Trondheim

Trondheim is the third largest city in Norway with a population of 176 008 (243 391 in metro area (1.10.2011)). Its a town of research and home to the second largest university in Norway.

It was established in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, named Nidaros, after the river Nidelva which flows through the city (Nidaros means 'Mouth of the river Nid'). It city became the powerhouse of Norway in the early Middle Ages and was the capital of Norway for 200 years. It changed its name to Þróndheimr (today: Trondheim). Following the Black Death, where more than half of the city population died the city experienced several fires and further pandemics. A fire in 1651 destroyed 90% of all the buildings as most of the buildings was built in wood. During WWII the Nazi had great plans for the city, and made some grand masterplans of making the city into the capital of Northern Scandinavia.

The biggest sights to be seen in Trondheim are Nidarosdomen, the Archbishop's Palace, Kristiansten Fortress, Munkholmen, Gamle Bybro and the city streets of Bakklandet and Midtbyen.