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)