Nidaros Cathedral is Scandinavia's greatest medieval edifice and Europe's northernmost Gothic construction. Outside, the ornately decorated, altar-like west wall is adorned with top-to-bottom statues of biblical characters as well as Norwegian bishops and monarchs carved in the early twentieth century. Several are reproductions of medieval originals that are currently kept at the nearby museum. In stark contrast to the internal darkness, notice the brilliant, vibrant colors of the new stained glass in the rose window at the west end.

The altar is built on top of the actual burial of St Olav, the Viking monarch who converted the pagan Nordic faith to Christianity. When Norway formed a separate archbishopric in 1153, the initial stone cathedral was completed. The existing transept and chapter house were built between 1130 and 1180 and show Anglo-Norman elements (many artisans were brought in from England), while the Gothic choir and ambulatory were finished in the early 14th century. The nave, which has been periodically destroyed by fire throughout the years, is essentially a realistic 19th-century replacement.

An exhibit of medieval carved tombstones may be seen in the crypt (the majority restored from fragments since many headstones were broken up and carted away to be recycled in domestic buildings). Look for one engraved in English and dedicated to William Miller, Shipmaster of Dundee, Scotland, who died in the 18th century near Trondheim. You may explore on your own, but from early June and early August, it's recommended taking a tour (a 15-minute canter or a more detailed 45-minute visit). Music aficionados might plan their visit to coincide with a concert on the church's superb (and freshly refurbished) organ.

From mid-June to mid-August, you may climb the 172 steps up the cathedral's tower (50kr) for a beautiful perspective of the city, but keep in mind that the staircase is incredibly narrow and steep - and once you're on your way, there's practically no turning back past other tour-goers. Every half-hour, guided ascents leave from its base in the south transept, with a maximum of 20 persons each ascent.

Trees are the one thing that a cruise ship lack. Fortunately, Trondheim boasts a large number of them just minutes from the city center. Take the classic tram from St. Olavs gate in the city center and enjoy the spectacular views of the city as it gently ascends the city hills. After about 25 minutes, you'll be entering Trondheim's Bymarka - city forest - and disembarking at Lian. A leisurely stroll around the lake takes around 30 minutes, after which you may take the tram back to the city. There are also plenty of great places to pause for a picnic, whether on a bench or on the rocks. Whether you go fast or slow, it's a lovely relaxing way to spend a few hours.

Bakklandet, Trondheim's most attractive neighborhood, is recognized today for its timber houses, café culture, and bicycles, but its roots are in commerce and industry, since it was once home to mariners, fisherman, and laborers. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee in one of the numerous pavement cafés, browse the stores for handcrafted products, or admire the views of the ancient wooden warehouses along the Nidelva river. Whatever you do, a walk down Bakklandet is a necessity on any day in Trondheim.

While you're there, take a stroll across Gamle Bybro, which connects Bakklandet to the city center. The Ancient Town Bridge, which was built in 1681 and rebuilt in 1861, is historically significant and still has many of its original features, such as the gate house on the city center side and the old iron gates. It also has one of the nicest views of the river in Trondheim.

In Trondheim, you don't have to wait till the sun goes down to rock out. Rockheim is a museum and cultural center that takes you from the innocent origins of 1950s rock in Norway to present heavy metal superstars. You can make a day of it with interactive displays and listening positions, though in reserved Norway, we wouldn't recommend utilizing Rockheim as your own karaoke bar. When the sun begins to set, continue the theme by going to Fru Lundgreen, a basement pub with a nonstop soundtrack of Scandinavian rock.

Trondheim's monuments and old buildings are beautifully preserved, and the city radiates nostalgia. The Archbishop's Residence is Scandinavia's oldest secular edifice, with the first stones set in the eleventh century. The Archbishop's Palace Museum, located in the shadow of the Domkirke, is an award-winning attraction that traces Trondheim's history back to the Iron Age. The Folk Museum, however, is the finest time capsule to Trondheim's agrarian history (summer only). This open-air park has around 80 historic structures, the majority of which are eighteenth-century timber dwellings and farmsteads.

As Norwegian folk music emphasized on amusement and dancing, it evolved into fairy tale and fantasy links. Norwegian folk music is comprised of two unique entities: vocal and dance. Rockheim, despite its name, includes all forms of Norwegian music, from rock to folk, soul, and current experimental music. Rockheim is best described as an interactive experience rather than a museum. You may mix your own songs, play guitar with a hologram, listen to undiscovered musicians from all around Norway, read endless vintage music newspapers and magazines, and much more. The nicest part for cruise passengers is that it is only a few feet away from the cruise ship terminal.

Monk's Island (Munkholmen) is a fortified islet located to the north of Trondheim. Monk's Island has served as a monastery, a fortification, a jail, and an execution site during its 1,000-year existence. It now serves as a historic background to a popular bathing hole. Join a guided tour of Monk's Island or dine at the island's restaurant with spectacular coastline views.

The Vikings utilized Monk's Island as an execution site for the first time in the late 10th century. Visitors, criminals, and political opponents were routinely warned of the island's executions. Look for the strong stone defenses that ring the island as your boat approaches. The 18th-century edifice was erected on the ruins of a Benedictine abbey founded in the early 12th century. Disembark the boat and start exploring this interesting piece of history. Join a guided tour to learn about the island's fascinating incarnations throughout the years. Take a look at the massive stone ramparts, which are crowned by a grassy mound and a fortress tower.

Wander around the medieval courtyard or enter the spherical tower's gloomy interior. Until the late nineteenth century, this structure served as a jail. Explore the fort's higher floors to witness relics of Nazi German occupation during World War II. The island also features a beautiful swimming beach with shallow seas sheltered by an outer sandbank. Take a seat at the island's restaurant for a lunch of fresh seafood and breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. A souvenir shop sells unique gifts and literature.

Munkholmen is connected to the canals of Trondheim port via a picturesque passenger ferry. The ferry ride to the island costs money. For an extra fee, guided tours are provided. Ferries run every hour and the trip takes around 10 minutes. Between May and September, the island is accessible.

Trondheim is a vibrant city that, while being the third biggest in Norway, feels considerably more personal than its size would suggest. The Nidelva river runs through the city, through the Nidaros Cathedral and past Bakklandet, a historical neighborhood located on its banks north of the Old Town Bridge.

An excise house, which is now a kindergarten, was located at one end of the bridge leading to Bakklandet's centre in Trondheim. The bridge and gates appear exactly the same now as they did in 1861, and photographers and artists from all over the world can attest to how gorgeous the setting is. Wander through the streets of Bakklandet, the newly trendy old town on the east side of the bridge, just off the river. Lots of restaurants and plenty of places to sit and contemplate life.

It's not grey up north. Make your way to Gamle Bybro, the Old Town Bridge, to explore Trondheim's most colorful neighborhood. From this massive red bridge, you can see storehouses ranging in color from mustard to navy blue, producing a rainbow of reflections in the Nidelven River. If enjoying the panorama from sunny Bybro improves your spirits, it's no wonder that the bridge is regarded as the 'Gate of Happiness'. After a disastrous fire in 1681, the bridge symbolized a new beginning for Trondheim. Bakklandet, one of Trondheim's most scenic streets, begins on the east side of the bridge. This cobblestone street is lined with pastel-colored shop fronts and cafés painted in bright red and pink.

The beautiful outdoors is within a short distance from the city. Trondheim fjord, at 126 kilometers long, is Norway's third longest, featuring picturesque islets and rocky bays where sea eagles soar. For those who wish to cook their own catfish or simply bob in calm waters, the fjord is ideal fishing terrain. Pack your thermals since the ideal seasons to fish are late winter and early spring. Take a 40-minute drive (or 45-minute rail ride) south of Trondheim to Vassfjellet, a ski center with 500m of vertical, for a more adrenaline-pumping winter hobby. Meanwhile, Are, a Swedish ski region with lots of snow and an unspoiled atmosphere, is a two-hour train trip away.

Explore the Trondheim Fjord aboard traditional clinker-built boats with local guides, learning about nature and coastal culture while fishing. The guides will meet you at the quay and accompany you to the pier where the boat will be waiting. Warm, woolen blankets, fishing equipment, hot drinks, and a snack will be given for all attendees. Wear layers of warm clothes, especially with wool underneath, as well as sturdy shoes and a wind- and waterproof jacket.

You will circle the "Munkholmen" (Island of the Monks) with its impressive fortification while admiring the vast horizon and distant snow-capped mountains. You will learn about coastal culture and the manner of life of fisherman along the route. Allow yourself to be inspired by the rawness of fjord nature, where every day is different depending on the weather.