Exploring Trondheim, Norway: our top 8 things to do

Trondheim is a Norwegian gem that is definitely worth a visit. The colorful wooden houses of Bakklandet, the iconic Nidaros Cathedral and the views of the river Nid are just some of the must-see spots in this former Viking city – the perfect place to explore on foot for a few hours, or several days.

The first time we visited Trondheim was on a gorgeous fall day, during our voyage on board the Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express. We instantly fell in love with the third largest city in Norway, as it lay bathed in soft light with beautiful autumn colors.  The three-hour stopover was long enough for us to start discovering this town in central Norway, but too short to get to know it properly. 

We returned to Trondheim a few months later, on Christmas Day. A thick layer of snow had fallen overnight. Apart from around the Nidaros Cathedral, the streets were quiet, almost deserted, and there was a blanket of white on the ground and all the buildings. 

Trondheim was one of our favorite discoveries on our voyage to the North Cape. The blazing autumn colors and muted, snow-covered stillness of winter showed the city at its most beautiful and allowed us to soak up the peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Here are our top 8 things to see and do in Trondheim:

• The colorful wooden houses in the restored working-class neighborhood of Bakklandet. 

When walking through Bakklandet don’t miss the unique bicycle lift. Sykkelheisen Trampe runs for 130 meters up a 20% slope and was installed along the sidewalk on Brubakken in 1993. One cyclist at a time can use it as an aid to get up the hill, by putting their right foot on a footplate which is then pulled up by a cable..

• The views  from the banks of the river Nid (locally known as Nidelven). 

Our recommendation: On Øvre Bakklandet, walk down the alley between number 62A (yellow house) and number 60Am which will lead you out to the banks of Nidelven. The view of the Cathedral from the riverside is stunning. Thanks for the tip, Hedda!

• The majestic Nidaros Cathedral, more commonly known as Nidarosdomen,  is the only Gothic-style church in Norway.  The building of the world’s northernmost cathedral began in 1070, on the burial site of St. Olav, who founded the city and Christianized Norway. Nidarosdomen has also been an important pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages.

During our first time in Trondheim, we walked up to the cathedral through  Domkirkegården park. The building came slowly into view with every step we took. The leaves on the trees in the park made for a beautiful backdrop, with colors ranging from ochre and yellow to deeper orange hues.

On Christmas Day, the bells were ringing loudly as dozens of figures converged from different directions of attend the Christmas service in Nidarosdome.

The façade of the cathedral is very finely sculpted. If you’re patient enough, you might even spot the face of Bob Dylan among the 5000 statues and sculptures! There is an entrance fee to visit the inside of the Cathedral.

• The Gamle Bybro footbridge, which is adorned with wooden arches. This bridge, which for several years has been reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, offers a breathtaking view of the iconic 18th-century wooden warehouses, whose colorful façades are reflected in the surface of the river.

• Stiftsgården, Trondheim’s royal residence. This 4000 m² palace, with over 100 rooms, was built in the 18th century in the rococo and neoclassical styles and is one of the largest wooden palaces in Northern Europe.

• The city’s street art pieces, like “Bird in Kaos” by Pablito Zago (Mellomila 16), “Mere fart” by Staale Gerhardsen (Øvre Bakklandet 8) , and “Trondheim is for dreamers” by Linnea Johansson (Carl Johans gate 4).

• The old working-class houses in Ilsvikøra and Ila, a little outside  the more touristy areas. These colorful wooden houses dating back to the 19th century are charming, well maintained and photogenic.

• Enjoy a kanelbolle, which is a traditional Norwegian cinnamon bun. The kanelboller from Hevd bakery (on Torvet square, right by the statue of Olav Tryggvason) are moist and delicious.

These different spots can be reached on foot from the Hurtigruten terminal if you only have a few hours to explore (except Ilsvikøra and Ila). The walk is particularly lovely when the weather is nice. Our visits to Trondheim in autumn and winter left us wanting more. When we left, we promised ourselves that we would return in spring or summer to enjoy nature in full bloom and the long, bright summer nights.

Don’t miss the full article about our trip onboard the Norwegian Coastal Express