Narrating the fascinating tale of a woman's power and ambition, Stiftsgården in Trondheim, Norway, is the largest wooden palace in Northern Europe. Currently a royal residence and previously home to a very wealthy widow, Stiftsgarden was constructed in the late 18th century, at Trondheim’s most significant thoroughfare called Munkegaten.

One of Scandinavia’s most prized possessions, Stiftsgården is also a reminiscence of Trondheim's golden age and has been a part of history by hosting the royal guests since 1800.


 

Stiftsgården was built between 1774 and 1778, by Cecilie Christine Schøller—the widow of a chamberlain and merchant named Stie Tønsberg Schøller. Cecilie Christine Schøller, who had also earned the title of Privy Counselor, inherited the fortune from her husband after his demise in 1769. The lady, with the notable lineage from her parents’ side, represents the commercial and cultural progression of Trondheim during the period.

A noble descent from her mother’s side, Mrs Schøller’s father had served as the army Commander-in-Chief of central Norway, and the baroque architecture of the palace has been modelled after her paternal house. Due to her extensive travelling abroad, the owner barely lived in the magnificent palace and it was occupied by her son-in-law General Georg Frederik Von Krogh until the death of Cecilie Christine Schøller, after which Stiftsgården was inherited by her grandson. In 1906, the palace was declared an exclusive royal residence. Stiftsgården, with all its glory, has witnessed many regal celebrations since its existence including the blessing of King Olav V 1958 and King Harald V in 1991.

About Stiftsgården:

The Stiftsgården Palace has 140 rooms. A large part of the palace garden was declared a public park in the year 1906. The double-storey mansion has huge halls in both the floors. Troningssalen or the Throne Room is on the ground floor and the Queen's Salon or Dronningens Salong is on the floor above. The palace has no corridors. The gorgeous Stucco work on some of the ceilings is the stunning example of fine Rococo or late-baroque style. The painted landscapes on the panels above the doors are not just beautiful but exquisite. The palace also has some gorgeous English copper engravings. Most of the original 18th-century furnishings in Stiftsgården have been replaced with the furniture acquired in the 19-century or later, except the two Rococo style stoves from 1768. 

Getting there: 

Located on the central axis of the ancient Norwegian city Trondheim, Stiftsgården can be reached easily. Trondheim is well-connected to Oslo and other Norwegian cities through plenty of daily flights. The city also has international air connections to many destinations including Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Alicante, Murcia, Malaga, Warsaw, Riga, and Prague. 

There are four daily trains from Oslo to Trondheim, offering the fastest mode of ground transportation between the major cities in Norway. There are buses and boats too, connecting Trondheim with the rest of the country. 

In Trondheim, you can use local buses with a well-developed network to reach Stiftsgården. However, admission to the palace is by tour only which are arranged by the National Museum of Decorative Arts every hour, except when the Royal Family is in residence.

Entry Fee: Adult: Nok 80 (Approx 9.5 euros), Child Nok 40 (Approx 4.7 euros)

Opening hours: June to late August—Mon to Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: Noon-5pm. September to May— Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 10am-3pm, Thursday: noon-8pm, Sunday: noon-4pm.

Address: Munkegt. 23, Trondheim 7013, Norway