10 Jaw-Dropping Attractions That Will Blow Your Mind In Trondheim, Norway – North Sea 8
Port of Trondheim, Norway
A historic port on a sheltered peninsula by the southern shores of the Trondelag fjord. Port of Trondheim is an important cruise ship port of call in Norway. It is located at the mouth of Nidelva River, about 23 miles from the North Sea. The Port of Trondheim is a commercial and cruise ship quay with regular shipping routes to major ports in both Southern and Northern Norway as well as in Western Europe.
An Overview On Trondheim:
Norway‘s 3rd largest city, it was founded in 997 A.D. by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason as a trading post. It served as capital of Norway during that period until 1217. Named Nidaros after the Nidelven River where the area is located. Later in the Middle Ages, people started using Prondheimi which eventually changed into Trondheim. In Middle Ages Trondheim, it was the site of 2 fierce battles (1179) between Viking kings and devastating fires in 1651 and 1681. The 1651 fire almost destroyed the city and in 1681, it led to a total re-construction of Trondheim. The city gained importance as a major pilgrimage site. The Viking King Olaf II Haraldsson (later St. Olav) was responsible in converting Trondheim into Christianity. He died in a battle at Stiklestad in 1030. He was buried in Trondheim of which his incorruptible body was later discovered. A Church was built on the site of his grave in 1075. Nidaros Cathedral became an important pilgrimage center.
For the next 200 years Trondheim served as the ground for Norway’s religion and royalty. It was here that Norway’s kings were crowned specifically at Nidaros Cathedral. And even if the capital has been moved to Oslo, newly-crowned monarchs would still come to Trondheim for ceremonial blessings at the Cathedral. Trondheim became a municipality in January 1838. Today, this stunning city is a hive of students and culture.
We were in Trondheim for oil discharging via the Knock An in 2001. Way beyond charming, this is what exactly I can say of this city. It doesn’t entice you with a blast but in the most complex way you would not expect. It is easy to access, just walk around. For it is in your walking that you will discover its hidden secrets. Simply gorgeous, here are 10 jaw-dropping attractions that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway.
Historic Bakklandet
A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway, Bakklandet is Trondheim‘s old quarter. These are the iconic wooden wharves along the Nidelven River. Constructed on both sides of the river in the 1700s, they were used as storage facilities of cargo ships. Some of the houses served as homes of fishermen, sailors and workers. These days, Bakklandet is not only famous for its laid-back wooden houses but also as a hub of coffee culture, souvenir shops and cyclists. A bicycle elevator (world’s first) called Trampe has been put up at the area to help cyclists go up the steep climb to the hill from Bakklandet.
Gamle Bybro
It is the Old Town‘s bridge that crosses the Nidelva from the city center into Bakklandet. Built in 1681 while Trondheim was under re-construction following the great fire, it has carved gates which served as military posts into the city. Gamle Bybro has become the city’s distinguishing icon and is sometimes called Lykkens Portal or the “gate of happiness”. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway.
Nidarosdommen Cathedral
Trondheim‘s most important landmark and Scandinavia‘s biggest Church, this is Nidarosdommen Cathedral. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway. Completed in the 13th century, this Gothic-style Cathedral is Europe‘s northernmost Medieval Church and pilgrimage site of the early Christians. After the independence of Norway from Denmark in 1814, Nidaros Cathedral was the venue of coronation and crowning ceremonies for its kings. King Haakon VII was the last monarch to be crowned in 1906. After his death, the next king,Olav V was crowned in Oslo. Nidarosdommen however became the sight of the King’s consecration in 1957. In 1991, the present monarch, King Harald V and Queen Sonja were also consecrated at Nidarosdommen.
Kristiansten Fortress
Following the great fire in 1681, Kristiansten Fortress was constructed to guard the city of Trondheim especially from Sweden‘s conquest in 1718. Offering a spectacular view over the city, this fort is a jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim , Norway. In World War II, Nazi forces occupied the area wherein 23 Norwegians were executed inside the fortress. Kristiansten is not just a grim reminder of Norway’s harrowing past but also offers an excellent view of the fjords.
A Great View To The Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights, up close and personal is a real treat in Norway especially at winter time. Trondheim is a popular destination to catch the colored magnetic fields dancing over the sky. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway. Although it is best viewed at the countryside, the Northern Lights can also be seen from Central Trondheim. An impressive show, it’s like watching a Disney light presentation, the only thing is, it’s mother nature doing all the spectacular show.
Munkholmen Island
Trondheim‘s execution site during the Viking period. And in the 11th century, Benedictine monks built a monastery here. Munkholmen Island (or Monk’s Island) would later become a prison and fortress in 1658. Then the Nazis used the island as an artillery during the World War II. These days, especially between the months of May to September, Munkholmen is a prefered recreational area. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway.
TrØndelag Fulkemuseum
An open air museum of Norwegian history and culture dating back to the 12th century – this is TrØndelag Fulkemuseum. It consist of 80 timber houses that represent the village life as well as the culture of the Sami people of Norway. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway. These houses were transported from Central Trondheim to their present site which is a part of Sverresborg Castle. Most of the wooden houses are open for you to explore and have a glimpse of what life was in the TrØndelag region during the ancient times.
Haltdalen Stave Church
Not to be missed out when exploring TrØndelag Fulkemuseum is the Haltdalen Stave Church. A jaw–dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway. Stave Churches are Norway‘s architectural pride and legacy. This is a building tradition prevalent across Northern Europe in the old days. Haldalen Stave Church was built in the 1170s from the village of Haltdalen in HØltalen town but was relocated and on display at the TrØndelag Fulkemuseum in Trondeheim.
Stiftsgarden
Built between 1774-1778, Stiftsgarden was once the mansion of a rich merchant in but later sold to the state in the 1800s. It was used first as Governor’s House until in 1906 it became as the official residence of the Norwegian Royal Family when they are visiting in Trondheim. Built in Baroque style with a Neo-Classical element, Stiftsgarden has retained its original appeal up to the present time. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway. Although in most times of the year, Stiftsgarden is used for its ¨royal¨ purposes, however in the summer months you can explore this stately home. Sightseeing is conducted by the resident staff although picture taking is prohibited inside the mansion. Worth a stop in your itinerary.
Ringve Music Museum
It is Norway‘s national museum for music with a staggering collection of musical instruments from around the world – that’s Ringve. Located in the historic Ringve farm in Trondheim, Ringve Music Museum was once the childhood home of the Danish-Norwegian nobleman, Peter Tordenskjold. In later years it was auctioned off and was purchased by the Bachke family in 1878. One of the sons, Christian Anker Bachke inherited the estate in 1919. He married a Russian immigrant, Victoria Rostin, an artist who fled from the Russian Revolution. They did not have children and to compensate that, they put their time and energies into their love of music. They amassed classic musical instruments from all over the world. Victoria Bachke opened a museum for the collection in 1952 and over the years, people came to admire the rare musical instruments. Such rare collections include a Rune bomme (a type of Sami drum), a Tibetan zang-dang (horn), and a Nadomo harp from Congo. A jaw-dropping attraction that will blow your mind in Trondheim, Norway.
How I wish I would have wanted to stay a bit longer at Trondheim but the Knock An ship had a busy itinerary (10 coastal cities for 6-month contract) along the North Sea. This city deserves a lot of undivided attention. And the destinations I’ve mentioned are just a scratch on the surface. I strongly recommend Norway‘s city of technology to put this on your radar when world travel eases. Once you’ve seen Trondheim, you will never forget it. It has its magical way to impress. Ha det.
References: Wikipedia, Life In Norway