Trondheim has a long brewing tradition and a lively modern beer scene to match. The city is home to historic lager production, ambitious independent breweries and relaxed taprooms where you can try fresh Norwegian beer close to its source. Whether you prefer a crisp pilsner, a hop-forward IPA or a dark stout, these are some of the best breweries in Trondheim and the places where you can taste their beer.
Why Trondheim is worth visiting for beer
Trondheim is one of Norway’s most rewarding cities for beer lovers. It is compact enough to explore on foot, yet its brewing scene is varied enough to fill an afternoon or an entire weekend. Traditional Norwegian lager is easy to find, but local brewers have also embraced American-style pale ales, hazy IPAs, sour beer, farmhouse-inspired recipes and rich dark ales.
The city also has a useful mix of brewery taprooms, brewpubs and independent beer bars. That means you do not have to choose between visiting a production site and enjoying a good selection of beer in the centre. Many venues regularly rotate their taps, so the exact line-up can change from week to week.
For the freshest experience, look for beers served directly from the brewery’s own tanks or kegs. Ask staff what was brewed locally and whether there are any limited releases available. Norwegian breweries often produce small batches, so a beer you enjoy on one visit may not be available the next time you return.
The best breweries in Trondheim
EC Dahls and EC Dahls Pub
EC Dahls is the historic name in Trondheim brewing. The brewery’s story goes back to 1856, when E. C. Dahls Bryggeri was established in the city. Today, the brand is part of Ringnes, but it remains closely associated with Trondheim and is an important part of the city’s beer identity.
EC Dahls is best known for approachable lagers and classic beer styles that work well with food. Its beers are a useful introduction to everyday Norwegian beer, especially if you want to try something connected to the city’s industrial and brewing history rather than only modern small-batch products.
The EC Dahls Pub, located by the brewery, is one of the most obvious places to begin a beer-focused visit. The setting gives you a chance to drink EC Dahls beer near the site where the brewery has operated for generations. Depending on the schedule, brewery visits and events may also be available, but it is sensible to check opening times and booking information before travelling.
Choose EC Dahls if you enjoy classic lager, local history and a brewery experience with a strong connection to Trondheim. It is also a good stop for visitors who want a relaxed first taste of beer Trondheim is known for.
Austmann Bryggeri
Austmann helped bring Trondheim’s modern craft beer movement to a wider audience. Founded in the early 2010s, the brewery became known for beers that combine accessible recipes with a clear craft identity. Its range has included pale ales, IPAs, wheat beers, stouts and seasonal releases.
Austmann’s beers are generally easy to approach, making the brewery a useful choice if your group has mixed tastes. A hop-focused drinker can find an IPA, while someone who normally drinks lager may be more comfortable starting with a pale ale or wheat beer. The brewery has also produced richer and more experimental beers for people who want something with more depth.
The Austmann facility and taproom have changed over time, so check the current address, opening hours and booking arrangements before visiting. When the taproom is open, it is one of the better places to sample several beers in a single sitting. Flights or smaller pours are particularly useful because Norwegian craft beer can be fairly strong and prices are often higher than visitors expect.
Austmann is a strong choice for anyone searching for craft beer in Trondheim with a broad and dependable range. Look out for beers brewed specifically for the taproom, as these can offer a different experience from the bottles and cans available in shops.
Monkey Brew
Monkey Brew is one of Trondheim’s best-known independent craft breweries. It has built a reputation for modern, flavourful beer and has become especially associated with hop-driven styles. Depending on the current menu, you may find pale ales, West Coast IPAs, hazy IPAs, double IPAs, stouts and other limited releases.
The brewery’s beers are aimed at drinkers who enjoy bold flavours. Expect more hop character and variety than you would normally find in a standard pilsner, although the exact range changes regularly. If you are new to craft beer, begin with a pale ale or session-strength beer before moving on to stronger IPAs.
Monkey Brew’s taproom is an important part of the local beer scene. It provides a casual place to try fresh releases and often attracts both residents and visitors who want to compare several styles. The brewery has been connected with Trondheim’s Sluppen area, while its beer can also appear on taps at bars around the city. Check the latest location details before setting out, since taprooms and event spaces can change.
Monkey Brew should be high on your list if you are looking for energetic, modern Norwegian beer. It is particularly appealing to people who enjoy hops, new recipes and beers that are not always available outside the region.
Habitat
Habitat is a brewpub and beer bar in central Trondheim rather than a large traditional brewery. It is nevertheless one of the most useful places to experience local brewing because it produces beer on site and gives visitors a central base for tasting a range of styles.
The venue is known for a relaxed atmosphere and a changing selection. Its own beers may include pale ales, IPAs, dark beers and seasonal experiments, while guest taps bring in products from other Norwegian and international breweries. This makes Habitat a good option for groups with different preferences.
One advantage of visiting a brewpub is that you can combine beer with a meal or snacks and avoid planning a trip to an industrial area. Habitat’s central location makes it easy to include in a walking route through Trondheim. It is also a useful place to ask staff which local breweries are currently producing interesting beer.
Check the tap list when you arrive rather than relying on an old online menu. Brewpub selections change often, and the most interesting beer may be a small seasonal batch that was not advertised in advance.
Other places to drink craft beer in Trondheim
Not every good beer destination in Trondheim is a brewery. Several bars and pubs regularly support local producers and Norwegian breweries from other regions. These venues are useful when a brewery taproom is closed or when you want to compare Trondheim beer with products from elsewhere in Norway.
- Beer-focused bars: Look for venues with a rotating tap list and a fridge selection that includes Norwegian independent breweries. Ask which taps are from Trondheim or Trøndelag.
- Restaurants with local beer: Many restaurants include regional lager and craft beer on their drinks menus. Local beer can be a good match for seafood, burgers, pizza and traditional Norwegian dishes.
- Hotel bars: Central hotel bars sometimes carry local bottled or canned beer, making them a convenient option for visitors staying in the city centre.
- Special events: Beer festivals, tap takeovers and brewery release parties are excellent ways to try several producers without travelling between multiple locations.
Bars with the largest selection are not always the most atmospheric, and the best venue can depend on the day of the week. A quiet weekday is often ideal for talking with staff, while Friday and Saturday evenings bring a livelier crowd.
Norwegian beer styles to try
There is no single style that defines Norwegian beer. The country has a strong lager tradition, but its independent breweries draw inspiration from brewing cultures around the world. Trondheim is a good place to explore that variety.
Pilsner and lager
Start with a local pilsner if you want something refreshing and familiar. Norwegian lagers are often clean, lightly bitter and easy to pair with food. A well-made pilsner can also provide a useful comparison point before you move on to more heavily flavoured beers.
Pale ale and IPA
Pale ales and IPAs are common in the Norwegian craft beer scene. They may show citrus, pine, tropical fruit or resinous hop flavours, depending on the recipe. Ask for a lower-strength pale ale if you want to explore the style without committing to a strong beer.
Sour and farmhouse-inspired beer
Small breweries often use local ingredients, unusual fermentation methods or traditional ideas as inspiration. Sour beers can be tart and refreshing, while farmhouse-inspired beers may have earthy, spicy or fruity notes. These are worth trying when a taproom has a rotating or experimental menu.
Stout and porter
Dark beer is a good choice in cooler weather or alongside dessert. Stouts and porters can offer coffee, chocolate, roasted malt and dried fruit flavours. Some Norwegian versions are relatively dry, while others are full-bodied and strong.
How to plan a Trondheim brewery visit
Check opening hours first
Taprooms do not always keep the same hours as ordinary bars. Some open only from Thursday to Saturday, while others host private events or close during holidays. Confirm the schedule on the brewery’s own website or social media before you go.
Plan around transport
Central venues can usually be reached on foot, but some production sites are outside the main tourist streets. Trondheim has local buses and taxis, and walking can be pleasant when the weather is good. If you are visiting several breweries, decide in advance how you will travel and avoid driving after drinking.
Share pours and pace yourself
Craft beer in Norway can be expensive, and many beers are stronger than they first appear. A tasting flight or half-pint lets you try more of the menu while keeping the experience comfortable. Drink water between beers and consider eating before or during your visit.
Ask about local releases
Staff can often point you towards beers brewed in Trondheim or nearby Trøndelag. Ask whether a beer is a regular product, a seasonal release or a one-off batch. This simple question can lead to a much more interesting tasting experience than ordering only familiar styles.
A simple beer itinerary
For a short visit, begin with EC Dahls Pub to explore Trondheim’s historic brewing connection. Continue to a central brewpub such as Habitat for a changing selection and a meal. If you have more time, visit Austmann or Monkey Brew for a deeper look at the city’s independent craft beer scene.
A two-day itinerary gives you more flexibility. Use the first day for central venues and traditional lager, then spend the second day exploring a brewery taproom outside the centre. This approach leaves room for changing opening hours and makes it easier to enjoy each beer without rushing.
If you are travelling beyond Trondheim, look into breweries elsewhere in Trøndelag as well. The surrounding region has its own producers and farm breweries, some of which make interesting day trips by car or organised tour. Always check distances and seasonal opening schedules before adding them to your plans.
FAQs about beer and breweries in Trondheim
What are the best breweries in Trondheim?
The best-known names include EC Dahls, Austmann and Monkey Brew, while Habitat is a popular central brewpub with its own production and guest beers. The right choice depends on whether you prefer traditional lager, modern IPA or a broad tasting menu.
Where can I drink craft beer in Trondheim?
You can drink craft beer at brewery taprooms, brewpubs and beer-focused bars around the city. Habitat is a convenient central option, while EC Dahls, Austmann and Monkey Brew offer closer connections to individual breweries. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Is Trondheim good for craft beer?
Yes. Trondheim has a well-established brewing history and a varied independent beer scene. Visitors can try classic lager as well as pale ales, IPAs, stouts, sour beers and seasonal releases from local and regional producers.
Can I tour a brewery in Trondheim?
Some breweries offer tours, tastings or special events, but availability varies. Brewery tours may require advance booking and may not run every day. Check the brewery’s official information before making a separate journey.
What Norwegian beer should I try first?
A local pilsner is a good starting point because it is refreshing and easy to compare with beers you already know. After that, try a Trondheim pale ale or IPA, followed by a stout or seasonal beer if you want something richer.