Trondheim travel guide
Trondheim Tourism | Trondheim Guide
You're Going to Love Trondheim
Trondheim is an ancient city in central Norway, dating from the 11th century. Although it is thought to be Norway's oldest city, it has a vibrant atmosphere and nightlife, at least in part due to the large student population at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, which accounts for 25,000 of the city's 184,000 population. With an active cultural scene and some fascinating historic sites, Trondheim is one of Northern Europe's most exciting cities.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Trondheim
1. The Unique Atmosphere
Once the most northerly mercantile city in Europe, Trondheim still has the exciting atmosphere of a remote frontier town - isolated, but at the same time full of different cultures.
2. Outdoor Sports
Trondheim is a great center for downhill and cross-country skiing, kayaking, hiking and even swimming.
3. The Nightlife
Trondheim has a wonderful nightlife, but the bars do close early. Head for Downtown or Nordre for the best bars and clubs.
4. The Architecture
Nidarosdomen is the biggest church in Northern Europe and this fine Gothic cathedral is the most famous site in the city. Kristiansten Fortress is another dominant feature, offering stunning views of the city
5. Go to Hell!
No, really. Take a selfie at Hell Station for a memorable souvenir, or buy a ticket to Hell for a friend with a sense of humor.
What to do in Trondheim
1. The City's Gateway To The Wider World
Recently subject to a successful regeneration campaign, Trondheim's harbor district is now right at the heart of what makes the city so appealing. For starters, there's Ravnkloa - the enormous fish market, and a great place to grab a bite to eat. Then there's Rockheim, which is a monument to global rock and roll and features plenty of hands-on musical installations. Finally, be sure to duck into the Maritime Museum, which houses a huge collection of model vessels, and tells the story of the city's deep connection with the ocean.
2. The Founding Place Of The Norwegian Church
Trondheim's cathedral dates back to the 11th century - right at the dawning of Norway's Christian era, and it's an absolute stunner. Reckoned to be the world's most northerly cathedral, it has a remarkable western facade which wouldn't look out of place in Paris or York. In fact, the church was heavily influenced by English Romanesque styles, and it has a light elegance that purely Gothic churches often lack. The nave and tower are architectural highlights, but it's simply blissful to spend time inside the cathedral, taking it all in.
3. Shopping, Stylish Architecture And A Great Place To Stroll
If you want to shop in Trondheim, head straight for Munkegata, the city's main commercial artery. But it's not all about shopping for clothes or souvenirs. Munkegata is lined with architectural delights. There's the Stiftsgården - one of the largest wooden palaces in the world. Then there's the Baroque Hotel Residence, the Cathedral School, and galleries that are heaven for fans of Scandinavian design. Just start at the fish market and wander up the avenue, and you'll be in for a wonderful stroll.
4. A Jewel Of An Attraction
The Archbishop's Palace is matched for grandeur only by the cathedral, which is right next door. For centuries, this building was the seat of the powerful Bishops of Nidaros. Built in the 12th century, it's no longer a holy residence. Instead, the Palace has been turned into a national museum. Highlights include the royal family's jewel collection, some grotesque gargoyles from the cathedral precinct, and a range of items that archaeologists have excavated while exploring the area.
5. A Dazzling Show Of Scandinavian Style
In modern Norway, it's tempting to say that the restless spirit of the Vikings has been INSERT IGNOREd by the creative spirit of the country's designers. Maybe that's a stretch, but it sure feels that way as you wander around the National Museum of Decorative Arts (Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum), which is located in the center of town. The textiles on display reach back to the 1500s, highlighting the deeper roots of Norway's modern designer scene, and there are plenty of contemporary master works as well. If you're a style aficionado, there's no better place to go.
1. The City's Gateway To The Wider World
Recently subject to a successful regeneration campaign, Trondheim's harbor district is now right at the heart of what makes the city so appealing. For starters, there's Ravnkloa - the enormous fish market, and a great place to grab a bite to eat. Then there's Rockheim, which is a monument to global rock and roll and features plenty of hands-on musical installations. Finally, be sure to duck into the Maritime Museum, which houses a huge collection of model vessels, and tells the story of the city's deep connection with the ocean.
2. The Founding Place Of The Norwegian Church
Trondheim's cathedral dates back to the 11th century - right at the dawning of Norway's Christian era, and it's an absolute stunner. Reckoned to be the world's most northerly cathedral, it has a remarkable western facade which wouldn't look out of place in Paris or York. In fact, the church was heavily influenced by English Romanesque styles, and it has a light elegance that purely Gothic churches often lack. The nave and tower are architectural highlights, but it's simply blissful to spend time inside the cathedral, taking it all in.
3. Shopping, Stylish Architecture And A Great Place To Stroll
If you want to shop in Trondheim, head straight for Munkegata, the city's main commercial artery. But it's not all about shopping for clothes or souvenirs. Munkegata is lined with architectural delights. There's the Stiftsgården - one of the largest wooden palaces in the world. Then there's the Baroque Hotel Residence, the Cathedral School, and galleries that are heaven for fans of Scandinavian design. Just start at the fish market and wander up the avenue, and you'll be in for a wonderful stroll.
4. A Jewel Of An Attraction
The Archbishop's Palace is matched for grandeur only by the cathedral, which is right next door. For centuries, this building was the seat of the powerful Bishops of Nidaros. Built in the 12th century, it's no longer a holy residence. Instead, the Palace has been turned into a national museum. Highlights include the royal family's jewel collection, some grotesque gargoyles from the cathedral precinct, and a range of items that archaeologists have excavated while exploring the area.
5. A Dazzling Show Of Scandinavian Style
In modern Norway, it's tempting to say that the restless spirit of the Vikings has been INSERT IGNOREd by the creative spirit of the country's designers. Maybe that's a stretch, but it sure feels that way as you wander around the National Museum of Decorative Arts (Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum), which is located in the center of town. The textiles on display reach back to the 1500s, highlighting the deeper roots of Norway's modern designer scene, and there are plenty of contemporary master works as well. If you're a style aficionado, there's no better place to go.
Where to Eat in Trondheim
Emilies on Erling Skakkes gate offers fine dining in the French style, with mains from around kr300. A daily special of meat or fish at the popular Credo Bar on Credoveita will cost around kr150.
When to visit Trondheim
Trondheim is very far north and extremely cold in winter. Some attractions will be closed in winter, so a summer visit is best.
How to Get to Trondheim
Plane
Trondheim Airport Vaernes has good domestic connections across Europe and direct services from the UK, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands and Eastern Europe. The Flybussen bus leaves every 10 minutes for the city center and costs kr120. A taxi will cost kr600 but can be cheaper if you book ahead.
Train
Trondheim has regular services from Oslo and other local cities. Booked in advance, the fare from Oslo can cost from kr499 but will be significantly more expensive if purchased on the day of travel.
Car
Trondheim is situated on Norway's main E6 north-south highway and is close to the E39 coastal route. The E14 runs to the east from Sweden.
Bus
Companies such as Nor-way Bussekspress and Lavprisekspressen run regular buses from Oslo and other Norwegian cities. A pre-booked ticket from Oslo can cost as little as kr150.
Airlines serving Trondheim
Where to stay in Trondheim
Bakklandet - is a historic area on the east of the Nidelva river, with narrow streets and traditional wooden houses.
Popular Neighborhoods in Trondheim
Rosenborg - is a quieter area, with many apartment buildings. It's also close to the university.
Ila - lies to the west of the city center and is ideal for those enjoying the great outdoors; it is close to Bymarka Forest and some of the best cross-country skiing routes.
Where to stay in popular areas of Trondheim
Most booked hotels in Trondheim
How to Get Around Trondheim
The Cost of Living in Trondheim
Shopping Streets
Nodre Gate is the major shopping street, with international fashion stores and independent outlets. Fjordgata is good for local specialty shops.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Trondheim costs around kr16.30 and a loaf of bread is kr22.00.