BOOTboys

Trondheim
Wednesday 17th July 2019:

Due off the boat at 10 a.m. when the Nordnorge docked at Trondheim after a remarkably smooth journey. We have been so lucky with the weather.

A little sad to leave our little cabin and indeed the boat. It’s very comfortable with so many nice sitting areas, interesting and, most importantly, small with 500(?) passengers. We felt our time on it was just about right. Had a last walk round Deck 5 (4 times) our favourite part.

Apparently there are no transfers from Trondheim harbour so we got a good taxi (and will get the refund later- ho-ho!) the short distance to the huge Scandi Nidelva (the name for head of river or River Nid). There are lots of familiar or familiar sounding place names- we even found a Nattland near Bergen! Result of the Viking invasion.

Hotel room has only a limited view but very comfortably and spacious.

Then off to explore this lovely town! We decided to make our way to the famous Nidoros Cathedral via the main shopping area. Stopped for a coffee and scone outside on a tree-lined boulevard (reminding us once again of Munich).

The cathedral was begun in the 11th Century and dedicated to St Olav- the king who brought Christianity to Norway (by force!) and originally his relics were there. Taken away during the reformation. After centuries of fires it was completely restored from 1850 – 1950 ish.

The façade was impressive, in the Anglo-Norman Gothic style, reminiscent of Rouen. Two towers, rose window and rows of niches for saints. Extremely busy – queues and had to wait to join guided tour. Weren’t taken enough to join one so wandered down through pleasant Arch bishop Palace and down to the river. Very picturesque.

Wooden, coloured houses (mostly restored again because of fire damage) on stilts. Crossed the Gamle Bybro Bridge known as the “Portal of Happiness”, rather Chinese like, over to Bakklandet-beautiful area of traditional wooden houses.

Climbed the hill to Kristiasten fortress hoping for better views over Trondheim and harbour but rather hidden by the trees. Glimpsed the Nornnorge sailing away.

Totally collapsed at the hotel for an hour’s sleep. Ventured out to check where the railway station is located for tomorrow’s trip to Oslo and a shorter walk around the northern end of town.

Finished the day with another nice meal at Olivia’s (as in Bergen) on terrace in the sunshine before the breeze got up.

Decided we liked Trondheim very much and could make a return visit, perhaps to restart our Hurtigruten adventure up to the tip of Norway.

Trondheim

Oslo

Back to Oslo

Wednesday 17th July 2019:

Decided the Scandic breakfast set up was a bit confusing as catering for positive army of tourists. But most admit what we got eventually was very good; as always the fish, the eggs, the croissants and custard pasties. The green juice shoot definitely set me up for the day- must be doing me good.

A last walk around the beautiful riverside area to collect butties (from the suppliers of yesterday’s) before going to the station for 13:20 train. No transfer again but only a short easy walk.

Quite noticeable is there is an excellent road system but much fewer cars than home. So jay walking all the time. Hopefully we won’t be fined.

Train journey. Praise-be! A whole window to our selves. Going backwards in older rolling stock but not a problem. Scenery as before. Lovely rolling hills, like Bavaria going gradually up into mountains with small farms (pretty- often red), steep sided valleys (and a few cows have appeared) and of course endless trees. Lots of locals on holiday in outdoors- many camper vans and holiday homes. Very smooth and uneventful journey.

Arrived back in Oslo on the dot of 8 p.m. and walked the short way back to Tron terminus. After light hiatus when reception man thought we were only booked in for one night- soon sorted.

In room in older part, we thought, but slightly more spacious. After all that sitting we went straight to explore, through the city and down to the Aker Brygge harbour - obviously the place to promenade and eat. Quite hungry so went into Louise’s which seemed to serve more local dishes. Excellent view from table but needed the rug round knees. Both had north Norwegian cod (delish) and glass of wine. AND a pudding! Ice-cream for D, lemon meringue for M.

Trondheim

Oslo

Thursday 18th July:

Leisurely start as quite tired after all the travelling of past few days. In fact both of us are “moving” ever so slightly, particularly noticeable in the bathroom. Also the weather is very cloudy and heavy showers are predicted.

Breakfast busy. Couldn’t decide what to visit. Main indoor attraction, the National Gallery of Art is permanently closed as moving to a new building near the harbour (looks very plain from the outside!)- very disappointing.

We made our way to impressive Opera House, designed to resemble natural features such as glaciers and icebergs. Good to walk up sloped to the roof- good views with pigeons. The oldies had to take care up and down the very uneven slabs of marble with hidden steps.

Walked from Opera House round to the fortress via Salt- an installation with Finnish shirts. Different!

The fortress was very interesting with huge wall and many attractive brick buildings inside. Not busy and nice to escape crowds.

Also escaped heavy thundery downpour by visiting the Resistance Museum. Very interesting and well presented but rather a lot of it. The Norwegians had a tough time through the war with the Nazi occupation and Mr Quisling.

After that we were extremely hungry and cut up through the “designer” store STEEN & STRØM. It said it had a rooftop restaurant but it was too smart for a snack so we found many different cuisines in the basement and decided on a quick slice of pizza plus cappuccino in the Italian section. We were sitting opposite the Danish Choc Shop when suddenly a lady with a “Low Sizergh Barn” bag walked by !!! What are the chances of that? I had to talk to her and it turned out that her son-in-law was called Simon. I could have kicked myself that I didn’t find out if that was Diana’s (friend of Cynthia) son. Small world whatever.

Back through the main part of town which was heaving and back to hotel for a collapse- sleep, read and cup of tea and cake. Green tea and all its medicinal properties is now the tea of choice for Don!

Out later for supper and decided to try Egon’s (Ronay?) which we have kept seeing in different towns. It turns out that they are burger specialists. Quick as you like we had a chicken (me) and a beef (Don) burger with sweet potato fries and loads of dressings. Very yum and a large (very expensive) glass of wine.

Back to hotel to prepare for flight home in the morning.

What a week. Back next year to try Part 2- Trondheim to Kikenes?!!

Notes from Norway

Trondheim

Oslo

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