Rock stars and scientists join forces at Starmus festival in Norway
Out-of-this-world gathering in Trondheim combines the world's biggest brains, bravest explorers and even a few ageing rockers
TRONDHEIM is a small but delightful Norwegian city on a fjord. Many visit to stroll its pretty streets or walk scenic trails.
But I headed there to stretch my mind by attending an out-of-this-world festival where I met leading celebs from science and Space.
Starmus is a massive event that brings together some of the world's brightest brains, bravest adventurers and even a few rock stars in a unique combination.
Among guests this year were two veteran spacemen, Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt, who walked on the moon during the historic Apollo 16 and 17 missions.
My mind was blown, too, by a talk from Stephen Hawking, looking ahead to the ultimate cruise — a voyage to distant stars.
Other stars included rockers Steve Vai, Devin Townsend and Grace Potter, plus 11 Nobel prizewinners. Queen's Brian May is a big supporter, too, but missed it this year because he was on tour.
There's also plenty going on in Trondheim outside festival time. It is a comfortably compact city which is easy to get around.
In the heart of the coastal city, you find the 270ft-long wooden Old Town Bridge, that has stood across the River Nidelva for more than 300 years.
It makes a great vantage point from which to admire the colourful old wharves. And it leads to the lively zone of Bakklandet with inviting cafés.
Or try the restaurant in the Old Town that hires out fishing rods. You can even cook your own catch of the day on the barbecue grills provided.
A short walk through parkland brings you to Nidaros Cathedral, which grew from a wooden chapel built over the tomb of Viking king St Olav. He's the nation's patron saint, though he wasn't so popular in England.
That's because as a teen he joined a pillaging horde of Vikings who killed the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1012.
If you're feeling Queen's May adventurous, there's a longer walking trail, the Ladestien, stretching nearly nine miles along the edge of the fjord.
Autumn and spring are great times to go if you want to see the Northern Lights. The city's north-facing shoreline is an ideal place to see this light show, without paying for an expensive cruise.
Meanwhile the date and location of the next Starmus festival have not yet been announced — keep an eye on .
GO: NORWAY
GETTING THERE: Flights direct from Gatwick with Norwegian start at £40. See .
STAYING THERE: Rooms start from at £80 a night at the Thon Hotel Gildevangen. See .
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