Things to do
Things to do in Trondheim: 12 ideas from the cathedral to Munkholmen
Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities and one of the easiest to love. These are the twelve things we would do, from Nidaros Cathedral and Bakklandet to Rockheim, Kristiansten Fortress and the boat to Munkholmen.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Our picks are made independently by our editors.
You stand on the Old Town Bridge with colourful wharves on either side and the river flowing quietly beneath. Behind you lies Bakklandet with its cafés in wooden houses; ahead, the spire of Nidaros Cathedral. It is the kind of view that makes people stay a day longer than planned.
Trondheim was Norway's first capital, and it packs a thousand years of history into an area you can walk across in half an hour. It is also a student city with more life than its size suggests. Here are twelve experiences, most within walking distance of Torvet square.
Short answer: what should you do in Trondheim?
See Nidaros Cathedral and the crown regalia in the Archbishop's Palace, cross the Old Town Bridge to Bakklandet and climb to Kristiansten Fortress for the view. With more time, add Rockheim, Munkholmen in summer and a walk in the Bymarka forest.
Do not miss: Nidaros Cathedral
Best view: Kristiansten Fortress
Best cafés: Bakklandet
Best museum: Rockheim
Best in summer: the boat to Munkholmen
1. Nidaros Cathedral
The northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, built over the grave of St Olav. Read more in our guide to Nidaros Cathedral.
2. The Archbishop's Palace and the crown regalia
Beside the cathedral stands the old archbishops' residence, where the crowns and the rest of Norway's crown jewels are on display.
3. The Old Town Bridge and Bakklandet
The red wooden bridge is known as the Gate of Happiness. On the far side, Bakklandet has wooden houses, cafés and small shops. Come early in the morning, before the crowds.
4. Kristiansten Fortress
The fortress on the hill east of the centre was built after the great fire of 1681. From the ramparts you see the whole city and the fjord. Free, and worth the climb.
5. Trampe, the bicycle lift
At the foot of Brubakken runs the world's first bicycle lift, pushing cyclists up the hill towards Kristiansten. Try it on a city bike.
6. Rockheim
Norway's national museum of pop and rock fills an old grain warehouse on Brattørkaia, crowned with a glowing roof. Interactive and fun, even if you cannot name a single Norwegian band.
7. Munkholmen
The small island in the fjord has been a monastery, a prison and a fortress. In summer, boats leave from Ravnkloa, and the island is perfect for a swim and a picnic.
The catch: boats only run in the summer season. In winter you can only admire it from the shore.
8. Stiftsgården
One of the largest wooden mansions in the Nordic countries stands on Munkegata and is the royal family's residence in Trondheim. Guided tours run in summer.
9. Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
The open-air museum by the ruins of King Sverre's castle has old buildings from across Trøndelag and views over the city.
10. Ringve Music Museum
The music museum at Lade occupies an old manor with a botanical garden. The guides play the instruments on their tours.
11. Solsiden
The former shipyard is the city's waterfront hangout, lined with restaurants and bars. Best on a summer evening. See also the restaurants we recommend in Trondheim.
12. Bymarka
The city's forest and hills begin just west of the centre. Take the tram to Lian and walk on towards Gråkallen, or ski the floodlit trails in winter.
Scandic Nidelven
Scandic Nidelven in Trondheim.
Where to stay to walk everywhere
Midtbyen, between Torvet and the river, is the best base. See more in our guide to the best hotels in Trondheim.
Scandic Nidelven: on the river by Solsiden
Nidelven sits on the river between the centre and Solsiden, and its breakfast is among the most talked about in Norway. Bakklandet, Rockheim and Torvet are all on foot. A safe choice for a busy weekend.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Scandic Nidelven
Clarion Hotel Trondheim
The view from Clarion Hotel Trondheim.
Clarion Hotel Trondheim: on Brattørkaia
The hotel stands on the Brattørkaia waterfront, next door to Rockheim and close to the boat to Munkholmen. Rooms look over the fjord or the city. Right if you want a modern base by the water.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Clarion Hotel Trondheim
Good to know before you go
Come in summer for Munkholmen and Stiftsgården: several sights open only in season.
The St Olav Festival in late July: the city is full, but the atmosphere is at its best.
Take the tram to Bymarka: the Gråkallen line is an experience in itself.
December: the Christmas market on Torvet makes the city especially lovely.
Trondheim: frequently asked questions
What should you see in Trondheim?
Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Old Town Bridge and Bakklandet, and the view from Kristiansten Fortress are the essentials.
How many days do you need in Trondheim?
Two days covers the centre. Three gives time for the museums, Munkholmen and a walk in Bymarka.
What can you do in Trondheim in winter?
Nidaros Cathedral, Rockheim, the Christmas market on Torvet and skiing in Bymarka.
What is free in Trondheim?
Kristiansten Fortress, Bakklandet, the Old Town Bridge and the trails in Bymarka cost nothing.