Trondheim - Places to Visit
Nidaros Cathedral
At nearly 1000 years old, Nidaros Cathedral is the most northerly cathedral in the world. Built over the burial site of St Olav the Viking King the cathedral draws pilgrims from all over the world. Having been fully restored over a 130 year period, perhaps the grandest part of the cathedral is its main façade the West Front. Built in the style of gothic and Romanesque, three architects worked on the front which displays a fantastic stained glass window and over 50 intricate sculptures.
top ↑Stiftsgården – The Royal Residence
Commissioned in 1774 by Cecilie Christine Schøller the widow of a wealthy Trondheim chamberlain and merchant, Stifstsgården is one of the largest wooden buildings in Norway. It comprises 140 rooms and covers an area of 4000m2. Used by the County Governor from 1800 it was requisitioned by the royals to be used as the point of departure for coronation ceremonies. Only later in 1906, after the coronation of King Håkon VII, did it become officially known as the Royal Residences. The National Museum of Decorative Arts organises guided tours around Stifstsgården when the Royal Family is not in residence.
top ↑Kristiansten Fort
Following the devastating fire of 1681, Trondheim was rebuilt with the addition of the Kristiansten Fort. Built to protect the town from invaders it sits on a hill to the east and offers splendid views over Trondheim and the surrounding countryside. There are guided tours of the fort as well as “do it yourself” maps available for exploring. Open all year round the fort is easily accessible from Trondheim centre.
top ↑The Archbishops Residence
Located next to the Nidaros Cathedral the Archbishop’s Residence is the oldest secular building in Scandinavia. Built in the 1100’s it was, until the Reformation the home of the Archbishop of Nidaros (now Trondheim). Following this time it was used to house the King’s Lords Lieutenants and later left to the military authorities. It now houses the Archbishop’s Palace museum and the Army Museum. The Palace is open all year round although opening hours vary by season.
top ↑Sveressborg - Folk Museum
Located just outside of the city, the open air museum positioned around the ruins of King Sverre’s ancient castle is a celebration of the history of Trondheim. The history of life in the region is displayed through several exhibitions, educational projects and the 60 wooden buildings dotted around the site. The museum is open all year round and caters for small and large groups. There is a café and restaurant located within the museum and also a gift shop selling souvenirs.
top ↑Munkholmen
An island situated in Trondheim harbour, Munkholmen’s history has seen it be the site of a former monastery, the town’s execution grounds and prison and more recently a World War II anti-aircraft gun station. With good swimming beaches and a restaurant providing snacks and meals it is popular both with tourists and Trondheim residents. A regular boat service to the island runs daily from Ravnkloa from late May to early September.
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