Norway's capital of technology, the university town of Trondheim is a tech junkie's paradise and a history nerd's dream. The 11th-century Nidarosdomen Cathedral is the national sanctuary of Norway, and the Royal Residence is the largest wooden palace in Scandanavia. Fast-forward several centuries, and SINTEF science research center is doing some of the world's most important work in environmentally-friendly technologies. Nearby skiing is world-class, with World Cup winter sports competitions held regularly at Granåsen.