Midtbyen
First-timersThe centre, by the cathedral.
Trondheim city guide
Things To Do In Trondheim
Norway's medieval capital: the northernmost Gothic cathedral in the world, built over a saint's grave, colourful wooden warehouses on the river and a big student population.
997
Trondheim founded
1030
St Olav buried here
6.5 h
By train to Oslo
The city of St Olav
Trondheim was founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason in 997 and was Norway's capital in the Viking age. After King Olav Haraldsson, St Olav, was buried here in 1030, it became the goal of pilgrims from across northern Europe, and Nidaros Cathedral was built over his grave.
Today it is Norway's third city and its student capital, home to the country's main technical university. The old wooden warehouses on stilts along the Nidelva river, painted red, yellow and ochre, are the postcard view.
Trondheim is relaxed, walkable and less visited than Bergen. Two days is right, and it is a natural stop on the way north.
Where to stay
The centre is on a peninsula in the river. Stay in the centre or across the bridge in Bakklandet.
Bakklandet
AtmosphereWooden houses and cafés across the Old Town Bridge.
Solsiden
NightlifeThe waterfront bars.
Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Trondheim
Nidaros Cathedral, built over the grave of St Olav, is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and the country's national shrine; the west front is covered in statues. The Archbishop's Palace next to it holds the crown jewels.
Cross the Old Town Bridge, Gamle Bybro, for the view of the wharves, and wander Bakklandet, a district of wooden houses and cafés. The Trampe bicycle lift pushes cyclists up the hill.
Climb to Kristiansten Fortress for a view over the city. Rockheim, the national museum of pop and rock, is on the waterfront. In summer, boats run to Munkholmen, a small island fortress in the fjord.
Free things
Free things to do in Trondheim
The Old Town Bridge, Bakklandet and the river wharves are free.
Kristiansten Fortress and its view are free.
The Bymarka forest above the city is free for walking and skiing.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Trondheim
Trondheim has a strong food scene, with local produce from the Trøndelag region. Bakklandet's cafés are the place for coffee and cinnamon buns.
Supermarkets are the budget answer. A restaurant main is €30 to €45.
Nightlife
Going out in Trondheim
Trondheim's students make it lively, especially in term time. The bars around Solsiden and the centre are busy at weekends.
A beer is €10 to €13.
Getting around
Getting around Trondheim
The centre is walkable. Trains run from Værnes Airport to the centre in about forty minutes.
Trains reach Oslo in about six and a half hours and Bodø, for Lofoten, in about ten. The coastal ship calls here.
Costs
What Trondheim costs
Trondheim is expensive, though a little cheaper than Oslo. Dorms start around €35. A careful day is €65 to €85.
The currency is the Norwegian krone, and Norway is close to cashless: cards work everywhere. Prices here are euro equivalents.
Safety
Staying safe in Trondheim
Trondheim is very safe.
Winters are cold, dark and icy.
Emergency numbers are 112 for police, 113 for ambulance and 110 for fire.
Day trips from Trondheim
Islands, forest and the route north.
Munkholmen
A small island fortress in the fjord.
Bymarka
Forest, lakes and trails above the city.
Røros
A UNESCO-listed copper-mining town of wooden houses.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Olavsfest celebrates St Olav around 29 July.
Late July
Olavsfest
Nidaros Cathedral and city
A festival of music and culture around St Olav's day, 29 July.
October and November, odd years
UKA
Student Society
Norway's biggest cultural festival, run by students.
December
Christmas market
Torvet
The Christmas market on the main square.
When to go
May to September is best. Olavsfest in late July is the big event.
Jan
Cold
Feb
Skiing
Mar
Spring
Apr
Spring
May
Good
Jun
Long days
Jul
Olavsfest
Aug
Summer
Sep
Good
Oct
UKA, odd years
Nov
Dark
Dec
Christmas market
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in euros.
Prices are in kroner locally; these are euro equivalents.
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- Beds—
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- Doing things—
Trondheim travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Trondheim worth visiting?
Yes, for Nidaros Cathedral, the wharves and a relaxed student city.
How far is Oslo?
About six and a half hours by train.
How do I get from the airport?
By train, about forty minutes.
Can I continue north by train?
Yes, to Bodø in about ten hours, then boats to Lofoten.
What is Nidaros Cathedral?
The northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, built over St Olav's grave.
How many days do you need?
Two.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September.
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