Exploring Trondheim

Trondheim may be Norway’s fourth city, but it’s a cultural capital that pushes above its 200,000 inhabitants. I’ve flown down from Tromsø: a cold, remote gateway to the Arctic. Outside the cathedral in Trondheim, though, American tourists sigh at an exterior more befitting of European cities further south. This is the home of Norwegian coronations (before years of occupation), and now – with the coronations phased out – of benedictions (the last in 1991, when King Harald V took charge after the death of his father, Olav V). I tour the Kunstmuseum, which now hosts outposts across the city, take a stroll through the cathedral (the city’s undisputed focal point) and head for a picnic lunch on the water, near the shops of Solsiden.

I’m staying at the historic Hotel Britannia, a five-star institution on Dronningensgate, right in the centre of town: the city is surrounded by water on three sides and looks out to sea. My space – a deluxe 1897 room – is large, there’s a vast spa complex in the basement (with a swimming pool, sauna and treatment rooms), and upstairs on the first floor, breakfast is served in the light, spacious Palmehaven, with a comprehensive buffet complemented by an omelette chef and on-tap dishes, cooked to order in the kitchen. This hotel was founded in 1870 and, though not as old as its wooden cobbles and Edinburgh-esque stone surroundings, stands as testament to the calm relaxation of this ancient regional centre. It’s no Oslo or Bergen, nor is it a Tromsø or Stavanger. Instead, Trondheim sits alone as a spiritual Norwegian royal home.

*This post is sponsored by Hotel Britannia, but all opinions are our own

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