Trondheim, Norway

When it comes to Norwegian cities, Trondheim is No. 3 on the list. It's behind Oslo and Bergen at about 200,000 people. And it's really pretty, as it takes advantage of the coastline to full effect.

The city was founded in 997 and served as the capital of the country during the Viking era. It was first called Nidaros, after the river that runs through it, but eventually switched names. Things changed in that last sense in 1217, but it is still the last major city on the coast going north. Trondheim has plenty of smart people walking around, thanks to some college and technical centers.Thanks to its location, trading has always been popular here as a business activity. This photo shows some of the old warehouses on the river.

And those people who live here are smart enough to realize that, in spite of its location, Trondheim isn't that cold. The average high temperature is above freezing year round. 

During World War II, the Germans took the city without opposition, although Allied forces failed in an attempt to recapture it a few days later. The Nazis built a naval base here, although they never got around to turning it into a major center. 

There's a lot of charm here; you'll like it.