◗ TRONDHEIM This particular tour starts in Trondheim, Norway’s third most populous city. On a wander around the city, we marvel at the pastel-hued buildings squeezed alongside the harbour, as we learn about the history of aquavit. Norway’s potato-based liquor
was first produced by monks in the 14th century and the world’s most famous aquavit brand, Jørgen B Lysholm, opened its distillery in Trondheim in 1821. There are 111 types on offer at Baklandet Skydsstation, which is a former coaching house built in 1791. Peasants heading to the local market would rest their horses there while they enjoyed a shot of the Norwegian firewater. One particular advantage of
group tours is other travellers’ abilities to sniff out attractions that others might not otherwise discover. After lunch at Baklandet Skydsstation, two
rock-loving members of our group stumble upon Trondheim’s Rockheim, a museum dedicated to heavy metal. Inside, visitors can pay tribute
to Norway’s rock gods by playing guitar (albeit virtually) with guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø, or rock out in the museum’s media library. It’s all incredibly good fun. The next day, we wage war on our aquavit hangovers with a march up to the Bymarka – a forested park on the outskirts of the city – and feast on the freshest salmon I’ve ever tasted
at the hilltop Lian restaurant, perched high above Trondheim. Later, we visit the wonderfully Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of St Olaf, who was king of Norway between 1015 and 1028. Scandinavia’s northernmost cathedral is an explosion of Gothic extravagance. In the summer, visitors can clamber up 172 steps to the top of the tower, but I recommend going down below. On a tour of the crypt,
we’re shown a strangely beautiful collection of medieval
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travelweekly.co.uk 12 November 2015
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