- Water area: Atlantic Ocean
- Region: Sør-Trøndelag
- Area: 0,013 square meters. km
In the northern part of Norway there is a small island Munkholmen, otherwise known as a "monastic island". Munchholmen is considered a famous landmark of the country and a popular holiday destination .
Climate
The island is dominated by the marine climate. A distinctive feature of the region are short mild winters. Summer is cool here, the thermometer bars barely reach + 15 ° C. Precipitation is plentiful, frequent.
Unusual tradition
Munkholmen Island has been inhabited since ancient times. Since 997, the official authorities of Norway have used it as a place for the execution of the larre lada. The severed heads of the Vikings were stringed on spears and set up near the fjord to alert those arriving to the island. Guests entering the harbor Munkholmena, committed to spit on the executed, thus expressing respect for the monarch Olaf I. For a long time the tradition persisted, but then it was aimed at preventing crime among the local population.
Historical heritage of the island
The main milestones that left a mark on the history of Muncholmen are as follows:
- The only significant attraction of the island is the Nidarholm Abbey, based on Munchholm and existing until 1537. The oldest monastery of the country was founded in 1028 by Knud the Great and survived terrible fires in 1210, 1317, 1531. In 1537 due to church reforms the monastery ceased to exist.
- After the monks left the Abbey of Nidarholm, royal pastures were destroyed on its territory. In 1600 the former monastery was modernized and fortified, henceforth the authorities used it as a fort. In 1660, it was completed with a fortress and armed with powerful tools. In the following years, the fort was expanded and completed. Since 1674, the castle housed a prison, which contained political prisoners. Napoleonic warriors gave impetus to new transformations, which ended only in 1850.
- In the war years, Norway was occupied by fascist Germany. At this time, the base of the submarine "Dora 1" was stationed on the island, the security of which was provided by a reliable fortress and a fjord. Also at Munkholmen in those years anti-aircraft guns were installed.
Recreation and tourism
Nowadays the Norwegian island of Munkholmen and its fortress are a popular holiday destination for the people of neighboring Trondheim , as well as tourists from other countries. Especially crowded here in the summer months. For a detailed study of the island and its history, you can book an excursion, but if you want to explore Munchholm you can and independently.
There is a cafe-restaurant on the territory of the island, there are handicraft shops. Starting from spring and until late autumn, tourists are given costumes, music concerts, festivals. Unfortunately, there are no hotels and hotels on the island, but those who wish can spend the night in the rest homes of the nearest Trondheim.
How to get there?
Between May and September, passenger boats and boats departing from the pier "Ravnkloa" run between Trondheim and Munkholmen. Travel will be short and safe.