Go Gothic at Nidaros Cathedral

Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral is an extravagant medieval masterpiece. It's a big cry from its humble origins in 1070 as a timber church on Viking King Olav's burial. The cathedral is erected atop the burial of St. Olav, the Viking ruler who converted Norway to Christianity and became "Norway's Eternal King". Throughout the Middle Ages, this was a towering emblem of religious faith and the Church's dominant status.

During the Middle Ages, Trondheim, or Nidaros as it was originally termed, was the most important pilgrimage destination in Northern Europe. Pilgrims traveled long distances to see St. Olav's grave. The pilgrimage ritual has been restored, and people are pouring to Nidaros Cathedral once more.

Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost Gothic medieval cathedral in the world. Visits to the cathedral provide seasonal experiences. Thousands of soapstone sculptures give the cathedral a wonderful aspect throughout the darker seasons of autumn and winter. The sun beams through the colorful rose windows throughout the spring and summer, providing a beautiful glow through the church. The magnificent facade of the world's most northerly Gothic church is embellished with 76 sculptures of saints and biblical characters. The ambiance inside is almost eerie, as the gloomy lighting draws your attention to the 12m-high (39ft) 10,000-piece stained-glass rose window. Climb the tower's 172 narrow stairs in the summer for panoramic views over Norway's medieval capital.