Trondheim

Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city, situated in the middle of the country by the large Trondheim fjord. It was founded as a trading port by the Vikings in 997 AD and served as Norway’s capital until 1217. Instead of Viking raiders and Hanseatic traders, you’ll find jazz musicians and an international student body enjoying Trondheim’s city life these days.

Trondheim attractions

Trondheim, with a population of slightly more than 172,000 people, is a popular cultural and shopping destination. The city’s downtown core is dotted with charming specialized stores as well as larger merchants around the pedestrian-only Nordre and Olav Tryggvason gates. Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim is Scandinavia’s largest medieval structure and Norway’s most important church. It has been an important pilgrimage site since its founding in 1066, especially for the relics of St. Olav, a Norwegian king and national hero.

Cafes flow out onto cobblestone lanes flanked with colorful wooden buildings, while Europe’s northernmost gothic cathedral’s twin towers and copper-clad spire frame the southern skyline. It’s a wonderfully lovely city with a great history, spacious streets, and a mostly pedestrianized heart. It buzzes with energy, boasts some good restaurants, and is rich in museums, thanks to a huge student population. From mid-May to mid-July, there is no darkness, and while the city benefits from a mostly warm maritime environment, fantastic skiing can be found in the nearby areas.