Trolling Trondheim

The View From My Beer

Today’s view comes from downtown Trondheim, where the main street was adorned with umbrellas. I scouted the location earlier in the day and returned to the Egon restaurant and Bar where I had a 0.6 litre Dahls Pilsener. The beers were not getting any cheaper in Norway as this one cost me almost $25 (AUD).

The Trolls of Trondheim

Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city with a population of 215,000. Originally it was known as the Viking settlement of Kaupangr. In 997 King Olaf Tryggvason built the city of Nidaros, and it became then capital of Norway until 1217. The capital city later moved to Bergen and ultimately Oslo.

Trondheim is close to the ‘Home of Trolls’ in Trollheimen. There is even a ‘Home of the Trolls’ theme park 120km away in Vålåskaret.

My Walk

My walk today was not planned other than I wanted to find my way to what I now know is Old Town Bridge for a iconic photo of the city. The rest of my day happened by chance as I found my way to a number of interesting and historic sites.

Scout of City

Our ship was able to get a park close to town. My walk today therefore started in town. After a quick scout of the city I decided to try and track down the scene of the famous photo of the wooden building along the river. I often research cities before I arrive and save photos of places I might be interested in visiting. It helps me to plan my walks each day.

Trygvassons Gate

There were several rivers in town so I started walking down them. I found the river, but when I checked the buildings, there was a noticeable difference with my reference photo. I had found what is known as Trygassons Gate and it looked like the spot I was seeking was the next bridge upstream. Trygvassons Gate was still quite nice, it just wasn’t as colorful as the other spot.

Old Town Bridge

It took me a little whiule to fiond my way upstream, as there werte quite a few diversions along the way, some of which I will cover later. In some ways Old Town bridge was the most iconic photo of Norway I had before I left on the cruise. Very similar to Trygvassons Gate, but with a bigger splash of color.

Further upstream on the other side of the bridge were some homes with some very nice gardens.

Nidaros Cathedral

I found my way next to Nidaros Cathedral. The cathedral was built over the burial site of Norway’s patron saint, King Olav II, who reigned between 1015 and 1028. The cathedral was built over a 230 year period between 1070 and 1300. It is the traditional location for the consecration of new Norwegian monarchs.

Archbishop’s Palace

Next door to the cathedral was the Archbishop’s Palace. I ultimately decided to invest some money here and purchase a ticket to view the Norwegian regalia, which included ceremonial robes, staffs, and of course the crowns used by the Norwegian monarchy.

Trondheim City

It was then time to venture towards the city so I could enjoy a beer at what I considered to be the best vantage point for by beer. There was a lot going on in the city with a combination of classical building and statues along with modern art, and even the first shopping arcade I visited in Norway.

Departure

This happens a lot… When I get off the ship at each port of call I am excited to find the first attraction on my list, and sometimes forget to take in the attractions immediately around the ship. Today was no exception. In addition to some interesting sculpture, I also found Rockheim, the local rock and roll exhibit was just across the street from where our boat was parked. unfortunately I did not have the time to compare it with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.