Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
05/09/2025
Huzaifa Ejaz, Pexels
Trondheim presents a captivating blend of Viking history and modern vibrancy, offering visitors a unique cultural experience nestled alongside accessible nature. The city invites exploration of its impressive medieval landmarks and engaging in various outdoor activities, making it an appealing destination for diverse interests.
For those looking to connect with others, the charming Bakklandet district, with its colorful wooden houses and riverside cafés, provides a relaxed and picturesque setting for socializing. The city center also buzzes with activity, featuring numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. During summer, the former shipyard area of Solsiden transforms into a lively waterside hub, ideal for enjoying outdoor terraces and mingling with locals. Additionally, the Studentersamfundet (Student Union) is a unique venue hosting concerts, festivals, and cultural events, appealing especially to a younger crowd.
Top 6 Things to do in Trondheim
The city offers an engaging mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and opportunities for relaxation both in urban settings and accessible natural areas.
1. Nidaros Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace
Stepping into Nidaros Cathedral, one of Northern Europe's most significant Gothic cathedrals, provides a profound sense of history and architectural grandeur. It is built over the burial site of St. Olav, Norway's patron saint, and has been a pilgrimage destination for nearly a thousand years. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, a medieval structure, offers further insight into Norway's past, housing archaeological finds and the Crown Regalia. Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the intricate details and stories within these national treasures.
Cost: Entry to Nidaros Cathedral costs around 120 NOK. A combined ticket, including the Crown Exhibition and the Archbishop's Museum, is approximately 240 NOK.
Transport: Both are centrally located and easily reachable by a short walk from most city center accommodations. If using public transport, buses (e.g., line 3) stop at 'Nidarosdomen' and cost around 28-40 NOK for a single ticket. A taxi ride from the city center is about 45-60 NOK and takes approximately 2 minutes.
2. Explore Bakklandet and Gamle Bybro
A stroll through the charming Bakklandet district reveals a picturesque area of colorful wooden houses lining cobbled streets, providing a glimpse into traditional Trondheim. The district is perfect for a leisurely walk, browsing local shops, and enjoying riverside cafés. Crossing Gamle Bybro, also known as the Old Town Bridge or 'Portal of Happiness,' offers iconic views of the Nidelva River and the distinctive gabled warehouses. It is a favored spot for photography.
Cost: Exploring Bakklandet and crossing Gamle Bybro is free. Costs will depend on personal spending in shops or cafés.
Transport: This area is within comfortable walking distance of the city center.
3. Visit Kristiansten Fortress
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Kristiansten Fortress offers panoramic views of Trondheim, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains. Built after a major city fire in 1681, the fortress played a crucial defensive role and now serves as a historical site and recreational area. While the main building itself may have limited seasonal access, exploring the grounds and taking in the breathtaking vistas is always possible.
Cost: Admission to Kristiansten Fortress is free.
Transport: The fortress is about 3 km from the city center. It can be reached by a walk up a steep hill (approximately 20-30 minutes from Trondheim Central Station) . Alternatively, bus line 25 from Prinsens gate to Festningsgata takes about 8-13 minutes and costs 30-45 NOK. A taxi takes about 5 minutes and costs 65-80 NOK.
4. Explore Munkholmen Island
A short boat trip takes you to Munkholmen, a small island with a rich and varied history, having served as an execution ground, monastery, prison, and fortress. Today, it is a popular summer retreat for both locals and visitors, offering opportunities to swim, relax on grassy areas, and take a guided tour to learn about its past. There is a small café on the island serving refreshments.
Cost: A return ferry ticket costs approximately 125 NOK for adults and 65 NOK for children. A guided tour on the island is an additional 125 NOK for adults and 50 NOK for children.
Transport: Shuttle boats depart regularly from Ravnkloa (Munkegata 70) in Trondheim city center from May to September. The boat trip takes only about 10 minutes.
5. Experience Solsiden's Vibrant Atmosphere
The Solsiden district, meaning 'the sunny side,' is a lively waterside area built on a former shipyard. It offers a modern contrast to the historic parts of Trondheim, buzzing with restaurants, bars, and shops, many with outdoor terraces perfect for enjoying the sun. It is a fantastic spot to mingle with locals, savor various cuisines, and experience Trondheim's contemporary urban life.
Cost: Costs vary depending on dining and shopping choices. Exploring the area itself is free.
Transport: Solsiden is located across the Nidelva River from the city center, easily accessible by walking across the Blomsterbrua (Flower Bridge) or other pedestrian bridges. It's also a short bus ride away from the main city center.
6. Wander through Ringve Botanical Garden
Situated on the Lade peninsula, the Ringve Botanical Garden offers a serene escape with its diverse plant collections. This university garden is open year-round and provides an opportunity to enjoy colorful flowerbeds, learn about medicinal plants, and appreciate botanical diversity. It is a tranquil spot for a relaxing stroll amidst nature.
Cost: Entry to the botanical garden is free.
Transport: The garden is about 3-4 km east of the city center. Bus line 2 (e.g., from Søndre gate or Trondheim S) takes about 10-18 minutes to 'Lade idrettsanlegg' and costs 30-45 NOK. A taxi ride takes approximately 5-6 minutes and costs 70-95 NOK.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
