Nidaros Cathedral

The Most Fabulous Building in Trondheim

Nidaros Cathedral is the most fabulous building in Trondheim. The magnificent medieval stone cathedral was built on the burial place of Olav Haraldson, the viking king turned saint, St Olav, the patron saint of Norway. Before the magnificent stone cathedral was erected, the burial place of King Olav was "protected" by the humble wooden church, the Clemence Church.  In the year 1070 the grandiose stone cathedral replaced the wooden church. Some of the details of the construction, and many reconstructions, of the Nidaros cathedral are described here

The life of Olav Haraldsson's is one incredible piece of history, an evil viking king made saint whose cult served both the interests of the birthing nation and the Catholic church, a warrior who fought to have Norway under one god and one king, being responsible for the Christianization of Norway. 

I totally recommend reading about his life, whenever you have some time for it. According to the legend, Olav died in battle at Stiklestad, fighting to unify his kingdom. Later, the cult of St. Olav became a political tool in the long fight against Danish hegemony in Norway. The cult of St Olav survived the Protestant reform and afterwards, when Norway came out as a Lutheran nation.

Currently, Nidaros Cathedral is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in Europe. Thousands of pilgrims visit the place each year, just like thousands of pilgrims visit the place in the middle ages. The cathedral has a Pilgrim center with hostel, restaurant and other facilities.

Nidaros Pilgrim Center
Opening hours 09:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday)
From Jun- Sep 15:00-18:00 (Monday-Sunday)

The view from the other side (of the river)

The view from the other side 

The little pier in Bakklandet is one of my favorite places in town. I like to walk around the river side, in the old neighborhood and enjoy the fresh air and the view. The small public area, by the river, is a lovely place for a walk and even a picnic. The Nidaros Cathedral also looks stunning seen from the other side of the river (Nid), hidden between trees and houses. The millennial cathedral is a trademark of the city and Trondheim's architectural pride, a building to be appreciated. The picture of the cathedral was taken from the pier in Bakklandet. 

(Claudia PASB)

A Short Winter Walk

A Short winter walk

While winter is still here, the scrapped mountains of icy snow on the corners of the city are starting to melt. Signs of spring are everywhere and we can start to believe we won't see any more snow falling from the sky this season. The dry freezing cold days are not over, but the streets are back to their best winter grey. I took these pictures in earlier winter days, when the streets were covered in fresh snow. I love the buildings on the pictures but mostly I love how the snow sits on the tree branches. 

(EDIT: A lot of snow fell over Trondheim on exact the same day I published these pictures. The streets were once again filled with mountains of snow, the branches of the trees deliciously covered with sugar-like snow lines and chaos was back on the side walks.)

(Claudia PASB)  

UKM Trondheim at Kultursentret ISAK

UKM Trondheim at Kultursentret ISAK

Friday, March 17
Saturday, March 18
Prinsens gate, 44 Time: 18:00
Free entrance

This weekend (17-18 March) UKM arrives in town. The time has come for young Trondheim artists to show their talents. UKM Trondheim once again will take place at Kultursentret ISAK. UKM stands for Ung Kultur Møtes (Young Cultural Meeting) and is an amazing national festival-like exhibition-meeting of young artists and performers. It takes place in every county of Norway and in nearly every little municipality. It is huge event and this year nearly 20.000 young Norwegians have signed up to participate. After their local concerts, some artists will go forward to the County Meeting and some will go forward to the National Meeting. 

UKM is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, the Norwegian municipalities (mainly through their local music and culture schools) and some local businesses. UKM nights offer great entertainment for the entire family. UKM works to encourage young people not only to exhibit their talents and their passions for the arts, UKM also stimulate those interested in the technical side of the performances, conducting workshops in production, media, lightning, stage setting, make up and costume design.  All the tasks of the events are performed and taken care by an army of focused young Norwegians from  ages 10 to 20. It is a true show case for future talents, in all sectors of Norwegian cultural life. Entrance is free. 

(Claudia PASB)

Pelle William Giller (dancer and choreographer) Foto: Felix Tello/UKM Media 2016