A journey over Dovrefjell to Trøndelag was a challenge in times gone by. The route from southern to northern Norway, undertaken by kings and pilgrims of old, was arduous. Today’s roads and railway lines make this an easy trip. Most of those crossing Dovrefjell would have been heading for the city of Trondheim, or Nidaros as it was known originally. Throughout history, Trondheim has been the capital of central Norway; for a time it was the first capital of the kingdom and its cathedral, Nidarosdomen, was a focal point for pilgrimage in Scandinavia. The natural landscape in Trøndelag is coniferous, with deciduous forests tailing off into scraggy mountain woodland in the fells. The mountainous regions of Børgefjell, Sylene, Rørosvidda, Dovrefjell and the spectacular Trollheimen have much of interest in the way of outdoor activities, and many of the rivers offer excellent salmon-fishing. The offshore islands, particularly the archipelago of Vikna, are easily accessible, and bird-watching and sea fishing are among the attractions here.