The Old Town Bridge in Trondheim is an excellent place to take photos.
Although Trondheim lacks the cool Scandinavian flair of Stockholm and Copenhagen, nor the dramatic scenery of the Norwegian fjords, this central Norwegian city is a thoroughly fun destination in its own right.
Founded in 997 by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim has a wealthy history that when made it the capital of Norway. From the famous Nidaros Cathedral to the bustling riverside neighborhoods, Trondheim’s compact city center is stuffed with historic buildings which might be easy to explore on foot.
But Trondheim is anything but a relic of the past. The presence of tens of hundreds of scholars on the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and a vibrant technology sector give the town a youthful energy.
With direct flights from major cities similar to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London and Stockholm, in addition to various Norwegian cities, Trondheim is an easily accessible weekend destination and offers a refreshing alternative to the more popular Scandinavian city breaks.
First day: Explore the historic city center
Start your weekend with a leisurely morning stroll through the Bakklandet district. This historic neighborhood is characterised by its cobblestone streets, quaint wood houses and vibrant river views.
Bakklandet is a picturesque riverside neighborhood ideal for a morning stroll.
As you stroll around, you’ll come across quite a few cafés where you’ll be able to enjoy a coffee and a pastry while watching the hustle and bustle from the few seats outside the café. In winter, blankets and outdoor heaters make sure that the seats are well attended. Just be careful for cyclists, as Trondheim residents race down this street on their morning commute.
The Old Town Bridge, popularly generally known as Old Town Bridgeoffers a scenic crossing of the Nidelva River and is an excellent place for photos. But watch out, be careful for cyclists!
After your coffee break, head to the town’s most famous landmark, Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial place of Saint Olav, this impressive Gothic cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, although its most famous façade, the west front, was completely rebuilt within the twentieth century.
The richly decorated west façade of Nidaros Cathedral was renovated within the twentieth century.
Take a guided tour to admire the intricate details of the west façade and the impressive interior. Don’t miss the crypt, which now displays ancient marble tombstones, and the tower, which offers the absolute best views of Trondheim’s city center.
Next to the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palacewhich houses a museum with artifacts from the history of the cathedral and medieval church art. The royal regalia are also housed here. A combined ticket purchased online prematurely is the most cost effective and most convenient technique to see the whole lot.
If you continue to have time, explore the fashionable side of Trondheim by visiting RockheimNorway’s national museum for popular music. Rockheim is positioned right on the water and offers interactive exhibitions that trace the event of Norwegian pop and rock music from the Fifties to the current day.
Day two: Trondheim’s natural attractions
Discover the local culture by immersing yourself in the character around Trondheim. You won’t have enough time to do the whole lot, so select the activities that appeal to you essentially the most.
Start your second day with a brief Boat trip to Munkholmenan island within the Trondheimsfjord. Munkholmen has an eventful history and served as a monastery, fortress and prison.
Munkholmen served as an execution site, monastery, fortress and prison. Today it’s a … [+]
Nowadays it’s a preferred recreation area, especially in summer, when regular passenger ferries Operating from the town center, explore the historic ruins, chill out on the small beach or just benefit from the panoramic views of the town and fjord.
After returning to the town, take the Tram to Lianpositioned on the outskirts of Trondheim. Lian is the gateway to Bymarka, an enormous forested nature reserve with countless mountain climbing trails.
The tram ride offers views of the town and the encompassing countryside. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to select from quite a lot of mountain climbing trails along the lakeshore or within the forest to explore. A picnic by the lake is a preferred activity because it lets you enjoy nature in a peaceful setting without having to stray too removed from the tram.
For those searching for a bit more adventure, it’s price exploring Kayaking through TrondheimThe Nidelva River meanders through the town and offers a singular perspective on the park and city landscape along the waterway.
The Nidelva River in Trondheim is good for exploring the town by kayak.
Trondheim Kayak offers guided tours for all skill levels. Paddling on the river lets you see Trondheim from a distinct perspective and catch up with to its natural beauty.
Despite the cold water, sea bathing is popular throughout Scandinavia. Join the locals and swim within the Trondheimsfjord at The sea bathwhich is open from June to August.
Where to remain in Trondheim?
Since its reopening in 2019 after an intensive four-year renovation, the Britannia Hotel has regained its status as Trondheim’s most impressive accommodation.
This historic hotel offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional service and first-class amenities, including a spa and a number of other restaurants. Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the town.
If budget is more of a difficulty, consider staying at Comfort Hotel Trondheim or P-Hotels Brattøra, each of which provide easy but comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices.
Where to eat and drink in Trondheim
For a special culinary experience, the restaurants on the Britannia Hotel are highly really helpful. The Michelin-starred The Hall of Mirrorselegant Palmenhavena more casual brasserie or Jonathan’s Steakhouse all offer different experiences. The hotel’s afternoon tea can be a treat to not be missed.
A brand new addition to the town’s restaurant scene, customs office showcases the very best Nordic ingredients each on the plate and within the glass. Wash down the melt-in-the-mouth scallops with a Norwegian Negroni, which incorporates aquavit as a substitute of gin, or a Hardanger Sidecar with plum syrup from fjord-side orchards.
For a singular night out, head to Work-Work, a gaming bar that mixes craft beers, cocktails, and nerd culture. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a drink while playing a board game, shuffleboard, or one in all the amazing pinball machines.
The former Solsiden shipyard now houses bars and restaurants.
If you like to decide on your dining options spontaneously, visit The sunny sideThe former shipyard has been transformed right into a vibrant waterfront shopping and business district, filled with bars and restaurants, many with outdoor terraces.
Travel suggestions for Trondheim
Trondheim is a compact city that is simple to explore on foot or by bike. Public transport is efficient and covers a lot of the city. City bikes might be rented and cycling is a preferred mode of transport, especially in the hotter months.
The weather in Trondheim might be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to pack several layers of clothing and a water-proof jacket. Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate and unexpected rain showers are possible. Be prepared for changeable conditions to get essentially the most out of your outdoor activities.
Although Norwegian is the official language, English is widely spoken and most signs and menus can be found in each languages. Visitors should not have any problems communicating with the locals. Credit cards are widely accepted.
