'Possibly' see the Northern lights in picturesque Trondheim, Norway! £265
Details
We like to think that we always listen to our members and take on board any advice, feedback or suggestions they may have. So when several members only in the last 48 hours commented on the dates of this trip, we listened, checked, then changed it.
N.B, please note that we've dropped the price of this trip by £10, as now we're not including the return train tickets from and to the airport, but these are only approx £4.50 each way. On the plus side however, the flights for these new dates are almost £50 cheaper than the original August dates, so you really are getting more for less
So everyone, we're still going to explore the beautiful town of Trondheim in Norway, but now, in November..... PERFECT Northern light season!!
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Northern Lights
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Experiencing the unbelievable colours moving across the Arctic sky is on many travellers’ bucket list. Few places on earth offer more ways to witness the aurora borealis than Norway.
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Seeing the Northern Lights is NEVER guaranteed. Sure, the absolute best time to see them close to the Arctic is between September and February, but this is also dependent on having a very clear sky with little or no cloud and having as little as possible artificial light pollution. However more and more hotels and now cater for this by having viewing platforms or will dim all lights or turn them off if this natural phenomena starts to occur.
But being in Trondheim at this time, will give you as good a chance as any.
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History of Trondheim
The name Trondheim derives from the old Norse Þróndheimr, meaning home of the strong and fertile ones. The city was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in AD 997, and occupies a special place in Norwegian culture and history. Trondheim was the nation's first capital, and continues to be the coronation city where Norway's kings from Harald Hårfagre (872–933) to King Harald V (1991 -) have been hailed, crowned and blessed.
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In its history the city was and is now again a popular destination for pilgrimages. Trondheim is also an ecclesiastical centre, a regional capital, a centre for industry and commerce, and an important education and research centre. After a catastrophic fire in 1681 destroyed most of the houses in the city, Major Jean Caspar de Cicignon was brought to Trondheim (from Luxembourg) to design a new city plan in the Baroque style. The streets were made wide to prevent fires from spreading. Some of the narrow alleys and narrow streets, many originating in the Middle Ages, nevertheless still exist, contrasting with Cicignon's wide boulevards from the 1600's. Even today Trondheim is spoken of as one of the typical wooden cities of Europe, and the city centre has many special wooden buildings, some built as far back as the 1700's.
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Nidaros Cathedral
King Olav Haraldsson was buried by Nidelven, the river Nid, after he was killed in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Tradition has it that the high Altar of the Cathedral now stands on the exact spot of this burial site. One year and five days after he died the King was declared a saint, and pilgrims began to flock to Nidaros and the King's grave.
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The national sanctuary of Norway is built over the grave of St Olav. Work began in 1070, but the oldest parts still in existence date from the middle of the twelfth century. These are in the Romanesque style, while most of the cathedral is Gothic in style. The building was completed in about 1300, but after being damaged several times by fire, it lay largely in ruins at the time of the Reformation in 1537. In 1869 extensive restorations were begun, and a century later it was again restored to its original grandeur. The stained glass dates from the early 20th century. The sculptures on the west front are by leading Norwegian artists, and the most recent was erected in 1983. Below the nave is the crypt with headstones from the middle ages.
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Munkholmen Island
Munkholmen is an island in the Trondheim Harbour area, approximately 2 kilometres from the town centre. The island was originally named Nidarholm. During the Viking Age, this was a place where public executions were held. Munkholmen is also where the founder of Trondheim, Olav Tryggvason, put Kark's and Håkon Earl's heads on poles, after battling for kingdom and Christianity in the year of 995.
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A few years later, a Benedictine monastery was build on Nidarholm. The presence of monks lasted until the Protestant Reformation (in 1537), and this is why the island over time got it's new name, Monk's Island (Munkholmen). Munkholmen was later used as prison. Peder Schumacher Griffenfeld is the most famous prisoner held here. Griffenfeld came to Norway as chancellor, but had to serve life time imprisonment (18 years) after bringing himself in disgrace upon the king (Christian V).
Tyholt Tower
This 74 metre high tower gives you 360 degree panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains, but also whilst you enjoy a light lunch or an evening dinner.
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Gråkallbanen - Tram Tour
Gråkallbanen is the world's most northern tram line, and a tourist attraction in Trondheim. Tram spotters are often observed along the line. The Tram takes you from the city center uphill and into the forest and recreational area Bymarka. You get a nice view over the city on it's way. At the end station Lian, there is a restaurant with a view above the lake (be aware of limited opening hours - see also http://trondheim.com/lian-restaurant (https://www.trondheim.com/lian-restaurant)). On special occasions, or by hiring, you can also take the old veteran tram. The yellow and blue veteran tram wagons are often in use, when cruise ships visit Trondheim during the summer season. The modern trams, however, runs on a schedule with 1-4 departures every hour.
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There's also a one and a half hour boat trip that takes in the beauty of the town from the river, (dependent on season and weather conditions) which we thought may be nice idea to do on the Saturday or Sunday.
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Trondheim is never going to be a site/attraction rich city break, like Rome, Barcelona or Paris, but it's still got lots of interesting places to visit, but with the added beauty of having one of the most stunning scenery backdrops in Europe all around it.
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Once you've marvelled at this quirky and quaint town in the day, there's still lots to do in the evenings if you're a true culture vulture. For starters, there's Rockheim, the local concert hall which champions the the best of Norwegian and Scandinavian music.
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Or maybe just dining out with a view!!
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This would be the absolute perfect spot in the hope again of seeing.... and just to prove not all images are photo shopped to within an inch of their lives, here are mine from our trip to Iceland in 2015 and as you can see, that was in October on a cloudy night! November on a clear night could be incredible....
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All of this, but in such a laid back, slow paced, relaxed lazy town surrounded by....
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Our centrally located, light, comfortable, contemporary and well equipped accommodation in Trondheim: The Comfort Hotel
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The total cost for this picturesque and idyllic weekend with maybe just a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, is just £265 based on sharing a twin room.
You will need to pay a NON REFUNDABLE deposit of £65 to secure your place on the trip via PayPal when you RSVP
N.B You MUST also provide your contact number and email address when you RSVP
The balance of £200 will be due NO LATER than Saturday 30th September
All payments are your responsibility and must be paid into the following bank account before the dates given above
Travel Together Lloyd's Account:
Account: 62479960
Sort: 30-97-78
What IS included:
• 3 nights accommodation sharing a twin room staying at The Comfort Hotel
• Breakfast each morning
What is NOT included:
• Flights - We've paid £69 (hand luggage only, see below) each for ours, the details of which are below. You are responsible for your own flights
• Any personal spending monies or entrance fees
• Any meals other than breakfast
• Insurance. You are responsible for your own travel insurance
Flights: (with Norwegian Air)
Outbound - Friday 10th November 2017
Depart Gatwick (South) at 17.50 and arrive in Trondheim at 21.20 on flight D82832
Inbound - Monday 13th November 2017
Depart Trondheim at 21.55 and arrive at Gatwick (South) at 23.30 on flight D82833
Clothing
The £69 flight price is hand luggage only. You could opt to add a checked in case, but Norway in November will be cold anyway. It may be a much better idea to be wear a good jumper, light (but warm) winter coat and probably good walking shoes or boots. This way you're still prepared but save the additional cost of checking in a case, but it's obviously a personal choice.
As with every Travel Together unguided trip, we always have a 'suggested itinerary' which we'll email to you before departure or hand out at the airport. This is just a general idea of what there is to see and do on each trip based on either excursions booked or locality of the main attractions. The main thing is just to have fun and share your experience as part of a group.
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Charlotte, Kevin & the team
'Join as a solo, experience as a group'