Norway's Viking capital — Nidaros Cathedral, old wooden wharves, and the world's only underwater bicycle lift
Trondheim is Norway's third-largest city and one of its most historically significant — the seat of the medieval Norwegian kingdom, burial place of St. Olav, and home of Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and the traditional coronation church of Norwegian royals. The colourful wooden wharfhouses (brygger) along the Nidelva river are one of Scandinavia's most photographed views, and Trondheim's student population (NTNU is Norway's largest university) drives an unexpectedly vibrant bar, café, and food scene — including the city's famous Bakklandet neighbourhood…
Trondheim was founded in 997 CE by King Olav Tryggvason, making it one of the oldest cities in Norway. After King Olav II (later canonised as St. Olav) was killed at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, miracles were attributed to his remains at Nidaros — and Trondheim became the most important pilgrimage destination in Scandinavia for the next five centuries. The Nidaros Cathedral was built over St. Olav's grave from 1070 to 1300 (construction still continues). Trondheim was Norway's capital until 1814, and while Oslo replaced it politically, it remains the spiritual and cultural capital of Nor…