University of Wisconsin–Madison

Norway: Josalin Kumm (Top ten list: Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology)

I’m having a blast in Trondheim! Here are a few of the fun things I’ve done so far:

1. Walk around Bakklandet and see the colorful Nordic houses on the water. I often run to Bakklandet and love passing through the stone streets with the very traditional houses and cute coffee shops.

    A line of brightly colored houses sit on stilts right up against a river.
    Bakklandet during the summer!

    2. Visit the Nidaros Cathedral. A 11th century cathedral with many religious and historical ties to history of Norway that I am also currently learning about in my Norwegian history class. The Cathedral is absolutely breathing taking. I would highly recommend! By the way, you can also attend Mass in the Cathedral.

    A large, gothic cathedral has many archways filled with statues and a large flower pattern within a circle taking up the center of the building.
    Nidaros at dusk.

    3. Walk through the Archbishop’s Palace (Erkebispegarden). Erkebispegarden has many historical items such as royal regalia from the Norwegian Royal family. If you have ever wanted to see a fur robe or large diamond encrusted crown- now is your chance! You can also see the historical growth of the area and the smelting of gold and silver to create coins.

    A model of a stone building with orange roofs forming a square around a center courtyard.
    Mini replica of Erkebispegarden.

    4. Visit the Lykkens Portal. Lykken Portal is also called Old Town Bridge or the Portal of Happiness. This historic wooden bridge provides the perfect place to take photos of Bakklandet and enter the sentrum or center of the city.

    Two red gates with patterns carved into their triangular peaks span a bridge with colorful buildings on the other side.
    The typical view of Lykkens Portal with the tourists.

    5. Hike up the fjord. A very Norwegian pastime is hiking – even in the rain. Take a cup of coffee and a Gore-Tex jacket and see the amazing views of the city from the fjord. Also be prepared to get wet and sweaty while enjoying nature in Norway. Sadly, I did not take any good photos of the journey.

    6. Go to a cabin. Norwegians love hanging out and getting away from the city by going to a cabin. Many cabins require a hike to reach. I had the opportunity to visit a student run cabin called “Studenterhytta” and had waffles for breakfast.

    A red building with white trim on a cloudy day.
    Studenterhytta on a cloudy and rainy day.

    7. See the northern lights – if possible. The aurora borealis can sometimes be seen in Trondheim since it is so far up north. If you are here in the winter, you might be able to see them. Unfortunately, I was not able to take any photos this time. I will get better photos of the aurora at the end of the semester.

    8. Go to a festival held in the city of Trondheim. I went to Pstereo, a large music festival with headliners such as Aurora – one of the biggest artists in Norway and internationally. There are also many small festivals held year-round such as small Octoberfest and UKA- the largest cultural festival held by the student society at NTNU. This year 50 Cent is playing at UKA. I am very excited!

    A crowd stands in front of an outdoor concert stage with a purple background that says "Belle & Sebastian".
    A very good band playing at Pstereo! Definitely check them out!

    9. Walk around downtown and purchase a Norwegian sweater to keep you warm. Norway can be dark and rainy at times. I have been thrifting traditional Norwegian sweaters at the thrift shops in the area to keep warm and cozy. Norway is focused on sustainability and has many thrift or secondhand shops to reuse old furniture and clothing. Trondheim is a beautiful city with a lot of great shopping from outdoors gear to European fashion.

    A brick street lined with pastel colored houses has rows of hanging pastel umbrellas.
    A typical day walking downtown in Trondheim!

    10. Visit NTNU! NTNU has a wide range of architecture and artifacts around campus. The main building looks like a medieval castle. Many of the other buildings such as Realfagbygget  have polar bears inside as well as a four-story pendulum. NTNU has so many amazing and interesting people as well.

    A group of people posing on and around a statue of blue letters in front of a stone building with two towers.
    Me, my roommates, and a bunch of Italians during orientation week! I am sitting on the bottom row, third from the left.

     

    Josalin smiles and rests her chin on her hands in front of a blurred background.

    Josalin Kumm

    Hometown: Amherst, Wisconsin

    Major: Industrial Engineering

    Program:  Norwegian Institute of Science & Technology Engineering Exchange

    I chose this program because it aligns with my academic interests and background. I hope to learn more about Norwegian culture while becoming a more informed global citizen and continuing my education. I believe there are many great sustainability practices and beliefs within Norway. I also hope to meet new people with different perspectives and life experiences during my time abroad.