trondheim travel itinerary

• Norwegian Fjords
• Northern Norway
• Eastern Norway
• Itineraries & Inspirations
• Plan Your Trip

20+ Things to Do in Trondheim You Just Can’t Miss

Discover the local tips on the best things to do in Trondheim : as Norway’s third-largest city , home to 210,000 residents and 40,000 students, Trondheim radiates an open-minded spirit and boasts a rich history and lively culture. Nestled along the jagged western coast, just north of the famed southwestern fjords, is a perfect gateway to the less-explored central region of Norway and offers numerous intriguing things to do and one of the most dynamic and surprising culinary scenes in the country.

Trondheim is also a popular stop for the Hurtigruten , the iconic coastal express that winds its way from Bergen to Kirkenes , as well as for numerous cruise ships touring the area. This is why many visit it in just a few hours, but let me tell you, it’s well worth spending at least a few nights to explore its museums and attractions , its beautiful surroundings , and its welcoming atmosphere .

Once the capital of Norway, Trondheim combines vibrancy and modernity with a rich cultural heritage . Stroll through the alleys of its old town with its colorful waterfront houses to discover its fascinating past, among ancient cathedrals and merchant houses that tell stories of Vikings , medieval kings , and hardy fishermen .

What you’ll find in this guide to the Best Things to Do in Trondheim:

Trondheim: What to Know Before Going

Trondheim is one of the oldest cities in Norway and boasts a fascinating history and cultural heritage. Founded in the year 997 by Viking King Olaf I of Norway , it was initially known as Kaupangen , a name that was soon changed to Nidaros . It was here that the nation took root, and Nidaros served as the capital of Norway until 1217 , when Norway ended up uniting with Denmark and Sweden , forming a single country that would last many centuries. Consider that Norway only returned to being an independent state in 1905!

The most significant testament to its past is the imposing Nidaros Cathedral , a Gothic masterpiece erected in 1070 , which once served as a solemn venue for the coronation of Norwegian monarchs. Nestled along a tranquil fjord , on whose banks one of the most important ports of Central Norway is located, the city is today a primary hub for transport in the region and has gracefully evolved into a thriving, modern city.

It’s home to one of Norway’s premier universities, and its substantial student community makes it vibrant in any season . There’s always something going on in the city, from concerts and events to exhibitions. The city also stands proudly as one of the country’s primary centers for cutting-edge scientific and technological research , making it a hub for innovation and progress.

But Trondheim is not just about its illustrious past and promising future. It’s a vibrant, bustling city that offers a plethora of experiences for travelers. Its charming old town , with narrow streets and colorful houses, invites exploration. The serene Nidelva River winding through the city creates picturesque scenes, perfect for leisurely strolls. The fusion of history, culture, and modernity makes Trondheim a vibrant and enjoyable destination, perfect to explore in just a few days .

Best Things to Do in Trondheim

Most of the attractions and things to see in Trondheim are located in the city center , which is easily explored on foot. The city is quite compact, and several public transportation lines allow you to reach almost all the attractions in the surrounding area. For those arriving from the port or the train station , the city center and the riverside walk leading to the colorful houses of the Bakklandet district can be reached with an easy half-hour walk.

Nidaros Cathedral

The Nidaros Cathedral is one of Norway’s most significant churches and the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world . It was built in 1070 on the burial site of King Olaf II of Norway , who was killed during the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. King Olaf II is renowned for introducing Christianity to Norway, which is why he is now considered the country’s patron saint .

Historically, the Nidaros Cathedral served as the burial site for Norwegian kings and the location for coronations , which took place here from the 1400s. The ceremony was only recently moved to Oslo , following Norway’s regained independence in the early 1900s. Over the centuries, the Nidaros Cathedral has increasingly become one of the primary pilgrimage destinations in Northern Europe, still marking the endpoint of the St. Olav’s Way (Pilegrimsleden) , also known as the Old Kings’ Road .

Despite suffering damage from devastating fires on multiple occasions, it remains one of Norway’s most important and captivating churches —a monumental stone church that stands as a result of centuries of restoration and reconstruction efforts, resulting in a true masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Its distinctive feature is the imposing facade adorned with sculptures of saints and kings flanking a large rose window , along with smaller sculptures such as masks, angels, and various animals, including bears, donkeys, elephants, roosters, and bees.

While the interiors are often underestimated, they are worth a visit. Despite the dimly lit and somber appearance, the cathedral maintains a majestic and solemn atmosphere with spacious naves, high ceilings, and numerous stained glass windows along the walls. The oldest part is the octagon , situated at the original location of the early church altar, which has remained intact for over a millennium.

The cathedral also houses some precious treasures, including the remains of Saint Olav and a Baroque organ from 1738 . A narrow and steep staircase leads to the underground crypts , which host a collection of ancient marble tombstones. During the summer months, visitors can also climb the 172 steps—somewhat dark and narrow—leading to the top of the tower , providing a nice view of the city.

Archbishop’s Palace Museum

Trondheim is also home to the Crown Regalia , the crown jewels of Norway. This fact alone underscores Trondheim’s importance to national history. When visiting the Nidaros Cathedral , you should not miss a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace , located right next door and dating back to the 12th century. An imposing masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic architecture and considered one of the largest medieval stone structures in Scandinavia, the Archbishop’s Palace served for hundreds of years as the headquarters, residence, and administrative center of the Archbishop of Nidaros .

The Archbishop held administrative, religious, and military command over the entire region, and had his own army and currency. The palace’s role shifted dramatically following the 16th-century Reformation , which marked Norway’s conversion to Lutheranism. The last Norwegian archbishop, Olav Engelbrektsson , made a valiant attempt to resist and defend the palace but ultimately fled into exile, leaving the property to fall into the hands of the king. It was during this period that the ancient archbishop’s castle transformed into a residential palace.

In 1983, a devastating fire destroyed two of the grand buildings of the Archbishop’s Palace . These were later rebuilt and today, they house the the Archbishop’s Palace Museum and the intriguing Army and Resistance Museums , dedicated to the region’s military history from the Viking era to World War II. The west wing of the palace, however, holds the collection’s highlight – the royal insignia .

Here you can see the jewels that belonged to the kings of Norway, including the royal scepter and the 200-year-old Crown of Norway , resplendent with precious gems and topped by an amethyst cross. The museum also showcases a collection of archaeological artifacts from the Nidaros Cathedral , with an exhibition illustrating its evolution through the centuries. Recent excavations have also unearthed the remains of the ancient mint , now the focus of a small dedicated exhibition.

Undoubtedly, the most popular thing to do in Trondheim is a stroll through Bakklandet , one of the city’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Its picturesque and colorful houses are probably the city’s most recognized picture, particularly the Nidelva Waterfront with its evocative colored waterfront houses.

Bakklandet is located on the east side of the Nidelva River , between Bakke Bridge and the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) . The neighborhood’s construction dates back to the early 17th century and was originally a working-class area, where living conditions were mostly poor. The residents here were craftsmen, small traders, and laborers.

Over time, it was repeatedly damaged by various fires that devastated the city, and two Swedish sieges tested its existence, but the neighborhood was always rebuilt. Despite being considered a symbol of the city today, in 1965 the city administration wanted to demolish it to build a four-lane highway in the heart of the city center. This sparked widespread protests from residents, so the project was shelved and never proposed again.

Today, Bakklandet is effectively the historic center of Trondheim , consisting of a compact core of old houses in a typical traditional style. Explore it on foot, strolling through its cobblestone streets , lined with small shops, craft workshops, restaurants, and cafes. The most beautiful view is between Bakke Bridge and the Old Town Bridge : along the east side of the Nidelva River you can see the heart of Bakklandet , consisting of a series of painted wooden warehouses dating back to the 17th century.

Here, you might want to stop at one of its best traditional restaurants and bars , such as Baklandet Skydsstation , known for its regional cuisine menu and over 350 varieties of akvavit to try, housed in a well-preserved 18th-century historic building. It’s worth stopping for its calm and relaxed atmosphere, good reindeer stews, and fish soups. A great alternative is the nearby Kalas og Canasta , which offers an excellent seasonal menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Among the most renowned cafes and pubs are Antikvariatet , popular for its cozy atmosphere, with books, candles, and live music, and also boasts a decent selection of draft and bottled beers. Locals also love the nearby Den Gode Nabo , another traditional bar with wooden furnishings, which serves good draft beers on an outdoor terrace overlooking the river during the beautiful seasons. For a sweet breakfast, artisan pastries, or a hot coffee, go to Kaffebrenneriet , a very popular cafe among locals, located right on the main street, called Nedre Baklandet .

Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge)

The Gamle Bybro , also known as the Old Town Bridge , is arguably the most iconic place to visit in Trondheim. It offers one of the finest views of the Nidelva River , the charmingly colorful houses of Bakklandet , and a glimpse of the Trondheim Fjord in the distance. This ancient and picturesque bridge spans the Nidelva River right in the Bakklandet neighborhood.

Constructed in 1681 by the military engineer Johan Caspar von Cicignon , the Gamle Bybro played a crucial role during the reconstruction of Trondheim after the devastating fire of the same year. Originally made of wood, the bridge served as a guarded city gate until 1816. At each end of the bridge stood a toll booth and a guardhouse . Today, only one of the access houses remains visible—the one on the western end.

The current appearance of the Gamle Bybro dates back to the 19th century, thanks to the work of the city engineer Carl Adolf Dahl . Locals affectionately refer to it as the “Lykkens Portal” or “Gate of Happiness” , inspired by the lyrics of the popular Norwegian waltz titled “Nidelven stille og vakker du er” or (“Nidelven, quiet and beautiful you are”) , by singer and composer Kristian Oskar Hoddø . According to tradition, Hoddø composed this waltz while standing at the Gamle Bybro one night in late April 1940. He was a member of the Norwegian resistance movement against the Nazi occupation and was executed in Trondheim on November 17, 1943, along with eight other resistance fighters.

Torvet (Trondheim Town Square)

Torvet is Trondheim’s main square and serves as a focal point for locals. Dating back to 1681, the square underwent a complete renovation in 2010. At its center stands the statue of Olav Tryggvason , Norway’s first king and the city’s founder. Interestingly, the statue doubles as a sundial , with its column casting shadows upon the mosaic of cobblestones below.

The square is surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants . At the southern end, you can often find various stalls selling fresh local produce , flowers, and souvenirs. Benches, tables with chairs, trees, and 25 flowerpots adorn the square, some featuring angular sculptures. Try to find the one that depicts Super Mario and Donkey Kong !

The square also hosts several events throughout the year. One of the most important is the Trøndelag Food Festival , one of the most important local food festival in Europe. It takes place in the summer, in the early days of August, when the square and the city fill up with over 200 food stalls where you can taste the best regional food, from the Fosen peninsula’s mussels to the reindeer from the Røros plateau.

And if you visit Trondheim during the Christmas season , don’t miss the wonderful Trondheim Christmas Markets in Torvet . For the occasion, the square fills up with stalls selling delicious local specialties, sweets, and handicrafts. Children will be amazed by the many rides and attractions that enliven the Christmas markets.

Kristiansten Fortress

The  Kristiansten Fortress , perched on a hill to the east of the city, offers a magnificent view of Trondheim and its surroundings, the fjord, and the mountains. It was erected at the end of the 17th century , designed by Johan Caspar von Cicignon , the same engineer who oversaw most of the reconstruction following the fire of 1681.

This fortress was one of the city’s main defensive structures and played a crucial role, especially during the Swedish siege in 1718. However, one of the most dramatic chapters in its history occurred during World War II when the Nazis used it as a prison and execution site for members of the Norwegian resistance. After the war ended, the roles reversed, and it became the execution site for Nazi spies , traitors , and war criminals , including the infamous Henry Rinnan , a Norwegian agent for the Gestapo, who was executed here on February 1, 1947.

Today, it houses a small museum that provides an overview of the history of the Kristiansten Fortress and the events related to the Nazi occupation, through artifacts and informative panels. Visitors can see what were once used as cells for prisoners , and then stroll in the extensive surrounding park, where cannons and other historical objects are displayed. Admission is free.

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum

Nestled near the ruins of Sverresborg Castle , the first Norwegian medieval castle built by King Sverre Sigurdsson , who reigned from 1177 to 1202, the Trøndelag Folk Museum stands as one of Norway’s most captivating open-air ethnographic museums . This museum, established in 1909 by a group of enthusiasts, was created to preserve the history and culture of the Norwegian people and the native Sami through a collection of buildings and objects characteristic of the area.

The museum, a village in its own right, is composed of over 80 historic wooden houses that once graced the historic center of Trondheim and the surrounding region, known as Trøndelag . A visit to the museum transports you to a different era, as you wander through three thematic sections. The first, the Old Town , showcases the charming wooden buildings that once stood in the heart of Trondheim, including the dentist’s house, the post office, the old grocery store, and the shoemaker’s workshop.

Next, you can explore the Rural Village , home to the museum’s crown jewel: the Haltdalen Stave Church , a stunning wooden church dating back to 1170. Here, you can also see an old school, some farms, and old wooden houses, offering a glimpse into the culture of the local population, fishing practices, and the nomadic life of the Sami , the people of Lapland . Lastly, the 12th-century castle ruins provide a fascinating insight into King Sverre’s rise to power and offer an unparalleled view of Trondheim and the fjord.

Located just outside the city center of Trondheim, the Trøndelag Folk Museum is easily accessible for travelers by car, with a parking lot conveniently located right in front of the museum entrance. Alternatively, bus n. 11 from the city center heading to Stavset will drop you off at the Trøndelag Folkemuseum stop.

Ringve Museum

If you have a specific passion for the history of musical instruments , then you shouldn’t miss out on the Ringve Museum , which is undoubtedly among the most fascinating of its kind. Located on the Lade Peninsula , it is entirely dedicated to Norwegian and European music, ranging from classical musical instruments to the latest sound and lighting technology.

Housed in an 18th-century manor overlooking the city and the fjord, the museum was once owned by the Bachke family, known for spending all their money collecting musical instruments from around the world. Inside the manor, their rich collection is on display, boasting over 2,000 ancient musical instruments . The interiors and furnishings of the house provide a backdrop to the exhibition, which is spread across multiple rooms named after illustrious musicians and singers, such as the Mozart, Chopin, or Beethoven.

Here, you’ll find 16th-century violins , ancient pianos, organs, harpsichords, and percussion instruments belonging to ancient African tribes. However, the museum is worth a visit even just to see the wonderful historic estate , surrounded by a splendid botanical garden with over 2,000 species of plants and trees.

Trondheim Kunstmuseum and The National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design

Near the Nidaros Cathedral , art enthusiasts can explore two of Trondheim’s finest museums: the Trondheim Kunstmuseum and the National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design . The Trondheim Kunstmuseum , also known as the Trondheim Art Museum , showcases numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions, boasting a rich collection of artworks by Norwegian painters from the 19th and 20th centuries.

On the first floor, visitors will encounter renowned figures of Norwegian art, such as Harald Sohlberg with “Night” (Røros Church) and Peder Balke with “North Cape” . The second floor features contemporary Norwegian and international artists.

On the other hand, the National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design offers a captivating exploration of local art and craftsmanship. Established in 1893, it houses an impressive array of local craftsmanship , Norwegian silverware and glassware from the 16th and 17th centuries, Art Nouveau furnishings, and some of the finest examples of contemporary Scandinavian design.

One of the most unusual things to do in Trondheim is to visit Rockheim , a modern and eclectic museum dedicated entirely to pop and rock music and located on Brattørkaia , near the harbor. The museum, which is housed in a transformed early 1900s barn, now a colorful masterpiece of modern architecture, offers engaging permanent exhibitions featuring multimedia and interactive installations that trace the history of Norwegian music from the 1950s to the present day.

The centerpiece of the museum is “The Time Tunnel” : this expansive exhibition, spread over 1320 square meters, chronicles the evolution of Norwegian music and culture from the emerging youth culture of the 1950s to the contemporary music scene. The exhibition also provides interactive audio, images, and videos for an immersive experience. Another highlight of Rockheim is the “Hall of Fame” , which honors artists who have significantly contributed to the development and popularization of Norwegian music. This section allows you to delve into the lives of these artists through unique content such as videos, images, biographies, and artifacts.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, Rockheim also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of music history and contemporary culture. If you’re traveling with children, a visit to Rockheim could be a fantastic activity. The museum offers interactive experiences such as playing the electric guitar like a rock star, learning to use turntables like a professional hip-hop DJ, or even controlling the world’s largest midi controller to create electronic music in a fun and intuitive way.

Trondheim Science Museum

The Trondheim Science Museum (Vitensenteret i Trondheim) is one of our favorites in Trondheim. Whether it’s because of our scientific background or our occasional desire to relive our childhood, this museum is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re traveling with children. In fact, we would rank it among the best things to do in Trondheim with kids !

This museum, located just a short walk from the train station and city center, offers the opportunity to learn many interesting things about the human body , physics , chemistry , and science in general, through exciting activities, experiments, and interactive installations for the whole family.

Here, you will find Norway’s first and only 3D planetarium and 360-degree cinema , interactive rooms with films and multimedia installations. But the best part is the laboratories where both adults and children can have fun with experiments. There are chemistry and biology labs , as well as rooms where you can experiment with robots . Also, don’t forget to check out the museum shop, where they sell experiment kits , so children can continue to play and learn about science at home.

Munkholmen , also known as Monk’s Island , is a fortified island steeped in history, nestled in the Trondheim Fjord near the mouth of the Nidelva River . It was once an execution site during the Viking era, gaining a notorious reputation. In the 11th century, it became home to one of the first Benedictine monasteries in the Scandinavian countries . The island underwent further transformations in the 17th century when it was converted into a fortress and prison . During World War II , it served as a German defensive site, with anti-aircraft guns positioned to protect their Dora Submarine Base in Trondheim.

Today, Munkholmen has evolved into a popular summer bathing spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors can still see remnants of its past, including the well-preserved round tower from the former Benedictine abbey and sections of the ancient defensive walls.

The island offers guided tours in English and Norwegian, allowing visitors to explore the old fort , the prisons , and the remains of the monastery . Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the island. Munkholmen also hosts a small bar that serves a variety of food and beverages. From May to September, regular boat services depart every hour from Munkegata 70 in Trondheim. Check the schedule here .

Solsiden District

Solsiden , a small and vibrant neighborhood nestled in the Nedre Elvehavn district, is just a short stroll from the city center and adjacent to the marina near Blomsterbrua , the Flower Bridge . Aptly named “the sunny side” in Norwegian, Solsiden is renowned for its lively ambiance and spirited character. This neighborhood, emerged from the remnants of an old shipyard , exemplifies the successful architectural restoration and transformation of a previously deteriorated area.

As you wander through its streets, which essentially form an open-air shopping center , you can soak in the post-industrial vibe accentuated by contemporary architecture. Solsiden’s popularity stems from its reputation as a prime spot for nightlife and social gatherings. It’s a favored destination for both locals and tourists, boasting a plethora of restaurants and bars . Additionally, Solsiden is home to a large, modern shopping center teeming with a variety of shops and retail opportunities.

One of the main attractions of Solsiden is the marina’s waterfront , speckled with restaurants and bars featuring outdoor terraces. These spots are perfect for basking in the sun with friends while savoring delectable food. The area offers a range of pizzerias, bars, and restaurants serving international cuisine. Local favorites include Una Pizzeria , Olivia Restaurant , and Héctor Food & Fiesta , known for its Mexican-inspired dishes. For a casual night out, consider Søstrene Karlsen , San Sebastian , Sot Bar & Burger Solsiden , Café Løkka , and Cowsea .

During winter, the dock of the old shipyard transforms into a floodlit ice-skating rink . In contrast, summer sees it morph into a concert and festival stage , attracting both local and international music stars. The repurposed pump house, now known as Dokkhuset , serves as a modern venue hosting local and international artists and musicians. Managed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology , it’s also an ideal spot to partake in the Norwegian tradition of utepils – outdoor beer drinking – on a sunny day.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Trondheim Kunstmuseum Gråmølna , a branch of the Trondheim Art Museum . Housed in a renovated mill dating back to 1840, this quaint museum showcases both permanent and temporary exhibitions by local artists.

Tyholttårnet

Tyholttårnet is the iconic tower that defines the skyline of Trondheim. This radio tower , located just outside the city center, was erected in 1985 and stands at 124 meters tall , making it the tallest building in Norway . At the top, about 70 meters high, there is an observation platform and on the upper floor is the revolving restaurant Egon Tårnet , which completes a full rotation every hour, offering a diverse menu ranging from meat and fish to vegetarian options.

Visitors can ascend to the observation deck free of charge to admire the cityscape, or choose to dine at the restaurant while enjoying the view. Located approximately 2.5 km from the city center, the tower is easily accessible. You can take tram 22 from Prinsens Gate , which runs parallel to the back of Torvet , and alight at the Strinda vgs stop, situated at the base of the tower.

Certainly, one of the most unique attractions in Trondheim is the CycloCable , the only ski lift in the world designed for cyclists. Trondheim, a city that embraces cycling, introduced this ingenious system in 1993 to assist cyclists with the challenging 20% gradient climb near the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) in Bakklandet . The current version of the CycloCable is an enhancement of the original design, the brainchild of Jarle Wanvik , a local resident who sought a solution to the exhausting uphill commute to work. This innovative system underscores Trondheim’s commitment to promoting a cycling-friendly environment.

Stiftsgarden

Nestled in the heart of Trondheim, the elegant Stiftsgården villa stands as a splendid example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. Its bright yellow hue makes it easily recognizable, and it currently serves as the official residence of the Norwegian Royal Family during their visits to Trondheim.

Constructed in 1778, Stiftsgården was originally the private residence of Cecilie Christine Schøller , a wealthy Norwegian socialite, landowner, and entrepreneur. The residence, designed by General G.F. von Krogh , showcases the Rococo style with Baroque details. Although it had been hosting royals since the 1800s, it only became state property in the early 1900s.

Stiftsgården is one of Europe’s most imposing wooden structures and a prime example of Norwegian architecture. It boasts over 100 rooms , each richly decorated. Visitors can explore the villa by participating in one of the guided tours , which are typically available from June to August . These 45-minute tours offer glimpses into some of the palace’s rooms, such as the lavishly decorated dining room, while the guide narrates the building’s history. You can check schedules and tickets here , noting that they become available as the summer season approaches.

Trondheim Maritime Museum

The Trondheim Maritime Museum , housed in one of the city’s oldest brick buildings, a former 18th-century prison, pays homage to Trondheim’s rich seafaring and commercial history , tracing the evolution of navigation from the 17th century to the present day. The exhibition embarks on a journey starting with the era of sail navigation , then transitions to the advent of steam navigation —a revolutionary shift that profoundly influenced maritime activities and trade.

The narrative continues with a section dedicated to the sailors’ life aboard ships , marked by strenuous labor, long working hours, harsh living conditions, and often substandard food. The exhibit further explores Trondheim’s naval industry during this period, highlighting the city’s role as a significant shipbuilding and maintenance hub, and its exponential growth as it emerged as a crucial trading center.

The museum showcases a diverse collection that includes models of sailing ships and steamboats of various sizes, figureheads, onboard instruments, and a range of photos and paintings related to navigation. It also houses a library filled with books on maritime history and ships.

The second floor offers an array of engaging activities for children . Here, a ship’s deck has been meticulously recreated, complete with sound and light effects. Children can learn to tie various knots, draw, solve puzzles, search for a secret room, or listen to the intriguing tales of Sivert’s family, the ship’s mouse. The museum is situated along the banks of the Nidelva River , 800 meters from the city center and can be easily reached with a brief 10-minute walk.

If you’re spending some time in Trondheim, you might want to consider spending a relaxing day at Pirbadet , the l argest indoor water park in Norway . This water park is a hit among families and serves as an excellent retreat on rainy days. It features various children’s pools, diving towers, water slides, wave pools, water climbing walls, sports pools, and a large heated outdoor pool. Additionally, it boasts a lovely wellness center complete with hot tubs and saunas . It’s a place where fun and relaxation go hand in hand.

Ladestien Trail

The Ladestien is an 8 km hiking trail meandering along the Trondheim Fjord on the Lade Peninsula . It offers a journey through panoramic promontories, pristine nature, and lush forests. With an elevation change of about 130 meters, the trail is relatively easy and requires no significant physical exertion. It typically takes around 2-3 hours to traverse the entire trail. The trail commences at the end of Ormen Langes Vei ( map ) on the peninsula’s western side and concludes on the opposite side at Rotvoll ( map ).

Along the way, you’ll encounter the “Flytende, flyvende” monument, a tribute to Leif Erikson , who is believed to be the first European to land on the American continent around 1000 BC, nearly five centuries before Christopher Columbus. The trail descends towards Korsvika , one of Trondheim’s most renowned bathing beaches, offering a stunning view of the fjord. You’ll also pass a series of old German bunkers from the WWII and the old Lade pier, which served as a military port during World War II , as well as numerous fjord inlets, pebble beaches, caves, ancient villages, and farms.

Bus 20 serves the start and end points of the trail and also provides a connection to the center of Trondheim. To reach the starting point at Ormen Langes Vei you can take bus 20 at Prinsens Gate , alight at Strandveikaia , proceed along Ormen Langes Vei , and walk about 800 meters to the trailhead. Alternatively, you can commence the route at Korsvika by taking the same bus but alighting at Krutthusbakken , which is just 100 meters from the beach.

For the return journey from Rotvoll , you can walk about 1 km to Ranheimsvegen and take bus 20 back to the city center. If you’re driving, you can take bus 20 back to the starting point after completing the trail. Alternatively, the trail is only a 3.5 km walk directly from the city center. Here the trail map .

Skiing at Fjellseter Gråkallen

Trondheim is also a popular skiing destination and is home to Mount Fjellseter , located just a few kilometers away. Despite its modest height of 367 meters , it provides an ideal setting for a day of skiing fun. The mountain houses a well-furnished ski resort and even features a ski jump . During the summer , the area transforms into a hiker’s paradise. Hikers can embark on leisurely treks to the summit of Gråkallen , standing at 555 meters, and be rewarded with a stunning view of the Trondheim Fjord .

While the most convenient way to reach the location is by car, public transportation is also an option. If you’re relying on the latter, you can take bus 26 from Kongens gate , near Torvet , and alight at Fjellseterveien , the starting point of the main hiking trails .

Best Places to Eat in Trondheim

Experiencing the vibrant food scene is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Trondheim . The city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants . Among them is FAGN , renowned for its exceptional contemporary culinary creations. It offers an intriguing tasting menu that starts at NOK 1600. Nestled within the elegant Britannia Hotel is Speilsalen , yet another Michelin-starred establishment. It provides an exceptional fine dining experience, offering tasting menus (starting from NOK 2250), a selection of the finest champagnes, and a prestigious caviar bar.

For those seeking a more casual dining experience , To Rom og Kjøkken is a great choice. This restaurant serves delicious Scandinavian specialties, all made with the freshest local, organic ingredients. Bula Neobistro is another popular spot among locals. This friendly restaurant serves fantastic menus inspired by international cuisine, all prepared with high-quality, fresh local ingredients. If you’re in the mood for a good drink and want to explore the city’s vibrant drinking scene , you might want to check out our guide to the best Bars in Trondheim . It features a selection of our favorite pubs, local bars, and breweries.

How to Get to Trondheim

Trondheim is easily reachable from Bergen , Oslo , and Bodø , and is a favored stop for cruise travelers. Many visitors opt to explore it during a breathtaking road trip through the Norwegian Fjords , or as a pit stop on a train journey traversing the railway that spans across Central Norway .

Getting to Trondheim by Car

Traveling by car is undoubtedly one of the best ways to reach Trondheim and take in the stunning scenery of the Trondheim Fjords . You can rent a car in one of Norway’s major cities and reach Trondheim via the Norwegian North-South Highway E6 or the Coastal Highway E39 to Klett , and from there, continue on the E6 to Trondheim . You can find the best car rental deals on Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com , which allow you to view the best real-time prices from reliable car rental companies .

For a more scenic route , consider driving from Oslo to Trondheim on the Norwegian National Road 3 (Rv3) , also known as “The Green Shortcut” .

Getting to Trondheim by Plane

Located just 19 km from the heart of Trondheim, Trondheim Airport , also known as Trondheim Værnes Airport , provides excellent connectivity to the city center. With both express trains and buses at your disposal, you can expect convenient and swift transportation options.

Serving as a crucial hub for both international and domestic flights , this airport is an ideal gateway to Trondheim. It is often one of the quickest and sometimes the most cost-effective means of reaching Trondheim from major cities such as Bergen , Oslo , and Tromsø .

Getting to Trondheim by the Hurtigruten coastal express

The legendary coastal express Hurtigruten makes daily stops at Trondheim , both on its northbound and southbound routes. The ship docks in port for approximately 3 hours , providing enough time for a brief exploration of the city. For travelers wishing to fully experience Trondheim , purchasing a port-to-port ticket is advisable. This allows for a longer stay of a day or two in the city before boarding one of the subsequent ships.

Getting to Trondheim by Train

Trondheim is served by the railway line that connects Oslo with Bodø . The train station is conveniently located within walking distance from both the port and the city center, making it a practical and cost-efficient solution for tourists and business travelers alike. There are daily trains to and from Oslo (a journey of about 7 hours) and to and from Bodø (a journey of about 10 hours). However, there are no direct connections to Bergen .

Getting to Trondheim by Bus

Trondheim can also be reached by long bus trips from Oslo , Bodø , Ålesund , and from inland towns such as Stryn and Otta . However, there are no direct buses from Bergen .

Tips for your trip to  Trondheim

Planning your trip to Trondheim?  Take a look at our guides, filled with all the best local advice to help you plan your trip effectively. If you’re searching for the perfect accommodation for your stay , you might want to check out our guide to the Best Hotels in Trondheim , while if you’re traveling on a budget , our guide to Cheap Hotels in Trondheim features a selection of decent, clean, and safe places that rank among the most affordable in town.

If you’ll be traveling by air, our guide to Trondheim Airport could be useful. It includes practical tips on how to get from the airport to the city center and vice versa, information on airport hotels , and other helpful advice.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

How to Spend a Perfect Long Weekend in Trondheim, Norway

Streetscapes straight out of a storybook, a revived grande dame hotel, and sublime seafood at every meal.

I arrived in the city of Trondheim just in time for the 17th of May — known to Norwegians as Nasjonaldagen, or National Day. Every year, the country celebrates the 1814 signing of its constitution by throwing a joyous street party. Men wear their best suits, while women and children dress in traditional folk costumes: sweeping blue capes and embroidered vests and skirts. Parents let their kids eat ice cream with abandon.

I may have been a little delirious from jet lag, but as I wandered through Trondheim, it was impossible not to get swept up by all the pomp-free pageantry and collective high spirits. I stopped to watch a morning procession of flag-waving schoolchildren and, later, a jolly, everyone's-welcome parade of marching bands, acrobats, and organized groups of local enthusiasts, from flamenco dancers to costumed Star Wars fans. "Hip, hip, hurrah," my fellow spectators shouted — the classic May 17 cheer. The old-fashioned phrase seemed to capture the sweetness of the holiday and reminded me of the fact that, when I read surveys of the happiest countries in the world, Norway frequently appears near the top.

Lately Trondheim — a city of almost 200,000 residents located midway up the coast of this long, spoon-shaped nation — has a lot to be happy about. Last April, the Britannia Hotel , which has stood in the heart of town since 1870, reopened after a three-year, top-to-bottom renovation. Long thought of as a faded stalwart, it's now a fitting center of gravity for a city keen to advertise its charms to the outside world: a walkable, skyscraper-free downtown; a close-knit, unpretentious food scene that draws from Trondheim's proximity to both farmland and fjord ; and an appealingly youthful vibe, thanks to the university, Norway's largest.

The Britannia Hotel was named after the English visitors who made up a large part of its early clientele, which included aristocratic anglers who flocked to Norway in the 19th century to fish its ample salmon supply. I stayed in a suite overlooking Dronningens Gate, the peaceful, immaculate street out front — the area is nice enough for the Norwegian king, who stays at his 18th-century wooden palace on the next block when he's around. A palette of grays and golds, an original 19th-century chandelier, chinoiserie wallpaper, and a deep brass tub combined to give my rooms a quiet splendor, and I slept soundly on the bed by Hästens , the Swedish brand beloved by mattress connoisseurs.

Speilsalen , the Britannia's primary restaurant, is lined with mirrors; tables for large groups are set in curtained metal enclosures that resemble giant birdcages. Head chef Christopher Davidsen, a Bocuse d'Or winner who hails from the city of Stavanger farther south on the coast, has created a seafood-centric tasting menu with 10 courses that arrive like gifts in a fairy tale and are named for his memories of growing up by the ocean. Childhood Visits to My Grandmother at Hjelmeland is a miniature heart-shaped waffle topped with halibut, gooseberries, and nyr, a yogurty cream, while a dish made with local langoustines is called Raging, Dark Seas on the Coast of Stadsbygd.

When I ate there, Speilsalen had only been open for six weeks, yet it operated with the polish of a restaurant that had been around for years. The hotel also has a French brasserie , a cocktail bar , a wine bar with a 10,000-bottle collection, and a subterranean cook-it-yourself Japanese grill . Breakfast is served in the Palmehaven , an expert conjuring of fin de siècle palm-court style; concierge Sten Stensrud, whose family owned the hotel for decades, learned to ride a bike in the room. "For me and my family, the reopening is the best thing that could have happened to the hotel," Stensrud told me. "It has made the Britannia relevant again."

You could spend a long weekend in Trondheim doing little more than staggering from one soul-satisfying meal to another. At To Rom og Kjøkken , which translates to "two rooms and a kitchen," I ate pillowy scallops, perfectly crisp pan-fried turbot in butter sauce, and the platonic ideal of mashed potatoes. At Bula Bistro , the vivacious young chef Reneé Fagerhøi served an amped-up version of the traditional May 17 brunch menu: sunshine-yellow eggs Benedict over plump asparagus; a soup packed with salmon, mussels, and pollack, drizzled with oil, and infused with spinach and leek; and a lemon-and-almond cake held together with thick slabs of buttercream.

On my last afternoon in Trondheim, I went for a run in an attempt to work off all this buttery goodness. I jogged a few blocks north to the waterfront, where cruise ships dock on their way up and down Norway's coast, and gazed out over Trondheim Fjord and the forested hills around it. Then, I crossed the Nidelva — the river that forms an S as it flows through the city — and ran the cobblestoned streets of Bakklandet, an 18th-century neighborhood full of low wooden houses and cheerful sidewalk cafés. From there, I looked back across the water to the row of wharves in paint-box colors that make up Trondheim's most famous view.

Evening was approaching and I was ready for another good meal. I sprinted up the hill that rises above Bakklandet, from where I could see Nidaros Cathedral, a kind of miniature Notre Dame. Then I doubled back down into Trondheim, crossing the red-painted bridge the locals call Lykkens Portal — the gate of happiness.

Taking in Trondheim — and Beyond

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

Getting There and Around

SAS and Norwegian — as well as Norwegian budget airlines Flyr AS and Wideroe — offer nonstop flights from Oslo to Trondheim that take a little less than an hour. Once you arrive, there's no need to rent a car: Trondheim is a walker's delight.

While it's a 10-minute walk from the Britannia Hotel to the waterfront, where you can view the gorgeous Trondheim Fjord, the best way to see this 80-mile-long inlet is by getting out onto the water. In addition to sightseeing cruises along the Nidelva River, Trondheim by Boat offers 90-minute sunset tours of the fjord as well as fishing expeditions, with gear and lessons included. A 2.5-hour car ride through spectacular scenery takes you to the islands at the mouth of the fjord. I visited small, idyllic Sula , which has a population of just 57. After a seafood lunch at the snug dockside Terna Brygge , a gentle hike led me to Sula Lighthouse, where I took in the panoramic views. For those who fantasize about a life of seaside solitude, the lighthouse has two simple guest rooms available to rent.

Tour Operator

Clare Watkins of Red Savannah can incorporate a few days in Trondheim into a tailor-made Norwegian or Scandinavian itinerary. A three-day stay in the city, including accommodations at the Britannia Hotel, is part of Red Savannah's 10-day Norwegian Culinary Adventure self-driving trip, which includes stops on the island of Stokkøya and the Inderøya peninsula.

A version of this story first appeared in the January 2020 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Three Cheers for Trondheim. Britannia Hotel provided support for the reporting of this story.

Related Articles

The Essential Trondheim Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

• Europe , Norway , Places

Explore This Vibrant Norwegian City With My Trondheim Travel Guide

Trondheim is one of Norway’s most historically and culturally significant cities. Situated along the Trondheim Fjord with its vibrant harbor, Trondheim charms visitors with its blend of medieval ambience and modern energy. As Norway’s first capital during the Viking age, Trondheim provides the ideal gateway to exploring the country’s history while also enjoying urban attractions. And it’s where I live, too.

My Trondheim travel guide page serves as a starting point to discover all that my city has to offer. Below you’ll find key highlights, travel tips, and links to detailed articles covering the top things to see, do, and experience in Trondheim.

An Overview of Trondheim’s Attractions

As a compact city, Trondheim is very walkable and most key attractions are located close together. Here’s a quick overview of top sights and activities.

Historic Landmarks

• The iconic  Nidaros Cathedral  stands as Trondheim’s most impressive landmark. This medieval Gothic cathedral was built over the burial site of St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway.
• Bakklandet  serves as Trondheim’s charming “Old Town” with cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses.
• Gamle Bybro  is an photogenic old bridge offering beautiful views along the river.

Check out this article for more about our historic landmarks

• Learn about Trondheim’s musical heritage at the  Ringve Museum , home to over 2000 instruments from around the world.
• Sverresborg  is an open-air folk museum covering local history, culture, and architecture.
• Bymarka , the city’s own nature area, offers hiking, biking, and skiing trails right from downtown.
• Take mini-cruises out to  Munkholmen Island  for scenic fjord views and history.

Food and Drink

• Sample authentic Norwegian fare like  raspeballer  potato dumplings and  klippfisk  dried cod.
• Relax at a harborfront cafe like  Kafe Skuret  to enjoy seafood dishes and local beer.

Getting to Trondheim

Trondheim Airport (TRD) has nonstop flights from destinations across Europe. Direct trains connect Trondheim and Oslo in around 6 hours. The compact city center is very walkable once you arrive.

Coming soon:

• How to Get to Trondheim from Oslo, Bergen and Elsewhere

Top Trondheim Neighborhoods and Districts

Beyond the medieval center, Trondheim has several neighborhoods worth exploring like vibrant Bakklandet, regenerated harbor Solsiden, and scenic Lade peninsula.

• Guide to Trondheim’s Neighborhoods and Surrounding Districts

Things to Do in Trondheim

Whether you love history, music, art, nature, or food, Trondheim offers diverse attractions and activities to discover. Check out recommended top sights and experiences.

• 20 Top Things to Do in Trondheim, Norway

Where to Stay in Trondheim

With its university and central location, Trondheim has accommodation options ranging from hotels and guesthouses to budget hostels. Here are some top picks.

• Where to Stay in Trondheim: Hotels, Hostels, Guesthouses

Sample Trondheim Itinerary Ideas

Use these recommended Trondheim itineraries spanning from 1 day to a full week to plan your ideal trip length and schedule.

• Trondheim Itinerary: 1 Day, 2 Days, 1 Week

No matter your interests, Trondheim is sure to delight with its blend of historic charm and modern energy. Use this travel guide hub to start planning your Trondheim trip and make the most of your time exploring this vibrant Norwegian city.

I know what it's like to go from being a crazy backpacker without a care in the world, via being a vaguely sensible parent to being an adventurer once more. In other words, evolving into a Grown-up Traveller.

Like everyone else, I love to travel, have visited a lot of countries and all that but my big thing is Africa.

I also own and run The Grown-up Travel Company as a travel designer creating personalised African itineraries for experienced adventurers

Related Posts

Secrets of the Locals: When Vancouver Reveals its True Colors

• 24 August 2024

Exploring Wild Scotland

• 21 August 2024

Discover & Learn: Making Your Portugal Holiday Educational for Children

• 8 August 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

15 fun things to do in trondheim norway in 2 days.

Whether you love colorful Norwegian architecture, craft beer, or simply want to see Trondheim's "bicycle elevator", you won't be disappointed. 

Read on for a list of things to do in Trondheim on a quick two day trip.

Getting to Trondheim

We visited Trondheim at the end of our West Norway road trip . We dropped off the car at Trondheim Airport and caught the convenient Værnesekspressen  which runs about every 20 minutes. 

The bus cost 360 NOK per person round trip (about 36 EUR or $42 USD at the time of writing) and takes about 30 min. 

There is also a train to Trondheim City Center, but it only runs once an hour and takes a bit longer.

On the return trip to the airport, simply hop aboard Værnesekspressen at Bakkegata or one of the other Trondheim city stops to go to the airport. 

You'll be asked to show your ticket when you debark at airport. It's all very efficient! 

It's also possible to get to Trondheim from Oslo via a 7 hour train ride. We booked a short 1 hour flight on SAS instead to maximize our time to explore both Trondheim and Oslo.

Getting Around Trondheim

Where to Stay in Trondheim

Since we were only in Trondheim for 2 days, we decided to stay at a hotel rather than an Airbnb. 

We chose the Scandic Bakklandet which was conveniently located with views across the Nidelva River to Bryggene i Trondheim (Trondheim's historic wharves). 

Hotels in Norway are famous for their breakfast buffets. The Scandic Bakklandet had a decent spread, but it was not quite as nice as the buffets at Thon Hotels we've been to on our Norwegian road trip. 

We paid approximately 200 EUR a night for a Superior Queen room with a view over the river and Bryggene i Trondheim.

Things to do in Trondheim at a Glance

•  Enjoy Trondheim Craft Beer
• Take a Trondheim Photowalk Morning Noon or Night
• Visit Solsiden
• People Watch with a Coffee
• Explore Kristiansten Fortress
• Walk the NTNU Campus
• Steep in the History of Bakklandet
• Treat Yourself to Dinner at Emilies Eld Restaurant and Bar
• Walk to Skansen Fyr
• Explore Trondheim's Vitenskapsmuseet
• Visit Trondheim's Medieval Museum
• Eat a Sweet Potato of Sorts at Rosenberg Bakery
• Admire Trondheim Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace
• Check out the Royal Residence
• Plan a Pizza Picnic with Grano

Things to do in Trondheim in Depth

1. enjoy trondheim craft beer.

We arrived in Trondheim in the evening and made a beeline for Trondheim Mikrobryggeri. Drinking Trondheim craft beer is expensive, but definitely at the top of my list of cool things to do in Norway. 

Try a sampler platter of all 10 beers on tap along with a Buffalo Chicken Burger or a Bacon Mac n' Cheese burger. Roll me home! 

We enjoyed Endless Summer (with hard-hitting passion fruit flavor) and Pride 2021 with strawberry and lime. A few of the Trondheim Microbrewery craft beers were made with kveik, an ancient Norwegian yeast. 

Also make time to sample house brewed craft beer and cider at Øx Pub in Trondheim. Aprikos Surøl was a top notch gose and Tokau a nice dry cider. We also enjoyed a schwarzbier laden with coffee and chocolate notes. 

Expect to pay the equivalent of 12 - 15 EUR for a beer in Trondheim. Tasters are more expensive on a per volume basis but allow you to try more beers without drinking too much or breaking the bank.

2. Take a Trondheim Photowalk Morning Noon or Night

A photo walk is my favorite thing to do in any new place that we visit. We finished our first day in Trondheim with a magical nighttime walk in Bakklandet. 

Make sure that you also experience the rich colors of Trondheim by day. Bryggene i Trondheim is the best subject to photograph at sunrise, by day, or at night.

3. Visit Solsiden

Another fun thing to do in Trondheim is visit Solsiden (Trondheim's revitalized docklands area). Make sure to walk across Verftsbrua which is also known as Blomsterbrua for the flowers lining the bridge. 

4. People Watch with a Coffee

You'll find quaint cafes on quiet side alleys in Trondheim Sentrum. We enjoyed coffee and a fresh-baked chocolate chip oatmeal cookie at a local coffee shop in Trondheim. Sit outside and watch the people go by.

5. Explore Kristiansten Fortress

We followed the bicycle elevator up the hill and continued on to Kristiansten Fortress which dates back to the 17th century. Kristiansten Fortress features beautiful panoramic views of Trondheim. 

We learned that they still do cannon salutes on certain days of the year to honor the Norwegian royal family. Alas, no cannon firing was scheduled while we were there.

6. Walk the NTNU Campus

Trondheim is home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). I love visiting university campuses. 

It's a 15 minute walk from Kristiansten Fortress to the university through a beautiful posh neighborhood. 

My regular readers know that I love colorful or unusual doors and there were plenty that caught my eye on the way to the university. 

7. Steep in the History of Bakklandet

Walk down the hill from the university to atmospheric Bakklandet (Trondheim's Old Town). Gamle Bybro (the Old Town bridge) crosses the Nidelva River and is worth checking out. 

For great views of the Gamle Bybro, duck into the park behind Idar Sundfær Støwer and step down to the river's edge. 

I'm pleased to say that Trondheim's Bakklandet is full of fabulous doors . Watch out, Dublin Doors , you may have a rival for my affection.

8. Treat Yourself to Dinner at Emilies Eld Restaurant and Bar

Eating out in Norway can be expensive, but we decided to treat ourselves to celebrate the successful conclusion to our Norwegian road trip. 

We enjoyed a three course meal with a glass of wine at Emilies Eld Restaurant and Bar in Trondheim. 

Scallops with smoky chorizo, cabbage and fermented roe, entrecote with mushrooms, and halibut with three kinds of carrots were delicious and satisfying.

We had a nice view into the bustling kitchen at Emilies Eld Restaurant and Bar. We enjoyed wine with dinner and a sort of chocolate brownie with strawberries for dessert. 

9. Walk to Skansen Fyr

We walked to the main train station in Trondheim and then along the Trondheim Fjord to Skansen fyr (lighthouse). The walk takes less than 20 min. 

We crossed the river onto Øya Island and then back again to Trondheim City Centre. This self-directed Skansen Lighthouse loop walk is fantastic on a sunny day.

10. Explore Trondheim's Vitenskapsmuseet

Head over to NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet (The Trondheim Museum of Natural History). We bought a combo ticket for 100 NOK per person (about 10 EUR at the time of writing) that covered the museum of natural history and the Trondheim Medieval Museum. 

NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet features lots of taxidermy including a proboscis monkey! There were not a lot of English translations of the exhibits but still worth a wander around.

11. Visit Trondheim's Medieval Museum

The Medieval Museum told a clear story of 1000 years of Trondheim history from the Vikings through the town's decline after the plague and Reformation. A pillar believed to be Norway's "birth certificate" was on display. 

We think it was the original and that it was over a millennium old! The exhibits in Trondheim's Medieval Museum were translated and packed with information.

12. Eat a Sweet Potato of Sorts at Rosenberg Bakery

Try a potet ("potato") at historic Rosenberg Bakery in Trondheim. The baker put it in a box for us and I had no idea what was inside. The box weighed a ton! 

It turns out that a potet is a ball of cream with a bit of jam covered in fondant. It was extremely sweet, dense and very, very good. 

We didn't have a fork, but I would advise you to use one. The Rosenberg Bakery potet was so messy, but I regret nothing!

13. Admire Trondheim Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace

14. Check out the Royal Residence

15. Plan a Pizza Picnic with Grano

We made one final stop in Trondheim before heading to the airport and picked up takeaway pizzas at Grano. We ordered a Delizia (salami, burrata, cherry tomatoes) and margherita pizza. 

We took our pizza boxes and headed toward the Nidelva River. We sat on a bench along the water just behind the Scandic Bakklandet and ate our delicious pizza while taking in one last view of Bryggene i Trondheim.

Summing up our Trip to Trondheim

I hope you've enjoyed this post highlighting things to do in Trondheim. We've explored the vibrant food and wine scene, colorful and photogenic architecture, and a bit of local history. 

Next up, we'll wrap up our trip to Norway by spending a week in Oslo .

Did you enjoy this post about things to do in Trondheim? Don't forget: sharing is caring...

FOLLOW SIDEWALK SAFARI PART-TIME TRAVEL BLOG$type=social_counter

• twitter|14.8k|followers|follow
• instagram|10.3k|followers|follow
• pinterest|4k|followers|follow
• facebook|835|likes|like

Featured In

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

The Best Things to Do in Trondheim – in just 1 Day!

Our first stop in Norway was to the northern city of Trondheim.

Since it would be the only ‘big city’ on our first visit to Norway, I had pretty high expectations… and they were met! Trondheim is colorful and cozy, even in the dead of winter.

The city’s colorful warehouses, misty rivers and great restaurants make it a great introduction to Norway… and something we wouldn’t find anywhere else on our road trip .

Here’s a quick guide to visiting Trondheim!

ADVERTISEMENT

quick jump to:

• Trondheim Quick Guide
• Things to Do
• Where to Stay

Pin this post to read later  ⇟

Trondheim’s History

Trondheim dates back to the Viking Age.

Founded as a trading post in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, the town was considered a ‘good place to live’ for its location on the south shore of Trondheim Fjord. For the next 200 years, Trondheim served as the base for Norway’s religion and royalty. 

During this time, Nidaros Cathedral was built and the Royal Residence constructed. Both stand today and the latter is considered Scandinavia’s largest wooden palace. Although the capital was moved to Oslo, new kings still come to Trondheim for a ceremonial blessing. 

Today, the city is Norway’s capital of technology and a thriving university town. A lively student population, cultural events and world class skiing make the city charming yet vibrant.

How many Days in Trondheim?

1 day in Trondheim is really all you need to see the highlights. We spent two nights in the city, just to relax and have a leisurely introduction to Norway.

If you’re heading onward to some smaller towns, note that Trondheim is considered a ‘big city’ so it’s a great place to have that Michelin star fancy meal, buy souvenirs or stock up on winter gear.

Where to Stay in Trondheim

Ideally, you should stay in the center of downtown Trondheim in the neighborhood Midtbyen. This is that island-looking piece of land surrounded by the Nidelva river.

Trondheim has lots of hotel options, from boutiques to chain hotels. Check here for last minute hotel deals . 

But, I know Norway can be an expensive country to visit! Airbnb is also a great option with lots of accommodation slightly outside the downtown section, across the Nidelva river. Browse Airbnb rentals in Trondheim here .

The Britannia

We stayed at the Britannia , a luxury landmark property right in the center of downtown. The hotel recently finished an extensive 4 year renovation and every inch of the hotel is gorgeous. We’d recommend staying here for the breakfast alone!

Book rooms: Booking.com , Hotels.com | Check rates on TripAdvisor

Read our in-depth review

The front desk was especially helpful.

After breakfast, we all met in the lobby to head out for the day when a friendly attendant offered a map and suggested some restaurants, coffee shops and walking loop to see the main highlights.

Below are some of the things she suggested!

Things to Do in Trondheim

Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city, but has just 200,000 people. The charming and colorful city is home to a walkable city center, wooded hills and fantastic restaurants. Here are some of the best things to do in Trondheim!

1. Nidaros Cathedral

We started with the most visited sight in Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral. The impressive building is right in the city center, and a great place to start a walking tour of the city because you can’t miss it! 

Built in 1070, Nidaros’ altar was constructed over the grave of Olav, the Viking king who transitioned Norway from pagan religion to Christianity. The cathedral was the seat of Catholicism in Norway and an important pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.

Today, the Pilgrim’s Route of St. Olav’s Way is re-instated. The 400 mile (640 km) long route starts in Oslo, heads north over Dovrefjell mountain, down the Oppdal valley and ends at Nidaros Cathedral. 

After Norway gained independence, Nidaros became the coronation and later, consecration church for the country’s kings. Head down the crypt to find medieval tombstones. 

Note : Nidaros has a entrance fee to go inside, which can be combined with the ticket to the Archbishop palace and crown jewels next door.

It’s probably worth looking into the Northernmost Gothic Cathedral in the world, but if you’re like us… just walk around the perimeter to soak in the view. The west wall has the most ornate embellishments, with a striking stained glass window and top to bottom statues of biblical characters. 

2. Archbishop’s Palace Museum

Right next door is the Archbishop’s Palace, the 12th century residence of Norwegian Archbishops. It’s one of Scandinavia’s oldest secular buildings dating back to 1160. Buy a combo ticket to view the museum, cathedral gargoyles and crown jewels. 

3. Art Museums

Right next to the cathedral is Trondheim’s Art Museum. Inside you’ll find Norway’s third largest collection of public art, filled with mostly Norwegian art over the last 150 years.

If you love museums, there’s also a couple other spots in town to explore:

• The National Museum of Decorative Arts
• The Armory & Resistance Museum 
• Rockheim, the Rock Music Museum
• Sverresborg, the open air museum

4. Take a Photo on the Nidelva River

From the cathedral, walk towards the Nidelva river and cross Gamle Bybroa, the old town bridge. Originally built in 1681, the ornate red bridge connects the city center to the charming suburb of Bakklandet.

Don’t forget to get a group photo! The colorful view of warehouses here is one of the most Instagrammable places in Trondheim. 

5. Kristiansten Fort

After the bridge, climb 10 minutes up the semi-steep hill to reach Kristiansten Fort. 

Built after Trondheim’s great fire of 1681, the fortress has a commanding view of greater Trondheim below. The grounds were open even in the dead of winter, although coming in summer to picnic would probably be nicer!

During World War II, Nazi Germany occupied Trondheim to use the city as a base for their submarines. Kristiansten Fortress became a prison and execution ground for members of the Norwegian resistance.

6. Bakklandt

On the way back down the hill, take a right and you’ll find yourself in the charming neighborhood of Bakklandt.

The cobblestone streets are lined with small, colorful wooden houses which have been turned into cozy restaurants, bars and street side cafes. It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods in Trondheim to eat, drink and people watch. 

Even in winter, Norwegians like to sit and eat outdoors! Grab a pastry and cup of coffee and watch tourists try to use the world’s first bicycle lift.

7. Stroll through the Alleys

A catastrophic fire in 1681 burned most of Trondheim to the ground. 

However a number of alleys date back to the city’s medieval history and are still intact in the city center. Join a guided tour of Trondheim’s alleys to learn the history of the city from a local and explore the cutest streets off the beaten path.

8. Explore the Local Food Scene

Trondheim has a great restaurant scene with a focus on local food. And, if you love burgers, there are tons of great burger joints in town like Bror, Cowsea and Døgnvill. We tried Graffi Grill, which was nice!

9. People Watch in a Trondheim Cafe

Trondheim has a strong coffee culture, with lots of fantastic baristas and roasters.

We tried a spiced chili latte at Kopi, which had a nice kick! Other great coffee shops in Trondheim to check out: Dromedar, Sellanraa Bok and Jakobsen & Svart.

10. Try a Cinnamon Bun

Norwegian cinnamon buns are a staple throughout the country’s bakeries. Grab a kanelknute at Hevd in Trondheim, or my personal favorite, Kardemumme Knute (cardamom buns)!

11. Ride the Tram

We didn’t get to do this since we visited Trondheim in winter, but the Trondheim Tram is a fun experience when the weather is better!

The 5.5 mile (8.8 km) route goes from the city center up into the mountains. If you like walking, jogging or hiking, get off at Bymarka which has lots of trails, viewpoints and cabins selling food. 

Trondheim’s city center is filled with shops. Over the holidays, the streets are lit, the Christmas markets open and there’s such a cheery vibe exploring the independent boutiques and clothing stores. 

Getting In and Around Trondheim

Flying In to Trondheim

Trondheim’s international airport, Værnes, is the fourth largest in Norway with great connections to European cities like London, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. If you’re lucky, you can fly directly into the city and avoid an extra layover (and time delay) in Oslo.

Check flight options and set a fare alert here .

From New York City, we flew Norwegian Airlines to Oslo and then took a short 1 hour domestic flight to Trondheim.

Norwegian is really the only airline that offers nonstop flights from New York City to Oslo in low season, so unfortunately there isn’t much choice. On the other hand, Norwegian is a low cost carrier and if you book early enough, flights can be a deal. 

Norwegian Air Review

A quick note on Norwegian: as a low cost carrier,  everything  will be extra: bags, meals, seat selections, you name it. It’s fine so long as you read the fine print before booking!

Norwegian significantly marks up the fares if you pay in USD. If you can book flights on the airline’s website in Norwegian and pay in Krona (using a credit card with no foreign fees), you’ll save significantly on the fare. It was about $150 cheaper to pay in Krona one way.

Finally, from reviews and our experience, it seems the JFK to OSL overnight flight is regularly delayed by an hour or more, so leave enough time for your layover at Oslo Airport if you are connecting onward. 

The Oslo to Trondheim route is a hugely popular route, so there are typically tons of domestic flight options. For convenience, we booked Norwegian Air for the second leg as well so that our checked bags could meet us in Trondheim. If you switch carriers, you’ll have to enter a separate line at Oslo immigration to pick up and re-check your bags. Or you can go carry on only (but that’s a little difficult in winter)!

Trondheim is connected to Norway’s major rail stations, so if you’re already in the country (or nearby Sweden), it’s easy to take the train.

Train lines that stop in Trondheim include:

• the northbound Nordland Line to Mo i Rana
• the eastbound Meråker Line to Åre and Östersund in Sweden
• the southbound Røros and Dovre Lines to Oslo

The Hurtigruten coastal ship calls at Trondheim port on the Bergen to Kirkenes route. Typically there’s one ship heading in each direction, north and sound, per day. Lots of ocean cruises, like Viking , will also include a visit to Trondheim!

Planning a Trip to Norway – Travel Checklist

Go | We flew from New York to Oslo and then caught a domestic flight to Trondheim. Low cost carrier Norwegian Airlines offers some great deal fares if you book early, but amenities like meals, blankets and luggage cost extra. Wideroe and SAS are other great options. Check here for flight deals .

See | Norway may look small on a map, but it’s a huge country! Driving distances are much, much longer than you think so choose a region to base yourself in and budget 1 to 2 weeks to see it all. 

Getting Around | The best way to experience Norway is on a road trip. The country has a number of National Scenic Roads that blend epic landscapes, active adventures and modern art. Book car rentals well in advance to save. Auto Europe is a great comparison tool and Sixt rentals offers lots of great deals.

Stay | From red fishing cabins to glamorous luxury hotels, there are tons of unique lodging options throughout Norway. Best of all, breakfast is typically included and Norwegians know how to offer a fantastic breakfast spread! Check here for great deals on accommodation .

For groups, give Airbnb a go. There are some beautifully renovated cabins and rorbu available for rent!

Protect |  Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Norway Vacation Planning Articles

Driving in Norway : Everything You Should Know

What to Pack for Norway in Winter

What's Life Like in Norway?

City Guides

Trondheim Travel Guide

Activity & Hotel Reviews

Britannia Trondheim : A Northern Palace

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

Mikimoto dessert lounge, 17 instagrammable paris hotels with eiffel tower views, the best airbnbs in cinque terre with …, panama should be next on your travel …, leave a reply cancel reply.

Top 13 Best Things to Do in Trondheim, Norway Plus A Day Trip Tour Guide

Whether you are interested in discovering the historical sites of Norway or you dream about adventuring to the Arctic north to chase the spectacular Aurora Borealis, Trondheim is a fantastic destination.

Yes, Oslo is a great choice for culture aficionados, but Trondheim, the third-largest city in the country and Norway’s historic Viking capital, is also waiting for travelers with a great number of memorable surprises.

If you want to explore an explosive nightlife scene, see the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, get in touch with fascinating history, and admire the northern natural beauty, start planning your trip to Trondheim.

To get close to this spectacular city you need at least a week of wandering around.

However, if you don’t have so much time, three days would be enough to give you a healthy taste of the city and make you want to come back for more. Here is how you can spend your three days in Trondheim, Norway.

Don’t forget to pack: Lonely Planet Norway (Travel Guide)

13 Best Things to Do in Trondheim, Norway

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Urban Beauty by Foot

As mentioned, Trondheim has a rich history and visiting its museum will get you closer to the city’s soul.

Yet, since the city is quite small, the best way to begin your journey is with a walk to remember. So, put on your comfortable shoes and start exploring it.

One of its most beautiful areas is the old city, known as Bakklandet. Make sure you don’t miss strolling its delightful streets and admiring the colorful wooden buildings, which used to be the homes of the working class.

Now, they are hosting interesting shops, inviting cafes, and restaurants.

The city itself is easy to navigate around. Think of it as a shape of a U with the open part pointing to the sea or the cruise port.

2. Check Out Scandinavia’s Largest Wooden Palace: Stiftsgården

With 140 rooms, Stiftsgården is late-baroque jewelry that should be on every traveler’s must-see list.

This imposing palace is now a royal office residence, but it was built with the purpose of being a private house. If you want to catch a glimpse of this fascinating landmark, you must join one of the tours available.

They begin every hour and they offer interesting and useful info every history aficionado must know.

3. Visit the Most Important Gothic Monument in Norway: The Nidaros Cathedral

Visiting Trondheim without seeing the impressive Nidaros Cathedral is out of the question.

Known for being Scandinavia’s second-largest medieval cathedral and Norway’s most important Gothic monument, Nidaros protects Trondheim, standing in the middle of its city center.

Wander around freely inside its magnificent walls but, if you travel during the summer months, join a detailed tour and learn more about this interesting landmark.

End the day with a beer and a delicious dish in one of the many local pubs and restaurants. As mentioned, those in Bakklandet are a great option.

4. See the Hanseatic Houses 

Not to miss in Trondheim is the historical Hanseatic district. The area features a canal that showcases a long row of brightly colored houses, some in disrepair but offering an amazing glimpse into the history of the city.

Photographers and tourists alike flock to the area for its picturesque qualities. You can also enjoy some great shopping and dining along the canal, so be sure to give yourself some time to really enjoy the area and views.

5. Have a Wonderful Journey into the Past: The Museum of Natural History and Archaeology

Whether you are a history enthusiast or less into studying the past, the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology is definitely a must-see.

Gain an understanding of the natural, as well as the human history of this area while exploring the compelling exhibits in this fascinating museum.  

6. Visit an Iconic Landmark: The Kristiansten Fortress

Built after the great fire, in 1681, The Kristiansten Fortress is an emblematic landmark that must be on your list. The fortress saved Trondheim from the Swedes at the beginning of the 18th century.

Then, the Nazis used it as an execution place. In addition to having great historical importance, the Kristiansten Fortress is the perfect place to admire the breathtaking view of the city and its superb surroundings.

7. Relax on a Charmin Island: Munkholmen

Located close to the city center, the delightful Munkholmen used to be the place where the Vikings held their executions.

At present, the island is a fantastic relaxing area for both locals and travelers.

You can easily get to the lovely island by boat and, if the weather permits, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the small beach or at the cozy cafe that is open during the summer months.

Don’t forget to pack your  Lonely Planet Norway (Travel Guide)

8. See the City Differently: Rent a Bike

There are more bike lanes in Trondheim than in any other Norwegian city, so you better take advantage of this aspect and explore the beautifully arranged streets riding a bike.

And if you want to have a unique experience, check out the bike lift located in the old city center.

There aren’t too many people who end up using it successfully, but some have fun trying, while others enjoy watching the more courageous ones fail.

9. Learn About the Norwegian Music at the Rockheim Museum

If you want to have some fun while getting closer to the history of Norwegian music, visit the national museum of pop and rock music.

At the Rockheim, you can learn all about the history of music in Norway from the 1950s to the present days. Check out the main exhibition, called the ‘Time Tunnel’, and catch a glimpse of the most important artists.

If you are a music history aficionado, make sure you visit the changing exhibitions, as well.

10. Have a Memorable Outdoor Adventure: Walk or Bike the Trails Around the City    

Trondheim is an absorbing city and strolling its captivating streets warms even the coldest hearts.

But if you love outdoor activities and you want to admire the natural beauty surrounding the city, walking the trails around it will definitely enhance your city break.

Ladestien and Nidelv Tien are two of the many trails that can easily make an adventurer fall in love.

Another place that you shouldn’t miss if you are looking for outdoor adventure in Trondheim is the closely located Bymarka Nature Preserve .

Just outside of the city limits, this nature preserve is huge and plays host to miles of hiking trails, fishing lakes, camping spots, and bike trails. It is the go-to place for locals looking to escape the city.

11. Sverresborg Folk Museum

The Sverresborg Folk Museum is placed around the ruins of King Sverre’s castle, which dates back to 1183.

The open-air cultural museum is among the largest in all of Norway and features a live depiction of an 18th-century city center and farm village.

A tour of the museum is interactive and you will be guided through stories of the people that once occupied the buildings that stand today.

Viator offers many great tours in Trondheim Norway . Below are the top 2 tours you can not miss when visiting Trondheim, Norway.

• Segway Tours Trondheim
• Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata – Introwall

Day Trips from Trondheim, Norway

Travelers who plan to spend more than a couple of days in this Norwegian piece of heaven should consider enjoying a day trip to visit the beauty around Trondheim.

12. If Given the Occasion, Why Not Visit Hell?

Located very close to the Trondheim Airport Vaernes, Hell is a village all travelers who visit this area want to go to.

There might not be much to do around here, but most people just want to step inside its borders for a moment and take a photo of their “unique experience in Hell”.

You will see visitors getting off the train just to take a picture by the station sign. However, if you choose to visit Hell, you should also check out the rock carvings at Helleristninger. They say they date back to the Stone Age. Interesting, right?

13. Visit the “Norwegian Wild West”, Roros

Considered by many as one of the most beautiful villages in Norway and described by some as the “Wild West of Norway”, Roros is a Unesco World Heritage-listed site that will instantly amaze your eyes and conquer your soul.

Surrounded by hills and forests, the former mining community is now focusing on local food and sustainable tourism. Stroll the dreamy alleys of this fairy-tale village and indulge in the contagiously laid-back atmosphere it has.

Trondheim, Norway Planning Tips

Where to stay – trondheim hotels.

Whether you want to stay in a hotel, hostel, apartment or you feel adventurous enough to choose a campsite, Trondheim is welcoming you with a great number of options.

Located in the heart of the city, Scandic Bakklandet is a fantastic choice for people who are interested in an elegant and warm hotel.

In addition to comfortable rooms, the hotel offers its guests the chance to indulge in the tasty food served at the restaurant, join the gym, and relax in the inviting bar while enjoying a tasty drink.

Book your stay today at the Scandic Bakkladet

History aficionados are invited to stay at the Nidaros Pilgrimsgard hotel. Little but delightful, this hotel is located in the old city center, right next to the enchanting Nidaros Cathedral.

It is definitely a great option for people who want to be in the middle of everything while visiting Trondheim.

Book your stay today at the Nidaros Pilgrimsgard

And if you find the hotels in Trondheim too expensive for your budget, check out the accommodations available on the world-famous Airbnb .

In addition to finding a great apartment or a private room, you might also meet a friendly host who can enhance your trip with useful local tips.

Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine , that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

Where to Eat – Trondheim Restaurants

While sleeping in a comfortable bed and visiting the most important landmarks are important aspects of your trip, what you eat is crucial to an enjoyable vacation. You can’t do too much on an empty stomach, can you?

If you want to have a memorable lunch, go to Baklandet Skydsstation and let your taste buds go wild!

Many locals go to this restaurant to indulge in the herring buffet they often have for lunch. However, if this is not your cup of tea, don’t worry, because there are other amazing dishes on the menu.

On a sunny day, Kafé Skuret is the best place for a tasty seafood dish. Located on the seafront, the pub has a great atmosphere, serves mouth-watering food, and offers a flawless service.

In case you’re not hungry, just sit and enjoy one of the tempting local beers.

And if you want to enjoy some of the best traditional Norwegian dishes, eat at The Tavern .

There is no better place to intensify your encounter with the Norwegian culture than at this local restaurant, indulging in the mouth-watering traditional food.

How to Get To Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim is the third-largest city in Norway and a place that is slowly gaining popularity with visitors to Norway.

Officially a University city, the city is lively with a lot to offer. It is accessible in many ways including planes from the major cities of Oslo or Bergen, by car, by train, by ferry, and by cruise ship.

HOW WE DID IT

  We explored Norway’s coastline on an expedition cruise,  this allowed us to explore sleepy fishing villages that still had fish drying on the racks next to the seaside, small off the beaten path islands that don’t see other cruise ships and many more of Norway’s natural wonders.

This kind of itinerary was made possible by choosing to  cruise on a small ship versus a mega-ship. We were able to get into places where few other travelers visit, let alone other cruise ships. Many of the places we visited are not possible to visit unless you are on a small ship.

Our cruise started above the Arctic Circle in Tromsø, sailed up to Nordkapp and then headed all the way down the coast to end in Bergen.

Trondheim was the only city to stop our cruise made, outside of our start and endpoints.

Ready to plan your own adventure in Norway? Have a look at the exact itinerary we did on our 11 days  Cruising the Norwegian Fjords in Depth tour  with G Adventures. Note, we spent several extra days in Bergen after the cruise and also planned our hike to Trolltunga separate from the cruise.

Check prices for a Norway Cruise with G Adventures

Other Great Adventures in Norway

• Northern lights & arctic circle by rail – Oslo to Tromso 9 days
• Norway fjord trekking – Round trip from Bergen 7 days ** This includes Trolltunga (the “Troll’s Tongue”) a world’s top 100 travel adventure! **

More on Norway:

• Visiting Nordkapp Norway – Everything You Need to Know
• Epic Guide of Things to Do in Tromsø, Norway  
• Choosing A Norway Cruise: Essential Tips & Advice
• Hiking in Norway – A Introduction Guide
• 10 Reasons to Take a Norway Fjords Cruise with G Adventures
• 35 Epic Norway Photos to Inspire Your Next Trip

Did you like this story? Share it !

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “Top 13 Best Things to Do in Trondheim, Norway Plus A Day Trip Tour Guide”

I have yet to venture to Norway. This post has made me add it to the top of my bucket list. Thanks!

Love to hear that! You won’t be disappointed. Happy travels!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Trondheim Trip Planner

Top attractions in trondheim.

Other notable attractions

Attractions

Top searches in Trondheim

Popular road trips from trondheim, all road trips from trondheim.

• Trondheim to London drive
• Trondheim to Paris drive
• Trondheim to Rome drive
• Trondheim to Berlin drive
• Trondheim to Amsterdam drive
• Trondheim to Prague drive
• Trondheim to Stockholm drive
• Trondheim to Oslo drive
• Trondheim to Copenhagen drive
• Trondheim to Budapest drive
• Trondheim to Vienna drive
• Trondheim to St. Petersburg drive
• Trondheim to Florence drive
• Trondheim to Edinburgh drive
• Trondheim to Dublin drive
• Trondheim to Milan drive
• Trondheim to Venice drive
• Trondheim to Moscow drive
• Trondheim to Brussels drive
• Trondheim to Munich drive
• Trondheim to Hamburg drive
• Trondheim to Bergen drive
• Trondheim to Helsinki drive
• Trondheim to Krakow drive
• Trondheim to Tallinn drive
• Trondheim to Turin drive
• Trondheim to York drive
• Trondheim to Warsaw drive
• Trondheim to Bruges drive
• Trondheim to Cologne drive

Explore nearby places

• Geitastrand
• Inderoy Municipality
• Steinsdalen

All related maps of Trondheim

• Map of Trondheim
• Map of Hoylandet
• Map of Vannvikan
• Map of Melhus
• Map of Stadsbygd
• Map of Hommelvik
• Map of Geitastrand
• Map of Frosta
• Map of Hell
• Map of Rissa
• Map of Leksvik
• Map of Orkanger
• Map of Fannrem
• Map of Asen
• Map of Svorkmo
• Map of Storen
• Map of Brekstad
• Map of Botngard
• Map of Opphaug
• Map of Uthaug
• Map of Mosvik
• Map of Meldal
• Map of Jossund
• Map of Levanger
• Map of Aafjord
• Map of Grindal
• Map of Inderoy Municipality
• Map of Straumen
• Map of Berkak
• Map of Revsnes
• Map of Steinsdalen

Trondheim throughout the year

• Trondheim in January
• Trondheim in February
• Trondheim in March
• Trondheim in April
• Trondheim in May
• Trondheim in June
• Trondheim in July
• Trondheim in August
• Trondheim in September
• Trondheim in October
• Trondheim in November
• Trondheim in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Trondheim?

Get inspired for your trip to Trondheim with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Trondheim Itinerary
• 2-Day Trondheim Itinerary
• 3-Day Trondheim Itinerary
• 4-Day Trondheim Itinerary
• 5-Day Trondheim Itinerary

Weather in Trondheim

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

3 Days in Trondheim Norway

This is our list of the best things to do when you only have 3 days in Trondheim Norway.

We last visited Trondheim Norway in April 2019 as part of our Denmark to Norway Trip.

This city is a “must stop” if you’re in Norway. Three days wasn’t enough time, and we fully expect we’ll return for another visit in the future.

The weather turned colder as we reached Trondheim. What had been previously unseasonably warm temperatures on our trip through Denmark and Norway had taken a sharp dive. It was cool, windy, and snowy as we arrived in Trondheim. We found a use for all the sweaters and coats we had brought with us, which up until now had remained in our suitcase.

However, it is, after all Norway, so the weather didn’t detract from our impression of Trondheim at all. It’s a charming city with a ton of history.

How we travelled to Trondheim Norway

We had just spent 3 days in Oslo , so boarded the train to travel to Trondheim. We booked all of our train journeys ahead of time through the Eurail trip planner app , which we would recommend. With the app, you can easily see the schedules prior to booking the number of days you will be travelling on trains overall.

Things to Do With only 3 days in Trondheim Norway

Nidaros cathedral.

Nidaros Cathedral is the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. It’s built over the tomb of St. Olav.

There are guided tours offered of this beautiful cathedral, available in a few different languages. We definitely recommend you book a tour in advance if possible.

Archbishop’s Palace and Museum

This museum was built on the same site after a fire in 1983 destroyed two of the buildings. The external façade of this building seems fairly conservative, and doesn’t offer many clues as to what’s inside.

In the 1990s a massive archaeology excavation of the grounds took place involving archaeologists from 12 countries (about 120 people). There were approximately 160,000 finds and the foundations of approximately 100 buildings. One of the most amazing finds was that of three mints, the best preserved being the lower of the three. The mint has been preserved as originally found and is said to be the smallest and northernmost mint in the world.

The museum contains other artifacts, and provides displays of what the Archbishop’s palace would have looked like over different time periods in history.

We were in awe looking at the Mint. Gail enjoys everything relating to numismatics and coins so naturally, it was interesting to see how coins were made long ago. This was a wonderful and surprising find as we made our way through the museum. If there’s a Mint somewhere in any city, Gail will want to visit it, that’s for sure! Even if and perhaps especially if it’s a ancient Mint.

Dora I and Dora II

During our travels in Europe one often comes across reminders of the wars which have ravaged many countries over the centuries. Dora I and II are an example of the strategic and tactical efforts the Nazi war machine carried out during World War 2. These massive concrete structures were built to house submarine pens. The German navy used the pens to carry out maintenance on the submarines in their Atlantic fleet during the Battle of the Atlantic. Having a port in the North Atlantic enabled the U-Boats to remain in combat longer by reducing the travel time to and from port and the Atlantic shipping lanes.

The buildings are huge and constructed of reinforced concrete. The buildings are so strongly built. As a result, it was decided after the war it wasn’t economical to demolish them.

The interiors of the buildings have been converted to various commercial uses. There is new construction on the top of the building that are office spaces. The side facing the port has been repurposed to a boat and yacht mooring.

The picture on the left shows the modern sliding doors and the boat moorings. These buildings were built to withstand the attempts of the allies to destroy them by bombing.

Kristiansten Fortress

The Kristiansten Fortress was built sometime after 1681, and was decommissioned as a military facility in 1816. Today and since 1997 it exists as a museum, and is considered to be Norway’s finest preserved tower fortress of the 17th century.

The fortress is situated at the top of a hill. Therefore, in addition to learning more about the history, you will also see some awesome views of the city and harbour. The donjon is visible from many areas.

Experience Bakklandet

The wooden houses of Trondheim are perhaps the most popular tourist attraction. Bakklandet is indeed a very memorable district of Trondheim. From up close or from a distance, the beauty of these houses is undeniable.

Visit the Emmigrant – Leiv Eiriksson Statue

The plaque says it all here. Also, there’s a Seattle connection too, so for us, it was an fun find. Seattle isn’t far from where we live, so made us feel like we weren’t so far from home after all.

Enjoy the architecture on a stroll around the city

There’s a great mix of older and more modern architecture in this city. Consequently, we think it makes the city more interesting as you walk through. Even on a cooler day for walking, we think you’ll enjoy seeing the variety of the buildings around you.

Visit Rockheim Museum and walk around the harbour

Located at the harbour, this is Norway’s National Museum of Popular Music. If you have the time and the interest, this is worth seeing during your visit. While you’re at the museum, you may want to visit the Yellow submarine at the harbour.

Have lunch and shop in Trondheim Town Center

The lovely square had ongoing construction while we were there, so likely a bit more quiet than usual as a result. It’s worth a visit to the shops and the restaurants. In addition, it’s an easy walk from the Archbishop’s Palace and museum and the Nidaros Cathedral.

We had lunch on a rainy day at Dognvill Burger . It was awesome, and we’d highly recommend the restaurant. A good variety of food, and comfortable environment.

Take pictures of and from the bridges and walkways

There are some beautiful bridges in Trondheim, and gorgeous views from the bridges. Take your time as you stroll along. This unique city will enchant you with it’s charm.

Where we Stayed in Trondheim Norway

We stayed at the Thon Hotel Nidaros in Trondheim. At the time we stayed, the price included free breakfast and evening meal. We were very happy with the hotel. It is located close to everything we visited and close to the train station. We would definitely recommend the hotel to visitors.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on Things to Do when you only have 3 days in Trondheim Norway.

Similar Posts

Esquimalt Gorge Park-Victoria Nearby

Esquimalt Gorge Park, located nearby Victoria BC is a beautiful place to hang out for a couple hours or more. You’ll want to add this park to your list of parks to see while in Victoria, time permitting of course. There is so…

Best Walks in Victoria BC – Westsong Walkway

While we have many possible options for walking, one of the best walks in Victoria BC is the Westsong Walkway, which we choose very often. We are fortunate to have this lovely option close to home for our daily walks. Our daily walking…

Travel Tips London UK

Travel Tips for Visiting LONDON ENGLAND UK Your guide to everything LONDON…And Nearby Places to Explore! Are you considering, planning or dreaming of a trip or vacation to London, England, UK in the future? Perhaps you’re looking for travel tips or travel itineraries…

Best Things to Do-Summer in Victoria, BC

Are you looking for things to do in the summer in Victoria British Columbia Canada and nearby? As locals, we are happy to help you find fun activities for your visit in the Summer Season in Victoria BC. If you enjoy leisurely strolls…

Black Ball Ferry Lines MV Coho

This is detailing our journey from Victoria to Seattle (through Port Angeles-Bainbridge Island) via Black Ball Ferry Lines MV Coho. We sailed on the Coho in February, 2022. Why Black Ball Ferry Lines MV Coho? Our NHL hockey tickets from December 2021 for…

Ancestry Trip to Ørnes Norway

This article is about our Ancestry Trip to Ørnes Norway in May, 2019. Also known as Heritage Travel, or DNA Travel, Ancestry Trips and Travel have become more popular with the ease of accessibility to DNA test kits. Written by Gail, this article…

24 Comments

Those homes on the water is just so scenic! I love seeing cathedrals wherever I go, so I would definitely stop there first.

Thank you for your comment! The wooden houses are very lovely and seeing them were a highlight of our visit.

I’ve wanted to visit Norway since I was young and Trondheim seems like a great place to start. The archeological site is really interesting, and I love that there’s so much unsure history here. The fortress would be a great place to visit

Thank you Emma. Yes, there really is a lot of history to discover there, well worth exploring! 🙂

We are visiting Norway soon. Though I don’t think we will make it to Trondheim, your post gave a glimpse of what we might expect in other Norwegian cities.

Thank you for your comment! There are so many wonderful places to visit in Norway. When we go back, we’ll be visiting other locations, and some of the places we’ve already visited. I would be interested to know which places you recommend once you visit, so we can plan our itinerary for next time to Norway, which will have to be longer. 🙂

What wonderful things to do when spending 3 days in Trondheim. I would definitely have to see the wooden houses of Bakklandet. Also interesting to note the (correct) spelling of Leiv Eiriksson’s name.

Thank you Cris. It was a lovely trip and the wooden houses were a highlight!

Great work! I really want to visit Norway and now I can say that Trondheim is on the top of my list!

Thank you Lasma! So many awesome places in the world to see, it’s hard to choose. 🙂

I loved reading this post because I am headed to Norway in a month, so it informative. Thanks!

Thanks Nadalie. I’m sure you will have an awesome time in Norway, it’s a wonderful place to visit!

I have visited Trondheim a long time ago, on my way to the Lofoten Islands. I remember those pretty houses on the canals and loved their colours. I would love to return and spend more time here.

Thanks Joanna. I definitely agree, the beautiful wooden houses are memorable.

I would love to see the coin production part in the Archbishop’s Palace and Museum. That would be so fascinating to learn about!!

Thank you for your comments! Definitely one of the highlights for me was the mint at the Archbishop’s Palace. 🙂

I’ve never been to Norway. The architecture looks so beautiful, especially the colorful houses. I would love to visit the Kristiansten Fortress since I am a huge history geek. Looks like an amazing place.

Thank you for your comment Erin! There really is a lot of history in Trondheim, we could have spent a lot more time in Kristiansten Fortress. There’s so much to see! 🙂

Norway has been on my list for the longest time. This is such a wonderfully detailed guide – definitely adding Trondheim to my list 🙂

Thank you for your comments. You would not be disappointed if you decide to travel that way! 🙂

3 days in Norway sounds amazing! The houses are so bright and fun. I would love to visit!

Thanks for your comments. 🙂

This is a great breakdown of your trip to Trondheim! thanks for sharing!

Thank you for your comment 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What are you looking for?

7 awesome things to do in trondheim (norway) in one day.

Trondheim is a beautiful, and popular “port” town in Norway. It’s a popular stop for cruises, but Brad and I actually visited whilst on our 3 month road trip with Tinggly.

We loved Trondheim.

It’s a beautiful place with cobbled streets, lots of shops, a beautiful old town and a great cathedral.

We visited in late November when the Christmas lights were all over town and it was even more awesome. 

So, if like us, you’ve only got one day to explore Trondheim, then keep reading to find out all the great things to do in Trondheim in one day….

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Trondheim? 

Honestly, it’s the type of place that looks beautiful in all seasons, but since we went in the winter season, I can recommend that. It was very Christmassy and wintery. I loved it! 

How to get to Trondheim, Norway? 

The best way to get to Trondheim is via your own car or camper.

Trondheim is an easy spot to slot into a Norway road trip , and the country has good road links all over. So either way, rent a car either from Trondheim itself, or before and include it as a stop on your journey.

You can check car rental prices for Trondheim here .

Better yet, I'd recommend you hire a campervan or motorhome in Norway and have an even more unforgettable trip.

You can also fly to Trondheim, and you should check out Skyscanner for all the best prices on flights.

The Top Things To Do In Trondheim in one day 

1. check out the beautiful “old bridge” and take pictures.

The “Old Bridge” is the entrance point in the very cute old town and it’s a beautiful red bridge with a fantastic view of all the colorful houses on the river bank. A great place for a picture spot and a romantic couples photo too! The bridge isn’t too busy, so you’ll get a picture without a mass of crowds around you. 

2. Wander around the Old Town 

The old town is beautiful. It’s filled with cobbled streets, cute shops and a really sweet vibe. It’s a great place at Christmas time too thanks to all the little lights that line the street. Have a wander and pick yourself up a souvenir. 

3. Visit the Kristiansten Fortress for amazing views 

Want a free and amazing view of Trondheim city from above? Then walk up to the Fortress and get an amazing view. In the popular season, you can take a tour of the fortress and learn about the history,  but when Brad and I visited this was closed.

However the views were not and it’s a great spot. The area is actually surrounded by beautiful woodland and it’s a great place to just take a walk, which we did too. 

Just be super careful with ice on the roads at this time of year, there is no grit to stop you from sliding and I almost did!

4. Go shopping 

There are lines and lines of shops in the “new” part of Trondheim and if you’re visiting around Christmas, it’s seriously a great place to get some Christmas gifts, or simply spoil yourself.

As you walk along the streets you’ll be surrounded by beautiful Christmas lights too which is always nice. 

5. Grab a coffee in a cute cafe 

Okay, so two things, I’m a coffee addict (actually consider myself to be something of a connoisseur :P ) and I am a sucker for cute little cafes. Combine them both together and I’ll find them.

Well, if you head to the old town area, there are some really cute cafes that offer delicious drink and fresh pastries. 

And actually, in a place like Norway, where everything is known for being quite expensive, I found the little cafes to be more than reasonable. A perfect way to end your day in Trondheim after a day of exploring. 

READ: Tips for visiting Norway on a budget

6. Visit the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral

I love a Gothic cathedral and this one is super epic. Few fun facts, the cathedral is the northernmost Gothic cathedral in the world. It’s built over the burial site of King Olav II, who is the patron saint of Norway and it’s now the location for the consecration of new kings in Norway. Pretty cool eh!

You can take guided tours of the cathedral almost every day, and really look at the attention to detail of the building and you’ll see how awesome it is. 

They charge you 110 NOK (about 11 euro) into the cathedral, or a joint ticket of 200 for the cathedral and archbishops palace which also has a museum.

Quite frankly, I think it’s a joke to charge into cathedrals, so I don’t do it….

7. Visit the palace (Stiftsgarden)

The palace is a beautiful building in Trondheim and worth a stop on your itinerary. The gardens will be pleasant in the spring and summer and you can take a guided tour for 110NOK . The palace is where the king resides when he visits Trondheim. 

Parking in Trondheim 

If you’ve driven into Trondheim on your own, like Brad and I, then I will mention that parking in the city centre is pretty darn expensive and there isn’t really a way around it (from my research).

It’s about 120NOK for 3 hours, so maximize your time so you don’t waste a lot of money on parking! 

Where to stay in Trondheim 

Brad and I didn’t spend the night in Trondheim, although we did walk past a really nice Radisson Blu hotel and thought, wow that would be cool to stay in!

But if you are looking for hotels in Trondheim, then I suggest you check out Booking.com here for all the best prices. 

So, if you complete all these things to do in Trondheim in one day, then it will be a day well spent.

There are some other cool things to do in Trondheim which include a few museums, but Brad and I are really selective about the museums we see on our travels, otherwise we’d never be out of them! :P

If you’ve got anything else to add to this list of things to do in Trondheim in one day, then drop a comment below. 

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Nerdy Footsteps

A weekend travel blog

50 fantastic things to do in Trondheim, Norway: hear it from a local

Updated on: July 18, 2022

As I write this article about the best things to do in Trondheim, the sunshine is spilling through my light curtains, yet there is a stillness in the air. It is pleasant outside and the fresh green grass in my backyard is inviting me to lay around and finish the rest of my article in its embrace. I put a quick glance at the clock in my microwave, it is 11:48 pm. 11:48 PM!! And there is still so bright!

I have been in Trondheim for the last 4.5 years and I am still not used to this much light so late in the evening. But that’s life in Nordics for you. 

Life in Trondheim might feel a bit extreme at first glance. There is midnight sun in summer and then there is winter when we get minutes (yes, minutes) of sunshine in a whole month. I wasn’t sure I would like it here, so initially, we moved here for a year. The year after my Ph.D., I needed a break, from academia, from Germany (and Switzerland). I wanted to do something different, something extreme. Trust me, everyone finishing a Ph.D. has this phase. So when my husband was offered a postdoctoral position at NTNU, in Trondheim, it was an immediate yes. I had never been to North Europe at that point but have seen Finland, Denmark, and Norway on the happiest countries list too often. Plus Northern lights were a big motivation. 

One year turned into three and here we are, 4.5 years down the line, have a permanent job, had a baby, bought a house, signed a loan for a car, and the hardest of all, got a driver’s license. Some might say we are pretty ‘settled down’ in Trondheim.

Coming back to Trondheim. How do you describe a city that is old and traditional in its roots but young and energetic in its spirit? Trondheim is that city. It is colorful, lively, and still traditional.

Once the Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim holds a special place in Norwegian history and culture. It was the first capital of Norway and is still the city where new kings receive their ceremonial blessing. Even before the Pilgrims and the Viking Age, people were drawn to the region for its seafood-rich fjords and vast mountain ranges. 

In the late Middle Ages, its name changed to Trondheim. ‘Heim’ means home and ‘Trond’ means a good place, so Trondheim translates to a good place to live or a good home.

I have seen all seasons here. I have seen snow-laden streets, I have seen fresh spring leaves arriving from one day to another, I have seen the warmth of its summer and I have seen the beautiful hues of its autumn. Today I am sharing the 50 fantastic things to do or see in Trondheim.

Table of Contents

Things to do/see in Trondheim

Oh boy, where do I start? 

More than 40,000 students call Trondheim home. That is a significant number in a city of 180,000 residents. Being a student city, Trondheim is young and lively. There are lots of events happening all the time. Some of my favorite things to do in Trondheim are:

Marvel at the artistic genius at Nidarosdomen

You know an attraction is the highlight of a city when it spans all the postcards and magnets of the city. Nidaosdomen is that highlight for Trondheim. It is the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral. It is considered the most important religious building in Norway and is also the largest medieval building in the whole of Scandinavia. The Nidaros Cathedral as we know it today began as a wooden chapel erected over the tomb of St. Olav, the Viking King who became the patron saint of Norway. Pilgrims from all over the world still come to visit the cathedral, just as thousands have done before them during the Middle Ages.

Nidarosdomen is not subtle. The detailed statues on the exterior are unparalleled. But the best part is definitely the tainted windows inside. There is something about such painted windows in the dark gothic environment that add to the grandeur of such gothic marvels. This masterpiece deserves a place on your Trondheim to-do list. Words do not do justice to the magnificence of this cathedral.

Fun fact: The cathedral boasts of one of Europe’s largest organs with 9600 beeps. In such a high-ceiling building, the acoustics are phenomenal. I had the pleasure of attending a live concert here. Hearing Harry Potter music on such an organ is an experience I will not forget anytime soon. I had goosebumps! It reminded me of the live music premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone we saw in Lausanne.

The entrance costs 120 NOK for adults and 60 for students/children. The opening times of the cathedral keep changing throughout the year. Please have a look at their calendar before planning your visit. There are some guided tours available from June-August.

Walk around Ila pier (Skansen)

When you have a beautiful fjord coastline, how do you use it without commercializing the shit out of it? Just create a platform for people to run, stroll, and bike along the fjord. 

This is one of my favorite things to do in Trondheim. I spend most of the weekends here, having a stroll. You will find a bridge from ancient times for boats to pass through the narrow channel to the fjord. Along the coast, there is ample space for a picnic, grilling, swimming, or just laying around in the sun. There is a nice cafe ( Lille Skansen ) right before the bridge. You have to try waffles there!

The best way to end this short walk is by treating yourself to the favorite local ice cream from the Siemens Ice cream stall close to the ferry terminal. My personal favorite is the Brunost flavor, which is made of the famous Norwegian brown cheese. It is incredibly creamy with a hint of caramel. Yummy!

See the Hogwarts (-like) building at the NTNU campus

Trondheim is considered the technology capital of Norway. It is home to Norway’s largest science and technology university NTNU and the research institute SINTEF. As a result, many start-ups are spun off into companies here. 

I like the campus where my favorite Hogwarts building lies, overlooking the fjords and the city. Yes, you read it right! Hogwarts building! Well, it is not the same Hogwarts building technically, but it has the same architectural vibe and it hosts the main library of the university. Students fondly call it the Hogwarts building. And you cannot miss the old-time engine on the back of the building, which certainly fulfills the Hogwarts express vibes.

This is as close it gets to the Harry Potter world, here in Trondheim. For the real deal, you might need to go to London.

Take in the majestic views at Utsikten

Being on the fjord comes with its benefits, apart from the coastline, you get incredible views all over the city. And Utsikten has outdone all of them. From Utsikten, you have a view of the Trondheim Fjord and large parts of the Trondheim center, both south, east, and north.

While it is in the residential area of Sverresborg, you can’t walk past it without waiting and taking the views in.

Take the tram to Lian

Trondheim has an old-style tram that goes all the way to Lian where there is a nice lake and lots of hiking paths. And of course a restaurant. It is a pretty relaxing and chilled-out activity to do. The highlight is actually the tram itself. The old-style tram goes through the cute residential areas in Trondheim. It is a bit offbeat but still one of the most authentic things to do in Trondheim. It is quite nice and gives you impressions of typical Norwegian households. And Trampolines, so many trampolines.

See Trondheim from a Boat tour

Trondheim by Boat takes you on a journey along the river Nidelva flowing through the heart of the city eventually venturing into the adjoining Trondheim fjord. 

Captain Amanda is an expert at introducing you to the nature, history, and culture of Trondheim.

You can customize the trip and plan the route with Amanda. That’s what we did the second time. Yes, we have done this boat tour twice and the routes were different both times! The sea was different both times, once we were all wet in the cold water and the ride in the fjord was shaky and adventurous to say the least (but still pretty safe). The second time, it was sunny and relaxing. The river and the fjord both were pretty harmonious and it was one of the most beautiful activities in Trondheim. We even got some hot coffee/chocolate in the middle of the journey, which was nice and cozy.

Britannia hotel

Britannia Hotel is Trondheim’s darling, its first luxury hotel. It is the only five-star hotel in Norway. Its restaurants have collected accolades in a short time after reopening. The spa is the highlight. Well, it is difficult to point out a highlight when everything is so grand.

They organize different events every month and check the latest ones on their Facebook page.

If you’re into a more luxurious experience, book a few nights’ stays at the newly renovated Five Star Britannia Hotel . Surrounded by elegance and plush design, you can enjoy a relaxing spa day and dine at one of several restaurants on the premises. With Britannia Hotel located right in the center of town, you are within walking distance of many wonderful sites and attractions.

Enjoy the Hammam

In a city obsessed with physical activity, Trondheim Hamam is one of the most relaxing experiences in the city. It is in fact, a bit outside the city but worth a trip. 

They offer different massage and Hamam packages that include a bath, spa, steam, massage, snacks, and tea. We booked their ‘sultan’ package for ourselves on our anniversary in dark December and it was nice and relaxing. It felt refreshing to walk back to the snow after about an hour or two in the steam and the warmth.

If you have never had a Hamam experience before, beware that the ‘bath’ might feel a bit intense and intimate as it involves rubbing off the dead skin from your body.

You should book it in advance as it is popular as a group activity, especially on weekends. 

Gorge on the waffles and  brown cheese

What I restrict myself in the modern culinary scenes, I compensate in the traditional Norwegian delight: waffles and brown cheese.

Norwegian waffles are different from Belgian waffles, they are thinner and made up of heart-shaped pieces. Traditionally, people relish them with another Norwegian delicacy, brown cheese.

Well, brown cheese can be a hit and miss for tourists, because it is not what to expect from cheese. It is a brown, caramelized, and sweet version of cheese. And to add to the multitude of differences, it is not even cheese.

But I love it. It takes a while to get used to it but I don’t know many expats and locals who don’t love it. A must-to-do in Trondheim.

And do you know what is the best way to eat brown cheese? As an ice cream! Yes, and it is heavenly. You can find it at the Simens ice cream shop at Brattora.

Walk in the historic old Town, Bakklandet

The old town is one of the most charming and oldest parts of Trondheim. You must have seen the photos of the colorful wharves from this part of the city. If you google Trondheim, those are images you will find. Once these old timber buildings were home to the working class of Trondheim and now these streets are dominated by cafes, restaurants and antique shops. It certainly is the most photogenic area in Trondheim.

My favorite walking route (okay, maybe second favorite, the first one is Skansen) in Trondheim is to walk down the bridge, along the river, and then end up in old town, grabbing a hot chocolate or icecream, depending on the season. It might feel like a touristy thing, but trust me the old town, Bakklandet is loved equally by locals and tourists alike.

Rent a bike or an e-scooter

What is a fun bike ride without riding up and down some hills?

I never got a hang of the electric scooters, but my husband loves them. There are at least three different companies now. You can install the app and find the nearest e-scooter, and restricted areas, and follow the rules. Teenagers’ favorite.

Take a dip in Pirbadet

Pirbadet is a swimming pool. I won’t generally include a swimming pool in my ‘things to do’ list but this one deserves this spot. This bathing facility offers you a smooth transition between the sea and the pool. You can even relax in an outdoor heated pool while overlooking the cold fjord. 

They even have slides, a wave pool, a high dive platform, a sauna, and a climbing wall. 

Walk along Lade

The Lade Trail (Ladestien) is a green path along the fjord and locals’ favorite for a walk or run. You can already see the pattern here. Most of the green and beautiful paths in the city, along the fjord, or in the forest are running/strolling paths.

This curvy path offers you the best views of the fjord, and trains your calf muscles at the same time, as it is not a flat path. While on this path, feel free to check out the Ladekaia cafe . Coffee, gorgeous fjord views, and a walking path, are three things that characterize Trondheim.

Take a ferry to Munkholmen or neighbor towns/villages

From the coastline of Trondheim, you cannot miss the small island, Munkholmen. It is a historical site that is open to visitors now. This small island and the fortress have played the role of a prison in the past. You can even book a guided tour that takes you inside the premise of the fortress, booked generally with the ticket. Otherwise, you can just have a stroll yourself. There is a cafe that is open during the visits.

You can buy the return ticket for the ferry from the ticket booth at Ravnkloa. It runs hourly in summer.

Apart from the boat tour to Munkholmen, you can take a ferry or the coastal express to neighbor towns and villages on the fjords. You can even go all the way to the small island of Hitra (which I recommend) and even Kristiansund (do not recommend it) for a refreshing day trip.

Visit the cute little fortress, Kristiansten Festning

What is a medieval city without its fort/fortress?

Kristiansten Fortress was built after the great city fire in 1681 and now stands guard over the city. It offers a spectacular view of Trondheim and its surroundings, the fjord, and the mountains.

The fortress was used by the Nazi forces during World War II. The site where 23 Norwegian patriots were executed by the Nazi forces is inside the fortress. 

Okay, let’s be real. The Kristiansten festning is a bit underwhelming for my taste. It is neither grand nor magnificent. The only plus point is the view, but again, there are so many better spots for that in Trondheim. So, feel free to skip it.

Experience history at the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum

The museum is placed around the ruins of King Sverre’s castle, which date as far back as 1183. Take a walk through history and landscapes, and explore buildings from town and country, from mountain to coast, and from Sami huts to city mansions.

The museum’s old town comprises buildings that were originally located in downtown Trondheim and offer a charming representation of the wooden houses that have dominated the cityscape from the 18th century up until today. Here you can see the vintage dentist’s exhibition, the shoemaker’s workshop, the post office, and the museum’s old grocery store, where you can buy sweets and a cup of coffee.

The open-air museum hosts a series of exciting events throughout the year, including the annual Christmas event on the first weekend of Advent and the museum’s large Mid-Summer event. I like going there for the Christmas event, riding the horse cart, and eating waffles by the fire.

If your name is Sverre, you can enter the museum free of charge!

Get amazed at the Art museums, Kunstmuseum

Trondheim is home to many good art museums. There are two locations got Trondheim Kunstmuseum (TMK), one near the Nidarosdomen called TMK Bispegata, and another one near Solsiden, TMK Gramolna. They have very cool temporary exhibitions. Another museum, that is my personal favorite is the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustri museum. The exhibitions range from classic art to modern to even 3-D exhibits or various relevant topics.

Rock on at the Rockheim

Not into art, what about rock music? Rockheim Museum preserves Norwegian popular rock culture from the late 50s until now. They have dedicated exhibitions (both permanent and temporary) for each decade. 

You can read about different artists, listen to their songs, and see their equipment in a well-designed storyline throughout the museum. in one of the exhibits, you can also play with some of the equipment. Some of the exhibits are designed to make you feel like a part of the crew and you can sit on a bus and travel with the bands and the songs. In another exhibit, you can listen to the old popular songs in a bar-like setting and many more. 

And of course, there is a hall of fame, you can see Norwegian contributions to popular music over the past seven decades, including the famous a-ha band from 1985 and their most famous song take on me. In the same hall of fame, you will find more international bands that were famous in Norway at different times listening to their hit numbers.

Chase the waterfalls at Illabekken

The best thing about Trondheim is that within minutes, you are in nature, far away from the hustle-bustle of a busy city. Ilabekken is a small river that meets the ocean at Ilsvikøra. There is a trail following the river, popular among local people as well as tourists. The part where the wooden stairs are built along and over a small waterfall is especially idyllic. Again, you will find the athlete locals running here, regardless of the season.

I used to live five minutes from this beautiful walk. The waterfall is the first spot we take our guests to! There are benches along the path if you just want to relax and have a nice break on the path. It is wonderful that within five minutes of the city you can feel like you are in the woods.

you can venture just beyond the city’s edges in Bymarka. This scenic area is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing in the winter months, with an array of marked trails crisscrossing the reserve, leading to spectacular viewpoints, charming rest areas, and cozy cabins offering food and refreshments. 

Walk along the river

The Nidelva river frames the city center of Trondheim. You can walk along the river, from close to Skansen, and walk all the way to the Old town, Bakklandet.

It also offers good fishing opportunities (salmon and trout). The record for salmon ‘so far’ is 31.8 kg (70 lb). Most fishing locations are open to the public, so come and try your luck, but first remember to buy a fishing permit (Axel Bruun sports shop, Prinsens gate 30). 

Witness a cool performance at the Trondheim Spektrum

If you are walking along the river on the path I mentioned above, you will see the recent addition to the cultural scene of Trondheim, Trondheim Spektrum. It is famous for its indoor sports stadium, concerts, festivals, workshops, musicals, and various other indoor events. Check out their calendar to find something you might be interested in. Yes, they are premiering cats musical this year.

See something majestic at the Olavshallen

Another more traditional indoor event space is Olavshallen which hosts comedy shows, musicals, talks, and orchestra. We attended the talk from Prof. Brian Cox about Adventures in space and time. The hall was pretty cool and the talk was fantastic!

Even if you are not into any event they are organizing, I would recommend checking out their food court, Olavstorget . On the ground floor of the Olavshallen, you will find Olavstorget with six different cuisines and a lovely bar. My favorite is the chicken sandwich (with mango and avocado) and the pink pisco sour. One of the best cocktails, sour and refreshing, not too sweet.

Be entertained at the Bike lift

While at Gamle Bybro, try your hand (or foot) on the bike lift. Yes, the bike lift. Trondheim is hilly and some parts are more than others. One of such sloped streets, immediately after the old bridge, has a bike lift. You can always find people struggling to make it work. It works only in summer though.

Watch a Soccer match

Norwegians love soccer, especially league games. Lerkendal stadium is the second biggest in Norway. The tickets are usually available and are not as expensive as in countries like Germany, Spain or Italy.

Shop at the Fishmarket

When you have a vast fjord next to you, you know the seafood will be fresh and delightful. To buy fresh seafood, visit the fish market at Ravnkloa which doubles as a cafe with quayside tables out the front. There you can find anything from fish cakes, shrimp, mussels, fish soup, and all other seafood delicacies. In addition to seafood, it sells an impressive range of cheeses and other gourmet goods.

Note: The Ranvkloa market is now permanently closed. So, you might have to buy the seafood in supermarkets.

Promote the local Saturday market

If you are in the city center on a Saturday, don’t miss the regional food market in the central square. On some pre-decided Saturdays, you can buy regional produce from the farmers in this market. From fresh vegetables, fish, pickles, meat, jam, cheese, and other local products. My favorite is the clover and honey cheese from the Dutch cheesemaker and the potato and cinnamon lefse, a Norwegian sweet flatbread.

Explore the Trondelag mat and beer festival

Every year in summer, Trondheim celebrates a Trondelag mat and beer festival (food and drinks from the state of Trondelag). This is one of the biggest food events in the city and you can find different kinds of food items, starting from the bear burger, reindeer, local daily products, ice creams, sweets, Norwegian pizza, local produce, and craft beers, and a lot more. And fish, lots of fish. 

Be cozy at the Christmas markets

The Christmas Market in Trondheim takes place in the city center in December every year. You will find an exciting market with quality crafts, handmade products, Christmas food, and trees. You can even witness some cool concerts, theatre, storytelling, and horse and sleigh rides. There is a lavvo in the center where you can enjoy local food and beverages by the fire. Very cozy, I must admit.

While this Christmas market is nothing compared to the ones in Germany or Austria, I love it. It is a cozy lighted scene in the middle of dark winter days and I cannot get enough of it.

Exploit the Sale day

This might be the biggest event in Trondheim. Yes, Sale day is a once-in-a-year event in Trondheim when there are big sales in almost all the stores. The market opens early in the morning and people go crazy! It is intense enough that I included it in the list here. Google when the next sale day is, maybe you are in luck!

Trondheim is blessed with numerous lakes around it. All these lakes are beautiful but my favorite is Kyvanet. It is perfect for a quick swim and then a nice picnic around it. It is a family-friendly area but equally popular with youngsters as well. On a sunny day, sunbathers just lie down and enjoy the few weeks of sunshine in Trondheim.

Try your hands at the Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard is a much-loved game here. It involves players pushing the metal weighted pucks down a smooth wooden table into a scoring area. You have to slide the pucks hard, but not too hard. I enjoy this game. That doesn’t mean I am good at it. I enjoy it anyway.

It is quite popular in Norway. We usually try our hand at it at Work Work.

Pilgrim along the Pilgrims’ route

In ancient times, pilgrims used to follow the Pilgrim’s Route, (Pilegrimsleden) to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, which is the site of the medieval tomb of St. Olav. The main route is approximately 640 kilometers (400 mi) long. It starts in the ancient part of Oslo.

I find it fascinating that this route passed in front of our old rented house. For ages, so many pilgrims have walked on those streets.

Be trendy at Brattora

Brattøra is the newest part of Trondheim. This artificial island is located at the mouth of the river Nidelva just north of the city center and south of Trondheimsfjord. There is a canal that divides the mainland from the island of Brattøra.

The buildings here are modern and different from the traditional Norwegian buildings. A walk along this area, by the fjord, will show you a different side of Trondheim, chic and modern.

And of course, you can do that while gorging on ice cream from my fav stall.

Chill out at the Korsvika

Korsvika is a popular beach on the Lade peninsula. It has several small inlets with a sandy beach and some coastal rocks. This family-friendly area is perfect for sunbathing and having a nice picnic by the sea.

Understand the world at the Science museum

The science museum in Trondheim promotes learning through interactive exhibitions. It offers a hands-on experience where children and adults together can play, learn, and explore.

The museum targets kids and youth and aims to inspire them to learn more about the natural sciences and technology. I liked this museum. While the focus is primarily on kids, it was fun for us adults as well. I recommend going to the museum when you visit Trondheim.

The highlight of the museum is the Planetarium, which opened back in 2017. Norway’s first 3D planetarium is in this science museum and will take you on an unforgettable journey to the universe with spectacular full-dome shows.

Sometimes music concerts are also held at the planetarium, given the fantastic echoes in the dome.

Swim in the fjords

Trondheim is not popular for its fjords. While it has a really wide and pretty fjord, it is not as dramatic as in Western Norway. So these fjords are often neglected.

You can swim in the fjords all year along. Yes, all year long even in the middle of winter. What can I say? Norwegians love their cold dips and you can join them in this madness.

Me? No Thanks! I will be back home by my fireplace, sipping hot cocoa.

Go for the Northern lights hunting

Trondheim is north enough for dark and icy winters but not north enough for bright Northern light shows. But I have been lucky enough to witness them at least a few times every year. If you are lucky enough, you might see them as well.

If you are here in winter, do not forget to download the My aurora forecast app to give you alerts when there are high chances of spotting the lights.

Enjoy the concerts from July-august

Every summer Trondheim is a haven for music lovers. Be it trash metal, Grieg, folk music, or electronic music, you will find a concert for the same. The music scene in Norway is full of madness, finesse, feeling, and rhythm.

I have witnessed people queueing for hours for the bus to take them to the Metallica concert in the summer of 2019. Everyone was wearing their merch since early morning and enjoying a nice sunny afternoon in the city center before lining up for the bus. It was insane!

Buy Norwegian wool

I often have trouble deciding what souvenirs to get from a place. I am getting a bit bored with the whole postcard and magnet brigade. So I actively look out for souvenirs that are unique and meaningful.

If you want to buy a good and meaningful souvenir, get Norwegian wool. Norwegian wool is washed and prepared without chemicals and is known for its strength and luster. It cannot get more local than this.

Yearly around 4.000 tonnes of wool is processed in Norway and wool is deeply loved. People buy and knit their sweaters themselves. There are knitting meetups in cafes, bars, and restaurants. I have never seen a place so in love with knitting.

It makes sense. It is cold for about 8 months of the year. This year I am wearing woolens in July, which is technically summer. Let’s not talk about it.

Kayak through Trondheim

Trondheim is blessed with the beautiful river Nidelva that winds its way through this historic city before joining the fjord. To explore the city from the river, you can kayak your way through it.

You can kayak in the river and/or the fjord. It is a fantastic way to see the historical old town bridge and the wharves, Nidaros Cathedral, Kristiansten fortress, and old boats along the channel.

Geek out at Outland

This is my favorite store in Trondheim. You can geek your heart out at Outland. This three-storied store sells English books, comics, figurines, pop culture memorabilia, popular merch, board games, and a lot more.

Most of the board games are sold in their English version, which is nice. I like to visit it once every few months to satisfy my nerdiness. I bought my copy of the Pandemic game here and loved it, till it became real. I don’t like the game anymore.

Pick mushrooms

Being close to the forest gives you more benefits. Bymarka is full of some of the most unique mushrooms I have ever seen. Be it orange, red, purple, name the color and I have seen a mushroom of that color. I mean, not personally. I haven’t been picking mushrooms myself but I have friends who do that.

There is a voluntary non-profit organization that promotes knowledge and use of mushrooms and wild edible plants, called The Norwegian association for mycology and foraging . It organizes several events around the year for mushroom picking, identification, cooking, education, and much more. When in Trondheim, you can contact the local branch from the same. While most of their events are in Norwegian, you can contact them and arrange some tours/events in English.

But beware, if you don’t know much about mushrooms, don’t go for this activity because you can easily pick the poisonous ones. Take note of this important information from the health department in Norway.

Spot the Graffiti

Yes, the graffiti and street art scene in Trondheim is blooming. Be it the old neighborhood of Bakklandet or the upcoming areas of Ila and Ilsvika, you can find impressive artwork on the streets.

In fact, in 2019, a gatekunstfestiva l (street art festival) event was organized in Ila and Ilsvika, inviting kids, youngsters and artists to show their talents on the street. You can find some pictures from the event and its artwork here . The website is in Norwegian but pictures are the global language, no?

Enjoy the sun on the sunny side (Solsiden)

Solsiden translates to the ‘ sunny side ’ and it is called so for a reason. It is sunny! Solsiden, with its beautiful waterfront, is one of the most popular areas to hang out in Trondheim.

You will find an array of good restaurants and bars in this area, including my favorite breakfast and pizza place !

Try your brain at the Escape Room

I never went to an Escape room event before moving to Trondheim and now I have been to different escape rooms. It is so exciting!!

Well, for those of you who are new to the concept, the Escape room is a game where you solve a mystery within a time limit to escape from the room. There are several puzzles and brain pickings to solve the case. Usually, the team size is 2-10 people. I really enjoyed the one with the Magic school theme (that was also the only one we managed to solve :D). I will recommend booking for at least 2-3 days in advance.

Stock up on licorice

I don’t like licorice. There, I said it. I don’t understand this mania for licorice. I didn’t get it for Haribo in Munich and I don’t get it now with all the crazy candy and licorice obsession in Scandinavia.

But if you are interested, there are lots of stores, convenience stores, and even cinema theaters that have a full collection of different varieties of licorice. Go crazy!

Explore the Home of Nordic flavors: Michelin star culinary scene

Trondheim is a budding culinary genius. Even the tourism website calls it Home of Nordic Flavours and rightly so. Trondheim has a lot to be proud of. For a city of this size, it has multiple Michelin-star restaurants and celebrated chefs. Learn more about it here.

Local chefs put a lot of focus on high-quality ingredients including some of the best seafood, local produce, and dairy products. It is impressive for a city with limited vegetation options to achieve this status.

Trondheim is a city of fish and meat lovers. Since I don’t eat too much meat, I haven’t been able to explore its culinary scene completely. But that’s fine for me.

While the culinary scene in Trondheim is better than ever, locals’ real love is sushi. You will find restaurants offering sushi buffets at a relatively moderate price (for Norway). Norwegian sushi is a bit different in the sense that you will have lots of modern twists with sushi. Let’s just say I don’t dislike the strawberries and green apples in my sushi. And I do pick sushi pieces with a moderately spicy mayo-based dressing. Judge me all you want, but you have to try it when in Norway. Sushi bar and Sabrura , both have many branches in Trondheim and I can personally vouch for them!

Fun fact: Norwegians claim that salmon sushi is their invention.

Eat the best breakfast in Norway

If I tell you that you can eat the best breakfast in Norway right here in Trondheim, will you believe me? You should! The breakfast buffet at Scandic Nidelven has been ranked the top for the last few years and rightly so!

The breakfast buffet is a huge spread of all the local produce starting from cheese, yogurt, milk, different varieties of smoked salmon, cut meats, fruits, juices, smoothies, muesli, and whatnot. There are several options for vegan and gluten-free restrictions as well. The spread is not only enormous but quite fresh and delicious as well. 

If you stay at the hotel, it is included with the stay, otherwise, you can just call and book a table in advance.

Tips and suggestions

No cash needed: You don’t need cash in Norway. Card payments are acceptable everywhere. In the last 2.5 years, I never needed cash in Trondheim.

Walk, walk, walk: Trondheim city center and most of the attractions mentioned above can easily be reached by foot. I recommend walking around in the center, it is pretty.

Get bus tickets on mobile: In case you need to take a bus/tram (weather is unreliable), I highly recommend downloading the ATB Mobillett app and buying the tickets from the app. The difference in the ticket price if you buy tickets from the app versus from the designated shops is significant. For example, one zone ticket on the app can cost about 37 NOK but buying this ticket offline will cost you more than 50 NOK. Please note that there is a separate app ( ATB Reise ) for route information.

Ice walkers: If you are coming to Trondheim in winter, I recommend getting the spikes for your shoes. If you don’t manage to get them in your city, don’t worry. You can get them here at all the sports gear shops or any of the Clas Ohlson in the city.

Student discounts: Trondheim is a great place to be a student. Given the number of students in the city, most of the shops/utility services offer student prices. So, If you are a student, bring your student IDs to make the most of these discounts.

Free refill with black coffee: Norwegians love their coffee. Given the messed-up daylight schedule, I don’t blame them. Most of the cafes offer free refills when you pay for plain black coffee.

Rainproof clothing: Norwegian weather is infamous for its reliability. Don’t forget to bring your rainproof clothing. As the Norwegians say, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing.

When is the best time to visit Trondheim?

I will tell you when NOT to visit Trondheim. November! It is the darkest month with lots of rain and ice. Trondheim only gets daylight for a few hours and most of the time it is cloudy with heavy overcast. Not fun! While December is darker technically, the Christmas market and snow make it festive and cheery. Trondheim has a lot to offer and it would be a delight to visit it anytime before/after October to December.

If you like winter, Trondheim is pretty cute, overladen with snow. January and February are the best months to experience a good winter in Trondheim. Do not forget to pack layers of clothing and good shoes.

In Summer, Trondheim is a darling! The weather can be sunny and warm starting from May and all the way to August. But it is Norway. So, there will be weeks of rain and cold in between. So pack your clothing accordingly.

Where to stay in Trondheim

Britannia hotel: It is the only five-star hotel in Norway. That says a lot, doesn’t it? Britannia Hotel is famous for its luxurious interiors, remarkable restaurants, and its London taxi. I have been to one of their restaurants, and it was a delight. They also offer a great buffet breakfast and more restaurants on site.

We tried their lunch buffet, it was nice but not enough options for vegans/vegetarians. But the dessert section was amazing!

Scandic Nidelven: This hotel is closer to Solsiden, about a ten-minute walk from the city center. Solsiden has many restaurants and cafes and is famous for its vibrant vibes! The best part? The best breakfast in Norway is included with the stay. This hotel is my personal recommendation!

Clarion Hotel: This is one of the locals’ favorites as well. It is in Brattora, the new part of Trondheim. One of the famous venues to host conferences/meetings etc. The highlight is definitely the rooftop bar. Also, Pirbadet is just next door.

How to reach Trondheim

By plane: To reach Trondheim by air, you will most likely have a connection from Oslo, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. There are a few direct charter flights from Greece, Spain, Turkey, and London as well. 

After landing in Trondheim, you can take either the bus or train from the airport to the city center. The bus is more frequent (every twenty minutes or so) but the train is cheaper and goes through the coast, which is a beautiful journey.

By train: You can easily reach Trondheim from Oslo or Bodo in about 7 hours. There are some overnight trains as well.

By Cruise/boat/ferry: This is how most tourists come to Trondheim, via Hurtigruten cruise. They spend a few hours here and then head back to continue their journey along the stunning and vast Norwegian coast.

As the name Trondheim reflects, It is a good home to me and I hope you will have a fantastic time here as well.

Adriana says

June 28, 2023 at 1:11 am

Thank you! I’m eternally grateful for people like you who sum up for people like me ( it is luxury fir me to travel & you make it possible to experience all I do)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Know us better

• Privacy Policy

Search this website

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Heart My Backpack uses affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.

Our Two Week Trondheim – Helgeland – Lofoten Road Trip Itinerary

February 20, 2020 by Silvia 3 Comments

My friends Sher and Sam visited in January, which made for the perfect excuse to plan a new Norwegian adventure.

I always try to share my Norway itineraries , as personally I get so much inspiration from other people’s itineraries when I’m planning a trip. And I put a lot of thought into this one, as this was Sher and Sam’s first visit to Norway, so I wanted them to experience a good variety of places. I also really wanted them to fall in love with Norway so that they would visit me again. And I think I achieved that? I mean, I really hope so.

And yes, this was a winter trip, but you could do this any time of year – this route would be particularly magical in the summer, as it includes lots of islands and coastal stops.

First of all, I wanted to include a big city. While a lot of people start their Norway trips in Oslo or Bergen , I personally prefer Trondheim, plus that way we could focus more on the northern half of the country, which is my favorite area as the landscape is the most dramatic and there’s the midnight sun in the summer and northern lights in the winter.

They then really wanted to see Lofoten, because Instagram, which made for a good end point because it’s far north enough for good chances of seeing the northern lights.

But I’ve also sort of gone off Lofoten lately. Or at least, while the islands are undeniably beautiful, they’ve become so touristy that I don’t feel like they really give visitors a sense of what Norway is all about. And so I decided to include a couple of islands along the Helgeland coast, for a more authentic taste of Norwegian island life.

Personally I think these islands are equally as beautiful as Lofoten, and I swear the Helgeland islanders are the loveliest people in Norway.

I did have to think for a while about how best to share this itinerary with you, because it involved a lot of driving, and I planned it out of Mosjøen, because that’s where my car and I live. But you probably won’t be flying in and out of Mosjøen. I mean we do have an airport, but it’s tiny and flights can be expensive.

Sam and Sher flew into Trondheim and out of Evenes, up north by Lofoten, connecting to their international flights in Oslo. So it would be ideal if you could do the same, but then there’s the matter of the car.

Probably the hardest thing about planning a road trip in Norway is that in most cases you’ll need to pick up and drop off your rental car in the same location. Sometimes you can pay a fee to drop off somewhere else, but it is  not cheap . And because most of Norway is long and thin with just one main highway running from north to south, it’s not always possible to plan your road trip in a loop. In other words, at some point you’re likely going to have to turn around and drive the same route back to where you came from.

But I think I’ve come up with a few ways to get around that with this itinerary, combining car and train journeys and switching around a few of the destinations.

This is a two week trip, though you could very easily extend it for longer, and I’ll give some suggestions for how to do so at the end. Alternatively you could make this shorter, cutting out one or two of the stops, or even just doing half of it – either from Trondheim up to Mosjøen or Mosjøen up to Bodø (I would recommend the latter, unless you really want to see Trondheim).

Table of Contents

Day 1: Arrive in Trondheim

I love starting a trip in Trondheim, and I think it makes for the perfect introduction to Norway.

The downtown area is really pretty and the Bakklandet neighborhood has those cute colorful wooden houses that Norway is known for, but it’s also a proper city, which we don’t really have in northern Norway (Tromsø has a population of only about 70,000 and feels more like a big town).

Trondheim accommodation

We kicked our trip off in style by staying at the Britannia Hotel in downtown Trondheim. The Britannia Hotel first opened in 1870 and over the years has hosted many notable guests including royals from Norway, the UK, and the US (Beyoncé and Jay-Z, of course). Last year the hotel completed a massive renovation, and the inside now is seriously impressive.

You can find more Trondheim accommodation options for every budget here .

Day 2: Trondheim

While you could stay longer in the city, one full day is really plenty of time to see Trondheim’s highlights.

I used to live in Trondheim so I could go on and on about all there is to do there. Oh wait, I already have – you can find my guide to things to do in Trondehim here .

Day 3: Trondheim to Mosjøen

We got the evening train to Mosjøen, but if you’re visiting in the winter and want views out your window you should get the morning train. Though to be honest this train ride goes through a lot of flat, boring areas, so you won’t be missing much if you go at night instead, plus then you can spend the first half of the day in Trondheim.

You can book your train tickets at vy.no up to three months in advance – the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will be.

Mosjøen accommodation

The nicest hotel in Mosjøen would be Fru Haugans Hotel, right at the end of Sjøgata. Dating back over 200 years, Fru Haugans is Northern Norway’s oldest hotel and while I haven’t actually stayed here, I’ve eaten at their restaurant Ellen, which is excellent, and their bars tend to be the center of nightlife here. Check prices and availability here

I’ve also stayed at Mosjøen Hotel, which is right across the street from the train station, and about a ten minute walk to the town center. The hotel is older but perfectly comfortable, and I’d say this is the most convenient place to stay since it’s right by the station, so you won’t have to walk far with your luggage.  Check current rates and availability here

On my first visit to Mosjøen I stayed in one of the historic apartments on Sjøgata, which are self-catering holiday apartments on Mosjøen’s most beautiful street. They are decorated to look like they did in the 19th century, and while they’re more basic you’ll certainly feel immersed in the culture staying here. You can book the apartments here .

There are also a few Airbnb options in Mosjøen, which you can find here .  And if you’re new to Airbnb you can get a discount by  signing up through my link here . 

Day 4: Mosjøen

Okay so obviously I included Mosjøen in our itinerary so that I could show Sher and Sam where I live, but actually I think Mosjøen is worth the visit on its own as well. It’s a really cute town with lots of cosy cafes and restaurants, and the history of how Mosjøen developed and grew from a small port town to an industrial center is really interesting and offers a great look into life in northern Norway.

I’ve written more about things to do during a visit to Mosjøen here . Definitely take a stroll down Sjøgata, our historic street downtown, and pop into the museum at Jacobsenbrygga to learn more about the area and its history. They also have a really cute gift shop where Sher and Sam bought some Norwegian knitted mittens – a must if you’re visiting in winter.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by s a m a n t h a ✨ (@thereshegoesagn) on Jan 18, 2020 at 3:38am PST

Day 5: Husky sledding in Susendal

This was my favorite day of our trip, mostly because huskies, but also because Susendal was so beautiful covered in snow.

First off you’ll want to pick up your rental car. There are a few car rental places in Mosjøen, so you can compare prices on AutoEurope . The Avis office is most central, while the others are a bit of a walk from downtown, but you can probably get them to pick you up at your hotel if you ask nicely.

And then you can drive to Susendal! Susendal is about an hour and a half from Mosjøen, though it took us closer to two hours because of all the snow. Okay and maybe I’m a really slow driver.

The weather along the Norwegian coast can be unpredictable, and you’re never guaranteed snow, even as far north as Tromsø, so if you want a true winter experience in Norway it’s always a good idea to spend some time inland or in the mountains. Mosjøen already tends to have a lot more snow than the coast, but Susendal was even snowier when we arrived.

I’ve been husky sledding in Susendal before , and it’s still probably my favorite husky sledding place in Norway. Linda of Aaslid Polar houses the huskies on her farm and you can see that each of the dogs totally adores her.

This experience was particularly fun because we started during daylight and then continued into the night. There’s something so incredibly peaceful about sledding in the dark, especially through the Susendal woods, where we were often making our own tracks.

And if you’re visiting in the summer, I’d still recommend a trip out here, as there are tons of hiking trails! It’s a really peaceful part of the country and I’d say one of the best quiet escapes I know.

Susendal accommodation

Depending on when you finish, you might want to spend the night in Susendal, or somewhere on the way to Brønnøysund to shorten your drive tomorrow.

In Susendal I’ve stayed at Furuheim Farm , which I absolutely love. The woman who runs it is so sweet, and it’s a great way to get a peek into rural life in Norway. I’d especially recommend this if you’re traveling with a family, as a farm stay is so much fun!

This cabin near Trofors would be another great option, otherwise I would check Airbnb and look for something on the way to Brønnøysund ( this vacation home looks nice).

Day 6: Brønnøysund

Today you’ll drive to Brønnøysund and depending on when you arrive, you could either catch the ferry to Vega today or explore around Brønnøysund for the day. The Vega ferry leaves from Horn, which is about a fifteen-minute drive from Brønnøysund. You can check the ferry schedule here – you’ll be leaving from Horn (Brønnøy) and going to Igerøy (Vega).

Brønnøysund is a cute little coastal town, and as it’s one of the Hurtigruten stops it is set up quite well for tourists. That said, I’m pretty sure we were the only tourists visiting in January. But it was still lovely! It’s definitely at the top of my bucket list for summer now though – I would  love to see Brønnøysund and Vega in the summertime.

I’ve written more about our visit to Brønnøysund here .

Brønnøysund accommodation

We spent the night at the Corner Hotel in downtown Brønnøysund. The rooms are basic, but the location was perfect, the staff friendly, and rooms come with breakfast.  Check  current rates and availability here

The seaside cabins at the Aquaculture Center are also super cute, though they are a fifteen minute drive out of town.  Check  current rates and availability here

And then you could also stay at Torgarhaugen for budget friendly accommodation right across from Mount Torghatten.  Check  current rates and availability here

Day 7: Vega

The Vega archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantastic place to learn about Norway’s coastal history. The islands are also stunning and there are some lovely hikes here. We went up the Vega Stairs, which has beautiful views out over the coast and other islands.

I’ve written more about our visit to Vega here .

Vega accommodation

On Vega we stayed in a lovely cabin right on the water at Vega Opplevelsesferie. I loved being on the water, and the cabin had a kitchen so we were able to make dinner and breakfast here. Plus there was a cosy wood burning oven, for optimum hygge.  Check  current rates and availability here 

And then again there are a bunch of lovely looking options in Vega on Airbnb, which you can find here .

Day 8: Vega towards Stokkvågen

Vega is just a bit too far from Lovund to make the journey in one day (also because of the ferry schedule), so you’ll need to break up the journey somewhere. We drove back to Mosjøen and spent the night there, mostly because we could stay at my apartment for free.

But I would actually instead recommend you take the coastal road up towards Stokkvågen, where you will catch the ferry to Lovund tomorrow, and spend the night somewhere along the coast. That way you don’t have to drive the same road back to Mosjøen, plus the coastal route is incredibly beautiful.

The only thing you’ll need to be careful about is timing your ferries. Easiest would be to get the ferry from Igerøy (Vega) to Tjøtta, near Sandnessjøen, which is more direct and will cut out one ferry. But the Igerøy – Tjøtta ferry only goes a few times a week during the winter (Tuesdays and Fridays, with an evening departure on Sundays), so you’d need to time your visit accordingly.

Otherwise you’ll need to get the ferry from Igerøy back to Horn, and then from Horn to Andalsvågen, and then the ferry from Forvik to Tjøtta. And then if you’re going all the way to Nesna you’ll get the ferry from Levang to Nesna. None of these have to be booked in advance – you pay by credit card on board – but you do need to time your drive so that you make all of the ferries (the times are set up so that usually if you make the first ferry you can make all of them). You can check all the ferry times here .

Helgeland coast accommodation

If you want to stay at a hotel, the Scandic in Sandnessjøen is a great option, or if you’re up for the long drive you could stay at Havblikk Helgeland . Or you could check Airbnb for somewhere to stay along your drive – search for Sandnessjøen and then look at the map view to find a place on your route. Some places do require longer stays, but both  this cabin on the water  and this cottage look lovely and are open for single night reservations.

I keep recommending Airbnb because a lot of Norwegians have cottages and cabins that they rent out (which is great, because otherwise they’d sit empty for a lot of the year), and cabin life is such a key part of Norwegian culture that it’s something you definitely want to experience while here.

Day 9: Lovund

Aside from husky sledding, Lovund was probably the highlight of this trip for me, so I would definitely try to fit it in if you can (if you only have time for one island I would choose Lovund over Vega).

You’ll get the ferry from Stokkvågen to Lovund, and while there is a car ferry going to Lovund there’s no need to bring a car there – plus that way you can take either the ferry or the passenger boat. There’s free parking at the Stokkvågen ferry terminal, so I left my car there for the night we were on Lovund.

I’ve written about our visit to Lovund here .

Lovund accommodation

We stayed at Lovund Hotel, which is an experience in itself. The restaurant especially is fantastic, and the views from the rooms are stunning. I’d say this is one of my favorite places I’ve stayed in quite a while, and definitely worth the trip to Lovund.  Check current rates and availability here

Day 10: Lovund to Nesna to Mosjøen

From Lovund we headed north towards Lofoten, overnighting at Ulvsvåg Guest House before getting the ferry from Bognes to Lodingen the next morning and then driving down through Lofoten.

But if you’ve rented a car in Mosjøen you’ll want to head back there to return it, unless you’re happy to make the drive from Lofoten back down to Mosjøen at the end of your trip, which honestly would be more of a pain than it’s probably worth.

The drive from Stokkvågen to Mosjøen takes two and a half hours, but I would recommend breaking it up with a stop in Nesna.

VisitNesna have a RIB safari, where you can go out on their boat to see sea eagles! I haven’t done this myself but I’ve been meaning to. I think this would be a great addition to the itinerary, as it’s always fun to get out on the water, even in the winter. And the sea eagles here are definitely worth seeing.

I did a similar sea eagle safari in Lofoten (which actually you could also do when you’re up there!) and was amazed by how much I loved it.

And then in the evening you can return your rental car and overnight in Mosjøen.

This time I’d opt for Mosjøen Hotel, so you’ll be right by the train station.  Check current rates and availability here  

Day 11: Mosjøen to Bodø

Today you’ll get to experience Norway’s most beautiful train journey! The train from Oslo to Bergen and the Flåm railway are probably the two most famous train journeys in Norway, but I find the train ride from Mosjøen to Bodø much, much more beautiful and dramatic.

Once you arrive in Bodø you’ll want to get a rental car to take across to Lofoten. Public transport in Lofoten is very limited, so I would definitely try to have a car there, if at all possible. Sixt is my go-to car rental in Norway, but you could also compare prices here .

It’s probably easiest to pick up your rental car when you arrive at the train station in Bodø, but if you want to save money on parking and the rental fee you could pick up your car in the morning instead. Bodø is quite walkable, so you should be able to get from the station to your hotel on foot.

If you have time to explore Bodø, I’ve written about visiting Bodø in winter here , and things to do in Bodø here .

Bodø accommodation

There are a lot of hotel options in Bodø, but my favorite is the Thon Hotel Nordlys , which has the best breakfast buffet in all of Norway – no exaggeration!

I’ve also stayed at both the Scandic Bodø and Bodø Hotel , both of which are also very nice and a bit cheaper than the Thon Hotel. And then if you want a good budget option near the station, City Hotel is perfect. In fact if you’re happy to stay somewhere basic, City Hotel would be the most convenient location.

Day 12: Bodø to Lofoten

Today you will get the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes in Lofoten. You actually might want to book this in advance here (though usually it’s fine to show up the day of). And sometimes the voyage can get rocky, so if you’re prone to motion sickness bring some Sea-Bands !

Lofoten accommodation

There are so many accommodation options on Lofoten, so first I would try to narrow down to where you want to stay.

Southern Lofoten is the prettiest, with lots of cute fishing villages, but it’s also the most touristy. Personally I wouldn’t want to stay here in the summer as it gets so crowded with visitors, but if you’re visiting in the winter it won’t be quite as busy.

In the south I absolutely love Eliassen Rorbuer on Hamnøy. Here you get to stay in one of these pretty red cottages!

And then farther north my usual go-to is Svinøya Rorbuer , which also has super cute red fisherman cabins right on the water.

This time we stayed at the Scandic Svolvær , which again was right on the water. It’s also right by the harbor so especially convenient if you’ll be doing any tours leaving from Svolvær harbor.

And if you want to get off the beaten path a bit, I can highly recommend Lofoten Links Lodges on Gimsøy, which is ideally situated for northern lights viewing. In fact this is actually the only place I’ve managed to see the northern lights from Lofoten. The cabins have huge windows facing north, and Gimsøy is super dark, which is perfect for aurora hunting.

Day 13: Lofoten

You can of course spend as long on Lofoten as you wish, but I would definitely try to have at least one full day here to explore – two or three would be even better.

I have a bunch of Lofoten travel guides, including planning a Lofoten road trip , things to know for your Lofoten trip , horseback riding in Lofoten , taking a day trip to Lofoten , and taking a sea eagle safari in Lofoten .

Day 14: Lofoten to Bodø -> Home

And then when you’re ready you can get the ferry back to Bodø, return your rental car, and fly home from Bodø! You might need to spend an extra night in Bodø, depending on when your flight leaves and when the ferry gets in.

If you want to extend your trip, you could drive from Lofoten up to Vesterålen. Vesterålen is a bit less touristy than Lofoten, plus you can see whales and reindeer here! I’ve shared more things to do in Vesterålen here .

And then from Vesterålen you could continue over to Narvik and spend a night in this incredible Arctic Dome . From Narvik you can drive back down to Bodø to return your rental car and fly home.

Related Posts

Reader Interactions

Get updates.

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway!

February 27, 2020 at 11:23 am

thanks for sharing

Kristin says

July 15, 2021 at 11:51 am

Hi! Great blog, so much helpful info for people traveling in Norway!

I have a question, My husband and I live in Lofoten and are planning a trip in September to Ålesund, working our way up towards Bodo. We are wanting to do a bit of exploring to some islands and also spend some time relaxing at a cabin on one of the islands. I’m interested in which island you would recommend for a relaxing stay for a 5ish night stay? We haven’t decided on a car yet, but if needed it’s an option! So far these are the ones that we want to visit: Lovund, Træna, Bolga, Støtt, Dønna/Herøy

Thanks for any recommendations!

Silvia says

July 16, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Træna is my favorite and you wouldn’t need a car, but I would probably just look where has the nicest place to stay and go there, as they’re all beautiful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

COME AND GET IT!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway:

Best things to do in Trondheim, Norway

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• reasons-to-visit-trondheim-norway

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Anita Isalska

updated 07.06.2024

Aurora-chasers venture to the Arctic north, while slick Oslo lures the arty crowd. In the stampede to these A-list destinations , some parts of it are often forgotten. Leave some space in your itinerary for Trondheim , the country’s former capital. With Scandinavia's largest medieval building, rocking nightlife, and museums, here is our pick of the best things to do in Trondheim.

1. See medieval splendour at Nidaros Cathedral

2. rock from daytime until dawn, 3. visit the art museums, 4. immerse yourself in norwegian folk history, 5. maroon yourself on peaceable monks’ island, 6. take a glimpse of norway’s colourful side by the nidelva river, 7. immerse yourself in local food culture, 8. enjoy fjords, fishing and ski slopes near the city, 9. exploring the christmas markets - one of the best things to do in trondheim, 10. get amazing views from kristiansten fortress.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Norway , your essential guide for visiting Norway .

The world’s most northerly medieval building inspires awe with elaborate tracery and rows of bishops that gaze from its stone facade. The Nidaros Domkirke is built over the grave of Saint Olav, Norway’s ‘eternal king’ and patron saint, credited with the country’s transition from paganism to Christianity.

Intriguingly, the Domkirke draws two very different kinds of pilgrims. Some arrive after following the Pilgrim’s Route, a 640km journey from Oslo, which has been trodden since the eleventh century. The others couldn’t be more different: fans of Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, who placed the cathedral on the cover of their first full-length album.

Gothic exterior of the Nidaros Domkirke, Trondheim, Norway

Speaking of heavy guitars, you don’t need to wait until sundown to rock out in Trondheim. Part museum, part-cultural centre, Rockheim takes you from the innocent beginnings of 1950s rock in Norway right through to modern heavy metal legends.

Interactive displays and listening posts mean you can make a day of it, though in reserved Norway we’d advise against using Rockheim as your own personal karaoke bar. Continue the theme when the sun dips below the horizon and head to Fru Lundgreen , a basement bar with a non-stop soundtrack of Scandinavian rock.

Metres from the cathedral, the Trondheim Kunstmuseum (Trondheim Art Museum) is best known for its temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The downside is that these exhibitions often leave little space for the museum’s permanent collection, which features a particularly enjoyable selection of Norwegian paintings from 1850 onwards.

Trondheim’s Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum (National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design) possesses a substantial and diverse permanent collection. You'll find lovely textiles, furniture, ceramics and metalwork. An especially noteworthy part of the museum’s historical collection does much to illustrate bourgeois life in Trøndelag from 1500 to 1900.

Monument to Trondheim (Bjorn Norgaard, 1988) in the park behind the Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) © Shutterstock

Monuments and historic buildings are wonderfully well preserved in Trondheim, and consequently, the city exudes nostalgia. The Archbishop’s Residence is the oldest secular building in all of Scandinavia, with its first stones laid in the twelfth century.

Alongside it, in the shadow of the Domkirke, is the Archbishop’s Palace Museum, an award-winning attraction telling Trondheim’s history all the way back to the Iron Age.

Among the best things to do in Trondheim to go back to the agrarian past is the Folk Museum (summer only). This open-air space has more than 80 historic buildings, mostly wooden houses in eighteenth-century style and farmsteads.

Trondelag, Folk Museum, Trondheim

Related articles from the blog

If your eardrums are ringing, one of the best things to do in Trondheim for your spiritual side is a boat trip to Munkholmen (Monks’ Island). Lapped by the chilly waters of the Trondheimsfjord, this tiny isle has bleak beginnings as an execution ground, though following the birth of Christianity in Norway it became a Benedictine monastery.

In the seventeenth century it was transformed into a prison, but these days it’s a summer playground. Munkholmen is prime territory for picnics of thermos coffee and kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls). Ramble the remains of a 400-year-old fort, and go for a summertime swim. Boats run hourly in good weather.

Munkholmen - Monks' Island - of Trondheim, Norway © Shutterstock

It’s far from grey up north. Go see Trondheim’s most colourful neighbourhood, and make your way to Gamle Bybro, the Old Town Bridge. From this hulking red span, you can enjoy a fine view of storehouses in colours from mustard to navy blue, creating a rainbow of reflections in the Nidelven River.

If admiring the scenery from Bright Bybro lifts your spirits, it’ll come as no surprise that the bridge is known as the ‘Gate of Happiness’. The bridge symbolised a new start for Trondheim, having been built after a devastating fire in 1681.

From the east side of the bridge begins one of Trondheim’s most picturesque streets, Bakklandet. This cobbled road is flanked by pastel-coloured shop fronts and cafes painted merry shades of red and pink.

The Nidelva River - one of the best things to do in Trondheim© FotoFabrikHamburg/Shutterstock

It’s no secret that dining out in Norway can create a black hole in your bank balance. Nonetheless, there are reasonably priced restaurants in Trondheim, like Baklandet Skydsstation. This eighteenth-century building oozes charm, with walls draped in embroidery and old photographs. It’s an excellent spot for platters of herring, rye bread sandwiches or fish soup.

Wash it down with one of more than a hundred types of aquavit. Vegetarians won’t want to miss the rotating lunch specials at Persilleriet, a snip (by Norwegian standards) at DKR128.

The Rough Guides to Norway and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

And while Brits may be disorientated by the sight of Three Lions English Pub and Scottish-themed drinking hole Macbeth, there is plenty of evening haunts with a more local feel. Head for Trondheim Mikrobryggeri for craft beers in a cosy setting.

Appetizing raw herring with onion slices served on a platter © Shutterstock

The great outdoors is mere steps away from the city. Trondheimsfjord is Norway’s third longest at 126km, with scenic islets and rocky coves where sea eagles soar. Visiting the fjord is one of the best things to do in Trondheim for fishing and for travellers who want to barbecue their own catfish or simply bob in tranquil waters. The best times to fish are late winter and early spring, so pack your thermals.

For a more adrenaline-pumping winter pastime, take a 40-minute drive (or 45-minute train journey) south of Trondheim to Vassfjellet, a ski centre with 500m of vertical. Meanwhile, a two-hour train ride away lies Are, a Swedish ski area with plenty of powder and an untouched feel.

This tailor-made Aurora Feast in Finland, Norway and Sweden is perfect for people who want to explore the Arctic. Begin your journey from the southern part of Finland via Sweden up to the northern part of Norway. Most importantly, you will be hunting for the Northern Lights in the best locations!

Kjeungskjaer lighthouse at the Trondheim fjord, Norway © Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Trondheim during the festive season is visit one of the Christmas markets. Maybe not one of the best Christmas destinations , Trondheim still is known for its charming Christmas markets. They attract both locals and tourists alike. The best-known markets are Trondheim Christmas Market and Bakklandet Christmas Market.

It is also worth noting that market dates and programmes may vary from year to year, so it is worth checking with the Trondheim Tourist Office in advance when planning a trip.

Narrow Brubakken leads up the hill from Bakklandet to Kristianstensbakken and the Kristianstenfestning. Dating from 1681, the fort’s earth and stone ramparts remain in reasonably good condition and a surviving artillery tower is of some interest. But the big deal – and one of the best things to do in Trondheim – is to come here for views back over Trondheim.

Kristiansten Fortress, Trondheim © Shutterstock

• For luxury: Britannia Hotel
• For couples: Quality Hotel Prinsen
• For rural stays: Private House & Bungalow by the sea
• For modern stays: Scandic Bakklandet

Find more accommodation options to stay in Trondheim.

Trondheim is a fantastic destination with Norwegian charm. Ready for a trip to Norway ? Find out how to get to Norway and check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Norway .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Norway without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image © mariusz.ks/Shutterstock

Anita is an editor and writer based in California. British by birth, Polish at heart, Aussie by marriage and French by sheer obsession, Anita writes about inspiring people, places and technology. When she isn't researching Central and Eastern Europe, interviewing wine makers or editing copy, Anita is thundering down ski slopes. Follow her @lunarsynthesis on Twitter and Instagram.

• History Culture Heritage
• Architecture
• Inspiration
• See & Do
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Norway

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Norway

• Eating and drinking in Norway
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Norway
• Shopping tips for Norway
• How to get to Norway
• Getting around Norway: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Norway for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Norway

Find even more inspiration for 18 here

Ready to travel and discover norway, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Itineraries
• Travel advice

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Flight + Hotel
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Trondheim Itinerary for 3 Days : Ultimate Trondheim Travel Guide

by Trip.com

May 15, 2024

• Trondheim 3-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights to Trondheim

• Sort by: Lowest Price
• Sort by: Earliest Flight

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Day 1 | Morning

Nidaros cathedral (nidaros domkirke).

Ticket Price: 100 NOK

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Bispegata 11, 7012 Trondheim, Norwa

Nidaros Cathedral is a very important symbol of Trondheim . It is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. The very old side building of the church can be traced back to the 12th century. Visitors can climb the church tower, here Great views across the city.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: This was the first cathedral built in Norway after Norway converted to Christianity. Amazing sculptures in the front side and amazing from inside with a big hall.

Day 1 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Nidaros Cathedral (Nidaros Domkirke), don’t forget pay a visit to Kristiansten Fort.

Kristiansten Fort

Ticket Price: Free

Location: 7015 Trondheim

The fort was built in the 17th century, and the building itself is only open to the public in summer, but from here you can go up the hill and overlook the whole city.

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Britannia Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Britannia Hotel

Founded in 1870, Britannia Hotel was built to serve British aristocrats who visited Trondheim for its legendary salmon fishing. Today, the Britannia cherishes its rich 150-year history of serving explorers, royalty, dignitaries and celebrities from around the world. A privately owned, independently operated hotel, the Britannia reopened in April 2019 after being closed for a dramatic, 3-year, $150 million renovation. Now the northernmost member of The Leading Hotels of The World, the Britannia is a true 5-star hotel, providing exceptional service, accommodations and amenities. Offering 257 rooms including 11 suites, all with handmade Hästens beds, Carrara marble double vanity bathrooms, minibar, Nespresso machine and the finest finishes. Complimentary wifi, breakfast and use of the Spa and gym are included in the room rate. Cuisine is a highlight at Britannia, boasting four restaurants and two bars. Enjoy casual dining options as well as a Michelin-star experience at Speilsalen. Awarded its first Michelin star in February 2020. To compliment the dining experience, the Wine Bar (Vinbaren) has a list of more than 2,000 labels and offers many by the glass. The cozy 3-room cellar features glass walls lined with their collection. The centerpiece of the hotel is Palmehaven dining room, which has been a place of celebration since the turn of the century. Palmehaven with its iconic architecture and décor, makes an elegant setting for breakfast served daily, as well Afternoon Tea and other special events. Britannia Spa is the largest in the region, and is ideal for a wellness holiday. Rejuvenate in the heated lap pool, mineral pool, Nordic saunas and infrared cabin, or indulge in the extensive treatment menu. Located in Trondheim city center, walking distance to top attractions, the Britannia offers Concierge service and has a car & driver on staff.

Airport pickup service

Swimming pool

Pets allowed

Check Availability

Day 2 | Morning

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: Bymarka, 7070 Norway

Located west of Trondheim, Bimarca is an alpine woodland with several lakes in the mountains. There are also ski and wilderness trails traversing it, making it a great place for backcountry hiking and skiing.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Bymarka, Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Sverresborg Alle, Trondheim 7020, Norway

More than 60 buildings of various periods can be seen in the museum, including a small wooden church from the 12th century.

Day 2 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Thon Hotel Prinsen in advance, because all the tourists head to Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum love staying at it.

Thon Hotel Prinsen

Thon Hotel Prinsen is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Trondheim. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. To be found at the hotel are free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park. Guestrooms are fitted with all the amenities you need for a good night's sleep. In some of the rooms, guests can find television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non smoking rooms, heating. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Trondheim, Thon Hotel Prinsen will make you feel instantly at home.

Day 3 | Morning

Location: Nedre Bakklandet 79, 7014 Trondheim

Buckland is a street located next to the Trondheim Pier, a charming area of Trondheim. Here you can find a wide variety of sophisticated cafés, bookstores and shops. Just strolling on its stone Pucheng pavement is also very nice.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Bakklandet, Polar Park next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Recommended Length of Stay: 2.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Bonesveien, 9360, Norway

Located in Trondheim, Norway, the Arctic Park is a very interesting leisure venue, where visitors can observe a rich variety of animals up close, such as reindeer, yak, elk, lynx and more.

• Trondheim 3-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights from Trondheim

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Nidaros Cathedral (Nidaros Domkirke), Kristiansten Fort
• Day 2: Bymarka, Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum
• Day 3: Bakklandet, Polar Park

Trondheim Weather

<h3>Besides Trondheim Itinerary 3 Days, People also Search for ...</h3>

Popular Content

• EL Nido Itinerary 2 Days
• Xianju Itinerary 4 Days
• Dalat Itinerary 3 Days
• Groningen Itinerary 2 Days
• Miaoli Itinerary 3 Days
• Nha Trang Itinerary 10 Day
• Padova Itinerary 3 Days
• Best Places to Visit in April
• Things to Do Palm Springs
• costa brava Spain
• Indoor Activities in Tokyo
• Restaurants in Vietnam
• flight deals to Argentina
• InfluencerPlanet
• Nude Beach US
• Paris Attractions
• Puerto Rico Resorts
• Costa Rica Travel Restrictions
• NHS COVID Passport
• Romantic Getaways Florida
• Italy Holidays 2022
• Mexico Travel Restrictions
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List Your Property
• Become a Supplier

Northern Norway Explorer

9 days | explore the landscape and history of norway's northerly reaches..

Enter a world of extremes where night looks like day, day looks like night and regardless of the season, the scenery's more than perfect. Leave the Arctic Circle behind and discover northern Norway's captivating sights and long, fabled history. Begin in the capital, Oslo, and make your way to Trondheim, the Viking city home to the Nidaros Cathedral and the remains of St Olav, Norway's patron saint. Explore the rugged, unbelievably picturesque Lofoten Islands by land and water before finishing in Tromso, a vibrant city famed for its cultural offerings despite its relative isolation.

Trip overview

• Spend three nights in the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages. Head out to the narrow Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery.
• Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
• Gaze at the immense Nidaros Cathedral, an incredible Gothic building that houses the remains of St Olav, the patron saint of Norway.
• Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
• Be joined by a locally-based leader who knows all of the hard-to-find spots and can offer the best local advice and connect with your small group of like-minded travellers.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
• The areas visited on this trip can be very cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, coat and anything else that will keep you cosy.
• Scandinavia can be an expensive destination in many ways, from museum entrance fees to optional activities, but especially in terms of eating out. Your leader will be able to advise on how to have the best value holiday in Scandinavia.
• Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Occasionally bathrooms will be shared with other guests.
• We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, ferry ports and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. Train stations often don’t have lifts available.
• This trip covers a lot of ground and the majority of travel is done by trains, ferries and public buses. It's a good time to sit back, relax and let the scenery roll past your window. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
• This itinerary includes several mild activities such as walking, e-biking and RIB boating. Please be aware you can always opt out from those if you do not feel comfortable joining.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to Norway, where you’ll discover the irresistible charm and eccentricity of Oslo. With so much to see and do in Oslo, we recommend that you arrive a few days before the trip begins, so you can see as much of the city as possible. Tonight why not seek out some traditional Norwegian fare with the group?

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Today you'll leave Oslo behind and take the train across the stunning countryside to Trondheim. Trondheim was the first capital of Norway (although some historians would argue that) and remains the city where kings go through their coronation. Its name translates as 'a good place to live', with 'trond' meaning 'a good place' and 'heim' home, and it truly is. The city is situated on the Trondheimsfjord and colourful wooden storehouses flank the Nidelva River that runs through town, while the city's outskirts are surrounded by hilly wilderness. There are some great seafood restaurants in town, so why not venture out with the group for a bite to eat in the evening?

Although a global ban on commercial whaling came into effect in 1986, approximately 1,000 whales are still being killed every year, as Iceland, Norway and Japan ignore the ban. We strive not to visit places that serve whale on any of our trips, however often this is unavoidable and there is a likelihood that you will come across whale meat on a menu or at a market stand.

The forested Bymarka awaits you today – a large nature reserve in Trondheim’s west. Take an easy walk around Lianvatnet, a freshwater lake surrounded by grassy slopes and shady paths. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake before free time to explore Bymarka further or return to the centre of Trondheim for sightseeing at leisure. An absolute must-see is the Nidaros Cathedral, an immense Gothic cathedral built from 1070 on, which remains the northernmost Gothic structure in Europe. Quite simply, it's incredible. There are several museums to visit including the Archbishop's Palace, which contains the real Crown Jewels, and the Rockheim Museum, providing a history of Norwegian pop music since the 1950s. In the evening walk over to the nearby station for an overnight train to Bodo, departing just before midnight.

• Overnight train (1 night)
• Trondheim - Bymarka forest walk & picnic lunch
• Trondheim - Ringve Music Museum - NOK150
• Trondheim - Rockheim National Museum of Popular Music - NOK170
• Trondheim - Kristiansten Fortress - Free
• Trondheim - Sverresborg Folk Museum - NOK190

Today's walk will take approximately 1 hour along a flat path.

Norwegian overnight trains are very comfortable, with 2 passengers per cabin, and all bedding provided. Check-out time at our hotel is around noon, so you will store your luggage at reception until tonight's departure to the train station.

In case of unfavourable weather conditions, your leader will offer snacks in local café instead of a picnic.

Wake up just north of the Arctic Circle as we pull into the town of Bodø this morning. There's ample time for you to explore this interesting town until we leave on the afternoon ferry to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands. Bodø is a modern city as it was rebuilt after essentially being destroyed by German bombers during WWII. With a dramatic backdrop of rugged ranges, Bodø has the densest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world, so once you're done exploring why not grab a drink or some food by the quay and take in the vista while these impressive birds circle above (just watch your food). Board the afternoon ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After arriving late in the evening, settle into your comfortable accommodation in the town of Svolvaer. The location of our cabins is ideal, centrally situated in the harbor right by Svolvær town center. The sunny atmosphere provides a unique experience of Lofoten's beautiful landscape. From the cabins, it's a short distance to fishing spots at sea, idyllic beaches, majestic mountains, and notably the iconic Svolværgeita mountain.

• Bodø - Leader-led orientation walk
• Bodø - Public Bus to Saltstraumen Maelstrom - NOK84

Today's travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.

The Lofoten Islands are known for picturesque fishing villages, pristine nature and, of course, the Midnight Sun. This is viking country, and the beauty of the area is unparalleled and near-impossible to convey in words. Svolvaer, one of the main towns on the islands, relies heavily on fishing and an ever-growing tourism industry as it's used as a primary base to explore the other islands. This morning head out on an excursion by RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to the narrow and steep-sided Trollfjord. On this exhilarating trip around the small islands and skerries of the Raftsundet Strait, you'll also get the chance to see sea eagles, it’s a special experience when one circles just a few metres above your head. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish and there are several optional activities for you to choose from. Perhaps enjoy a sea kayaking trip around Svolvaer's picture-perfect harbour (subject to availability) or hike through the dramatic granite peaks jutting out of the ocean.

• Svolvær - Trollfjord Cruise & Sea Eagle Safari
• Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Day - NOK1095
• Svolvær - Traditional Fishing Trip - NOK1095
• Svolvær - Lofoten War Museum - NOK120
• Svolvær - Bike Hire - NOK450
• Svolvær - Sea Kayaking Excursion Evening - NOK1195

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a hike to Linken peak (105 m above the sea level). This is a picturesque and easy hike (approximately 2 hours) that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. For those who are up for a further challenge and exercise your leader can additionally take you for Tjeldbergtinden hike to enjoy a spectacular view over the sea and fjords and Svolvær city below. Those feeling less energetic can return to Svolvaer after the Linken Peak hike and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

• Svolvær - Leader-led hike to Linken Peak

There are plenty of interesting places around Svolvaer that can be reached by public bus – you can travel 1000 years back in time and experience the Viking Age in an active and vibrant environment or wander around fishing village of Henningsvær, famous for craft shops and pleasant atmosphere. Please ask your leader for further recommendations and help with logistics.

Depart the Lofoten Islands on a long but scenic travel day to Tromsø. Start with a local bus ride to Harstad, you'll have some free time here so perhaps take your time for lunch or explore the little town. Later on continue by local ferry past stunning scenery, plenty of fjords and even a maelstrom to Tromsø. Located far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway's major cultural centre thanks to a range of music and arts festivals and an increasing student population courtesy of the University of Tromsø. Enjoy a free evening on arrival in town.

Today's travel time is approximately 8 hours.

This morning, start exploring Tromsø on an e-bike tour and learn about life north of the Arctic Circle. You'll stop at some of the local's favourite city sites like MS Polstjerna, an extremely well-preserved vessel that took part in seal hunting (entry not included), an old farmstead from the 19th century, Prestvannet, the biggest lake on the island and more. Then, explore Tromsø at your leisure. Perhaps learn about the region's fascinating history at the Polar Museum and Tromsø Museum, check out the many art galleries or take a boat cruise in the surrounding waters (the city is actually built on an island). No visit to Tromsø would be complete without a beer at the city's oldest pub, Olhallen, part of the Mack Brewery that is even older than the pub. It was founded by Ludwig Mack, a baker who cared not for the drunkenness of the townsfolk. Mack started brewing beer in 1877 as a less alcoholic alternative to the spirits drunk by most. The brewery is still family-owned and frequented by young and old, traveller and local, student and teacher. Perhaps meet in the evening for an optional final group dinner together.

• Tromsø - E-bike city tour
• Tromsø - Tromsø Museum - NOK110
• Tromsø - The Polar Museum - NOK110
• Tromsø - Cable Car to Fjellheisen - NOK320

Today’s e-bike tour is approximately 3 hours (15kms) along mostly flat paths. You do need to be moderately competent in riding a bike as good balance and manoeuvring is still required on an e-bike.

The e-bike tour is weather dependent in early season (May). If roads are not ridable because of snow/ice, the group will experience a short snowshoe hike just outside of Tromso, through a forest and slightly hilly terrain with a great view of the city in the background.

Your trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for this final day. If you want to extend your stay in Tromsø we are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Train, Public bus, Ferry, Tram, E-bike

Hotel (8 Nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trips except on the overnight train on day 3 and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Filter by rating

• Accommodation
• Luxury Stays
• Beyond the city
• How to get here
• Getting around in Trondheim
• Bus & tram
• Bike & scooter
• Trondheim City Map
• Practical Information
• Tourist Info Points
• Public transport
• Dog Friendly Travel
• Restaurants
• Practical Info
• Activities & Attractions
• Sightseeing
• Neighbourhoods
• Guided tours
• Get Inspired
• Fun & Leisure
• Entertainment
• Spa & wellness
• Outdoor adventures
• Traveler type
• For the Foodie
• Festivals in Trondheim
• Wedding in Trondheim
• Wheelchair accessible
• Explore the region
• The Trondheimsfjord
• Michelin stars
• Killer views
• Coffee & bakeries
• Farm-to-table
• Child friendly
• Bars & nightlife
• Bars & Pubs
• Cocktail bars
• Craft breweries
• Music & dancing
• European Region of Gastronomy
• Trondheim Host City
• Home Of Nordic Flavours
• Trøndelag Foraging
• Trondheim Sjokolade (chocolate)
• Meetings, Congress & Events
• Why Trondheim
• Plan Your Event
• How Can We Help You?
• Get to Know Trondheim
• Travel information
• Sustainability
• Visit Trondheim
• Become a partner
• Photography

Day Trip to Hitra

Getting to hitra, travel time: 2 hrs by car.

You can get to the island via the fjord from Trondheim, a charming journey by boat from Trondheim Harbour.

If you drive, the trip over the mountain and down to the coast will take approximately 2 hours.

On the way from Trondheim, the road takes you through the Saga municipality of Melhus, a town where powerful chieftains ruled in medieval times, and it was also an important site for the transition to Christianity.

On the way there…

Pit stop in orkanger.

In the small town of Orkanger, the magnificent Bårdshaug Manor is one of the regions Historic Hotels. Originally the majestic mansion was the home of the founder and man of the world, Christian Thams – architect, minister, landlord and consul general.

Having lunch based on local produce at Bårdshaug Manor is an experience not to be missed. In recent years, the Orkland area has become internationally noted for its focus on local produce, and is home to the two well-known farms Fannremsgården and Schjølberg Søndre , where Michelin restaurant Credo derives most of its ingredients.

After Lunch

Visit local food producers & eateries.

After an excellent lunch, the drive across the mountain down to the fjord, flies by. The sight of Hitra’s majestic island kingdom as it opens up as you descend will take your breath away. Hitra is the island which has it all. If you are thinking of spending the whole day out here you should make sure to visit local food producers, one of the great swimming spots, such as Reksafjæra or Auksandfjæra on Fjellværøya and Ulvøya or simply eat heavenly fresh seafood at the island’s many eateries. At Hitra it seems as though there is a harbour in every bay.

For children DalPro Gårdsmat , is a great destination. The little café serves delicious homemade cakes, and beverages, and a small selection of quality meat from deer and wild sheep roam free on the islands of Hitra and Frøya. At Dalpro, your chances of meeting a deer are great, and if you arrive around feeding time in the morning you are guaranteed to be able to pet and feed these beautiful animals.

At the old commercial site Hopsjøbrygga , lunch can easily be combined with a visit to the tiny whale museum located on the second floor of the building.

For horse lovers, Hitra is a great destination. Hitra Equestrian Center has got you covered if you want to spend a few hours on horseback in picturesque surroundings, in a beautiful and majestic cultural landscape.

Stay overnight …

Accommodation in hitra.

If you have a little more time, the island is ideal for a two day trip. Explore all the island has to offer, follow the road as it hugs the edges of the island, along the water.

In Hitra accommodation for every budget is available. Stay overnight in maritime surroundings, in apartments fits for groups or families, or traditional boat houses at Ansnes Brygger or Dolmsundet Marina. At both locations it is possible to rent a boat.

Ansnes Brygger offers tours with rib boats and can entice you with its own whirlpool with majestic views of the island kingdom, its own brewery and its own renowned restaurant. Dolmsundet Marina is located right next to Dolmsundet Hotel . The hotel has a sheltered garden with a large playground for kids of all ages, with beach volleyball nets, and climbing walls. Adjacent to the hotel is also a vast grass area with a reconstructed Viking-era long house, large teepees and a small pond to play in for the little ones.

At the full service hotel Hjorten hotel , located in Fillan, the municipal center, one is closer to the amenities of a small town. Restaurant Hav:Myran sets the standard for hotel restaurants with a seasonal menu and specialties such as local deer and fresh seafood on the menu.