Occupying a special place in Norwegian culture and history, Trondheim was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in AD 997. Norway’s first capital, it is the “Coronation city” where Norway’s Kings are crowned and blessed. Equally it is an ecclesiastical centre, a regional capital, a hive of industry and commerce, as well being an important place for education and research. The perfect location therefore for a Grand Chapitre!

The official opening was a “Get Together” at the Scandic Nidelven Hotel, situated in the town centre and built 17 metres out into the famous River Nidelven. It has many awards particularly as a “Best Breakfast” hotel.

On Saturday, the Grand Chapitre continued with an Ordre Mondial lunch at NordØst Food & Cocktails. NordØst is the Bailliage of Trøndelag’s latest Professional member establishment. It bases its concept on using the best raw materials from the Norwegian coast in combination with Asian influence, flavour and technique.

Later in the afternoon, the Induction Ceremony, officiated by Ari Arvonen, Member of the Conseil Magistral from Finland, was held at Radisson Blu Garden Hotel. One of the best hotels in town, it offers modern facilities yet retains an atmosphere redolent of the elegant, classic style, combined with real Trondheim hospitality and personal service. The Gala Dinner attended by 250 festively-dressed guests took place in the hotel’s principal restaurant “Cicignon” overlooking the river Nidelven. [NB. The restaurant is named after the Luxembourg-born soldier and military engineer, Johan Caspar von Cicignon, who is most associated with the reconstruction of Trondheim after the great fire of 1681.]

The three-day programme concluded on Sunday with a perfect lunch at “E.C. Dahls Pub og Kjøkken”. Four years ago this venerable, long-established brewery was threatened with closure. Fortunately, investors including Carlsberg contributed new optimism for taking the operation forward. The acknowledged American Brooklyn Brewery is also part of the investor team.

After lunch we said farewell to Trondheim and another fantastically organised Grand Chapitre.

Erling Riisnæs
Chargé de Presse