Nidaros Cathedral stands in the centre of Trondheim, at the south end of Munkegata, and serves as Norway's national sanctuary. It was built over the grave of St Olav, the king who brought Christianity to Norway, and it is the northernmost Gothic cathedral in the world. Start with the west front, a wall of statues showing biblical figures, bishops and kings. Then step inside for the stained glass and the altar, and in summer climb the tower for a view over the city.
Built over the grave of St Olav
The cathedral was built over the burial place of Olav II, the king who died at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. He was later made a saint and is still honoured as Norway's patron saint. The altarpiece stands directly above his grave, which is why the site has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Pilgrims reach St Olav's shrine by several long-distance routes. St Olav's Way is a network of pilgrim paths through Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and its most popular route runs about 643 km from Oslo. The cathedral is the end point of that journey. Visitors who arrive as pilgrims are advised to attend a service in the church next to the cathedral.
From 1070 to the present building
Construction began in 1070 and continued for about 230 years, until around 1300. Over the centuries, several fires damaged the building, and the upheavals of the Reformation changed its role. Each time, it was restored.
The style mixes Gothic with older Romanesque elements. The transept has Norman features, while the long choir was added in the 13th century. The archbishopric of Nidaros was formed in 1152, and the cathedral remained the seat of the archbishop until the Reformation.
The largest restoration began in 1869 and is still not complete. Craftsmen can still be seen working on the building today.
The west front
The west wall is the most ornate part of the cathedral. Its statues run from top to bottom and show biblical characters, Norwegian bishops and kings. Most of the sculptures date from the early 20th century. Several are copies of medieval originals, and those originals are now kept in the museum next to the cathedral.
The rose window at the west end is made of modern stained glass. Its bright, saturated colours stand out against the darker interior. Use one of the benches opposite the front to study the figures without rushing.
Inside the cathedral
Inside, light comes through the stained glass windows and falls across the long nave. The air feels calm and solemn, and the building is quieter than the busy streets outside. The altarpiece is the focal point, and the carvings and decorations reward a slow walk.
The cathedral also hosts exhibitions, concerts and services. Check the programme before you visit if you want to see one of these.
Coronations and the royal regalia
The cathedral is the traditional place for the consecration of new kings of Norway. The constitution states that the king is to be crowned here.
The Archbishop's Palace stands next door. It is one of the best-preserved palaces in Scandinavia and holds a museum on the history of the city and its archbishops. The Norwegian crown regalia is displayed in the same building, which makes the two sites a natural pair on one visit.
Visiting, tickets and the grounds
The interior charges an entry fee, so plan for it and buy tickets ahead. The exterior is free to admire from the grounds, which include a graveyard and the museum.
In summer, guided tours run in English, Norwegian and German, and the English-language tours are free. The tower can be climbed in summer, and the view from the top reaches across the city and the surrounding area.
The cathedral sits in the centre of the city, with gift shops and cafés close by. It fits easily into a walk along the river or through the old wooden streets of Bakklandet.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Nidaros Cathedral?
Yes, the interior charges an entry fee. The exterior can be admired for free from the grounds, and advance tickets are recommended. Check the cathedral's website for the current price.
Is Nidaros Cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are all listed as wheelchair accessible.
Can you climb the tower at Nidaros Cathedral?
The tower can be climbed in summer. From the top, the view covers the city of Trondheim and the surrounding area.
Are there guided tours of the cathedral?
In summer, guided tours run in English, Norwegian and German. The English-language tours are free.
