May 11, 2025

We arrived in Trondheim on an unseasonably warm Sunday morning. The temperature hit 39 degrees!

There are two churches that have significant meaning to this community. The Nidaros Catherdal is Norway’s national shrine renowned for its historical significance. It is the traditional location for the consecration of new Norwegian monarchs. Var Frue Kirke (The Church of Our Lady) although significantly smaller than the Nidaros Catherdal is referred to by Norwegians as an “open church.” Here people come to pray, meet over a cup of tea or coffee or to seek shelter. No one is ever refused help or assistance regardless of their denomination. It was interesting to note than many Norwegians still wear their traditional clothing to church.

Directly across the street from the Nidaros Catherdal was the Jewish Musuem of Trondheim part of the most northern synogague in the world. This small, yet profound museum told the story of how a brave group of Jews returned to Trondheim after the city had been burned to the ground by the German occupation. As is common in almost all communities I have visited around the world the first thing they did was build a place of worship and started a school.

We were not sure if it was because of the feel of Spring in the air but everyone was out and about and extremely friendly and welcoming.

I discovered that there is a term in Norwegian called “Friluftsliv“. It is more than a term actually, it is a mindset, a lifestyle that has everything to do with engagement with others. It is the decision to step outside, even when it is raining/snowing. Walk instead of ride. Hold hands and feel the wind on your face. It is not about climbing mountains or posting a selfie from a kayak, it is about being with others. Taking a coffee outside even if your hands feel a little numb. A cup of warm soup with friends. Nothing wrong with routine for Norwegians. No emails, no pressing news, just fine for Norwegians. Just the crack of the fire, the hiss of the kettle, maybe a board game with missing pieces. It is all about engagement. Norwegians knew what “being present” meant long before it became a popular psychological catch phrase.

Meaning, connection, Friluftsliv-you have it in the language here too. There is no word in Norwegian for “please”. That by no means suggests that Norwegians are rude. It means that politeness is baked into the tone, not bolted on at the end. Just like so much in this country it is understated but it is always present.

Be kind and live small in a way that actually makes life feel bigger.

That is a valuable lesson that I am taking with me from Norway.

Thanks for traveling with us.