Trondheim isn’t always the first city you think of on a trip to Norway, and yet it was one of our most pleasant surprises. We loved its colorful historic center, the peaceful ambience of Bakklandet, the Gamle Bybro bridge, Nidaros cathedral and walks along the Nidelva. Easy to discover on foot, Trondheim is a pleasant stopover to include in any Norwegian itinerary.
In this article, we share our top tips for visiting Trondheim: what to do, what to see, how much time to allow, where to sleep, where to eat and how to organize your stay. You’ll also find our interactive map, practical tips and some ideas for things to do around Trondheim.
Our review of Trondheim
This is the third Norwegian city we’ve visited, after Bergen and Stavanger, and we’ve fallen in love with the pretty town of Trondheim. As you can see from the many photos below.
It’s the country’s third-largest city, located in the center of Norway, marking the border between the south of the country and its fjords, which we visited for several weeks, and the north, where we go to explore the famous Lofoten Islands.
This town exudes charm, with its colorful houses on stilts and its pedestrianized historic center built around the river that runs through it. A city in Norway where you can really enjoy strolling!
What to do in Trondheim Our must-sees on the map
Here are our favorite places to visit in Trondheim. Most are within easy walking distance of the city center, which makes for a pleasant visit even if you’re only there for a day.
Here you’ll find our interactive map of all the activities and points of interest in this article.
➡️ You can explore the city for 2 hours with a local guide in a small group (maximum 6 people). Your guide will give you valuable information about the city of Trondheim and the region .
Gamle Bybro bridge
Our favorite: We crossed the Gamle Bybro bridge along the harbor. This charming wooden bridge, rebuilt in 1861, links the Bakklandet district with Kristiansten fortress.
➡️ The view of the colorful facades of the colorful houses on stilts (former warehouses) is incredible, a sight well worth the detour. A real postcard landscape!
Bakklandet Old Town
This is the district on the east bank of the Nidelva River, and it’s a really cute one, with its charming, colorful wooden houses, cosy cafés and boutiques.
We were there on a sunny Friday evening in June, with the locals enjoying the fine weather on the terraces of cafés and bars.
Nidaros Cathedral
You won’t want to miss it. This 12th-century architectural masterpiece is Norway’s most important Gothic religious building and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Its detailed façade and sumptuous interior make it a must-see.
Parc Marinen
South of the Gamle Bybru bridge, this pretty wooded park along the river is perfect for a picnic break, either on the lawn or on the wooden tables.
➡️ If you’re traveling with the family, the best part is the incredible playground. We spent an hour there and the whole family had a great time.
Stroll along the Nidelva river
South of the Gamle Bybru bridge, a path runs alongside the Nidelva river, offering lovely views of the cathedral. Stroll along the Nidelva: The river that winds its way through Trondheim offers peaceful scenery. A stroll along its banks offers a different perspective on the city, with beautiful views of the wooden houses along the water’s edge.
Archbishop’s Palace
Archbishop’s Palace(Erkebispegarden) Adjacent to Nidaros Cathedral, this is one of the best-preserved palaces in Scandinavia. It houses a museum where you can discover the history of the city and its archbishops. Located in the same building is the Riksregaliene , a museum displaying Norwegian crown jewels.
Korsvika hiking and beach
To the north of Trondheim, a hiking trail runs along the coast, and we landed on the sandy beach of Korsvika (there’s a parking lot right next to it), to take advantage of the fine weather – it was almost 25 degrees when we visited at the end of June.
How long will it take to visit Trondheim and the surrounding area?
Of course, the ideal length of your visit to Trondheim depends on what you want to see and do.
We recommend staying 2 days to explore the city and surrounding area.
- Day 1: Visit central Trondheim: Bakklandet, Gamle Bybro, Nidaros and the banks of the Nidelva. If timing permits, add an outing on Trondheimsfjord.
- Day 2: explore the surrounding area, for example the Atlantic Scenic Route or Dovrefjell National Park, if this fits in well with your itinerary.
What to do around Trondheim
If you have a little time after your visit to Trondheim, there are several options for extending your discovery of the region. However, not all of them are suitable for the same type of traveler. Some ideas are especially worthwhile if you’re on a road trip with a car, while others are simpler to consider from the city.
For our part, we advise you to choose according to your itinerary in Norway. The Atlantic scenic route is magnificent, but it needs to fit naturally into your itinerary, Trondheimsfjord may be a good option if you haven’t yet seen a fjord, and Dovrefjell seems to us to be best reserved for travellers with time and a desire to hike.
The Atlantic scenic route: a great stopover on your road trip
Located around 2h30 from Trondheim if you’re travelling by car, this is a mythical route to take close to Trondheim. The Atlantic Scenic Route (Atlanterhavsveien) is a spectacular 8km road that winds between islets and reefs, offering breathtaking views and dramatic vistas of the ocean.
➡️ I had read on a blog that the first bridge was THE fishing spot in Norway. Indeed, we’ve seen Norwegian travellers pulling up plugs every 5 minutes. For us it was our first fishing test of our lives, so obviously we didn’t manage to catch anything because we didn’t have the right “tip”, we’d taken the float instead of the sinker. At least we got a good laugh out of it.
Just before hitting the road for Trondheim, we stopped at Bud’sDRAAGEN SmokehouseAS, lost on the coast. We enjoyed it (smoked salmon price 50€ / kg).
Dovrefjell National Park: hiking and musk oxen
This park has been recommended to us by many travellers. We didn’t choose not to make this several-hour detour (located 2.5 hours southwest of Trondheim), as each stretch of road takes an inordinate amount of time. We also needed to recover from our hikes, including Trolltunga and the famous Preikestolen in southern Norway.
Our friends Justine and Rénald decided to explore this park, located in one of the driest regions of the country and renowned for its muskox colony. Several hikes start from the Snohetta viewpoint. They loved the change of scenery and atmosphere from the rest of Norway. The hike crosses a large arid plateau, still a little snow-covered, with lots of beautiful rivers, and fairly sparse vegetation as far as the eye can see.
Discover Trondheimsfjord by boat
Cruises depart from Trondheim to explore the nearby fjords. Of course, if you haven’t yet visited a fjord, we recommend these excursions, which offer a unique perspective on the Norwegian coastal landscape.
We came from the fjord region and had just explored Geirangerfjord, which we recommend. The fjords around Bergen are also well worth a visit.
Practical information for your visit
Where to stay in Trondheim? Hotel, apartment and campsite
Wondering where to stay in Trondheim to make the most of your stay? To get the most out of your visit, we recommend you choose the downtown area. We advise you to book your accommodation several months in advance to get the maximum choice and the best prices. To find suitable, well-located accommodation, you should generally budget around €150-€200 per night.
You often write to us asking for tips on how to cut costs when traveling to Norway, so we’ve come up with a tip that works in every country and is even better in Norway: we recommend renting an apartment. This will also enable you to cook your own meals, saving you money during your stay in a country where the cost of living is high.
- Our favorite ❤️: BJØRVIKA apartments, offer an elegant and comfortable living environment, with fully-equipped apartments that are just perfect. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, as well as appreciable peace and quiet.
Camping
If you’re visiting Norway by camper van or caravan, the Flakk campsite(maps) is the closest to town, very clean and quiet (pitches for tents, cars and camper vans).
Where to eat in Trondheim on a budget?
As always, we don’t have a typical Norwegian restaurant to recommend. We took advantage of our city break to grab a burger at Super Hero Burger in downtown Trondheim(go there).
As on our visits to Stavanger and Bergen, we also stopped off again at the Norwegian organic bakery chain, Godt Brød Thomas Angells gate. It’s a great alternative for eating at lower cost and with good produce right in the center of town.
How do I get to Trondheim from Oslo?
To reach Trondheim from Oslo,flying is the fastest option. Internal connections are well developed in Norway, with several direct Oslo – Trondheim flights per day in high season. At the time of our research, prices were around a hundred euros, but they vary according to dates and how early you book.
You can also reach Trondheim by road if you’re on a road trip. It takes longer, but allows you to enjoy the Norwegian countryside and integrate the city into a wider itinerary.
Do I need to hire a car to visit Trondheim?
To visit the center of Trondheim, a car is not essential. The main places of interest are easily discovered on foot, including Nidaros Cathedral, Gamle Bybro Bridge, Bakklandet, Marinen Park and the banks of the Nidelva River.
On the other hand, renting a car makes sense if you’re planning to explore Trondheim’s surroundings or integrate the city into a Norwegian road trip. It’s the most flexible option for reaching the Atlantic scenic route, Dovrefjell National Park or other more isolated stops.
Bear in mind, however, that distances are covered slowly in Norway. Speed limits are low, roads can be narrow, and both ascents and descents require attention. We therefore advise you not to plan too great a distance in a single day.
➡️ To compare rental prices, we recommend the RentalCars website. For example, you can collect your car fromAlesund airport. Remember to book in advance, and expect to pay around €50 per day on average.
When to visit Trondheim The best time
The best time to visit Trondheim depends on what you want to do. If you want to enjoy the city on foot, with its long days and outdoor activities, summer remains the most pleasant season.
June to August offer the mildest temperatures and longest days (average temperature: 12°C to 20°C). In our opinion, this is the ideal time to explore the city center, stroll through Bakklandet, cruise along the Nidelva and enjoy the Trondheim area. September may also be a good option, with a quieter atmosphere and slightly cooler temperatures.
Visiting Trondheim in winter can also be charming, especially for winter activities, the Christmas atmosphere or the Northern Lights. On the other hand, the days are shorter and the weather can make visits less comfortable. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a Nordic atmosphere, but not necessarily the easiest time of year for a first discovery.
Our review of Trondheim
Trondheim was one of our most pleasant surprises in Norway. The city is easy to visit, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the main places of interest are within easy walking distance of the center. If you like colorful towns, historic districts and waterside strolls, Trondheim is definitely worth a stop on your itinerary.
We hope this article will help you plan your visit to Trondheim. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below. We were in Norway for 2 months, so you can also read our other articles to help you plan your itinerary.
Feel free to leave us a note or 5 stars below. You can also check out our Instagram stories from our Norway trip to give you a taste of what’s in store.
