I did see a full moon before we went to bed and I was hoping the next day in Trondheim would be sunny. No, it was overcast and cold. Today's port was Trondheim which we got to see twice and not on purpose. We had booked a city walk which began at 8:45, another early day. Trondheim is the third largest city and second oldest, founded by Olav Tryggvasson a viking king in 997. The Nidelva River flows through the city and out to the Trondheimsfjorden and then out to the sea. We started the tour by crossing over a man-made island and canal. The original pier was too small for large boats the like one that we were on. The town filled in some land and created a larger pier for the numerous boats that dock at the city. As we walked through the city, the guide explained that most people drive in and park outside the city and use public transportation to get into the downtown. We did notice that there were not many cars and some pedestrian only roads. The first stop was the Stifsgården, the royal residence. The 140 room house was built for a wealthy woman in the late 1700's that she used a her summer residence. She left it to her daughter and son-in-law who mismanaged their finances and were not able to maintain it. The government stepped in and took ownership of the property. Now the reigning king and queen use it when they are in Trondheim.
Next stop was the Nidaros Cathedral, the world's northernmost cathedral. Built from 1070 onwards over the tomb of the viking king, St. Olav, who brought Christianity to Norway, it was finally completed in 1300. Over the years, the cathedral has been destroyed by fires many times, restored, and expanded. Over 60 sculptured figures line 3 rows around the central stained glass rose window. The rose is on the town's flag. Along the side of the cathedral, you can see gargoyles. We were able to enter inside the cathedral, but no photography was allowed.
We continued our walk through the town and we arrived at Gamle Bybro, Old Town bridge. This bridge spans the river and is for pedestrians and bikers only. Locally, the bridge is referred to as the "Portal of Joy". Couples are expected to kiss as they cross over the bridge. From the bridge, you can see Bryggene, the wharves, which were built in the 1700's. One side is industrial or commercial while other side is commercial and residential. As we crossed the bridge, we found the Sykkelheisen Trampe, the Trampe Bicycle Lift. It is the only kind in the world where bicyclists can get a lift up the hill.
Some of the other highlights included a new construction that was set to be a zero energy usage building with solar panels on its roof and sides as well as the newspaper office that has moving shades that consisted of panels of famous Norwegians and important historical events. On the way out, you can see Monk Island, which is exactly what the name implies.
After we had been on the boat for awhile, they made an announcement that we were already an hour behind schedule, but they needed to return to Trondheim. There seemed to be a generator problem and they were hoping that it would be fixed in Trondheim instead of proceeding to the next port. It was a long trip back, but they were able to fix the problem and we proceeded on to the next port. Unfortunately, we were now even further behind schedule and all of the excursions for the next day were canceled. We had planned a boat trip into the maelstrom, a tidal whirlpool. Oh well. They decided to skip all of the intermediate mail stops and proceed straight to Bodø to make up time.
Dinner was Skjenning, a broth with small meatballs, salmon with blue mussel sauce and pudding with black currents. During dinner, the weather was getting rough and eating was not enjoyable. As we got ready for bed, the ship started rocking and rolling even more. It took me quite a while to fall asleep, although Mark nodded off right away!
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