Olavsfest

Olavsfest, formerly Olavsfestdagene, runs for about a week around 29 July, the date of Olav's death at Stiklestad, and it has grown from a church commemoration into a broad cultural festival: early and sacred music in Nidaros Cathedral and the city's churches, contemporary and folk concerts, theatre, a public debate programme on ethics and religion that draws national attention, and a medieval market in the cathedral grounds with craftspeople, food and demonstrations. Pilgrims arriving on the St Olav Ways time their walks to finish during the festival. Some events are free, including much of the market and outdoor programming, while concerts in the cathedral are ticketed and sell out.

What you actually see

• The cathedral concerts - early and sacred music in Nidaros.
• The medieval market - craftspeople and food in the cathedral grounds.
• The debate programme - public discussions on ethics, faith and society.
• The arriving pilgrims - walkers finishing the St Olav Ways during the week.

When to go

Late July into early August, the fixed festival period around Saint Olav's day; the programme is announced in spring and cathedral concerts sell out early. Trondheim summer weather is variable and much of the market is outdoors.

Honest expectations

Accommodation in Trondheim is tight during the festival. Ticketed concerts book out well ahead. Much of the debate programme is in Norwegian, limiting access for visitors without the language.

Nearby

Nidaros Cathedral is the centre; Bakklandet, Kristiansten fortress and Munkholmen are close.