Trondheim travel guide: the cathedral, the wharves and Trøndelag food
Nidaros Cathedral, painted wharf houses along the River Nidelva and a food scene that has put Trøndelag on the map. Trondheim is Norway's most historic city and an underrated weekend.
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The Nidelva wharves
Photo: snap wander / Unsplash
Trondheim, the city of kings
Stand on the Old Town Bridge early in the morning and look downriver. The wharf houses in red, yellow and green reflect in the water, and behind you lies Bakklandet with its wooden houses and cafés. Trondheim was Norway's capital in the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, and it has kept much of that feeling.
Norway's third city has a large student population and a lively centre, and makes a natural stop between southern and northern Norway. For the rest of the country, see our Norway travel guide.
What to see
Nidaros Cathedral
The largest medieval cathedral in the Nordic countries and the end of the pilgrim route from Oslo. Climb the tower for the view.
Bakklandet and the Old Town Bridge
Wooden houses, cafés and vintage shops on the east bank. By the bridge, the Trampe bike lift hauls cyclists up the hill.
Solsiden
The old shipyard district, now restaurants and bars by the water.
Munkholmen
A small island fortress off the city with a bathing spot, reached by boat from Ravnkloa in summer.
A weekend in Trondheim
Saturday: the cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace in the morning, coffee in Bakklandet, dinner at Solsiden.
Sunday: a boat to Munkholmen in summer, or the forest trails of Bymarka right outside the city.
Food and drink
Trøndelag has become a region worth travelling to eat in, with restaurants winning international attention and produce from the surrounding farms. Try sodd, a traditional meat soup, and karsk, a local mix of coffee and spirits, if you dare. The city's breweries and bakeries are good too.
Britannia Hotel
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Stay in the centre and walk everywhere. Our Trondheim hotel guide has the picks.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Britannia Hotel
Frequently asked questions about Trondheim
What is Trondheim known for?
Nidaros Cathedral, the colourful wharves along the Nidelva and a strong food scene.
How many days do you need in Trondheim?
A weekend covers the city. Add a day for hiking in Bymarka or a trip to the Fosen peninsula.
When is the best time to visit Trondheim?
Summer brings light nights and boats to Munkholmen. The St Olav Festival, from 28 July to 3 August, fills the city with concerts.
How do I get from Trondheim airport to the city?
The airport bus takes around 40 minutes, and local trains from the station by the terminal reach Trondheim S in just over half an hour.