Leiv Eiriksson Statue, Trondheim

The Leiv Eiriksson Statue in Trondheim is an important monument that celebrates the strong historical connections between Norway and the United States. It's a copy of a statue in Seattle and represents the close bond between Americans of Scandinavian descent and their ancestral homeland. The statue was given to Trondheim by these descendants in 1997 to mark the city's anniversary, honoring Norwegian emigrants who moved to the US for better opportunities.

Unveiled on July 23, 1997, the 10-foot statue coincided with the 1000th anniversary of Trondheim's founding and Leiv Eiriksson's voyage to America, highlighting its significance in Viking exploration and the ties between Europe and America.

Crafted by August Hansen Werner, a Norwegian-American artist, the statue symbolizes not only Leiv Eriksson's legacy but also the emigrant experience. Werner, who emigrated from Bergen in 1917, had a diverse career in the USA, showcasing the contributions of Norwegian emigrants to American society.

Also known as the Emigrants' Monument, the sculpture in Trondheim represents the courage of those who left Norway for America. The names of contributors or their ancestors are engraved on plaques beside the sculpture, adding a personal touch to the monument and connecting past and present generations.

Replicas of the statue can be found in Brattalid, Greenland, and L'Anse aux Meadows, Canada, emphasizing the widespread influence of Viking exploration and Leiv Eriksson's role in early transatlantic migration and cultural exchange.