At a Glance
Quick OverviewTrondheim stands as Norway’s historic soul—a city founded by Vikings, crowned with medieval splendour, and steeped in over a thousand years of Scandinavian heritage. As Norway’s first capital and home to the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim holds a special place in Norwegian identity. The world’s northernmost medieval cathedral rises above colourful wooden wharves, narrow cobblestone streets wind through centuries-old neighbourhoods, and the spirit of Viking kings and medieval pilgrims lingers in every corner.
According to Visit Norway, Trondheim offers visitors a unique combination of historical treasures, vibrant student life, and cutting-edge technology in a city that balances past and future perfectly.
Understanding Trondheim
History and Significance
Trondheim (originally named Nidaros) holds unique importance in Norwegian history:
| Historical Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 997 AD by Viking King Olav Tryggvason |
| Status | Norway’s first capital |
| Cathedral built | 1070-1300 |
| Medieval role | Northern Europe’s most important pilgrimage site |
| Modern role | Coronation city, technology hub |
| Population | ~210,000 (Norway’s third-largest city) |
Location and Setting
Trondheim sits at the mouth of the Nidelva River where it meets the Trondheim Fjord:
- Central Norway location (63°N latitude)
- Gateway to the Arctic regions
- University city (NTNU is Norway’s largest)
- Technology and research hub
- Compact, walkable centre
Nidaros Cathedral
The National Shrine
Nidaros Cathedral (Nidarosdomen) stands as Norway’s most important church and the ultimate destination of the ancient St. Olav pilgrimage routes.
Key facts:
- World’s northernmost Gothic cathedral
- Scandinavia’s second-largest medieval building
- Built over St. Olav’s tomb (died 1030)
- Construction: 1070-1300
- Traditional coronation church
- Houses Norwegian Crown Regalia
What to See
The West Front:
- One of Norway’s most photographed facades
- Hundreds of statues in Gothic niches
- Prophets, apostles, Norwegian historical figures
- Intricate stone carvings
Interior highlights:
- Rose Window (8.5 metres diameter)
- Stunning stained glass
- Medieval stone carvings
- St. Olav’s original grave site
- Crown Jewels exhibition
Tower climb:
- 172 steps to the top
- Panoramic views of Trondheim
- River, fjord, and city panorama
- Guided access (summer season)
- Not for those with mobility issues
Visiting Tips
- Allow 1.5-2 hours for the cathedral
- Add time for Archbishop’s Palace museums
- Morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds
- Tickets approximately NOK 150
- Audio guides available
- Guided tours in multiple languages (summer)
St. Olav’s Day (Olsok)
29 July celebrations:
- Special services and concerts
- Olavsfest cultural festival
- Pilgrims and locals gather
- Unique atmosphere
- Book accommodation early
Archbishop’s Palace
Medieval Power Centre
Adjacent to the cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace has served as a meeting place for powerful figures for over 800 years.
What to see:
- Medieval wing (Scandinavia’s oldest secular building)
- Archbishop’s Palace Museum
- Army and Resistance Museum
- Crown Regalia Exhibition
- Archaeological exhibits
Highlights:
- Original medieval sculptures from cathedral
- Norwegian resistance history
- Royal coronation artefacts
- Medieval architecture
Bakklandet District
The Colourful Heart
Bakklandet is Trondheim’s most charming neighbourhood—a photographer’s dream of wooden buildings, cafés, and atmosphere.
Character:
- 17th-19th century wooden houses
- Cobblestone streets
- Artisan shops and galleries
- Cosy cafés and restaurants
- Bridge views of old wharves
Must-see spots:
- Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro)
- Riverside wooden buildings
- Cycle lift (world’s first bicycle lift)
- Independent boutiques
- Traditional bakeries
What to Do
- Stroll the narrow streets
- Photograph colourful facades
- Enjoy café culture
- Shop for local crafts
- Watch the sunset from the bridge
Top Attractions
Kristiansten Fortress
Overview:
- Built 1681-1685
- Overlooks the city
- Free admission to grounds
- Panoramic viewpoint
- Historical exhibitions (summer)
Getting there:
- Walk from Bakklandet (15 minutes uphill)
- Rewarded with city views
- Popular sunset spot
Rockheim
Norway’s National Museum for Popular Music:
- Interactive exhibits
- Norwegian music history 1950s-present
- Recording studios
- Concert hall
- Rooftop views
Trondheim Art Museum
Highlights:
- Norwegian and international art
- Focus on Nordic contemporary
- Rotating exhibitions
- Combined tickets available
Stiftsgården
Royal Residence:
- Scandinavia’s largest wooden palace
- 140 rooms
- Royal family’s Trondheim residence
- Guided tours in summer
- Beautiful gardens
Ringve Music Museum
Musical heritage:
- Historic instruments collection
- Beautiful manor house setting
- Botanical gardens
- Guided musical tours
- Outside city centre
The Nidelva River
Waterfront Life
The Nidelva River defines Trondheim’s character:
Old Town Wharves (Bryggene):
- Colourful wooden buildings
- Historic trading warehouses
- Now restaurants and shops
- Iconic Trondheim image
- Best photographed from Old Town Bridge
River activities:
- Kayaking
- Historic boat tours
- Walking/cycling paths
- Restaurant terraces
Day Trips
Munkholmen Island
Historic island fortress:
- Just offshore from city centre
- Ferry from Ravnkloa (10 minutes)
- Medieval monastery ruins
- Prison history
- Beach and swimming (summer)
- Café and facilities
Coastal Excursions
From Trondheim:
- Boat trips to outlying islands
- Fishing expeditions
- Coastal scenery
- Wildlife watching
Scenic Drives
Nearby options:
- Atlantic Road (2.5 hours)
- Trollstigen (4 hours, summer)
- Inland mountain scenery
Food and Drink
Local Specialities
Trondheim has a proud culinary heritage:
Traditional dishes:
- Smalahove (sheep’s head—adventurous!)
- Raspeballer (potato dumplings)
- Fresh seafood
- Local cheeses
- Game meats
Dining Scene
Restaurant highlights:
- Michelin-starred Credo
- Fagn (New Nordic cuisine)
- Traditional taverns in Bakklandet
- Waterfront seafood restaurants
- Student-friendly options
Cafés:
- Dromedar Kaffebar (local roaster)
- Bakklandet Skydsstation
- Antikvariatet (in old bookshop)
- Numerous cosy options
Beer Culture
Trondheim has a thriving craft beer scene:
- E.C. Dahls Brewery (historic)
- Multiple craft breweries
- Beer-focused bars
- Brewery tours available
Getting to Trondheim
By Air
Trondheim Airport Værnes:
- 35 km from city centre
- Direct flights from Oslo (~1 hour)
- Connections from Bergen, Tromsø, European cities
- Airport Express bus (25 minutes)
- Train to city (35 minutes)
By Train
From Oslo:
- Scenic 7-hour journey
- Dovre Line through mountains
- Comfortable seating
- Beautiful landscapes
From other cities:
- Connections from Bergen (via Oslo)
- Arctic routes to Bodø
By Hurtigruten
Coastal voyage:
- Daily arrivals northbound and southbound
- Historic route
- Multiple-day voyage options
- Scenic coastal experience
By Car
Driving times:
- From Oslo: ~6.5 hours (E6)
- From Bergen: ~9 hours
- From Ålesund: ~4 hours
By Bus
Long-distance services:
- From Oslo (~8 hours)
- From Bergen
- Comfortable express coaches
Getting Around
On Foot
- Compact city centre
- Most attractions walkable
- Bakklandet to cathedral: 15 minutes
- Flat terrain (mostly)
By Bicycle
- Excellent cycling infrastructure
- City bikes available
- World’s first bicycle lift (Bakklandet)
- Popular local transport
Public Transit
- Bus network covers greater area
- Tram line (Gråkallbanen)
- Ferries to Munkholmen
- Easy to navigate
Where to Stay
Central Options
Luxury:
- Britannia Hotel (historic landmark, renovated)
- Clarion Hotel Bakklandet
Mid-range:
- Scandic Bakklandet
- Comfort Hotel Park
- Radisson Blu Royal Garden
Budget:
- Trondheim Vandrerhjem (hostel)
- Budget hotels outside centre
- Airbnb options
Location Tips
- Stay near cathedral for history focus
- Bakklandet for atmosphere
- Central station for transport connections
- Book ahead for Olsok period
Best Time to Visit
By Season
Summer (June-August):
- Warmest weather (15-20°C)
- Longest days
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- All attractions open
- Olsok celebrations (late July)
Spring (April-May):
- Warming temperatures
- Fewer tourists
- University events
- Gardens blooming
Autumn (September-October):
- Autumn colours
- Cultural season begins
- Student energy returns
- Pleasant temperatures
Winter (November-March):
- Christmas markets (December)
- Possible Northern Lights
- Cosy café culture
- Indoor attractions
- Snow-covered charm
Sample Itineraries
2-Day Classic Trondheim
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nidaros Cathedral (2 hours), Archbishop’s Palace, Old Town walk, Bakklandet dinner |
| 2 | Kristiansten Fortress, Rockheim, waterfront stroll, evening in Bakklandet |
3-Day Extended Stay
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nidaros Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, Crown Regalia, Old Town |
| 2 | Bakklandet exploration, Art Museum, Stiftsgården, river walk |
| 3 | Munkholmen island, Rockheim, food tour or cooking class |
History Focus (3 Days)
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nidaros Cathedral in depth, Archbishop’s Palace museums |
| 2 | Viking history, Trondheim Museum, Ringve Music Museum |
| 3 | Pilgrimage route section walk, historic churches, medieval sites |
Practical Information
Costs
Trondheim is moderately priced for Norway:
| Item | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Budget hotel | £80-120/night |
| Mid-range hotel | £120-200/night |
| Nidaros Cathedral | £14-18 |
| Restaurant meal | £20-40 |
| Coffee and pastry | £6-10 |
| City bike | £4/day |
Practical Tips
- Most places accept cards (contactless common)
- English widely spoken
- Free WiFi common
- Sunday closures for some shops
- Tipping appreciated but not required
Weather
- Maritime climate, milder than expected
- Rain possible year-round
- Summer: 15-20°C
- Winter: -5 to +2°C
- Pack layers always
Final Advice
Trondheim rewards those who slow down. Spend time inside Nidaros Cathedral letting the medieval atmosphere sink in. Wander Bakklandet’s cobblestones without a fixed destination. Sit in a café and watch the river flow past centuries-old wharves. This is a city where thousand-year-old history feels alive and accessible.
As Norway’s first capital and the endpoint of ancient pilgrimage routes, Trondheim offers something increasingly rare: genuine historical depth combined with contemporary vitality. The students cycling past Gothic spires, the craft breweries in former warehouses, the Michelin restaurants serving locally foraged ingredients—these are all part of Trondheim’s story, a city honouring its past whilst embracing its future.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Trondheim and Fjord Tours. Last updated January 2026.