises on regular northbound and southbound passages. These luxurious but affordable cruises are a convenient, informative, and flexible way to see Trondheim and the rest of the Norwegian Coast.
Other Notable Trondheim Sights:
- Stiftsgarden – Scandinavia’s largest wooden palace – now the official royal residence in Trondheim
- Old Town Bridge – A well-preserved ornate wooden bridge with a great view of Trondheim’s classic wooden warehouses along the waterfront. Ornate carved gates have made this one of Trondheim’s most distinctive symbols.
- Monks’ Island – At one time a prison and execution ground, the island is now a recreation and picnic spot with a popular restaurant.
With easy access by coastal boat, train, and bus, Trondheim with its towering historic cathedral, university, festivals, and museums should be a “must see” on every coastal Norway itinerary. Excellent three-season weather and tolerable winters mean it’s always a good time to visit.
Glenn Kaufmann - Having moved every four years up to the age of 12, I've always been something of a restless soul ready to take on the next big thing. I ...
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