THE CITY THAT LOVES ITS PRESENT
History books devote many chapters to the founding and historical importance of Trondheim, Norway's former capital city, but the residents of the city today, proud as they are of their great monuments, love their town for more than its past. For them, the real power of its attraction lies in the hills, the mountains, the forests, lakes and streams, not to forget the many idyllic spots along the Trondheim Fjord where the city dwellers always have an opportunity to be in nature's rugged surroundings whenever city noise and bustle becomes too much.
Relief is available without charge, to anyone in Trondheim who possesses a pair of strong legs. No other means of transportation is necessary. Not many cities in Norway offer such diversified outdoor activities as Trondheim. With so attractive a backyard, few residents care to settle elsewhere.
Like most coastal Norwegian cities, Trondheim can trace its history back to the Vikings. Olav Trygvason, founder of the city and progressive leader of his people, built his fleet of Viking ships on the banks of the Nid River. Thus the city that began as a ship-building centre, inevitably developed into an urban centre, with its ideal location at the river's mouth, proximity to rich farmland, virgin forests and rich iron and copper deposits.
Trondheim today ranks as the third largest city in Norway, after Oslo and Bergen. With the rise of Christianity, The City became an apex for the cultural and social developments of this young nation until by royal marriage Norway became a Danish Colony for four hundred years, and the church seat was removed to Oslo. Trondheim's days as the leading city were over.
What is left from the days of glory is the beautiful Cathedral, the largest in Northern Europe, where the kings of Norway are still crowned. Here, too, is the Cathedral School, the first institution in Norway for higher learning, which at the outset was concentrated on theology. Today, however, it's Technical Academy of Norway trains engineers, architects, chemists and scientists with a quality education which is second to none.
Trondheimers themselves are happy people, who welcome tourists to their relatively small city with a courteous and friendly manner. Passengers on the Caronia North Cape Cruise will find many shops specialising in exquisite articles of silver and gold and fine enamelware. Other shops have excellent displays of local arts and crafts and particularly beautiful hand-knit goods, for which all of Norway is famous.
[Produced for the North Cape Cruise departing New York 02 July 1965]