The city was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 BC, and occupies a special place in Norwegian culture and history. Trondheim was the nation's first capital, and continues to be the coronation city where Norway's Kings from Harald Hårfagre (10th century BC) to King Harald V (1991 -) have been crowned and blessed. In its history the city was and is now again a popular destination for pilgrimages. Trondheim is also an ecclesiastical centre, a regional capital, a centre for industry and commerce, and an important education and research centre.

Situated in the county of Sør-Trøndelag where the river Nid flows into the Trondheim fjord, we must admit we are pretty far north, in fact only 500 km from the Polar Circle, but the warm Gulf Stream blesses us with a fairly mild climate.

The name Trondheim derives from the old Norse Þróndheimr, meaning home of the strong and fertile ones!

Trondheim has a strong position as the centre of trade for central Norway. It has around 50 per cent of the regional retail trade and about 85 per cent of the wholesale trade, 85 per cent of imports and 65 per cent of exports. NTNU (the Norwegian University of Science and Technology), Trondheim's internationally renowned university, and the city's well known research institute SINTEF ensure that it is a city of innovation and development of science, business and industry ventures. Trondheim is truly the nation's technological capital.

When you visit Trondheim, you will notice:

• The river winding slowly around the city's downtown district and the old wharves along the mouth of the river
  
• The majestic Nidaros cathedral
  
• The wide streets
  
• The tall column with the statue of Olav Tryggvason the Viking king in the middle of the town square
  
• The old town bridge ("Gamle Bybro") with its carved gates
  
• The wooden houses in the downtown and Bakklandet districts
  

Source: Trondheim's Official Website www.trondheim.no

Other websites of interest

Facts about Norway
Official travelguide to Norway
Weather forecast