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City in Norway
Photo: Knut Arne Gjertsen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Trondheim, formerly Trondhjem or Nidaros, is an old city in central Norway. It is a key city in Norway, its skyline dominated by the lovely cathedral and its city life dominated by the university. Central Trondheim is beautifully inside a large river bend where the river meets the wide Trondheimsfjord.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Nidarosdomen
This is the biggest church in Northern Europe, the only major Gothic cathedral in Norway and the pride of the city. Towering over the city centre at its southern edge, the majestic cathedral is the defining feature of Trondheim. Nidarosdomen is also Norway's national cathedral. It was erected over what was believed to be St. Olav's grave and it became a major pilgrimage site in Northern Europe. Next door is the Archbishop's Palace, which was partly burnt down in the 1980s and has been heavily restored.
The "Church of Our Lady" also dates from the Middle Ages but was partially rebuilt after the 1708 fire.
The central square is the hub of Trondheim. Surrounded by shops and cafés, it is often used for events. There are also vendors with market stalls that sell tourist kitch and souvenirs, food, clothes, accessories and other items. Not to mention Trondheim Torg, which is one of the city's largest shopping malls- home to clothing stores, bookstores, and restaurants and cafes. At the center stands an 18-metre-high statue of King Olav Tryggvason, the founder of the city. It is also a functioning sundial.
Tyholttårnet
TV-tower with a rotating top restaurant: Egon Tårnet (see eat section).
Kristiansten festning
A fortress on a hill overlooking the centre. Have a walk in the area for views of Trondheim one can take the bus 25 to Ankersgata, or rent a bike and use the bike lift at Trampe.
The ancient fortress island, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and visiting the old monastery. The ferry boat out of the island operates in the summer (from mid May to early September).
The German submarine base for the 13th flotilla during the German occupation of Norway (1940 - 1945). Today the bunker houses several archives, among them are the Trondheim city archives, NTNU university and governmental archives.
Ringve Musikkmuseum
Norwegian national museum of music which also includes the Ringve botanical gardens of Trondheim. The garden grounds themselves are free to visit.
Sverresborg is the museum of local cultural heritage for Trøndelag. Outdoor and indoor exhibits reveal the lifestyle of the people who have lived in the region throughout history. During summer, cultural events re-enactments, actors in period and regional costumes and dresses as well as livestock from the local farms nearby bring the open-air museum section to life. If you're hungry, you can eat simple dishes and desserts at the in-house café.
Trondheim Science Center
A center for popularizing science, has lots of exhibits, of which many are interactive. Also has a gift store. It is home to one of Norway's largest planetariums which was opened in 2017.
Sporveismuseet
Halfway up the Gråkallbanen, in Munkvoll, there is a museum of the city's tram transport. On the downside, it's only open in the summer.
Shows the journey through modern Norwegian musical history with many well-designed interactive elements. Houses a panomaric café.
The world's first and only bike lift.
The city library is built upon the ruins of a medieval church and some archaeological objects are on display. The building, which was built as the original city hall in the 19th century, is a remnant of the past. Also, being a library you can also borrow and read books, and it's the site of various events.
They play soccer in Eliteserien, Norway's top tier; they usually do well and qualify for European tournaments. Their home ground Lerkendal stadium (capacity 21,400) is 2 km south of town centre. The playing season is Apr–Nov.
In March you may watch the best of Norwegian and Nordic short films, as well as the best of the international film scene.
The red, roundhouse that previously housed the Trondheim Interrail centre during summer and the student society otherwise. The café Edgar serves decent food at a low cost. To get to Edgar, go in through the glass doors and up one floor. Lyche (entrance to the south) serves good food (the burgers are the most popular dish, but they also serve soups, fancier dinner options, and dessert) for just a few kroner more than a fast food chain. Just by the main entrance, Sesam makes kebabs and burgers. All southbound buses stop at Studentersamfundet. Everything is accessible by wheelchair.
The size of the university means there are 9 student canteens around town on the campuses, serving cheap food at good prices, paid by weight.
There are many kebab places in town. They are quite similar with regard to quality and price. The most authentic is Istanbul Döner Chef in Olav Tryggvasons gate 5.
This 19th- and early 20th-century themed restaurant with decor from the 18th century serves a variety of central Norwegian food.
Street food hall and event center. Casual and inexpensive food is available from 8 different food stalls. Choices range from Greek, Mexican, and Vietnamese food.
This laid-back, organic restaurant is a good place to relax and play board games. It offers good food at good prices. Any eastbound bus will take you to Strandveien stop.
The place to find one of Trondheim's best seafood collections, such as a herring buffet and baccalao (dried or salted cod). The restaurant is quite small with around ten small tables, so you might want to come a bit outside regular dining times to get a seat.
The rotating restaurant at the top of the Tyholt tv and Radio Tower, the tallest structure in Trondheim. Famous for their pizza buffet (everyday for people that arrive before 6pm), they also offer a vast menu of different options. There are other Egon restaurants around town as well, the most central being in Søndre gate, Prinsens gate and at the Solsiden mall.
If you venture out of the centre to get your beer, make it here. Wonderful outdoor seating with views of most of Trondheim. Inside, it's an old farmhouse with plenty of atmosphere. It's also a restaurant with mains from kr 150-300 from the à la carte menu as well as four different 3-course menus starting from around kr 550 per person.
A café and bar with a varied menu of foods. The restaurant reinvented itself into Grafen and now serves up a luxurious Mediterranean-style offering rather than the more fast-food offering it previously had. It has dishes like steamed mussels. They have an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list (including local artisanal beers) and a quite popular place for just going out for a drink. It is best to come in the evening when the menu is larger.
A gourmet restaurant which focuses on the produce of the Trøndelag region, it has one star in the Michelin guide in 2019.
This is one of the best restaurants in Trondheim, with a stellar wine list and a creative take on local produce. One star in the Michelin guide.
Two rooms and a kitchen
The name is inspired by a tale about a tram driver on Gråkallbanen. The restaurant opened in 2005 and features a three to five-course menu starting at kr 545 and an à la carte menu with both fish and meat. Between opening at 16:00 and 18:00, they serve "Today's Bar special" for kr 169. The selection of dishes depends on the actual season and local production since they try to use as much local production as possible. The wine selection is extensive with a big variety. They also focus on local hand-brewed beer from Norway but also include international hand-brewed beers. On the weekends they arrange cooking classes.
A big, red, round temple to partying. Major concerts coincide with political meetings, discussions, wine tasting, disco, football matches and... you name it. You are certain to get lost in the mazes of this wonderful house. Fairly empty in summer and on weekdays, but on term-time weekends it's good. Expect to pay around kr 30-60 in the door on weekends, more if there's a major concert going on. The place is run by approx. 1300 student volunteers who do everything from serving drinks, rigging concerts, singing in Samfundets choir, playing in Samfundets symphony orchestra and holding political debates. Befriend anyone who works there, and try to gain access to their private quarters. Most volunteers are enthusiastic people who often are easy to befriend if you, i.e. a foreigner, show interest. The private quarters are secluded areas where the volunteers hang out after work and is an even more elaborate maze with some 20 pubs that stay open all night (and day and night again.)
Small, quite popular pub/venue and almost always very full - but that's not just because of the music or location, but because of the beer price which is cheap in Norwegian terms (kr 55 for 0.4L.)
Just across the Old Town bridge and down a scary-looking staircase, this is a brown fisherman's pub in an old warehouse. As atmospheric as it gets, they have Trondheim's most lovely outdoor seating in summer. The place is divided between the "grown-ups section" by the entrance, and the "student section" further in. Popular among students and all others and not too expensive if you prefer the regular brands. Furthermore, they have an exceptional range of beer and a friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to suggest new things to try.
Near the crossing of Nordre gate and Fjordgata, it is widely known among students due to its pianobar. Cheap beer during the week (kr 19 for 33cl) and a lot of international students, especially on Thursday. According to their home page, the bar is closed for renovation as of September 2014.
3b is an institution in Trondheim. Leading on in the "big beer war" of the -90's, it was dirt cheap for years. Now it's more expensive, but it's still an enjoyable, black hole catering for rock and indie kids of every denomination imaginable. Hip-hop kids have their own private dungeon down the corridor behind the bar in the basement.
In the basement of the concert hall, Fru Lundgreens looks like the inside of a lung but has good, cheap beer and a brilliant jukebox. Crowd is rock. Pool table in the back. Prices vary on time, but always good value. The food of the day is good if you need something with your beer.
The northernmost end of Nordre gate is the hub of Trondheim nightlife, with mainstream discos, sausage kiosks and lots of drunk, well-dressed people. Carl Johan is a straightforward pub with more relaxed ambience than most offerings in the area.
A brewery pub offering a range of beer brewed in-house (about six kinds plus a seasonal special). Prices for a 0.5L about 50% higher than elsewhere, but the only place in town to offer an IPA and a bitter from tap - along with the other four. Substantial food is served, too.
Little London
A pub that caters to a wide variety of people. They show football games live, and the second story has a billiards room with two pool tables. During the weekends there is often live music in the second story.
One of the most popular, yet laid-back bars in the city. Located in a historic wharf along Bakklandet and right around the corner from Gamle Bybru, they have moderately priced beer, as well as a selection of special brews. Often a good place to grab a cheap bite to eat if you get here early enough. This bar really captures the heart of Trøndersk community. You'll find a very diverse crowd: locals, travellers, younger people, older people. Make sure to check out the back: there is additional seating with the river right below you and the room is covered wall-to-wall with bookshelves filled with vintage books. There are often concerts, open mics, and other events here as well, usually free.
Four cafés in the city. One of the best cafés in town; ultra-top-quality coffee comes with the typical laid-back Trondheim atmosphere thrown in for free, especially at their Bakklandet café.
Cafe Horneman
A cozy and calm old-fashioned café in a large yellow wooden building. Operated by the local association for the elderly, it's popular among the city's senior citizens.
Close to the ferry terminal for the car ferry to Fosen.
This is a Bed and Breakfast that also has a space for camping. South of the city and frequently served by slo-o-ow bus. Shop, huts and all amenities.
East of the centre near the fjord.
East of the centre and maybe the most picturesqure of the lot.
South of the city near the Øysand beach.
Trondheim Vandrerhjem
It is located on top of a hill, fairly close to the centre, Lademoen and the fortress. Clean, efficient and nice. Discount for students or pilgrims (with pilgrims passport).
Slightly more expensive, but still good for Trondheim.
It is a lovely studenthome converted into a summer hotel while the students are home during the summer. It's located near to city center and the University. The standard is simple. The breakfast buffet is included. The hotel opens in the middle of June and closes in the middle of August (this may vary). Be early to book if you want a room with bathroom, although the common bathrooms are really nice too.
This hotel is a piece of England in the middle of Trondheim. It's within walking distance to bus- and railway station, shopping malls and museums. Buses to and from the airport (Værnesekspressen) stop right outside this hotel.
You will find the hotel in the middle of the historic district in Trondheim, only 50 metres from the town square. The airport shuttle bus and most of the public transportation stops close to the hotel.
The hotel is situated in the middle of Trondheim, 300 metres walk from the train and bus station. Airport shuttle stops right outside the hotel from the airport.
With its 1890s façade, and a matching but modern interior is the most stylish hotel in the city. Its location in Dronningens gate 5 is in the middle of town. It has two restaurants, a number of bars, and modern but stylish rooms. There are also themed rooms, like rooms decorated by well-known Norwegian artists. Prices start at kr 1100/1300 and go a long way up.
Modern palace of glass, brass and marble with 295 rooms. Centrally located, excellent communications, but a little soulless.
Even more modern and located in the harbour, offers a very very good breakfast buffet.
It opened in 2012, and has a beautiful view over the city from the Skybar in 9th floor. The Skybar is worth a visit, and you can go there to enjoy a cup of coffee without staying at the hotel.
Opened in 2014, with a viewing room on the uppermost (21st) floor with great views of Trondheim and its surroundings. Rates include breakfast. The hotel also has a gym and several conference rooms, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Chocolate anyone? Nidar, one of Norway's largest candy manufacturers have their factory here in Trondheim. In their factory outlet, you can buy their products at discounted prices. Often there are some minor faults with the products, like missing a best before date, but nothing major to worry about, really.
The central shopping street in Trondheim, with international stores as well as local shops. Clothes, food, jewellery, watches, electronics, and many other products can be found on this pedestrian-only street.
Crossing Nordre gate at approximately halfway, this is a slightly smaller street with record shops and different other stores.
Following the canal at the north of the city centre you have this lengthy street filled mainly with speciality stores and a decent selection of restaurants.
Smack in the middle of the city, this mall should be able to suit most of your needs. This mall especially has a few cafés.
A posh shopping mall with a majority of expensive stores.
Solsiden translates directly to "Sun Side". It was realized and hurriedly transformed from an abandoned shipbuilding site into a shopping mall. It has a long stretch of restaurants/bars located by the old area where ships used to be launched. Walk across the pedestrian bridge from close to the train station, or get any eastbound bus from the centre.
The largest shopping mall in central Norway, with 38,000 square metres of shops and restaurants. It is slightly off the beaten tourist track but can be reached by bus/taxi. Buses 71 and 1 connect City Syd with downtown and have frequent departures, the ride is about 15 minutes. In addition, there are 2 other shopping malls nearby (200 and 300 m) to City Syd (easily spotted from the City Syd parking Lots) TillerTorget and "StorM Sentret".
A large shopping mall at Lade with several restaurants, and an open play area.
A shopping centre east of the city centre with about 100 stores, restaurants and service facilities.
By train
Trondheim S (Trondheim sentralstasjon) is fairly small, and just a few minutes north of the city centre.
By car
The Norwegian north-south highway E6 passes Trondheim. Alternatively from Oslo, road number 3 can be used.
By bus
The Mørelinjen express, operated by Fram, runs down the coast towards Kristiansund, Molde and Ålesund.
By boat
If you have the time and money, you should definitely take the Coastal Steamer, Hurtigruten.
By pilgrimage
As the religious centre for much of northern Europe, Trondheim was a pilgrimage destination. Some of the routes have been revived as the Nidaros Path or St.
By bus
Trondheim has a well-developed bus network, covering nearly all of the city. Buses are operated by the company AtB. There are frequent departures during the day, and less frequent during evenings.
By rail
Gråkallbanen, the tram line operates from St. Olavs gate near the centre to Lian, up in the Bymarka forests.
By taxi
By boat
The resort island of Munkholmen, can be reached by boat from Ravnkloa every day from May to September, hourly departures. Make sure you don't miss the last boat home in the evening!
By foot
Downtown is fairly compact and walkable. However many points of interest are several kilometres away and there are some steep hills in the south of the city.
By bicycle
Getting around by bicycle is relatively popular. Electric bicycles are a common sight due to the number of hills in the city.
By car
It is quite easy to find a parking spot downtown, but getting around by car itself can be frustrating with a lot of one-way streets and short green light periods for cars in the intersections.
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Trondheim · International · TRD
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