Reitgjerdet sykehus, Former psychiatric hospital in Trondheim, Norway.
Reitgjerdet sykehus is a former hospital in Trondheim comprised of multiple buildings with red brick walls and traditional Norwegian architectural features. The complex includes ward buildings, administrative structures, and support facilities arranged across the grounds.
The facility opened in 1861 as a leprosy hospital and converted to psychiatric use in 1923. This shift reflected major changes in Norwegian medical priorities and how the country approached public health care during the 20th century.
The facility served as a major psychiatric care center for northern Norway and shows how medical institutions handled mental health treatment in the 20th century. Walking through the buildings reveals how their design reflected the thinking about illness and patient care at the time.
The site is accessible for historical research and documentation, though visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the grounds are uneven in places. Check access conditions beforehand, as only certain areas may be open to the public at any given time.
From 1961 onward, the institution specialized in treating male patients with particularly difficult or aggressive behavior patterns. This role made it a key facility within Norwegian psychiatry for patients who were challenging to manage elsewhere.
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