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Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim: how to make the most of your visit
Nidaros Cathedral was built over the grave of St Olav and is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. Here is what to see, when to come and how to pair it with the rest of Trondheim.
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You stand in the square before the west front and try to count the figures. You cannot. Kings, apostles and saints stand row upon row in grey soapstone, and above them the rose window catches the afternoon light. Inside it is cool and quiet, and the sound of the organ carries right up into the vaults.
Nidaros Cathedral is Norway's national sanctuary, built over the grave of Olav Haraldsson, the king who fell at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 and was declared a saint soon after. Work began around 1070, and in the Middle Ages this was a pilgrimage goal for all of northern Europe. It still is.
Short answer: what should you see at Nidaros Cathedral?
Start with the west front and its sculptures, then go inside for the nave, the choir and the rose window, and climb the tower in summer. Finish at the Archbishop's Palace next door, where Norway's crown regalia are on display.
Do not miss: the west front
Best view: the tower in summer
Best sound: an organ concert
Best add-on: the crown regalia in the Archbishop's Palace
Best time: early morning or late afternoon
A cathedral built over a king's grave
St Olav was buried by the Nidelva river, and once he was venerated as a saint a church grew over his grave. Most of the medieval cathedral was complete by around 1300. Later, a series of city fires left parts of it in ruins for centuries.
The great restoration began in the 19th century and was considered finished in 2001. What you see is a blend of medieval and modern craftsmanship, and the guides are good at pointing out which is which.
The west front
The statues stand in tiers above the main entrance.
The west front: the sculptures outside
The west front is the most famous sight in Trondheim, with tier upon tier of statues set in niches. Most of the figures were carved during the restoration, but they follow the medieval plan. Get close and look at the faces. Many are individual and surprisingly expressive.
Inside the cathedral
Inside, the ceiling soars and the light is low, and the rose window above the west door glows when the sun is right. The choir to the east is the oldest and most Gothic part. The Steinmeyer organ is one of the largest in Norway, and an organ concert is the best way to experience the space.
The catch: this is a working church. During services, weddings and funerals it closes to visitors, so check the calendar before you go.
The tower: a view over the city
In summer you can climb the tower with a guide. The stairs are narrow and many, but from the top you look over the rooftops, the river and the Trondheim Fjord. Skip it if you dislike heights or have bad knees.
The Archbishop's Palace and the crown regalia
Next to the cathedral stands the Archbishop's Palace, the old residence of Norway's archbishops and one of the oldest secular buildings in the Nordic countries. Here the crown regalia are on show: the crowns, the sword and the rest of Norway's crown jewels. King Haakon VII was crowned in the cathedral in 1906, and King Harald and Queen Sonja were consecrated here in 1991.
Pilgrims and Olsok
St Olav's Ways, including the route from Oslo through the Gudbrandsdalen valley, all end at the cathedral, and every year walkers arrive on foot after weeks on the trail. Around Olsok, the anniversary of Olav's death on 29 July, the St Olav Festival fills the city with concerts, a market and services.
It is the most atmospheric time to visit, and the busiest. Hotels in the centre fill up, so book early if you plan to come then.
Around the cathedral
The cathedral sits in a park with a churchyard and old trees. Cross the Old Town Bridge to Bakklandet for coffee in the wooden houses, or follow the river up to Kristiansten Fortress for the view back towards the cathedral.
Scandic Bakklandet
Scandic Bakklandet on the Nidelva river.
Where to stay near Nidaros Cathedral
The centre and Bakklandet are closest to the cathedral. Our guide to the best hotels in Trondheim covers every option.
Scandic Bakklandet: the cathedral across the bridge
The hotel stands on the Nidelva river near the Old Town Bridge. Cross it in the morning and you reach the cathedral in under ten minutes, before the first groups arrive. A good choice if you want to stay between the cathedral and the cafés of Bakklandet.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Scandic Bakklandet
Britannia Hotel
The lobby at Britannia Hotel in Trondheim.
Britannia Hotel: the city's grand hotel
Britannia is Trondheim's classic grand hotel, with the Speilsalen restaurant and a glass-roofed palm court under one roof. The cathedral is a short walk south through the centre. Right for a weekend where culture and a good dinner go together.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Britannia Hotel
Good to know before you go
Book tickets ahead in summer: you skip the queue at the entrance.
Combined tickets: the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the crown regalia can often be visited on one ticket.
Dress warmly: it is cool inside the stone church, even in summer.
Photography: is usually allowed, but not during services.
Nidaros Cathedral: frequently asked questions
How old is Nidaros Cathedral?
Work began around 1070 over the grave of St Olav, and the medieval cathedral was largely complete by around 1300.
Why is Nidaros Cathedral important?
It stands over the grave of St Olav, is Norway's national sanctuary and has hosted the coronations and consecrations of Norwegian kings.
Can you climb the tower of Nidaros Cathedral?
Yes. In summer there are guided climbs up the tower, with views over Trondheim and the fjord.
Where are the Norwegian crown jewels?
The crown regalia are on display in the Archbishop's Palace, right next to Nidaros Cathedral.
How long do you need at Nidaros Cathedral?
An hour is enough for the cathedral alone. With the tower and the Archbishop's Palace, allow two to three hours.