Trondheim – the ancient city with a flair for fine food

Norway’s third-largest city defies definition. Straddling ancient Viking roots and a youthful national and international student population, this compact city bubbles with rich history and contemporary possibilities.

One moment you can stroll medieval alleyways or retreat to Norway’s national shrine, Nidaros Cathedral. The next you can dine on cutting-edge cuisine or dive into the dynamic art scene on show in Trondheim’s thriving mix of galleries, installations and festivals.

Trondheim has a rich cultural life with an international flavour, and is a popular destination for pilgrimages. This historic city has a lot to offer and is easy to explore on foot. Start at the Old Town Bridge and follow the path that heads south through the park next to the river Nid. The cathedral is on your right with the Archbishop's Palace that contains one of the best museums in Norway. The path brings you to Hadrian's place and the legendary St Olav's spring.

Bakklandet is Trondheim’s old quarter, and lies on the eastern side of the Nidelva. It is most easily reached by crossing Gamle Bybru from the town centre. The old wooden buildings, originally workers' houses, have now been restored and converted into flats, shops and restaurants.

Nidaros Cathedral is the world’s northernmost cathedral, and Norway’s national sanctuary. Construction began in 1070 over the shrine of Saint Olav. Nidaros was an important Christian pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. Norway’s coronation regalia are displayed in the Archbishop's Palace.

If Trondheim is your last stop, you can make a little detour from Trondheim on your way to Oslo and enjoy 2 nights in a traditional hotel at the World Heritage Site Røros.

Trondheim was founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 and was the capital of Norway for 200 years. The city became an archbishop's seat in 1152, and in the same year, the country's first school, the Cathedral School, was founded here. The city quickly developed into a leading centre of trade for the surrounding region, a role it still holds today.

The name Trondheim derives from the Old Norse Þróndheimr, meaning home of the strong and fertile.

Pir 1 nr. 7 (HR-kaien)