Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Norway's original capital
• See Norway's only Gothic-style cathedral, Nidaros Cathedral

Trondheim is a city on the Trondheim Fjord, in central Norway. Dating back to the 11th century, Gothic Nidaros Cathedral features an ornate rose window and a detailed west facade. Nearby, the Archbishop’s Palace Museum houses archaeological findings and sculptures, including gargoyles, removed from the cathedral. Ringve Museum is a music museum in a former manor house and barn.

King Olav Haraldsson was buried by Nidelven, the river Nid, after he was killed in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030.

Tradition has it that the high Altar of the Nidaros Cathedral now stands on the exact spot of this burial site. One year and five days after he died the King was declared a saint, and pilgrims began to flock to Nidaros and the King's grave.

The national sanctuary of Norway, built over the grave of St. Olav. Work began in 1070, but the oldest parts still in existence date from the middle of the twelfth century. These are in the Romanesque style, while most of the cathedral is Gothic in style. The building was completed in about 1300, but after being damaged several times by fire, it lay largely in ruins at the time of the Reformation in 1537. In 1869 extensive restorations were begun, and a century later it was again restored to its original grandeur. The stained glass dates from the early 20th century. The sculptures on the west front are by leading Norwegian artists, and the most recent was erected in 1983. Below the nave is the crypt with headstones from the middle ages.

At the end of the tour, you receive a complimentary book about Nidarosdomen to take home as a memory.

Practical Information

• Disembarking port: Trondheim
• Embarking port: Trondheim
• Southbound or Northbound: Northbound
• Approximate arrival/departure times: 08:45 - 10:45
• Available period: 03 September - 02 April
• Duration: 2 hours
• Level: 1
• Transportation: Bus
• Clothes/Footwear: Comfortable shoes
• Note: Photography is not allowed inside Nidaros Cathedral. The excursion is available on both north- and southbound sailings