This university city with historic wooden houses, museums, islets and snow-capped mountains still attracts pilgrims to its medieval cathedral.
Trondheim is a historic Norwegian city at the mouth of the Nidelva River. Visit the city’s historical sites, cultural displays and lively bars. Surrounded by mountains and islets, Trondheim is also a great place to swim, hike or ski in an idyllic natural setting.
The city’s landmark Nidaros Cathedral has been a pilgrimage destination since the 11th century. Worshippers still walk here all the way from Oslo, a 400-mile (640-kilometer) journey, to visit the grave of Norway’s patron saint Olav Haraldsson. Visit in late July for the cultural St. Olav Festival with a medieval-themed market, shows, concerts and exhibitions.
Across the churchyard, visit the old mint in the Archbishop's Palace to see royal regalia. The museum also showcases archeological finds.
Take your camera and cross the river at the Old Town Bridge and walk under the Lykkens portal (Gate of Happiness) to Bakklandet. This picturesque neighborhood with colorful wooden houses, shops and restaurants is one of Trondheim’s most visited spots.
Trondheim’s many museums highlight the city’s maritime, artistic, religious and medieval past. If you love music, don’t miss the global instruments in the Ringve Museum and the Rock ’n’ Roll experience in the Rockheim museum.
In summer, jump on a boat from the fish markets at Ravnkloa to nearby Monks’ Island. This tiny island was used for executions during the Viking Age and also housed a fort and monastery, but is now a pleasant place to sit in the café or relax on the beach.
Discover Trondheim on foot or by bike, or make use of the bus and tram system. The Trampe Cyclocable, a bicycle lift, helps you to get up the steep Brubakken Hill. At the top, explore the 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress. Another, more modern, vantage point is the city’s 400-foot (120-meter) high Tyholt Tower.
Public transport also services the mountains where you can hike or ski in Trondheim’s beautiful scenery. Perhaps you will spot elk and reindeer!
