Munkholmen is a small island in the Trondheimsfjord, visible from the city waterfront. It has been an execution site, a monastery, a fortress, a prison, and a Nazi anti-aircraft position, in roughly that order.
Before Trondheim was founded in 997, the Jarls of Lade used the island to display the heads of executed enemies. In the early 12th century Benedictine monks built Nidarholm Abbey here and ran a small economic empire of farming, trade, and brewing. The monastery burned down three times, the last in 1531.
After the Dano-Swedish War in 1658, a fort was built on the ruins. It doubled as a state prison. Its most famous inmate was Count Peder Griffenfeld, once the most powerful man in Denmark-Norway, who spent 18 years here after falling from grace. During World War II, the Germans built bunkers and anti-aircraft positions on the island.
Today Munkholmen is a summer destination. A small passenger boat runs from the Ravnkloa fish market in the city centre, taking about 10 minutes. There is a beach, a cafe, and you can walk around the old fortifications. Allow an hour or two.
Before Trondheim was founded in 997, the Jarls of Lade used the island to display the heads of executed enemies. In the early 12th century Benedictine monks built Nidarholm Abbey here and ran a small economic empire of farming, trade, and brewing. The monastery burned down three times, the last in 1531.
After the Dano-Swedish War in 1658, a fort was built on the ruins. It doubled as a state prison. Its most famous inmate was Count Peder Griffenfeld, once the most powerful man in Denmark-Norway, who spent 18 years here after falling from grace. During World War II, the Germans built bunkers and anti-aircraft positions on the island.
Today Munkholmen is a summer destination. A small passenger boat runs from the Ravnkloa fish market in the city centre, taking about 10 minutes. There is a beach, a cafe, and you can walk around the old fortifications. Allow an hour or two.