St Olav Catholic Cathedral
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St Olav Catholic Cathedral

4.7
·286 reviews·, Norway

A modern, welcoming Catholic sanctuary in Trondheim known for its serene ambiance and excellent acoustics, offering regular English services.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday evenings

English Mass & good acoustics

CrowdMedium
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St Olav Catholic Cathedral

St Olav Catholic Cathedral

Best Time

Saturday evenings

English Mass & good acoustics

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern, welcoming Catholic sanctuary in Trondheim known for its serene ambiance and excellent acoustics, offering regular English services. Reddit

4.7
(286 reviews)

"This Catholic Church is very welcoming. We went to the 6 pm Sunday English Mass which was diverse and friendly. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Photo Alert: Old vs. New

Beware of old photos! The current Catholic cathedral is modern, not the historic Lutheran one. :camerawithflash:

🎤 Acoustics for Worship

The church boasts excellent acoustics, making services particularly resonant. :musical_score:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Catholic Sanctuary

Modern Catholic Sanctuary

Trondheim

A quiet, modern, and beautiful church offering a welcoming space for worship and community.

Reddit
English Mass Experience

English Mass Experience

Saturday 6 PM

Experience a diverse and friendly English Mass with excellent acoustics.

Reddit+1
Community Gatherings

Community Gatherings

After Sunday 6 PM Mass

Join the Polish community for a welcoming dinner after the Sunday evening Mass.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Name Game

Confused by photos? Many online images show the old Lutheran cathedral, not the current St. Olav Catholic Cathedral. This modern church is a short walk away and is the welcoming heart for Catholic services in Trondheim. Reddit

Mass Times & Community

Looking for English Mass? The Saturday 6 PM service is popular and has great acoustics. Sundays at 6 PM also feature a lovely sung Mass, often followed by community dinners hosted by the Polish community. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Saturday evenings
Why
English Mass & good acoustics
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday evenings
Why
Sung Mass & community dinner
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Little Amal has traveled 9000km and now arrived in Trondheim, Norway in the middle of the night looking for a place to sleep. #littleamal #trondheim #norway #lost #walkwithamal #olavfestval @Olavsfest
@littleamalthewalk
188.5K likes • 1.7M views

🎯 Photo Alert: Old vs. New

Beware of old photos! The current Catholic cathedral is modern, not the historic Lutheran one. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🎤 Acoustics for Worship

The church boasts excellent acoustics, making services particularly resonant. Reddit :musical_score:

St. Olav's Catholic Cathedral Sankt Olav domkirke #oslo #stolavdomkirke #shiennorway2025
indriasari76
7 likes • 166 views
Take me to Church St. Olav’s Catholic Cathedral, Oslo, Norway 🇳🇴 follow me 💕
taisia_havre
14 likes • 1.3K views

🤝 Welcoming Community

Experience a diverse and friendly atmosphere, especially during English Mass. Reddit :handshake:

🧥 Cloakroom & Facilities

Convenient amenities include a cloakroom and clean bathrooms for visitors. Reddit :toilet:

reddit.com

Nidaros Cathedral

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Photo Alert: Old vs. New

Beware of old photos! The current Catholic cathedral is modern, not the historic Lutheran one. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🎤 Acoustics for Worship

The church boasts excellent acoustics, making services particularly resonant. Reddit :musical_score:

🤝 Welcoming Community

Experience a diverse and friendly atmosphere, especially during English Mass. Reddit :handshake:

🧥 Cloakroom & Facilities

Convenient amenities include a cloakroom and clean bathrooms for visitors. Reddit :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(286 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find St. Olav Catholic Cathedral to be a quiet, modern, and beautiful sanctuary with excellent acoustics. It's highly praised for its welcoming atmosphere, particularly the English Mass on Saturdays and the community dinners following Sunday services. Some confusion exists due to online photos of the older Lutheran cathedral, but the current Catholic church is a beloved spiritual hub. Reddit+2

"Very nice cathedral. But be warned, many of the pictures shared on this site are not of the current Catholic cathedral. The original catholic cathedral was taken over by the reformation, Olafs relics destroyed, and turned into a Lutheran Church. This church is four minute walk from the old cathedral and is very welcoming. Don’t fall for the photos, which will lead you astray. The old cathedral is brilliant and well worth a visit. Just be aware of what you’re going to see, especially if you want to attend Mass."

John Frederick

"Quiet, modern and beautiful church. The English mass on Saturday 6 pm was nice and there are very good acoustics. There is even a place to put your clothes and bathrooms."

Adi Varga

"This Catholic Church is very welcoming. We went to the 6 pm Sunday English Mass which was diverse and friendly. After church the Polish community hosted a dinner for everyone there. They have also a Polish and of course Norwegian Mass. The church is modern and attractive."

Bryson McHardy

What People Like

Welcoming atmosphere
Excellent acoustics
English Mass availability

What People Dislike

Misleading online photos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cathedral is centrally located in Trondheim, a short walk from the older Lutheran cathedral. Public transport options are readily available in the city center. TikTok

While direct parking at the cathedral might be limited, there are several public parking garages in the city center within walking distance. It's often easier to use public transport or walk. Reddit

Yes, the cathedral is generally open for visitors outside of Mass times. It's a quiet and modern space perfect for reflection. Check their official website for specific visiting hours. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to St. Olav Catholic Cathedral is typically free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are always appreciated to help with upkeep. Reddit

The cathedral offers various Masses in Norwegian and English. English Mass is usually on Saturday at 6 PM, and a sung Mass is on Sunday at 6 PM. Check their official schedule for the most up-to-date times. Reddit+1

Generally, no tickets are required for Mass. However, due to its popularity, arriving a little early for English or sung Masses is recommended to secure a good seat. Reddit

Absolutely! St. Olav Catholic Cathedral is very welcoming to all visitors, regardless of their faith. You are welcome to attend Mass and experience the service. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors describe the atmosphere as quiet, modern, and beautiful. It's a peaceful sanctuary with excellent acoustics, perfect for prayer and reflection. Reddit

Yes, the cathedral provides convenient facilities including a cloakroom to store your belongings and clean bathrooms for visitors. Reddit

The modern architecture and serene interior can be very photogenic. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash photography during services. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the cathedral itself doesn't serve food, the Polish community often hosts welcoming dinners after the Sunday 6 PM Mass, offering a chance to connect and enjoy a meal. Reddit

Being centrally located, you'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the surrounding streets of Trondheim, offering a variety of cuisines. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The clean lines of the modern architecture and the altar area offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the serene ambiance and the play of light. Instagram

It's important to be respectful of worshippers. Avoid using flash photography during services and be mindful of where you are taking photos. Instagram

Daytime visits will offer natural light, highlighting the modern design. Consider visiting during a less crowded time to get unobstructed shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Olav Catholic Cathedral offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for families. The modern design is less intimidating for younger visitors, and the availability of clean bathrooms is always a plus. While there aren't specific children's programs, the inclusive atmosphere of the English Mass on Saturdays makes it accessible for families traveling with children. Reddit

Consider attending the Saturday evening Mass to ensure an English-speaking service. The cathedral's central location in Trondheim also means you're close to other family-friendly attractions and dining options for before or after your visit. TikTok

✈️ Day-Trippers

If you're visiting Trondheim on a day trip, St. Olav Catholic Cathedral is an easily accessible and worthwhile stop. Its central location means you can often fit it in between other sightseeing activities. TikTok

Focus on attending the Saturday 6 PM English Mass for a meaningful experience that fits neatly into a day's itinerary. The cathedral's modern architecture and serene ambiance offer a moment of calm reflection amidst your travels. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Name: St. Olav's Legacy

The name 'St. Olav' is deeply significant in Norway, referring to King Olaf II Haraldsson, who played a crucial role in Norway's Christianization. While the current Catholic Cathedral bears his name, it's important to distinguish it from the historical Nidaros Cathedral (now a Lutheran church) where St. Olav's relics were once housed. The modern St. Olav Catholic Cathedral serves as a contemporary spiritual center for the Catholic community in Trondheim. Reddit

Many online images can be misleading, often showing the older, grander Nidaros Cathedral. Travelers seeking the Catholic experience should look for the more modern structure, which is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent acoustics. Reddit+1

The Experience of English Mass

For English-speaking visitors, the Saturday 6 PM Mass at St. Olav Catholic Cathedral is a highlight. Reviews consistently praise the service for its diverse congregation and friendly environment. The acoustics are also a significant plus, making the liturgy and music particularly impactful. Reddit+1

Beyond the service itself, the community aspect is strong. Following the Sunday 6 PM Mass, the local Polish community often hosts dinners, providing a wonderful opportunity for visitors to mingle with locals and experience Norwegian hospitality firsthand. This communal aspect adds a unique layer to the spiritual visit. Reddit

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