The ship has traveled north to Trondheim. It’s colder, but manageable. No snow, but definitely icy areas. But best of all, sun!! Not for long however–sunrise about 9:40, sunset at 2:30. And from here, the days get shorter. This trip is part of JourneyWoman’s 30 anniversary celebration.
I took a bus tour to see the major city sites. Most famous is the Nidaros Cathedral. It was originally a Catholic Gothic cathedral. Then, when the population became Lutheran, it served as the local church. It is visible from almost everywhere in the city.
Originally built in 1070, it has burned to the ground numerous times, been rebuilt, expanded then diminished, then rebuilt and expanded once again. It is the location for the coronations of Norway’s kings and queens. It is also home to three magnificent and historically important organs (which unfortunately we didn’t get to hear).
I was struck by the persistence of building and rebuilding. Also by the varied attempts to reconstruct the cathedral to it’s original Gothic glory.
Trondheim, the third largest city in Norway (population just over 212,000) is a university town. University buildings are everywhere. Other sites on the tour (seen from the bus) included a synagogue, a museum of historic buildings, the harbor and historic merchant houses.
Back on the ship two hours later, we set sail. The next stop is a brief one in the middle of the night. Fingers crossed for northern lights.