August 15th 2015: Norway: Trondheim 2

Monty the Motorhome is sweltering in temperatures of 24 degree centigrade - hotter then England, and we’re only 300 odd miles south of the arctic circle. This is unusual for Trondheim and the locals are making the most of it. Everywhere you look there are people sunbathing and there seems a general good feeling in the air.

We set out this morning to walk along the sea front, past the main marina which was crammed with sail boats, and on along a newly constructed promenade to the main ferry port. We were just too late to see a Hurtigruten depart - the Nordlys heading south. However the northbound Kong Harald was still in dock - the ship we had seen only four days ago heading south.

We didn’t stay but pressed on to visit Nidaros Cathedral - the world’s northern most gothic cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Olav - Viking king and Norway’s patron saint.From the exterior it reminded us of a smaller version of Chartres Cathedral in France, with ornate carvings and a huge rose window on the western transept.

I climbed the tower to see the view of the city. The stairs are so narrow and numerous that Ruth decided to stay and wait in quiet contemplation while I clambered up. Only one way traffic is allowed, and visitors have to ascend in groups, but once at the top the views open up all around the city.

Then, as the day was so hot, we returned to the van and lounged around in the sun until late afternoon. Suitably rejuvenated we returned to the city and headed for the Tronhjem mikrobryggeri (Trondheim micro-brewery), which as the name suggests serves various beers all brewed on the site. They also serve some very good burgers = though mighty expensive. I had their special - double beefburger, bacon, cheese, salad and onion - all stacked in a bun, together with chips and onion rings. Ruth went for a single beefburger with blue cheese - total cost 460 NOK - about £35.

However the main reason for visiting was the beer. Six were on offer, so we started with 0.33l of wheat beer, followed by 0.33l of brown ale. Then on to their tasters - 0.1l measures of pils, porter, rugged IPA (extra strong) and stout. The latter three were a bit too rich, but pils, wheat and brown could happily be drunk all night. One criticism - my normal one - Norwegians have no concept of warm flat beer. Most unfortunate.

So back to a hot Monty, with the hope that temperatures drop during the evening. We move on tomorrow, but can thoroughly recommend Trondheim. It has a lovely laid back atmosphere, but vibrant from a large student population. Perhaps we were lucky to visit in glorious weather, but even in the rain it would be worth coming.