In the fall of 2019, my son and I travelled on a «pilgrimage» to Trondheim — it was not really a pilgrimage, because we did not walk on foot. We travelled by train. But we stayed at the hotel Nidaros Pilegrimsgård, just off the park of Nidaros Cathedral, down by the banks of Nidelven. A hotel that is highly recommended. Beautiful and quiet location.
The main goal of the trip was to experience Trondheim. So, we walked a lot in the centre and along the Nidelven river and saw most of the attractions. Nidaros Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, Kristiansten Fortress and much more. Not least, we had a look at the excavation of Elgeseter Monastery, which I was really looking forward to.
In the ruins of the monastery church at Elgeseter Monastery, archaeologists are searching for the tomb of the legendary Harald Hardrada — the Norwegian Viking king who died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 A.D. His death is also linked to the end of the Viking Age. But at the time of writing, the king is still playing hide and seek with the archaeologists.
It will be exciting to see if they find him eventually. His remains can provide important information beyond what the historical sources tell and give us a better picture of who he was. At least he lived a dramatic and adventurous life.
As a writer, I am happy to live in Norway. Something exciting is continuously emerging from the earth, historical discoveries that inspire me to write.
Trondheim is well worth a visit.
TOM THOWSEN 
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