Trondheim
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At a glance
- Country
- Norway
- Region
- Trøndelag
- Population
- 210,000
- Best time to go
- June to August
- Main airport
- Trondheim Værnes (TRD)
- Coordinates
- 63.43°N, 10.40°E
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Overview
Trondheim was Norway's first capital, founded by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason, and its great cathedral has drawn pilgrims for nearly a thousand years. The River Nidelva loops around the old centre, lined with brightly painted wooden warehouses on stilts.
Today it is a lively student city with a relaxed pace, good food from the surrounding farms and fjord, and forest trails right on its doorstep.
Things to see
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Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nidaros Cathedral
Scandinavia's largest medieval building, with an extraordinary west front crowded with carved figures.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Satdeep Gill, CC BY-SA 4.0 Old Town Bridge
The red wooden bridge over the Nidelva gives the classic view of the colourful riverside warehouses.
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Photo: Leonhard Lenz, CC0 Bakklandet
A charming quarter of cobbled lanes and wooden houses, now full of cafés.
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Photo: User:Sveter (Please credit as "Petr Šmerkl, Wikipedia" in ca, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kristiansten Fortress
A 17th-century fortress on the hill above town, with the best panorama of the city.
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Photo: Magne Gisvold/Rockheim, CC BY-SA 3.0 Rockheim
Norway's national museum of pop and rock music, in a converted warehouse on the harbour.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: AlanFord at English Wikipedia, Public domain Trampe bicycle lift
Ride up the steep Brubakken hill with the help of the world's first bicycle lift.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Boat to Munkholmen
A small island in the fjord that was once a monastery, prison and fortress, with summer swimming.
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Photo: Havardtl, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hike in Bymarka
Forest trails and lakes just above the city, popular for walking in summer and skiing in winter.
Where to stay
Midtbyen
The old centre, close to the cathedral, shops and restaurants.
Hotels in MidtbyenBakklandet
Picturesque and quiet, with cafés on the doorstep.
Hotels in BakklandetSolsiden
A modern waterfront area with bars and restaurants in converted shipyards.
Hotels in Solsiden
Getting around
The centre is compact and easy on foot or by bike. Buses and the Gråkallbanen tram serve the outskirts.
Trains from Værnes airport reach the city in about 35 minutes; the airport bus is a good alternative.
When to go
June to August brings long, light days and mild weather. Late July is busy with the Olavsfest festival and St Olav pilgrims. Winters are cold and dark, with good skiing in Bymarka.
Plan your trip to Trondheim
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.