Norway’s Ancient Viking Capital That Most People Have Never Heard Of

When we think of Norway, Vikings often spring to mind. The Vikings were Norway’s Nordic ancestors, seafaring warriors who raided other countries until 1066, when King Harold defeated Harald Hardrada.

It was those ancestors who established Trondheim, which became the Viking capital and remains one of the largest Norwegian cities today.

With a population of approximately 147,139, Trondheim is not an especially big city by modern standards. However, this is still one of Norway’s largest cities, alongside Oslo and Bergen.

It is a city rich in history with a surprisingly large number of historical and cultural attractions for visitors to discover.

Arrival in Trondheim Aboard the Sky Princess

I had hardly heard of Trondheim before I visited that city on a Sky Princess cruise to Norway.

Olden, Flåm and Geiranger were three of the most scenic fjord landscape stops on this cruise. However, for all their beautiful landscapes, historic attractions were not their strong points.

Trondheim offered something different as a larger, more urbanized city with architectural and historic marvels intertwined with its well-preserved Medieval streets.

I didn’t know what to expect from Trondheim when I arrived at the city aboard the Sky Princess on a relatively mild summer day.

When I stepped out onto my cabin’s balcony, I could see the pointed spire of Nidaros Cathedral in the distance. That was one historic landmark of Trondheim I had heard of and wanted to see.

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The Walk to Trondheim’s Market Square

Nidaros Cathedral isn’t right beside Trondheim’s cruise port. Therefore, after leaving the ship, I picked up a Trondheim map and set off for about a 1.5-mile walk to reach the cathedral via Torvet, Trondheim’s market square.

Torvet is a plaza that includes historical buildings, cafés and the Olav I Tryggvason statue. Additionally, it is the focal point for city events like the Trondheim Food Festival and Christmas market.

As I strolled through Trondheim, I gained a glimpse of the city’s unique architectural style. The city has many preserved wooden buildings, especially along its waterfront and in areas like Korsgata.

There are timber buildings all over the place in Trondheim, among which is the Stiftsgården wooden mansion, which I saw at close quarters from its park area.

You should also take time to sample the cuisine when walking through Trondheim, as it is known as the food capital of Norway. Here, you can enjoy staple Norwegian dishes, such as Fårikål, a lamb and cabbage stew, or Fenalår, a salted lamb leg.

Seafood from the fjords, such as cod, salmon, and shellfish, is also prevalent on Trondheim’s menus.

The dining scene in Trondheim is genuinely vibrant, with some notable cafés and restaurants to eat at. Baklandet Skydsstation is one of the more iconic cafés in Trondheim for eating traditional Norwegian cuisine. Fagn and Credo are Michelin-starred restaurants in Trondheim with expansive menus for fine-dining experiences.

Best Trondheim Tours & Excursions

Marvelling at Nidaros Cathedral

When I reached Torvet, Nidaros Cathedral was very visible, just a short walk away. Only when I approached the cathedral did its astonishing scale and Gothic architectural style become more apparent.

The cathedral has a height of about 102 meters and is approximately 50 meters wide, making it the second-largest in Scandinavia.

However, Nidaros Cathedral is more than a mere building; it’s a Trondheim landmark that represents 1,000 years of Norwegian history and artistry.

It was built over the burial site of Olav I, a Viking King who became a Norwegian patron saint. It is a cathedral with a unique mythology and culture that attracted many pilgrims seeking spiritual renewal.

I could only marvel at the amazingly detailed statues and carvings on the west front façade. The great Rose Window, which depicts the Day of Judgment, is best appreciated from inside.

I entered the cathedral to view its extravagant interior decor and medieval tombstone crypt, which was like something from an Indiana Jones movie.

Discovering the Regalia of Norway in the Archbishop’s Palace

Nidaros Cathedral alone is worth seeing in Trondheim. Yet, I also discovered other significant museums that were included in my ticket. Among them is the Archbishop’s Palace, a former home to 27 archbishops that is today a complex of three museums across an expansive courtyard.

The Crown Regalia is one of the museums I visited, which features some genuine historic royal regalia gems.

There, I saw the sparkling Norwegian Crown Regalia collection, which consists of a 20-carat gold King’s Crown, Queen’s Crown, Prince’s Coronet, Sceptre and Orb, and Annointment Horn. It is a regalia collection that dates back to 1818, with the crowning of Carl 14 Johan in Nidaros Cathedral.

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The Armory and The Archbishop’s Palace Museums

Alas, I didn’t have time to fully explore the other adjacent museums in the Archbishop’s Palace, as cruise ships don’t always wait around for passengers.

If you ever visit this complex, be sure to check out the Archbishop’s Palace Museum. That museum documents the history of the Archbishop’s Palace and includes a collection of archaeological excavations from the site, along with 120 medieval sculptures.

Military history enthusiasts will be fascinated by the Armory Museum at the Archbishop’s Palace. It is one of Norway’s oldest museums, providing a fascinating insight into the country’s military history from the Viking era to World War II.

The museum features a vast collection of military weaponry and artifacts, including knives, axes, swords, spears and a 14th-century gauntlet.

Norway is Much More Than Fjords

This trip to Trondheim was one of the biggest highlights of my Norwegian cruise. I had no idea Trondheim offers such a wealth of historic and cultural attractions for visitors to discover.

Nidaros Cathedral and its adjacent Archbishop’s Palace museum complex alone can keep visitors busy for days. You can also visit the Kristiansten fortress, Rockheim, Stiftsgården, Monk Holmen and Ring Museum attractions when in Trondheim.

What Trondheim showed me is that there’s much more to Norway than just fjords, mountains and picturesque scenery. Norway is a country with a fascinating history, and Trondheim is perfect for discovering it.

So, don’t forget to add Trondheim to your Norwegian itinerary if you visit the land of the Vikings.

If You Go:

• The Visit Norway website is one of the best for further Trondheim travel information.
• Trondheim Airport is the best airport to land at for direct trips to Trondheim.
• Avoid the October to January wet season in Norway. The best time to visit Trondheim is during Norway’s mild and reasonably dry summers.
• You can also take excursion trips from Trondheim to other notable destinations in the region, such as Røros, Stiklestad, the Oppdal ski resort, and Orkanger.
• Best accommodations in Trondheim

Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:

• 6 Must-See Places to Visit in Oslo, Norway
• Fascinating Facts About Norway: Know Before You Go

Author Bio: Matthew Adams is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles for various publications and websites such as Swing Golf Magazine, TripAdvisor, Naval History, Artilleryman, dotTech, Bright Hub, Coed Magazine, Travel Thru History, and Vagabundo Travel. Matthew is also the author of “Battles of the Pacific War 1941 – 1945.” Check out the book’s blog at battlesofthepacificwar.blogspot.co.uk

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