The journey up the Trondheimsfjord this morning was not as spectacular as some of the previous fjords with lower peaks and none were snow covered. The waterway was a little busier than others with ferries passing us making there way to Norway’s third largest city.
Trondheim was the capital of Norway for over 200 years in its history and it was here that many of the Kings and Queens of the country were crowned. These took place in the city’s Nidaros Cathedral built over the grave of the country’s first King and saint Olav. It was here where our visit would begin.
The ornate West front of the cathedral contains 59 large sculptures but only five of these are original from the middle ages.
Next to the cathedral was a small museum that contained the Norwegian crown jewels. Although these did not compare the the British Crown Jewels in either size or sparkle the museum was well laid out and well worth the visit. Unfortunately photography was not allowed in either the cathedral or museum so you will not be bored with the pictures.
Just a short walk from the cathedral is the Gamle bridge over the River Nidelva from which you get great views of the restored buildings along the wharfside...
…and on the other side.
We then walked through town towards this, can you guess what it is?
No it’s not the local grave yard but the Royal residence in Trondheim. If you were expecting anything resembling Buckingham Palace you would have been most disappointed, instead you are faced with the largest wooden building in Europe. It is supposed to be very ornate inside its 140 rooms but not so from the outside.
Sylvia then made her way back to the ship whereas I ventured onwards to the fish market (Actually a shop that sold fish!!!) and the highlight of my visit Rockheim, the National Museum of Popular Music.
Before visiting this museum I only knew of two Norwegian acts but after being informed that Lordi were actually Finnish it’s just one,A-Ha. The museum is a multi media experience over three floors, starting at the top with a journey through Noway’s pop music from the 1950s to today. Although not knowing many of the artists the sounds and to some extent the songs were very familiar. On the next floor was a musical library of both music books and magazines along with digital versions of much of Norway’s pop history. In addition exhibits of pop memorabilia adorn the walls.
Finally there was the Jam Station where you could pick up instruments and play along to the music. It was here that I picked up a Fender Stratocaster plugged it into Eric Clapton’s Marshall stack from Live Aid, turned up the volume to 11 and rocked!! Now that’s Rock and Roll!! (No pictures exist of this experience).
The museum was a great isit and one that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in Scandinavian pop. We could do with something like this in the UK.
I needed a nice calm walk back to the ship after all this excitement passing some more beautifully painted wharf buildings on the way.
Sylvia had spent the afternoon painting some roses to give to our neighbours who tomorrow celebrate their Golden Anniversary. They should be well pleased with the result.
Tonight we ate at the Crown Grill, a steak restaurant, so tomorrow for Paddy some pictures of food. Tomorrow is a sea day and we cross the Arctic Circle but the shorts will be on!!
