Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, Nidaros Cathedral towers above the city of Trondheim. It’s Norway’s most important church and is a mecca for believers wanting to pay their respects to the relics of Norwegian Viking chieftain and national hero, St. Olav. Adventurous visitors can climb the tower and unlock stunning views over the city of Trondheim and its surrounding scenery.
The cathedral is particularly interesting from an architectural point of view, as it features several different medieval styles, including Romanesque and Gothic design. While it was originally a simple 11th century basilica, the 12th century saw it transformed into a grand pilgrimage church inspired by iconic English places of worship like Westminster Abbey and Lincoln Cathedral.
Centrally located, Nidaros Cathedral is easy to reach from most major Trondheim attractions. It’s well connected by public transport links and is just minutes from popular shopping mall, Trondheim Torg. It’s also a major stop on tourist tours, with a handful of restaurants, cafes and shops located nearby.
Founded in 1066, Nidaros Cathedral is underpinned by a rich and regal history. After claiming King Olav as a saint, the Christian community buried his remains in a silver casket and built a modest wooden chapel over his grave. Over the centuries, the site went on to become the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral that stands today.