Explore Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s cultural treasure (with video)

I was in awe when I saw Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s magnificent national shrine, nestled in the center of Trondheim.
As the world’s most northern Gothic cathedral, it holds a unique place in time because it is a significant pilgrimage site in Northern Europe. Its ornate stone architecture is a living testament to the region’s rich history. It is one of the most beautiful churches I have been in.

This national shrine is also where Norwegian Royals hold their coronations.

Cutural History of Nidaros Catherdal

People from all over the world travel along Norway’s nine pilgrimage routes to Trondheim, called “St. Olav Ways.” A few days before my visit to Trondheim, I stopped at the  Avaldsnes historic site, where Olav became one of the first Viking Royals. Here I learned that for more than 1,000 years, pilgrims trekked along the Kystpilegrimsleia Coastal Path through Avaldsnes, stopping at St. Olav’s Church on their way to Saint Olav’s holy shrine at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

Saint Olav, also known as King Olav II of Norway, played a pivotal role in the Christianization of Norway in the early 11th century. Born around 995, he became king in 1028 after several battles to assert his claim to the throne. Olav is credited with unifying Norway and promoting Christianity throughout the region, often through both diplomacy and force.

His reign, however, was met with resistance from pagan factions and rival kings. After a tumultuous rule, he was defeated at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, where he was killed. Following his death, Olav was quickly venerated as a saint, and his cult grew rapidly, leading to the establishment of Nidaros Cathedral over his burial site in Trondheim.

Pilgrimages to his shrine became a significant aspect of medieval faith, influencing many to travel the St. Olav Ways. His legacy endures today, symbolizing Norwegian identity and religious heritage.

Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it’s published. We pride ourselves in writing informative articles with interesting tips.

Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia. Any commissions earned will help keep this website running.

Inside Nidaros Catherdal in the heart of Trondheim, Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Architecture

The Gothic cathedral is built on top of the tomb of St. Olav, the Viking king who became Norway’s national saint.

In the Middle Ages, a silver coffin with Olav’s remains was placed on the church’s high altar. The coffin is no longer there. It was sent to Denmark during the Lutheran Reformation and melted into silver coins. His remains were removed and buried in the cathedral in an unknown location.

The cathedral’s construction began in 1070 and was mostly completed around 1300. During the Middle Ages, neglect caused by the Reformation, several fires in the 1500s and 1700s, and a lack of money caused the church to fall into disarray. Extensive dedicated restoration work began in 1869 after the Norwegian Parliament granted the necessary restoration work funding.

Bygghytta at Nidaros Cathedral Restoration Works ensures that the cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and other historic stone works are restored to the highest standard. The in-house training program provides apprentices with skills passed down through the ages of expert craftsmen necessary for restoration. Presently, 30 craftsmen are still working on various restoration projects in the cathedral.

The church is built from greyish-green soapstone, and the western wall features 76 intricate statues.

The Prophecy

A prophecy says that the day the cathedral is fully completed, a landslide will hit Trondheim, and Nidaros Cathedral will sink into the fjord. In reality, the cathedral is unlikely to be completed.

Climb 172 steps up the tower to see impressive views of Trondheim.

The Rose Window

The strikingly intricate circular rose window, used in Gothic architecture, is borrowed from the Roman oculi design of ancient Rome. It allowed light into a church, and the design made with stained glass and stone came to symbolize the Virgin Mary.

Inside Nidaros Cathedral Trondheim, Norway, see the Steinmeyer organ and the intricately designed rose window. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Nidaros Organs

There are three organs in the cathedral.

• The 1930 Steinmeyer organ from Germany is the church’s main organ and Scandinavia’s largest church organ. See the image above.
• The 1741 Baroque Wagner organ is also German-built. It is rare to find one in excellent condition.
• The east nave contains the third organ, which is less noteworthy than the other two.

The large baroque Wagner Organ in Nidaros Cathedral. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The Sami Alter

The Sami Alter was installed on February 6, 2017, to mark the centennial celebration of Tråante at the cathedral of the first Sami Congress. Created by Folke Fjällström, a South Sami artist, it represents traditional South Sami craftsmanship. 

The handsomely carved arches made from birch wood envelope a figure of Christ.

Sami National Day has been celebrated since February 6, 1993, when the Sami established their first parliament.

The Sami alter inside the intricate cathedral in Trondheim. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Archbishop’s Palace

Built beside the cathedral more than 800 years ago, the Archbishop’s Palace was an important meeting place and quarters for 27 archbishops.

Today, it houses three museums:

• The Royal Regalia Exhibition permanently houses the royal coronation regalia for Norway’s Monachy, including the King’s crown.
• The Army Military Museum displays the military history of Central Norway.
• Archbishop’s Palace Museum shows information about Nidaros Cathedral’s significant archaeological finds and some of the original sculptures.

The Archbishops Palace at Nidaros Cathedral Trondheim Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Guided tours of the cathedral are offered in several languages, including English and Norwegian, daily from May through August. The rest of the year, tours are offered on weekends in Norwegian only. 

Find more incredible destinations:  Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe, 2025 Alaska Cruise Guide; Explore the best ports of call , A Guide to Mardi Gras 2025 Carnival season the authentic Louisiana experience and Explore the medieval ruins of Lyse Abbey Norway