Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Trondheim History, Norway

Trondheim is both a municipality and a city found in the county of Sor-Trondelag in Norway. On January 1, 1838, Trondheim became a municipality and more than a hundred years later, some of the rural municipalities surrounding merged with the city. At present, Trondheim is the 3rd biggest municipality in Norway.

Trondheim History – Viking Settlement

Trondheim History tracks as far as the time of the Vikings. This was the same period when the Earls of Lade governed the region where Trondheim was found. They were constantly at war with veteran Vikings who wanted to take over the throne of Norway. One of the famous Viking chiefs was Olav Trygvasson who was converted to Christianity. In 995, he went back to Norway after years of exile in England. He, along with a number of priests, arrived in Trondheim as planned and started Christianizing the residents there. In 997, Olav made the town a trading center.

Trondheim History – The Influence of the Church

As the Christian Vikings’ power weakened, the Church’s influence grew. By the time the Viking kings left, Trondheim was already under the authority of a very influential archbishop. A cathedral was built in Trondheim during this time. Unfortunately, though, this Gothic cathedral was ravaged by fire a number of times. Restoration of the church was started in the 19th century.

Archbishops who were posted in the town lived lavishly in the extravagant residence built especially for them. The Episcopal seat of Trondheim had ordered the construction of a cathedral school in the city.

Trondheim History – Era of Reformation and Trials

For centuries, Trondheim enjoyed the privilege of being a very significant town in Norway. However, when the Protestant Reformation came, it instantly had become an irrelevant provincial town. It was only about a hundred years from 1536 that Trondheim regained importance. Many merchants moved to the town and founded a number of trading companies. Their houses were big mansions with elaborate styles.

During the 17th century, several fires hit Trondheim and almost all of the wooden buildings in the town were totally destroyed. The King of Norway devised a solution to fight against the fires that struck the town often. He ordered the construction of broader streets. This plan of the King worked at some parts of Trondheim but not in others.

Trondheim History – Towards Industrial Revolution and the New Millennium

During the 19th century, Trondheim expanded its harbors to meet the growing needs of international traffic on its coastlines. Aside from this, the town also built railway terminals connecting Trondheim to other cities and towns. Urban areas with contemporary one-family residences and flats emerged in the town. The town continued to develop and prosper until the present. Trondheim, today, is known in Norway as a commercial, administrative, and educational center which is constantly changing and evolving.

Aside from the roller coaster ride presented in Trondheim History, you will learn more about the nordic area reading Oslo History and Bergen Travel Guide.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Trondheim