Trondheim is Norway's Silicon Valley (or, perhaps Fjord). But this present day high-tech center is also a very old city, celebrating its 1000th anniversary in 1997. St. Olav (King Olav Haraldsson) was buried here after falling in the battle of Stiklestad on July 29th, 1030 AD. The Gothic cathedral Nidarosdomen was built over his grave, making Trondheim the fourth most important pilgrim city in the entire Catholic Church. For four centuries pilgrims came to seek comfort, help and miraculous cures. Norway's monarchs have also been crowned in this national shrine, right up to King Olav who chose a simpler ceremony in 1957.

From 1153 to 1537, Trondheim was the seat of the country's archbishop and the spiritual centre of an area including Greenland, the Faroe Islands, the Orkney Islands and the Isle of Man. A great deal of Norwegian history has taken place in Trondheim and the surrounding areas. The city also lies in one of the country's most important agricultural districts.

After the city burnt down in 1682, General Caspar Cicignon of Luxembourg was made responsible for the rebuilding. His Renaissance city plan laid the foundation for modern Trondheim. It is now a green city with a mixture of wide streets and modern buildings as well as picturesque wooden houses and narrow alleyways. In the middle of town you will find the lovely Stiftsgården, which is one of the king's royal residences and the third largest wooden building in a Nordic country. The calm and beautiful river Nidelva winds through the heart of the city. Since the river has been cleaned up, salmon is again a frequent guest.

The heritage of St. Olav is celebrated at the annual Olav Days around Olsok (July 28) with concerts, lectures, and exhibits, walking tours and religious services. At the old Ringve farm, summer concerts are held at the National Museum for Music and Musical Instruments, a fascinating place with a fine collection of old instruments. From Ravnkloa down by the harbour, you can go by motorboat out to the old Munkholmen cloister ruins. Directly beside Nidaros Cathedral lies Erkebispegården, the oldest Nordic non-secular building, which also houses a military museum.