CRUISING TO :
|
|
|
Trondheim is Norway's third largest city and at one time was the capital of Norway. It is the most northerly cruise port in the fjord region. Unlike its more southerly neighbors Trondheim fjord does not have towering cliffs. Rather, it is area of rolling hills covered in forests.
The city can trace its origins back to 997 when it was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason. Trondheim was the nation's first capital. In 1070, construction of the Nidaros Cathedral began on the site of the grave of Norway's patron saint St. Olaf. The cathedral continued as an important pilgrimage destination until the Reformation. This tradition has recently been revived. Over the years, Trondheim has suffered many devastating fires. After a fire in 1681 destroyed most of the houses, Major Jean Caspar de Cicignon was brought to Trondheim from Luxembourg to re-design the city. Part of his plan called for wide avenues that would act as a fire break in future fires. As a result, much of Trondheim has an open and airy feel. However, it also retained some of its medieval alleys and narrow lanes. In addition, the city continues to have many wooden buildings. This includes the official residence of the Norwegian Royal Family, the Stiftsgarden, which is Scandinavia's largest wooden mansion. During World War II, Trondheim was occupied by the Germans who used the fine natural harbor as a base for submarines and other warships. The occupation was harsh and continued until Germany surrendered in May 1945. Today, Trondheim is a commercial and research center. It is also the home of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology as well as Sør-Trøndelag University College. As a result, the city has a large student population and a youthful atmosphere. There are several museums in Trondheim including the Trondheim Museum of Arts; The National Museum of Decorative Arts; Sverresborg, an open air museum, consisting of more than 60 buildings; the Trondheim Science Museum; The Museum of Natural History and Archaeology as well as a number of small history, science and natural history museums, |
Sverresli provides panoramic views over Trondheim and the
adjacent countryside. 
Above: The Nidaros Cathedral.
Below: The Royal Residence. 
Kristiansten fortress overlooks the town.
|
Cruise destination profile - Norway - Norwegian Fjords - Trondheim