Day 56 - Rest day at Trondheim and a haircut at last

25th May 2018

 A bus trip into Trondheim today.  Norway's third largest City.  The centre piece is Nidaros Cathedral which was built in the 12th century with further additions over the next 200 years.  Much of it was destroyed by fire in the 17th century following which it was somewhat neglected until, after the establishment of Norway's constitution in 1814, it became the place of coronation for Norway's monarchs.  This led to further substantial development and it is now an impressive place surrounded by greenery.  It is also unusual in being an ecumenical cathedral available for use by any denomination.

We also learnt about St Olav, a viking in the marauding tradition.  Whilst off pillaging he visited Rouen in France and was mighty impressed by their cathedral and subsequently converted to Christianity.  On return to Norway he sorted out his rivals, became King and decreed that everyone had to be a Christian.  Anyone who declined was put to death.  He was eventually killed in battle but before dying he threw down his weapons and was subsequently seen as a martyr.  When his body was exhumed some time later he smelt of roses and his hair had grown.  This led to his being made a saint.  The cathedral is now a place of pilgrimage  and St Olav is venerated for bringing Christianity to Norway, but some of his tougher regulations have now been relaxed.

We enjoyed strolling around the centre with it's brightly painted wooded buildings and old riverside warehouses now converted to up market apartments.  The old quarter housed a lovely old restaurant, which did excellent fish soup (Thank you for the recommendation Rach).  

We also discovered a "cycle lift" used on a particularly steep hill.  

We would like to nominate Trondheim for the "best manhole covers in the world" award.

Finally, I didn't expect to be swimming in the Trondheim Fjord in May!