The northern Norwegian city of Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city in terms of population, after Bergen and the capital Oslo. The city was founded as early as 997 by Olav Tryggvason, a Norwegian Viking chief who for a few years was king of Norway. Trondheim was in fact Norway’s capital for a couple of hundred years, until 1217 when the role was taken over by Oslo. The city is the most populous in northern Norway and has around 180,000 inhabitants. However, if you count all the students who stay in the city during their studies, the total population ends up at well over 200,000 inhabitants! One such popular student city is Trondheim; here, students flock to mainly study technology and medicine.
The place where Trondheim is located was originally called Nidaros and the name Trondheim comes from the name the city got around the Middle Ages where “heimen” means lush greenery. A referendum was held in 1930 on whether the city should return to its old name Nidaros, but this was voted down. Despite this, it was decided that the city would get its old name back, but this did not last long – in 1931 the city was again called Trondheim.
The city’s old name still lives on in different ways. This can be seen mainly in the city’s magnificent cathedral – Nidaros Cathedral. The church was built in 1070 over the tomb that belonged to Olav the Holy and was completed in 1320. After Uppsala Cathedral, Nidaros Cathedral is Scandinavia’s largest church and it is a popular destination for many pilgrimages from all corners of the world.
According to Naturegnosis, Trondheim is easy to get to in different ways. Here is an international airport, Norway’s third largest, which reaches a number of locations in Europe. Among other things, you can fly here directly from Stockholm. The city is also adjacent to the E6, which passes just outside the urban area and leads to the capital Oslo in the south. Trondheim is also a lively railway junction with connections to Östersund and Sundsvall, among others. Once you arrive in the city, you can easily get around by both bus and tram. Here you can also hop on the popular cruise Hurtigruten if you wish.
By staying in Trondheim, however, you have enough to do as a visitor. Thanks to the lively student life, a lot happens here; a variety of events are arranged that attract visitors all year round. If you are interested in music, you can go to one of the many music festivals that are organized. Here is something for everyone; jazz, pop, chamber music, world music and a variety of other genres that create an exciting dynamic. Trondheim is also a recognized food city. Every year a food and beer festival is organized in the city where you can try delicacies from all corners of the world. If you also like to have coffee, you do not have to look long, as Trondheim has a lot of high-class cafés to offer.
Trondheim is also the perfect place for you who enjoy a wonderful outdoor life. Here is Bymarka, an outdoor area located a short bike ride from the city, where you can both hike and fish. Trondheim also has a very beautiful coastal area, where it is a joy to just wander around and enjoy life.
