Trondheim on the Nidelva River

One of the Scandinavian countries Norway has mountains, glaciers, and deep coastal fjords. Its capital is Oslo. The country is known for fishing, hiking, and skiing.

Trondheim is the third largest city and one of the country's oldest. The city was founded by the Vikings in AD 997, as a trading post. Trondheim was also the capital of Norway until 1217 and new kings are still crowned here. The city is built on a peninsula and at its west end is linked to the mainland. It is the main city of the county of Sor-Trondelag in central Norway. Trondheim experiences no darkness from mid-May to mid-July.

The national sanctuary of Norway is Nidaros Cathedral. It was built over the grave of St. Olav. The building of the cathedral began in 1070 and restorations were done in 1869. It still has not been completed and is the most important Gothic monument in the country. Nidaroa Cathedral is the world's northernmost medieval cathedral and has become a top tourist attraction. Since 1814 kings have been christened and buried here. Norwegian constitution states that the monarch should be crowned in Trondheim Cathedral. Influenced by the Norman architecture of England the transept and chapterhouse are in late Romanesque style. The long choir with its beautiful south doorway dates from the 13th century, along with the massive nave and tower.

Through the red arches of the Gamle Bybro or Old Town Bridge crossing the River Nidelva, you'll get to the picturesque lanes of the Bakklandet neighborhood with its colorful houses.

There are small shops, galleries, coffee houses, and restaurants. People enjoy shopping in the boutiques or strolling along the river.

Kristiansten Fortress stands on a hill overlooking the city. Built between 1681 and 1695 to protect the city from attack. Even though it is a climb, there is free admission to the tower and small museum. The views across Trondheim are fantastic. Here you can see cells in which Nazis held members of the Norwegian Resistance during WW II occupation and the memorial dedicated to those who were executed here.

The best-preserved building complex of its kind in Europe is the Archbishop's Palace. It is the oldest secular building in Scandinavia. Until the Reformation in 1537, it was the archbishop's residence. In the west wing are the Norwegian Crown Regalia exhibition, the Army Museum, and the Resistance Museum. In the south wing, you'll find the Archbishop's Palace Museum where you can see original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral and archaeological finds.

Ringve Museum is the national museum of music and musical instruments. The museum has two permanent exhibitions - the Museum in the Manor House with instruments from the European musical tradition and the Museum in the Barn displaying modern sound and lighting technology.

Rockheim is Norway's center for pop and rock music. The center is housed in a building in the harbor area. Rockheim means "the home of rock." It showcases the best of popular Norwegian music from the 1950s to the present. You'll find exhibitions, interactive displays, and concerts. There is a restaurant that offers views of the city, The permanent exhibit called the Time Tunnel offers Norwegian musical and cultural history from the 1950s to the present through sounds and performance videos.

Built during 1774 and 1778 Stiftsgarden is the Royal Residence. It is the largest wooden palace in Scandinavia. The royal family used their official residence when visiting Trondheim. There are over 100 rooms and it is an excellent example of 18th century Baroque architecture.

Sverresborg-Trondelag Folk Museum is an open-air museum of cultural history around the ruins of King Sverre's medieval castle. There are wooden buildings and scenes from Trondheim and Trondelag. The beautiful indoor exhibits show life in the region in the last 150 years and the theme theater the Trondheim Bride. Many activities are offered to children.

Take a look at the harbor, the city's old port area at the mouth of River Nidelv. You'll see colorful old wooden warehouses, with lots of them converted into classy boutiques and high-end houses, built on piles above the water. There are harbor tour options available.

Visit the Trondheim Maritime Museum which explores the city's long and deep-rooted connection to the sea. The museum is housed in a former penitentiary dating back to the early 1700s. Among the exhibits, you'll see figureheads, models, and photos of sailing ships as well as marine instruments. There are hands-on exhibits for children.

The Tyholttarnet a 124-meter-tall radio towere will provide you with bird's eye views of Trondheim. The Egon Restaurant at 80 meters high revolves for a 360-degree panorama. If you visit at the right time you'll get a spectacular view of the Northern Lights in the coldest months December through March.

Vitensenteret is the city's innovative museum and science center. Hands-on creative projects demonstrate scientific principles, models to operate, and other interactive exhibits. It includes Norway's first and only 3D planetarium and 360 cinema which is open most weekends with shows that include the film, Hello Earth.