Trondheim (Norway) is the third most populous city in the country. It is located at the mouth of the picturesque River Nidelva, on the coast of a beautiful bay formed by the Sør-Trøndelag Fjord. The city is calm and peaceful, and it is quite secluded, with only the western part connected to the mainland. The main attractions can be explored on foot. The city has a fairly mild climate – winter temperatures almost never fall below -5°C, at the same time in summer does not rise above +19…+20°C. Due to the fact that the fjord does not freeze, in the vicinity can be found a diverse flora and fauna.
General information
The city of Trondheim was founded in 997, and it covers an area of just over 342 square kilometers, with a population of 193,000. Trondheim is the first capital of the country, and it is where Olav Nidaros was killed. The Nidaros Cathedral, which is recognized as the largest active church in Northern Europe, was built on the site of his burial. Trondheim has been the site of the coronation of Norwegian monarchs for centuries.
In the history of Trondheim, there were frequent fires that completely destroyed the city. One of the most devastating fires occurred in 1681, and the city had to be rebuilt from scratch. The medieval atmosphere is still present on the eastern bank of the Nidelva River, where colorful wooden houses transport tourists back in time. This area was once inhabited by workers, but today it is a residential part of the city with a variety of shops and cafes.
The city center features wide streets lined with trees and 19th-century brick buildings.
If you walk deeper into the city, you will find yourself surrounded by wooden houses that reflect the architectural and historical heritage of not only Trondheim, but also of all of Norway.
City attractions
1. Nidaros Cathedral
The construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century on the site of the death of Saint Olav, the Viking king who Christianized Norway and became the eternal king of the country. In the Middle Ages, it was a towering symbol of human faith in God and the powerful position of the church. The decision to build the cathedral was made by King Olav III Haraldsson the Peaceful, also known as Olav the Quiet.
In 1151, the Bishopric of Nidaros was established, and the cathedral was expanded. Monarchs were buried and crowned here. After several fires and a lack of maintenance, the cathedral was in very poor condition until the mid-19th century. In 1868, it was decided to rebuild the cathedral as a national symbol, and extensive work began the following year. The restoration of the Nidaros Cathedral has been ongoing for 150 years, and approximately 30 artisans are continuously working on various projects within the national shrine. In 1814, the coronation ceremony of the kings was officially recorded in the country’s Constitution. Today, the cathedral is rightfully considered the crown jewel of Trondheim.
The cathedral is open from June to August. Opening hours:
- weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;
- on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
There is a museum at the cathedral. Admission is paid — 120 kroner for adults, 60 kroner for children and students. Official website of the attraction: www.nidarosdomen.no.
2. The Old Town and the Gate of Happiness Bridge
The list of Trondheim’s main attractions includes the old drawbridge, the “Gate of Happiness.” Gamle Bibrå, the Old Town Bridge, was first built on this site in 1681.
There is a belief that if you make a wish while standing at the bridge’s gate, it will come true in the shortest possible time. The bridge is 82 meters long. In Norwegian, the bridge is known as the “Old City Bridge,” but it is actually the newest bridge over the Nidelva River.
The Gate of Happiness bridge offers a picturesque view of the fjord, and you can admire the colorful wooden houses that adorn the marina.
The bridge separates two parts of the city – the new and the old. As many tourists note, the old part of the city is a must-see attraction in the city of Trondheim (Norway).
The old part of the city looks very similar to the similar district in Bruggen – small houses painted in different colors, built, as if, from water. The palette of colors is diverse – red, white, yellow, green, brown shades. Bright colors and unusual architecture of houses attract guests of the city, here often make colorful photos of Trondheim (Norway).
There is a special atmosphere here, and when you cross the bridge, you find yourself in a completely different era, as if you were filming a historical movie. After your walk, be sure to visit the many cafes in the area. These small and cozy cafes are a favorite spot for the town’s residents, who come here after their morning runs to enjoy a fresh glass of juice. The interiors are decorated in the style of the 18th and 19th centuries.
The observation deck of the radio tower
Trondheim has a huge number of attractions – open-air museums, the residence of monarchs, shipyards, but tourists are attracted by the unusual, rotating Tyholt tower (Tyholttårnet). From here, you can see Trondheim and its surroundings in the palm of your hand. The tower is located outside the city, its height is 120 meters, guests do not have to go up on foot, they are comfortably lifted by an elevator directly to the observation deck. Despite the fact that the tower is located outside the city limits, it can be seen from anywhere in the locality. At first glance, it may seem easy and quick to get here, but this is not the case. The road to the basha is confusing and challenging to navigate.
For climbing to such a height, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to eat in the rotating restaurant Egon. The staff here is very attentive to visitors, and the administrators will approach you to ask if you have a reservation. If you have not made a reservation in advance, they will offer you an alternative or suggest waiting for a table to become available. However, be prepared to wait for at least an hour. During the time it takes for the restaurant to complete one rotation, you can take stunning photos of Tornheim from different angles. The experience of sitting in the restaurant, eating, and watching the world revolve around you is truly extraordinary. The bar counter moves with the restaurant’s interior, and it’s always a challenge to find it.
The interior demonstrates the peculiarities of life in the Arctic Circle and the process of fishing. The restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, including delicious pizza, foil-wrapped potatoes, and various types of fish. The portions are generous, and the food is delicious.
4. Hiking
There are many exciting hiking trails in the area. Here are some of the most interesting and scenic ones.
- Ladesiten is a 14-kilometer route that runs along the Trondheim Fjord. Along the way, there are rest areas, restaurants, and cafes. You can also visit the picturesque beaches of Devlebukta and Korsvik.
- If you want to go fishing, take the trail along the Nidelva River. The trail is called Nidelvstien and is 7.5 km long. The river is full of salmon, and there are designated fishing areas on the riverbank, but you need a license to fish.
- A real paradise for travelers is Bymark, located to the west of Trondheim. The total length of the routes is more than 200 km, and most of the way is through forests where you can see roe deer, badgers, and moose. In winter, people go skiing here.
- An interesting route leads to the hilly, forested area of Östendamark. Here, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal at a restaurant located at an altitude of 330 meters.
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5. Munkholmen Island
The island is located in the vicinity of Trondheim and is notable for being home to the oldest Norwegian church, which was built in 1100. By 1531, the monastery had been completely devastated and destroyed due to severe fires. No reconstruction efforts were made, and the island was used for grazing cattle belonging to the royal court.
In the 17th century, the island was gradually fortified, and the temple was used as a fort. In the mid-17th century, a fortress with 18 cannons, a central tower, and fortified outer walls was built on the island. It also served as a prison for political prisoners. During World War II, the island was occupied by the Germans, who used it as a defensive system.
Tourists can regularly take boat or boat tours to the island. Each hotel has an excursion office, so all you need to do is book a room and purchase an excursion.
In summer, the island becomes crowded – vacationers come here to enjoy the beauty. They organize theatrical performances here. Thus, today the island is one of the attractions of Trondheim (Norway) and a picturesque recreation area.
Entertainment and recreation
Considering that the city is one of the largest cultural centers in Norway, it is not surprising that every traveler can find something to their liking here.
First of all, the city hosts a variety of themed festivals throughout the year. The most memorable one is the festival dedicated to Saint Olaf. In addition, tourists enjoy attending the following festivals:
- jazz, blues, and chamber music;
- movie;
- Nidarossky;
- the blues;
- chamber music.
During the warm season, plays and theatrical performances are held outdoors.
There is a well-developed infrastructure for various sports. There are stadiums, football and golf fields, tennis courts, and sports halls, as well as ski slopes.
If you just want to enjoy nature, visit the Botanical Garden and Golosen Park, where you can see tame animals. This will definitely delight your children.
Tourist Information Center
The Center is indispensable for tourists who are visiting the city for the first time or planning a trip to Norway. The three-story building is impossible to miss, as it appears to be made up of individual brown cubes. The Center is adorned with a large “I” letter, which can be seen from dozens of meters away. Here’s why you should visit the Center:
- get a free map of Trondheim;
- buy souvenir products;
- get comprehensive information about the city, its surroundings, and the country, which will help you plan your next trip;
- take advantage of free Wi-Fi;
- wait out the rain.
This information center is recognized as the best in all of Norway, and it offers a wealth of information about the province of Trøndelag and the country as a whole.
The interior of the building is so fascinating and original that many people come here just to admire the escalator, which is completely overgrown with moss, and to purchase a detailed cycling map or a map for traveling by bike.
The Center has interactive maps on huge screens. In short, it is useful and convenient for tourists.
Address of the Tourist Information Center: Nordre gate 11, Trondheim 7011, Norway.
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Weather and climate
The small town is located in a bay formed by the Trondheim Fjord, where the Nidelva River flows into it. One of the advantages of the city is its moderate and mild climate, despite the fact that it is only 500 km from the Arctic Circle.
Spring weather
It is quite cool in March and April, but the temperature rises at the end of April. During the day, the air warms up to only +8°C, and at night, the temperature drops to -1°C. The lowest nighttime temperature was recorded at +8°C.
It often rains, which is certainly not conducive to walking and sightseeing. Before planning your trip, check the weather forecast to ensure that your vacation is not ruined by bad weather and to choose the right wardrobe. Spring in Scandinavia is beautiful, but it is also cool and rainy.
Summer weather
According to many, summer is the best time to visit Trondheim. The daytime temperature rises to a comfortable +23°C, while the nighttime temperature drops to +12°C. Although there are some cloudy days, the amount of precipitation is much lower than in spring. Rainfall is usually short-lived. During the summer, the city experiences a strong westerly wind.
For a trip in the summer, it is better to choose comfortable shoes, light clothes and a hat is a must. If there are cloudy days, a vest, windbreaker, raincoat is quite suitable. Take an umbrella with you. If you plan to fish, it is absolutely not necessary to bring your own tackle and equipment, all this can be rented.
Weather in autumn
The first drop in temperature is felt in September, with daytime temperatures not exceeding +12°C. In October, it gets even colder, with daytime temperatures not exceeding +5°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to -4°C.
The main characteristic of the autumn weather in Trondheim is its variability, caused by frequent Atlantic cyclones. South-west winds blow constantly. If you plan an autumn trip, take a raincoat, a raincoat, warm clothes.
Winter weather
Winter weather is characterized by variability, cloudiness, and frequent precipitation. During the day, the temperature is around +3°C, while at night it drops to -6°C. The lowest recorded temperature was -12°C. Due to the high humidity, even a slight drop in temperature feels like a severe frost. Winter in the city is characterized by strong westerly winds, snow mixed with rain, and frequent foggy conditions. The number of sunny and cloudy days is generally equal.
For a trip to Trondheim in winter, you will need to pack waterproof shoes and outerwear, a sweater, and a hat. You can safely bring a ski suit.
How to get there
Trondheim receives direct and transit European flights from 11 airlines all year round. The airport is located 30 km from the city.
The easiest way to get to the city from the airport is by public transport, which is a bus. The bus stop is a 4-minute walk from the terminal. The journey takes only 40 minutes. You will need to pay 179 kroner for a ticket when purchasing it online on the website www.vaernesekspressen.no, but the ticket will be slightly more expensive when purchased directly from the driver.
You can also take the train in 40 minutes, which costs 103 kroner. Trains depart frequently, every 5-25 minutes from 5:42 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can check the current schedule and purchase tickets on the Norwegian Railway website, www.vy.no.
This is important! Since it is not possible to travel directly from Russia to Trondheim, you must first fly to Oslo and then travel by land.
You can take a train from Oslo to Trondheim. The train departs from Oslo Central Station or Oslo Airport. The journey takes 6.5 to 7.5 hours. The ticket costs 1,017 to 1,254 kroner and can be purchased on the website www.vy.no. Trains depart 9 times a day from 6:28 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
There are also trains from Bodø to Trondheim, which depart twice a day and cost 884-1141 kroner.
This is important! You can visit Trondheim while staying in Sweden. Trains run on the Sundsvall-Trondheim line.
If you are attracted to sea travel, go to the most beautiful Bergen or Kirkenes, from here cruise ships depart regularly. The trip from Bergen takes 37 hours. The cost depends on the cabin class – from 400 to 1400 euros. From Kirkenes it is longer – 3 days and 18 hours, the cost of travel varies from 1200 to 5000 euros.
Another comfortable way to travel around Norway is by car.
- Rv3 and E6 are the routes from Oslo to Trondheim.
- From Bergen, follow the E16 and E6 highways.
- You can take the E6 highway from Bodø to Trondheim.
You will need to pay a road tax and, of course, refill your fuel tank.
Trondheim (Norway) is a hospitable and friendly city, but when you go outside, remember to respect the environment. Hunting and fishing are only allowed in certain areas and at designated times.
