Nidarosdomen

About the museum

Nidarosdomen stands over the grave of Olav the Holy, the Viking king who introduced Christianity to Norway and was called “Norway's eternal king”. Work on the cathedral began in 1070, and the church was completed in all its splendour around the year 1300. In the Middle Ages Trondheim, then called Nidaros, was the most important pilgrimage destination in Northern Europe, and that tradition has been revived today.

After several fires and a lack of maintenance, the cathedral was in very poor condition in the early 19th century. In 1868 it was decided that it should be rebuilt as a national symbol, and the work began the following year. The restoration has been going on for more than 150 years and continues with various projects. Thousands of figures and ornaments in soapstone give the church a mysterious character in the dark season, and in spring and summer the light falls through the colourful rose window.

A visit to Nidarosdomen can be combined with the Archbishop's Palace (Erkebispegården) and the Norwegian Crown Regalia (Riksregaliene). Tickets are bought at the visitor centre at Bispegata 5. The church is still in use for services, concerts and church ceremonies, so opening times may vary.

Highlights

• The world's northernmost Gothic cathedral
• Built over the grave of Olav the Holy
• Tower visits in the summer season
• Visitor centre with café and shop
• Combined ticket with Erkebispegården and Riksregaliene

Permanent exhibition

• Nidarosdomen – A walk through the cathedral with soapstone sculptures, the rose window and decoration, above the grave of Olav the Holy.

Operated by

Nidaros Domkirkes Restaureringsarbeider (NDR)

Admission & discounts

Entrance tickets are bought at the visitor centre. Concert tickets are bought from Hoopla.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Nidarosdomen and Erkebispegården are adapted for visitors with reduced mobility as far as possible, but the buildings make adaptation difficult. An accessible toilet is available in the visitor centre. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted; other dogs are not.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The cathedral lies in the centre of Trondheim, next to the visitor centre at Bispegata 5. There is a risk of falling stones; the barriers around the cathedral must be respected.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café To Tårn and a gift shop in the visitor centre at Bispegata 5. Large bags, backpacks and suitcases cannot be taken inside.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit