Norway has a third city, Trondheim, after the capital, Oslo and Bergen.
Trondheim is home to the cathedral, once the largest sanctuary in Scandinavia, and the historic old town.
Trondheim is also a school town.
However, many people may need to learn what kind of city Trondheim is.
In this article, I would like to introduce the charm of Trondheim.
What is Trondheim?
Trondheim is the third largest city in the country after Oslo and Bergen, the capital of Norway.
The first capital of the Kingdom of Norway, Trondheim, is a historic city that retains its cathedral and old town.
On the other hand, Trondheim is also an academic city with a national university and research institutes.
Trondheim’s origins date back to 997 when the Viking Olaf Tryggvason founded the city at the mouth of the River Nidelva.
The city’s original name was Nidaros, meaning “mouth of the Nid.”
Denmark and Sweden then ruled Norway for a time.
The current name, Trondheim, was also given during the period of domination.
After Norway gained independence in 1905, there was a suggestion to change the name from Trondheim to Nidaros, the city’s former name.
However, the residents strongly preferred to keep the familiar name Trondheim.
For more information on Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, please refer to the following article.
https://hokuou-info.com/2021/11/03/bergen/Largest pilgrimage site in Northern Europe
One of Trondheim’s landmarks is Nidaros Cathedral, built between the 11th and 14th centuries.
Nidaros Cathedral is located in the center of Trondheim, and its stone exterior, a fusion of Gothic and Romanesque styles, is beautiful and majestic.
It is also famous for being dedicated to King Olaf II Haraldsson, who was active in the 11th century.
Olaf II Haraldsson was a king who contributed significantly to the Christianization of Norway.
After he died in 1030, Olaf II Haraldsson was canonized as a saint in 1031, the following year.
Olaf II Haraldsson was thus canonized, and Nidaros Cathedral, built on the land where he was buried, became a holy place where the saint was enshrined.
Therefore, during the Middle Ages, it became the most prominent sacred place in Northern Europe, visited by many pilgrims from all over Europe.
Nidaros Cathedral is also recommended to read this article.
Students gather at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is considered Trondheim’s leading university.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, a technical engineering university, is the result of the merger of several universities, including the former University of Trondheim.
It is said to be the largest of its kind in Norway, and the students are a conspicuous sight in the streets of Trondheim.
Trondheim is, therefore, a “student town” full of youth and vitality.
Kristiansten Fortress, a spectacular spot
Kristiansten Fortress is located on the east side of the city of Trondheim.
Kristiansten Fortress was built around 1680.
It once served as a fortress to defend the city in wars.
Because of its hilltop location, Kristiansten Fortress now offers a spectacular view of the entire city of Trondheim.
Many people come to admire the spectacular view of Trondheim.
At the same time, the fortress is characterized by its cannons, ramparts, and other remnants of its status as a war fortress.
Trondheim’s Old Town for shopping
As the first capital of the Kingdom of Norway, Trondheim has many stately structures that evoke a sense of history.
Trondheim’s Old Town district has retained a powerful medieval atmosphere.
As the old town, the streets are paved with cobblestones and have a vintage atmosphere.
The colorful wooden houses that look like something out of a picture book are also a must-see.
In addition, the town is lined with cafes, restaurants, and general stores, making it a popular area for travelers to Trondheim.
Located southeast of Trondheim, it is also famous for its bridge connecting it to the old town. This bridge is also called the Spring Bridge.
This bridge is also called the “Bridge of Happiness” by Trondheim couples.
According to legend, couples who kiss on the bridge will be united forever, and many student couples visit the bridge.
Conclusion
Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city.
It is a hidden area with many historical sites, including Nidaros Cathedral.
If you want to experience Norway more deeply, this is a city you should visit.
