Trondheim is a place with real importance in the history of Norway. The city, formerly called Nidaros, was Norway’s capital between 1030 and 1217. Trondheim is a lively Norwegian city attracting many tourists every year. The fact Trondheim is a city of students, culture, and culinary brings to this place many options for events and vibrant cultural life. There are various festivals during the year. Trondheim hosts events including jazz, blues, world, and pop music. The most popular festival of the year is the flagship St. Olav Festival, Norway’s largest church, and cultural festival. The presence of excellent cycling paths around the center creates a charming and unique ambiance. Not only the culture but also the food is a highlight of the town. You can visit food and beer festivals or stroll along with the most popular farmers’ markets in Norway. Check out our list of the 15 best things to do in Trondheim, Norway.
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1. Nidelva Promenade
Located along the beautiful Nidelva River, Nidelva Promenade is a vibrant and bustling area in Trondheim. It is filled with scenic, colorful buildings that create a postcard-perfect view for visitors. There are outdoor seatings lined in the area, where tourists can sit and people-watch. Also, chic cafes with alfresco dining are scattered everywhere. Chill in a cafe while admiring the views—a totally European tourist experience you see in movies. Plus, lovely shops await customers who wish to buy some fresh flowers, souvenir items, or essentials.
Nidelva Promenade
Address: Fjordgata, 7010 Trondheim, Norway
2. St. Olav's Way
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Go on a pilgrimage in Trondheim and pay a visit to the stunning Nidaros Cathedral. Make your holiday one for the books by treading the scenic St. Olav’s Ways. There are nine St. Olav’s ways in Trondheim, all of which lead to the cathedral. If you total the length of all the nine routes, it makes a 3000-km (1864 mi) walkway. This area is considered one of the most significant religious journeys in Northern Europe.
St. Olav's Ways
Address: Trondheim, Norway
3. Stiftsgården
Trondheim is a city known for its architecture, art, and culture—and Stiftsgården is an example of these. Nestled in Munkegaten, Stiftsgården is a 140-room royal residence that showcases a combination of Baroque, Neo-classical, and Rococo architectures. Stiftsgården has been the place of residence for the Norwegian Royal family since 1906. It is also considered the biggest rustic edifice in all of the Nordic regions. Although it is private property, tourists and locals are free to roam the corridors of this majestic palace during the summer season, provided they are assisted by a licensed tour guide.
Stiftsgården
Address: Munkegata 23, 7011 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Stiftsgården
4. Market Square
If you believe that a good vacation is made of food trips, souvenir shopping, and getting to know locals, and learning about their culture, you must definitely spend a day at Market Square in Trondheim. It is a bustling public place in the heart of the city with a towering monument as its centerpiece. Market Square, or Torvet, is one of the most trafficked urban areas in the city with dining spots and local shops scattered everywhere. It also has perfectly lined benches, ideal for tourists who wish to watch the hustle and bustle of the busiest square of Trondheim.
Market Square
Address: Munkegata, 7013 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Market Square
5. Piren
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Piren is one of the most vibrant locations in Trondheim. It showcases the canal, the charming and colorful buildings, and the scenic old city bridge. It is an Instagram-worthy place that tourists love to take souvenir pictures of. After exploring the area, a good bite and a hot coffee in any of the cafes nearby sound like a good idea. Also, you can find shops in Piren where you can score some unique and adorable items.
Piren
Address: Kjøpmannsgata 29, 7011 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Piren
6. Nidarosdomen
Nidarosdomen is one of the most imperial medieval architectural projects in the whole of Norway, and it is also the largest Gothic temple of Scandinavia. The Nidarosdomen is a national sanctuary of Norway, built over the grave of Saint Olav. The construction began in 1070. However, the oldest parts, built in Romanesque style, come from the 12th-century. The building was finished in about 1300 but after several fires during the Reformation, was damage. In 1869 it underwent a complete restoration to its original appearance. The stained glass dates from the 20th-century. The Nidarosdomen is an admirable gem of Norway and a must to visit while traveling to Trondheim.
Nidarosdomen
Address: Bispegata 11, 7012 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Nidarosdomen
7. Old Town Bridge
The Old Town Bridge connects two banks of the river Nidelven, the city center, and Bakklandet. Bakklandet is a charming district with many cafes and unique stores. The bridge was built in 1681 as a part of the Cicignons city plan and has become a significant symbol of Trondheim. The original wooden construction of the bridge was replaced with a solid concrete construction. The bridge is nicknamed the Portal of Happiness, which was taken from the lyrics of Oskar Hoddø’s waltz. Nowadays, the bridge attracts many photographers due to its spectacular views.
Old Town Bridge
Address: Gamle Bybru - “Old Town Bridge”, Gamle bybro, 7013 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Old Town Bridge
8. Rockheim
Rockheim, a national museum center, is a place of pop and rock music. The exhibitions include digital media diversity used as a method of presentation. In the museum, you can enjoy listening to concerts, watching touch screens, mixer tables, laser pens or try your guitar skills. The unique exterior of the museum is an attraction in itself. The museum was founded in 2010 and since then attracts many visitors eager to know more about Norwegian music and its history.
Rockheim
Website: Rockheim
9. Bakklandet Old Town
Bakklandet is a charming and colorful part of the town. The picturesque houses along the Nidelven River have been painted in many bright colors. While strolling through Bakklandet, you can visit any of the cozy cafes, for example, the Bakklandet Skydsstation, that was awarded as the Most Charming Cafe in Scandinavia. The first settlements in Bakklandet date back to the 17th-century, due to easy access after the construction of the Old Town Bridge in 1681. The district was formerly a residential neighborhood where local workers and fishermen lived. Today Bakklandet is one of the most popular parts of the town.
Bakklandet Old Town
Address: Oevre Bakklandet, Trondheim 7013, Norway
Website: Bakklandet Old Town
10. Kristiansten Fortress
The fort, guarding Trondheim, was built following the city fire in 1681. The strategic high ground of the fort was used as an important point to stand up to the Swedish forces in 1718. The tower features an impressive view over Trondheim, the fjord, and the mountains.
Kristiansten Fortress
Address: Kristiansten Fortress, 7014, 7015 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Kristiansten Fortress
11. Tyholttarnet
Tyholttarnet is a radio tower featuring a viewpoint over Trondheim. Tyholttarnet was built in 1985 and nowadays features two restaurants, which make one complete revolution per hour. With its height, it provides stunning views all around.
Tyholttarnet
Address: Otto Nielsens veg 4, 7010 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Tyholttarnet
12. Ringve Museum
The Ringve Museum is a national museum of Norway exhibiting music and musical instruments. The museum was founded by a devoted collector from Russia, who collected rare and antique musical instruments. You can also admire the vast collections of instruments from all over the world. The beautiful natural surroundings feature peaceful gardens and a great place to stroll.
Ringve Museum
Address: Lade alle 60, 7041 Trondheim, Norway
Website: Ringve Museum
13. Vitensenteret i Trondheim - Science Centrum
Trondheim Science Centrum is a popular science adventure center, increasing interest, and understanding of science. The museum was created to encourage a joy of creating and exploring among the young and adults. The museum offers many platforms and different levels ranging from formal education, to a fun family day. The science center is a part of the scientific community in Trondheim and a venue for promoting technology.
Vitensenteret i Trondheim - Science Centrum
Address: Kongens gate 1, 7011 Trondheim, Norway
14. Hiking in Bymarka
Hiking in Bymarka involves strolling through breathtaking nature with the most stunning views. The Norwegian rocks, forests, brooks, meadows, and lakes surrounded by the snow are spectacular. There are several routes and also a few nice restaurants along the way. It is a beautiful place for a hike and everyone who loves nature.
Hiking in Bymarka
Address: Bymarka, Trondheim, Norway
15. Archbishop's residence
The archbishop’s residence from the 12th-century is the oldest secular building in Scandinavia. In one wing, you will find Norway’s crown jewels and its museum, while in the other part is a selection of artifacts. The palace also provides a 15-minute audiovisual program.
Archbishop's residence
Address: Kongsgaardsgata 1b, Trondheim 7013, Norway
Website: Archbishop’s residence
Tune into the Norwegian atmosphere in Trondheim
Trondheim is a magical city full of a unique and vibrant atmosphere, from not only the culture, but also from the delicious food, and entertainment. It is also no doubt that Norway has some of the most beautiful nature. Enjoy your explorations!
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