The sail in to Trondheim is not as picturesque as the previous two stops, in fact we had already berthed by the time we had gotten up this morning. After a light breakfast we took the opportunity of a calm morning to play our first game of table tennis this trip. I wish we hadn’t bothered as Sylvia absolutely thrashed me!! I could offer some excuses but in truth there are none, I was fairly and squarely beaten.
After a couple of busy walking days Sylvia decided to give her knee a rest this morning while I made my way into the city. Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city and is known as it’s capital of technology. Apparently over 80% of Norway’s civil engineers are trained here and it is evident that technology is important as witnessed by the number of electric vehicle chargers there are at the side of the road.
In addition there are electric bikes and scooters available for hire throughout the city and they even have a bike lift to save riding up the steep hills.
Alongside this modern technology sits the ancient city founded in around 950 AD by King Olaf Tryguson, who became the first Christian King of Norway. He stands atop a tall column in the centre of the city. I couldn’t quite make out what he was holding but it looks remarkably similar to a milk shake from the McDonalds at the base of the column!!
King Olaf was canonised after his death and a cathedral was built on his grave, this was my first destination today. Known as Nidaros Cathedral, it is here where the coronations of all Norwegian royalty take place. The front of the building is adorned with sculptures depicting Norwegian kings, saints and bishops.
Inside under the altar sits the shrine of King Olaf…………
……..several stunning stained glass windows and ceiling vaulting in the gothic style.
Within the same grounds as the cathedral sit two separate museums, firstly the Royal Regalia Museum. Here the Norwegian Crown Jewels are on display alongside the robes and garbs of the Kings and Queens. Unlike the British Crown Jewels these are not very old, only dating from when Norway gained its independence from Sweden. The crowns have almost a “fairy tale” appearance to them. Unfortunately there are no photos allowed in this area.
The second museum is a display of archeological artefacts that mostly were discovered when the Archbishop’s Palace was renovated and includes many statues that were part of the original cathedral, such as this.
Making my way back to the ship I came across this street delightfully decked out with umbrellas. I’m not sure what the occasion is or whether they are just expecting some rain.
After lunch Sylvia and I decided to visit Rockheim, the national museum of popular music here in Trondheim.
Now regular readers of this blog will remember that I paid a visit here some seven years ago on our last trip to Trondheim. Many of the exhibits remain the same but its a great place to enjoy even if like us you know little about Norwegian pop music (apart from A-Ha that is!!). I have visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and many of the music museums in Nashville and Memphis but the interactive displays here are far better. With all the musical heritage in the UK we really should have something along this lines in our country!!!
Every afternoon before departing a port the Captain informs us of our course, the weather and the times of sunset and sunrise. Tonight he informed us that the sun will not set and therefore there will be no sunrise. We have reached the land of the midnight sun!!
Hah. I see the Milkshake.
This sounds like my kind of place. Lots of sun and electric cars galore. I wonder how well solar panel would do!