Trondheim

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Trondheim Travel Guide

Travel Author

Stig Albeck

City Map

City Introduction

Trondheim is one of Norway’s largest cities, and it is beautifully laid out between the waters of the Nidelva and the Trondheimsfjord. Its history goes back to Olav Tryggvason’s founding in 997, but archaeological findings suggest that the area has been inhabited even earlier. Trondheim quickly became an important regional center, and in the latter half of the 11th century the city became a bishop’s seat, and Nidaros Cathedral was built at this time. At this time the city was known as Nidaros, and it was elevated to the Archbishopric of Trundum in 1152, a status that lasted until the Reformation in 1537.

Nidaros was also the residence of several kings and barons, and there was prosperity over the centuries, despite many town fires in the 13th century. Later, Christian V laid out a new town plan with straight streets and a central square to prevent the fires, but they continued to rage until the 19th century. Other large constructions were also realized, such as the fortress Kristiansten Fæstning in 1682-1684. In the Danish era, Nidaros had become Trondhjem, but the city’s name was again changed to Nidaros in 1930, which the city and its population opposed, and therefore Trondheim was adopted in 1931.

Today, a visit to Trondheim is a wonderful experience with beautiful nature and many interesting sights. The square named Torvet forms the center of the city, and the square originates from Christian V’s town plan. In the middle of the square, you can see an 18-metre-high monument to Olav Tryggvason, who was Norwegian king and founder of the city. The monument was inaugurated in 1921 in connection with the opening of the railway to Trondheim the day before.

Around Torvet there are mostly modern buildings, but along Kongens gate to the east you can see the older Sommergården from 1774-1777 to the north and Hornemansgården to the south, which was built from 1720. Both houses are fine examples of 18th-century wooden mansions in the city. If you walk along Kongens gate, after Hornemansgården you will come to Church of Our Lady/Vår Frue Kirke, one of Trondheim’s three preserved medieval churches.

The eastern part of the Church of Our Lady was built around the year 1200, while the extension of the nave to the west dates from 1686 and the tower was erected 1739-1742. In the interior you can see a beautiful main altar, the church’s impressive organ and a rococo wall with Christian V’s monogram. If you continue along Kongens gate, you come to Trondheim’s old town hall from 1706 on the left, which is now used as a library.

At the end of Kongens gate you come to the river Nidelva, where you can see the wharves, one of Trondheim’s most beautiful and best-known sights. Bryggene is the name of the many brightly colored commercial houses and warehouses that stand side by side on both sides of the Nidelva on the central river course through the center of the city. The oldest of the houses date back to the middle of the 18th century, but the banks of the river have been inhabited since early Trondheim. On the western side of the river is Kjøpmannsgata street, while Nygata is behind the Bryggene to the east.

On both sides there are places where you can walk between the houses and have a look down the Nidelva. There is also a beautiful view from Gamle Bybro to the south. The bridge dates from 1861 and is worth seeing for the fine wooden portals that previously held up the bridge’s flaps. Further north, you can cross the Nidelva along Bakke Bru, from which there is also a fine view, and north of this are Trondheim’s marinas in the river and inner channels. You can walk a little to the southeast to Kristiansten Fortress, which was built under Christian V in the years 1682-1684. The fortress is as an open structure, from which there is a fine view of the city and the area.

Trondheim’s most famous attraction is Nidaros Cathedral, which is considered one of Norway’s national treasures. The beautiful cathedral was constructed in the period 1070-1300, and it is believed that the church contains the grave of Olav the Saint. The remains of the Norwegian king were the reason for the construction of the church on this site, and over time the cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage and exposed to both fires and major renovations.

The church burned down twice in the 18th century, when only the walls remained. The appearance of the current church is the result of a long reconstruction work, which formally lasted until 2001. The west facade with the two towers was completed in 1965. Immediately south of Nidaros Cathedral is the Erkebispegården, which is a large complex, which from around the year 1200 was the residence of the city’s archbishops.

The residence and surrounding complex were Norway’s ecclesiastical administrative center until the Reformation in 1537, and today you can still see some of the old buildings as well as new buildings that house the local museum. At the museum you can see Norway’s crown regalia, kept in Trondheim, as Nidaros Cathedral is the country’s coronation church, although the last coronation took place in 1906.

Top Attractions

Nidaros Cathedral
Nidarosdomen

Nidaros Cathedral is Trondheim’s cathedral, located in the heart of the city, just south of the city center. The mighty church stands as one of the most significant buildings in the entire Nordic region, and has done so since the cathedral was begun around 1070. Nidaros Cathedral was built over the burial site of Olav the Holy, the Norwegian king who fell at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 and was later made a saint. This made the site an important pilgrimage center in the Middle Ages, and for centuries believers from all over Scandinavia made the pilgrimage to Nidaros to venerate his relics. Even after the Reformation in the 16th century, when Catholicism was banned in Norway, Nidaros Cathedral remained a national symbol of both faith and identity.

Architecturally, Nidaros Cathedral is a unique example of Gothic style in Scandinavia. It was inspired by the great cathedrals of England and France, but with a distinctly Nordic touch. The west facade is particularly impressive. It is adorned with rows of stone sculptures depicting kings, saints and prophets, and flanked by two towers, which give the building a majestic appearance. Inside, you will find beautiful stained glass mosaics, vaulted ceilings and the famous Steinmeyer organ from the 1930s, which is still used for concerts and ceremonies. Every element of the cathedral bears the mark of centuries of building and restoration work, which began in the 19th century and continues to this day.

Inside Nidaros Cathedral, you will encounter an impressive space where architecture, art and symbolism merge into a holistic experience. The first thing that catches your eye is the church’s high vaulted ceilings, which are supported by slender columns of gray limestone and create a feeling of both lightness and grandeur. Natural light streams in through the many colored stained glass mosaics, which depict biblical scenes and saints in intense blue, red and golden hues. Along the walls are a series of side chapels and small niches, where you can see medieval reliefs, carved wooden figures and memorial plaques of historical figures. The high altar in the choir is the center of it all, and it is also worth seeing.

A special experience is to observe the many details that reveal the layers of history of the church. For example, the large pulpit from the 18th century is richly decorated with wood carvings, while it stands in beautiful contrast to the simple stone columns from the Middle Ages. The organ, which dominates the western end, consists of over nine thousand pipes and is used extensively for concerts and ceremonies. In the crypt under the choir you can see remains of the original church and relics associated with Olav the Saint. Around the church there are also exhibitions of objects found during archaeological excavations, and you can take guided tours that lead up to the towers or into the oldest parts of the building.

In addition to being an architectural marvel, Nidaros Cathedral also serves as an active center for culture and spirituality. It hosts church services, concerts, weddings, and national ceremonies; for example, the coronation and anointing of Norwegian kings has traditionally taken place in this very church. The cathedral also marks the end of the St. Olavsleden pilgrimage route, which runs from the Swedish city of Sundsvall to Trondheim.

 

Archbishop’s Palace
Erkebispegården

The Archbishop’s Palace is a building complex located right next to Nidaros Cathedral. The palace is one of the best-preserved medieval complexes in the Nordic countries and an indispensable stop for anyone who wants to understand the history of Trondheim. The construction was begun in the 12th century as the residence of the Archbishop of Nidaros, who was the highest ecclesiastical authority in Norway at the time. In the Middle Ages, the site served as the administrative and religious center for the entire church province, which covered large parts of the North Atlantic including Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The impressive stone structure testifies to the power and wealth of the church in the Middle Ages.

Today, the buildings house the Archbishop’s Palace Museum, which contains exhibitions about both the history of Nidaros Cathedral and the medieval development of Trondheim. Here you can see original sculptures, altar fragments and church art that previously adorned the cathedral, as well as finds from archaeological excavations in the area. The museum also has an extensive collection of objects from royal ceremonies, including crowns, regalia and historical textiles that have been used at Norway’s coronations in Nidaros Cathedral.

The Archbishop’s Palace is not only a museum, but also a living cultural venue. The courtyard is used for concerts, festivals and markets in the summer, when the area around the cathedral is buzzing with life. Here, past and present meet in a special way, as you can stand in the same vaulted corridors that medieval bishops once walked through, and at the same time experience modern exhibitions and events. The Archbishop’s Palace provides a unique insight into the history of both the church and the city and is a natural extension of the visit to Nidaros Cathedral.

 

Trondheim Art Museum
Trondheim Kunstmuseum

Trondheim Art Museum is the city’s leading art institution and a central institution in the city. The museum is located in an elegant building from 1930 just a few steps from Nidaros Cathedral, and it houses one of Norway’s largest collections of visual art. The permanent collection includes works from the 19th century to the present day, with a focus on both Norwegian and international artists. Among the highlights are works by painters such as Harriet Backer, Christian Krohg, Nikolai Astrup and Edvard Munch, whose expressive brushstrokes still fascinate the public.

The museum actively works with contemporary art and exhibitions that reflect current themes in society. Changing exhibitions are presented throughout the year with both established and new artists. Trondheim Art Museum also has a special program for children and young people, where creativity and the joy of creation are at the center. In addition, the museum collaborates closely with NTNU and other cultural institutions in Trondheim to strengthen the city’s role as a cultural center in Central Norway.

 

Market Square
Torvet

The Square in Trondheim is the city’s natural gathering point. It is a place that has served as the city’s marketplace since the Middle Ages, where merchants, fishermen and farmers from the surrounding area gathered to sell goods and exchange news. Today, the place is still characterized by trade and life, but in a modern form with shops, cafés, restaurants and a shopping center around the square.

In the middle of the square stands the statue of Olav Tryggvason, who was the founder of the city. He stands above the paving on a tall column that also functions as a sundial. The sundial can be followed in the stones around Olav Tryggvason, which was established in 1930. The statue is an important symbol of Trondheim and a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. In summer, the area is often filled with street artists, musicians and markets, while winter brings a special atmosphere with a Christmas market, ice skating rink and light installations.

Around the square is a mix of historical and modern buildings that together tell the story of Trondheim’s development. On one side you will find modern buildings such as the Trondheim Torg shopping centre, while on the other side the Church of Our Lady is just a few steps away from the square, a peaceful respite from the city life. On the eastern side of the square you will also find Hornemansgården, built by Paul Dons in 1720, and Sommergården, built as a private residence for court agent and pharmacist Otto Sommer in the period 1774–1777.

 

Stiftsgården

Stiftsgården is one of Trondheim’s most impressive buildings and a unique example of 18th-century Norwegian wooden architecture. It was built between 1774 and 1778 for the wealthy widow Cecilie Christine Schøller, who was one of the most prominent women of the time. The house, which has over 140 rooms, is the largest wooden building in the Nordic countries and has served as a royal residence since the 19th century when members of the Norwegian royal family visit the city. It is located along Munkegate, a few minutes’ walk from both Nidaros Cathedral and the main square in Trondheim, and its yellow facade and classic lines make it a striking feature of the cityscape.

The building is a prime example of Rococo architecture in Norway, with a touch of elegance, symmetry and detail. Inside, the interior has been preserved with original furniture, wallpapers and decorations that reflect the style and taste of the 18th century. Today, large parts of Stiftsgården serve as a museum, and visitors get an insight into both the building’s history and its role as a residence for royal guests. Among the most famous events in Stiftsgården’s recent history are the official residences of the royal couple and the crown prince couple during coronations and national celebrations.

Stiftsgården has a special place in Trondheim’s identity because it symbolizes the city’s connection to Norway’s monarchy and history. At the same time, it is an architectural masterpiece that shows how refined and ambitious construction could be in a time when wood was the dominant material. The quiet garden behind the building is open to the public and provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and there is also a nice view of the building from the green surroundings.

 

Church of Our Lady
Vår Frue Kirke

Vår Frue Kirke is one of Trondheim’s oldest buildings and one of the most atmospheric places in the city. It is centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from the main square in Trondheim, and has stood on this site since the mid-12th century. The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary and served as a parish church for the city’s merchants and craftsmen in the Middle Ages. The Romanesque basic structure can still be traced in the masonry, although the church has undergone several reconstructions after fires and wars over time. The oldest parts, especially the choir and parts of the nave, are built of gray-white limestone, which gives the building its characteristic, robust appearance.

Inside, Vår Frue Kirke is a beautiful interplay between past and present. The massive stone columns and vaulted ceilings testify to the church’s medieval origins, while the furnishings are influenced by later styles, including a Baroque altarpiece from the 18th century and a large organ from the 1990s, which is used for concerts and church services. The church is known for its simple but powerful atmosphere, where the light from the narrow windows plays on the stone walls and creates a sense of calm and reflection. It has been a place of both faith and culture for centuries, and today it is often used for classical concerts and choir singing, which take advantage of the unique acoustics.

 

Trondheim Old Town Hall
Trondheim Gamle Rådhus

Trondheim Old Town Hall is located at the eastern end of Kongens gate. The building is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings from its time and is a symbol of bourgeois power and the history of city government. The oldest part of the town hall dates from the late 17th century, but the building took on its current appearance around 1700 after a series of renovations. The facade is classicist with symmetrical windows, plastered walls and a tall, distinctive gable with a spire. Over the centuries, the town hall has been used as both an administration building, a prison and a courtroom, making it a building with many layers of history.

In its heyday, Trondheim’s town hall served as the center for everything from city council meetings and public announcements to parties and receptions for royal and prominent guests. The large hall on the upper floor was a gathering place for the city’s elite, while the basement housed prisoners and detainees. Today, the building is used for representative purposes and forms part of the city’s main library.

 

Historic Wharves
Bryggene

The wharves are one of Trondheim’s landmarks. Along the Nidelven River lie the colorful wharf buildings, which today form one of the city’s most iconic and photographed cityscapes. The wharves date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but the oldest structures date back to the Middle Ages, when Trondheim, under the name Nidaros, was a lively trading town. The houses were used as warehouses and trading offices by merchants who imported goods such as salt, grain, fish and textiles. The buildings were built on stilts out into the river, so that ships could dock and unload goods directly into the warehouses. This solution is a testament to the city’s long maritime tradition today.

The wharves were built of wood and painted in characteristic red, yellow and ochre colours, which have given the area its special atmosphere. After centuries of wear and tear and several devastating fires, many of the houses were restored in the 20th century, and today they function as homes, shops, offices, restaurants and galleries. There is a good view from the water at the eastern end of Kongens gate, and when you stand on Gamle Bybro and look down along the Nidelven, you get a postcard-like panorama of the mirrored wooden houses and the shimmering reflections of the water. It is precisely this harmony between nature, architecture and history that makes the wharves Trondheim’s most photographed motif.

Today, the area is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. Many visit the restaurants on the waterfront to enjoy traditional food from the region, while others take a leisurely stroll through the streets to feel the whisper of history. In summer, kayaks and small boats sail past, and in winter, the roofs of the houses are covered in snow, creating an almost fairytale-like sight.

 

Old Town Bridge
Gamle Bybro

Gamle Bybro or simply Bybroa is one of Trondheim’s most beloved landmarks. The original bridge was built in 1681 as part of the city’s reconstruction after the great fire that had devastated the city. The bridge was built on the orders of King Christian V and designed by General Johan Caspar von Cicignon, the same military engineer who planned Kristiansten Fortress and the city’s new street network. The bridge was built of wood and connected the city center with Bakklandet, which was then an important craft and residential area.

The current construction dates from 1861 and has retained its classic shape with the red, pointed portals that form a kind of gate over the river. The bridge is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, and it offers one of the city’s most beautiful views of Bryggene and the Nidelven. When you stand in the middle of the bridge and look north, the wooden houses are reflected in the water, and you can see why this place is often called Trondheim’s most romantic.

The Old City Bridge is not just a piece of infrastructure, but a cultural symbol. It has inspired countless photographers, painters and poets, and many see a walk across the bridge as a small ritual experience in the form of a moment of transition between the hectic city center and the peaceful, historic Bakklandet.

 

Bakklandet

Bakklandet is perhaps Trondheim’s most charming and atmospheric district, and its history stretches back to the 17th century. The area was originally inhabited by craftsmen, sailors and merchants who made a living from small-scale industry and shipping. The characteristic wooden houses, which still stand today, survived several of the city’s major fires, and their colorful facades now form one of Trondheim’s most iconic cityscapes. Over time, Bakklandet has experienced both decay and renewal, and in the 1960s the area was actually threatened with demolition to make way for a motorway. Local citizens fought to preserve the neighborhood, and their efforts saved Bakklandet, which later became a model of successful urban preservation in Norway.

Today, Bakklandet is bustling with life year-round. Along the narrow cobblestone streets, you will find a multitude of cafes, restaurants, galleries and small shops, often housed in old wooden houses with crooked floors and low ceilings. The famous Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge) takes visitors from the city center across the Nidelven River and into the heart of the neighborhood. Originally built in 1681, the bridge is a popular photo spot and symbolizes Trondheim’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, which continues into Bakklandet’s narrow streets.

 

Kristiansten Fortress
Kristiansten Festning

Kristiansten Fortress was built between 1682 and 1685 as part of the reconstruction of Trondheim after the Great Fire of 1681. King Christian V wanted to secure the city against future attacks, and the fortress was strategically located on a hill east of the city center, from which one had a full view of the city, the fjord and the surrounding valleys. The complex consists of walled bastions, casemates, a commandant’s residence and a characteristic white main building, which still stands today. The fortress was designed by Major General Johan Caspar von Cicignon, who was also behind the new city plan for Trondheim after the fire.

Throughout history, Kristiansten Fortress has played a central role in Norway’s defense. In 1718, in the midst of the Great Northern War (1700–1721), Trondheim was saved from invasion when General Carl Gustaf Armfeldt’s Swedish forces failed in their attempt to capture the fortress. During World War II, the site was occupied by German forces and used as both a military base and a prison. After the war, it became a symbolic place of justice, as several war criminals were executed here. Today, the fortress houses a museum where visitors can explore the history through exhibitions, guided tours and reconstructions of soldier life from the 18th century.

In addition to its historical significance and interesting preserved structures, Kristiansten Festning is a popular recreational area. Many of the city’s residents go up here to enjoy the view of the city and the Trondheimsfjord, and it is especially beautiful at sunset, when the light falls gently on the red roofs of the city center. In summer, concerts, national day celebrations and cultural festivals are organized within the walls, while winter offers tranquility in the snow-covered surroundings.

 

Tyholt Tower
Tyholttårnet

Tyholt Tower is one of Trondheim’s most distinctive landmarks and the city’s best vantage point. The 124-meter-high tower was built in 1985 as a radio tower for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), but it is especially known for its rotating restaurant, Eggen Restaurant, which is located 80 meters above the ground. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the entire city, the Trondheim Fjord and the mountains in the background. It is a sight that is especially breathtaking at sunset. The tower is visible from large parts of the city and serves as both a technical installation and a popular tourist attraction.

For many visitors, a trip to the top of Tyholt Tower is a must-do experience. The elevator quickly takes guests up to the restaurant and viewing platform, where you can see Trondheim’s landmarks such as Nidaros Cathedral, Gamle Bybro and Kristiansten Fortress from a bird’s eye view. Eggen Restaurant slowly rotates once an hour, meaning you can sit at your table and watch the entire city glide by while enjoying a meal. The food served is based on local ingredients from Trøndelag, a region renowned for its culinary excellence.

 

Rockheim

Rockheim is the name of Norway’s National Museum of Popular Music. Located on the waterfront in Trondheim, it is a modern, interactive museum that tells the story of Norwegian popular music from the 1950s to the present day. The building itself is a landmark. It is a former warehouse building that has been transformed into an architectural icon with a spectacular illuminated roof that changes color after dark. The museum opened in 2010 and has since attracted music lovers of all ages who want to delve into the Norwegian rock, pop and electronic music scene.

The permanent exhibition, Tidstunnelen, takes visitors through decades of Norwegian music history. Here, you can interact with digital installations, listen to old sound recordings, watch music videos, try out virtual instruments and even remix songs in the museum’s own recording studios. The exhibition presents everything from pioneers like Åse Kleveland and The Pussycats to newer names like Röyksopp, Kygo and Sigrid. Rockheim also houses a large collection of concert posters, instruments, stage costumes and personal effects from Norwegian musicians, which together tell the story of how Norwegian music has developed and influenced culture.

 

Science Museum
Vitenskapsmuseet

The Vitenskapsmuseet is one of Trondheim’s oldest and most renowned cultural institutions. The museum was founded in 1760 and is today part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU. It functions as both a museum, research centre and a mediator of natural and cultural history. The collections are wide-ranging and cover everything from fossils and animal skeletons to archaeological finds and ethnographic objects from both Norway and the rest of the world. This makes the museum a place where you can experience the diversity of nature and the development of man side by side.

The permanent exhibitions are divided into several themes. In the natural history department, you can explore Norway’s geology, flora and fauna, including impressive skeletons of musk oxen, whales and bears. The cultural history department takes visitors through Trøndelag’s history from the Stone Age and the Viking Age to the Middle Ages and modern times. Here you will find jewelry, weapons, tools and other finds from excavations in the region, which provide a vivid insight into how people have lived in Central Norway for thousands of years.

 

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum is one of Norway’s largest open-air museums, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking Trondheim. Founded in 1913, the museum has since developed into a small village, to which more than 80 historical buildings from all over the Trøndelag region have been moved and rebuilt. The name Sverresborg comes from the medieval castle that King Sverre Sigurdsson had built in the late 12th century. The ruins of this castle today form a dramatic centerpiece for the museum area. The museum’s mission is to preserve and communicate the region’s cultural heritage, and visitors can explore everything from farmhouses and townhouses to churches, schools and fishermen’s huts.

One of the most popular experiences at Sverresborg is the reconstructed town district, which recreates the atmosphere of Trondheim around 1900. Here you can step into grocery stores, workshops and private homes, where the interiors and objects have been preserved with impressive authenticity. Guided tours and live presentations make history come alive, and you meet residents in historical costumes who tell about life in the old days. The museum also houses several thematic exhibitions on everything from food culture and music to crafts and religion, and it has a special section dedicated to the culture of the Sami people in Trøndelag.

 

Munkholmen

Munkholmen is a small, green island in the Trondheimsfjord, and it is only a fifteen-minute boat ride from the city center to the site. The island has a fascinating and dramatic history that stretches back more than a thousand years. During the Viking Age, the site was used as a place of execution, and it was here that Earl Håkon, one of Norway’s most powerful chieftains, was executed in 995. Later, around 1100, the island became home to a Benedictine monastery, which became of great importance to the spiritual and cultural life of the region. The monastery existed for several hundred years until the Reformation in the 16th century put an end to monasticism in Norway.

In the following centuries, Munkholmen took on a completely new role as a fortress and state prison. In the 17th century, it was converted into a military bastion, and several prominent prisoners were imprisoned in the fortress’s brick buildings. This included the Danish nobleman Peder Griffenfeld, who was convicted of treason in 1676. The island’s strategic location in the middle of the fjord made it well-suited for defense, and Munkholmen was used as a military base throughout both the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. The solid stone walls, cannon emplacements and underground passages still stand today as evidence of its turbulent past.

Today, Munkholmen is a peaceful and popular excursion destination, where history and nature go hand in hand. In the summer, tour boats sail regularly from Ravnkloa in the city center, and on the island you can explore the fortress and enjoy the view over the fjord. The island also has a small beach and café, making it ideal for picnics and swimming on warm days. The combination of historical weight and relaxed atmosphere makes Munkholmen a special place in Trondheim, where you can really feel the rustle of history and at the same time find peace in the middle of the sea.

Other Attractions

Day Trips

Bymarka

Bymarka is Trondheim’s largest open-air recreation area and is only a 15–20 minute tram or bus ride from the city centre. It is a vast natural area of ​​over 80 square kilometres with lakes, forests, mountain terrain and over 200 kilometres of marked trails. The area is a popular excursion destination for both locals and tourists who want to experience Norwegian nature up close without travelling far from the city. Bymarka has been used as a recreational area since the 19th century, and it plays an important role in Trondheim’s identity as a city where nature and culture live side by side.

In summer, Bymarka is a paradise for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers. You can follow the paths to viewpoints such as Grønlia and Elgsethytta, where coffee and waffles are served in cosy mountain huts with panoramic views of the Trondheimsfjord. Lakes such as Lianvatnet and Skjellbreia invite you to swim and picnic, and in several places you can fish. The flora varies from dense spruce forests to open heathlands, and along the way you can meet squirrels, birds and moose with a little luck.

In winter, Bymarka is transformed into a snowy wonderland, where the Trondheim municipality prepares kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing, and both beginners and experienced skiers can enjoy the quiet forest surroundings. It is also possible to take the Gråkallbanen, Norway’s northernmost tram line, which leads directly to the forest edge at Lian. Bymarka is thus a year-round excursion destination, offering perfect access to nature on the edge of the big city.

 

Byneset Peninsula

The Byneset Peninsula is located a short distance southwest of Trondheim and offers a quiet and scenic landscape with views of the Trondheim Fjord. The area consists of gentle hills, green fields and small settlements, where agriculture still plays an important role. For many of Trondheim’s residents, Byneset is a popular excursion destination when they want to get out of the city to enjoy nature, culture and fresh sea air. The open coastline offers opportunities for both hiking and several quiet coves with access to the water.

One of the most notable places on Byneset is Byneset Church, a stone church from the 12th century, which is considered one of the oldest preserved church buildings in Trøndelag. It is beautifully located on a hill overlooking the fjord and bears witness to the area’s long history as an inhabited and cultivated landscape. The church is known for its medieval frescoes and its well-preserved interior. There are also traces of ancient settlements and burial mounds nearby, making the area interesting for both history buffs and nature lovers.

For those who want to combine nature and culture, Byneset is an obvious choice. Here you can take a pleasant trip by car, bike or bus, visit local farm shops, eat at farm cafés and enjoy the view over the fjord. In autumn, the area is popular with mushroom and berry pickers, and in winter the landscape provides the setting for quiet walks in the low sun.

 

Orkanger

Orkanger is located southwest of Trondheim at the point where the Orkdalselva River flows into the Trondheimsfjord. The city is historically known for its industry, trade and shipping, but today it appears as a modern center surrounded by beautiful nature. The wide valley and the fjord give the area an open and friendly atmosphere, and Orkanger has become a popular excursion destination from Trondheim.

One of the most exciting experiences in the area is the Thamshavn Line, Norway’s oldest electric railway. The line was opened in 1908 and was originally built to transport ore from the Løkken mines to the port of Orkanger, but today it functions as a museum railway with vintage trains. A trip on the Thamshavn Line provides a unique historical insight into Norway’s industrial development and is a nostalgic journey through the Orkdalen Valley. In Orkanger, the train runs towards Løkken from Bårdshaug station, located in the southern part of the city.

 

Stjørdal and Værnes

Stjørdal is a town east of Trondheim, which functions as both a traffic hub and a historic urban area. The town is located at the mouth of the Stjørdal River, and is surrounded by lush fields and low mountains. Here you will find a good selection of shops, cafés and cultural offerings, but also some of Trøndelag’s most exciting historical attractions. The area around Stjørdal also offers several opportunities for outdoor activities. A short trip up to Forbordsfjellet provides a wide view of the Trondheimsfjord and the Stjørdalsbygden, and there are good opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

The biggest attraction is Værnes Church, which is located right next to Trondheim Airport. The church is believed to have been built in the 12th century and is considered one of the oldest preserved stone churches in Norway that is still in use. The building is a masterpiece in the Romanesque style with thick walls, arched windows and beautiful stonemasonry details. Inside the church there are traces of medieval frescoes and a beautiful interior with a beautiful pulpit and altarpiece from the 17th century. In the church you can also see the Værness Chair, which is a closed wooden church chair, which was set up in 1685 by the then owner of Værnes farm, Lieutenant General Georg Christian von Schultz.

 

Levanger

Levanger is a town located about 80 kilometers northeast of Trondheim. With its wooden house idyll, it is one of the most charming towns in Trøndelag. Levanger has a long history as a trading center and was granted market town rights as early as 1836. The old town center is today a listed building and consists of a number of well-preserved wooden houses in classic 19th century style with colorful facades and decorative details. The streets are narrow and straight, and the atmosphere exudes that of a small provincial town with a distinct Norwegian character.

Levanger is beautifully situated by the fjord, and in addition to some lovely walks in the town, you can take the ferry from Levanger harbour to Ytterøya. It is a lush island, known for its mild climate, rich birdlife and many burial mounds from the Iron Age. Levanger is also a good starting point for trips further northeast towards Steinkjer and Innherred, where you will find many historic farms and scenic areas.

 

Røros

Røros is a smaller town located in the area southeast of Trondheim as one of Norway’s most unique cultural cities. The town was founded in 1644, when large copper deposits were discovered in the area, and it quickly developed into a centre for mining and crafts. Today, Røros stands as a living museum, where the wooden houses from the 17th and 18th centuries are still closely located along the narrow streets. The special building style with dark, tarred walls and colorful doors and windows has given the city a very special character, and since 1980 Røros has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of an old mining town built of wood.

One of the city’s most striking landmarks is Røros Church, also known by its older name Bergstadens Ziir. The church was built in 1784 and is one of Norway’s largest and most impressive Baroque churches. It was built with funds from the copperworks and was intended to reflect the city’s prosperity and faith. The interior is bright and lavishly decorated with columns, chandeliers and a large altarpiece. From the church tower you have a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

In addition to its historic streets and buildings, Røros offers a rich cultural life all year round. In winter, the city transforms into a fairyland with snow-covered roofs and horse-drawn carriages, and in February, the traditional Rørosmartnan is held, a market week with music, crafts and folk life, which has roots back to the 18th century. In summer, you can visit the old mining areas such as Olavsgruva or go hiking in the open mountain landscape.

Geolocation

In short

Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim, Norway

Overview of Trondheim

Trondheim is one of Norway’s largest cities, and it is beautifully laid out between the waters of the Nidelva and the Trondheimsfjord. Its history goes back to Olav Tryggvason’s founding in 997, but archaeological findings suggest that the area has been inhabited even earlier. Trondheim quickly became an important regional center, and in the latter half of the 11th century the city became a bishop’s seat, and Nidaros Cathedral was built at this time. At this time the city was known as Nidaros, and it was elevated to the Archbishopric of Trundum in 1152, a status that lasted until the Reformation in 1537.

Nidaros was also the residence of several kings and barons, and there was prosperity over the centuries, despite many town fires in the 13th century. Later, Christian V laid out a new town plan with straight streets and a central square to prevent the fires, but they continued to rage until the 19th century. Other large constructions were also realized, such as the fortress Kristiansten Fæstning in 1682-1684. In the Danish era, Nidaros had become Trondhjem, but the city’s name was again changed to Nidaros in 1930, which the city and its population opposed, and therefore Trondheim was adopted in 1931.

Today, a visit to Trondheim is a wonderful experience with beautiful nature and many interesting sights. The square named Torvet forms the center of the city, and the square originates from Christian V’s town plan. In the middle of the square, you can see an 18-metre-high monument to Olav Tryggvason, who was Norwegian king and founder of the city. The monument was inaugurated in 1921 in connection with the opening of the railway to Trondheim the day before.

About the Trondheim travel guide

Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
Published: Released soon
Author: Stig Albeck
Publisher: Vamados.com
Language: English

About the travel guide

The Trondheim travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Norwegian city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.

Trondheim is waiting for you, and at vamados.com you can also find cheap flights and great deals on hotels for your trip. You just select your travel dates and then you get flight and accommodation suggestions in and around the city.

Read more about Trondheim and Norway

Norway Travel Guide: https://vamados.com/norway
City tourism: https://visittrond-heim.no
Main Page: https://www.vamados.com/

Buy the travel guide

Click the “Add to Cart” button to purchase the travel guide. After that you will come to the payment, where you enter the purchase and payment information. Upon payment of the travel guide, you will immediately receive a receipt with a link to download your purchase. You can download the travel guide immediately or use the download link in the email later.

Use the travel guide

When you buy the travel guide to Trondheim you get the book online so you can have it on your phone, tablet or computer – and of course you can choose to print it. Use the maps and tour suggestions and you will have a good and content-rich journey.

Travel Expert

Stig Albeck

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