Home › Destinations › Trondheim
Trondheim, Norge - Things to Do in Trondheim

Trondheim

Trondheim, Norge - Complete Travel Guide

Trondheim, Norway's historic third-largest city, stands as a captivating blend of medieval heritage and modern Scandinavian culture. Founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD, this former capital serves as the spiritual heart of Norway, home to the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral where Norwegian kings were once crowned. The city's colorful wooden warehouses line the Nidelva River, creating one of Norway's most photographed waterfront scenes, while cobblestone streets wind through a compact Old Town filled with cafes, boutiques, and cultural attractions. Today's Trondheim pulses with youthful energy thanks to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, making it a dynamic hub of innovation and nightlife. The city perfectly balances its rich history with contemporary attractions, from world-class museums and art galleries to cutting-edge architecture and a thriving food scene that celebrates both traditional Norwegian cuisine and international flavors. Surrounded by fjords and forests, Trondheim also serves as an excellent base for exploring central Norway's natural wonders.

Top Trondheim

Nidaros Cathedral and Old Town

Marvel at Northern Europe's largest medieval building, the impressive Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, where Norwegian royalty has been crowned for centuries. Wander through the surrounding Old Town's narrow cobblestone streets, discovering charming wooden buildings, local shops, and historic sites. The cathedral's intricate stone carvings and beautiful rose window make it one of Scandinavia's most impressive religious monuments.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry costs around 120 NOK for adults, with guided tours available for an additional fee. Visit during summer months (June-August) for extended opening hours and the best chance to climb the tower. Book combination tickets online for discounts on multiple attractions.

Stroll Along Bakklandet and the Nidelva River

Discover Trondheim's most picturesque neighborhood, Bakklandet, with its colorful wooden houses, cozy cafes, and artisan workshops lining narrow streets. Cross the iconic Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) for impressive views of the historic Bryggen wharf buildings reflected in the Nidelva River. This area perfectly captures the essence of old Trondheim while offering modern dining and shopping experiences.

Booking Tip: This area is free to explore on foot, but consider joining a walking tour (200-300 NOK) for historical insights. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography. Many cafes offer outdoor seating during summer months.

Ringve Museum and Botanical Gardens

spend time in Norway's national museum of music and musical instruments, housed in a beautiful historic manor with impressive views over Trondheim fjord. The museum features interactive exhibits and live demonstrations of historical instruments from around the world. The surrounding Botanical Gardens showcase Arctic and alpine plants, making it a perfect combination of culture and nature.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around 150 NOK for adults, with guided tours included in summer. The museum is closed on Mondays during winter, so plan accordingly. Combine your visit with a walk through the free Botanical Gardens for a full afternoon experience.

Local Food Scene and Markets

Dive into Trondheim's innovative culinary scene, from traditional Norwegian specialties to modern Nordic cuisine at acclaimed restaurants. Visit the Trondheim Torg market square for local produce, crafts, and seasonal delicacies, or explore food halls showcasing regional ingredients like reindeer, fresh seafood, and cloudberries. The city's restaurant scene has gained international recognition for its creative use of local ingredients.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 800-1200 NOK per person and last 3-4 hours. Book restaurants in advance, especially for dinner during summer months. The Saturday market at Trondheim Torg is free to browse and offers the best selection of local products.

Day Trip to Munkholmen Island

Take a short boat ride to this historic island fortress that has served as a monastery, prison, and coastal defense over its 1000-year history. Explore the well-preserved fortifications while enjoying panoramic views of Trondheim fjord and the surrounding coastline. During summer, the island becomes a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with locals.

Booking Tip: Round-trip boat tickets cost around 180 NOK for adults, with boats running regularly from May to September. Bring your own food and drinks as island facilities are limited. The last boat typically departs around 6 PM, so check schedules in advance.

Getting There

Trondheim Airport (TRD), located 35 kilometers east of the city, offers direct flights from major European cities and domestic connections throughout Norway. The airport bus (Flybussen) provides regular service to the city center for around 150 NOK, taking approximately 45 minutes. By train, Trondheim is well-connected to Oslo (6.5 hours), Bergen, and other Norwegian cities via the scenic Dovre and Røros railway lines. Driving from Oslo takes about 5 hours via the E6 highway, while express buses offer an economical alternative with several daily departures.

Getting Around

Trondheim's compact city center is easily walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute stroll of each other. The city operates an efficient public transport system including buses and the unique Gråkallen tram line, with day passes costing around 100 NOK. Cycling is extremely popular, with numerous bike rental shops and dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. The historic Trampe bicycle lift helps cyclists navigate the steep streets leading up from the city center, making biking accessible even in hilly areas.

Where to Stay

City Center/Midtbyen
Bakklandet
Solsiden
Ila
Lademoen
Kristiansten

Food & Dining

Trondheim's dining scene brilliantly showcases New Nordic cuisine alongside traditional Norwegian fare, with several restaurants earning national recognition for their innovative use of local ingredients. The city center offers everything from cozy cafes serving excellent coffee and pastries to upscale establishments featuring reindeer, fresh seafood from the nearby fjords, and foraged ingredients. Don't miss trying local specialties like fårikål (lamb and cabbage stew), fresh salmon, and cloudberry desserts. The Bakklandet neighborhood is particularly rich with charming restaurants and cafes housed in historic wooden buildings, while food halls and the weekend market at Trondheim Torg provide excellent opportunities to sample regional products and street food.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Norway

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Mamma Pizza

4.6 /5
(6196 reviews) 2
Montenegro store

Riviera Restaurant & Bar

4.5 /5
(1544 reviews) 2

Girotondo

4.6 /5
(1076 reviews) 2

Ruffino

4.7 /5
(844 reviews) 3

Mamma Pizza Vika Osteria di Mare

4.5 /5
(838 reviews) 2
Montenegro meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Basso Social - Oslo

4.5 /5
(670 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Trondheim is during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures reach a comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) and the city enjoys nearly 20 hours of daylight. This period offers the warmest weather, full access to outdoor attractions like Munkholmen Island, and the most busy street life with outdoor dining and festivals. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September) can be pleasant with fewer crowds, though weather is more unpredictable. Winter visits (December-March) offer the chance to experience the Northern Lights, cozy indoor attractions, and potential snow-covered landscapes, but expect short days and temperatures often below freezing.

Insider Tips

Download the AtB Mobillett app for easy public transport payments and real-time schedules
Many museums offer free admission on certain days - check individual websites for details
The Trampe bicycle lift is free to use and provides a unique way to reach the Kristiansten Fort area with panoramic city views

Activities in Trondheim