Trondheim is an easy city to explore on foot, and one of the best ways to experience it is to build a café stop into your day. From carefully brewed coffee near the university to generous cake in a historic wooden building, the city has plenty of places to pause. Whether you are looking for a quick espresso, a slow Trondheim breakfast or somewhere cozy to escape the weather, these are some of the best cafés in Trondheim.
What makes Trondheim cafés special?
The café culture in Trondheim is closely connected to the city’s student population, food scene and compact centre. You can walk from the colourful houses of Bakklandet to the shops around Nordre gate in a few minutes, yet each area has a distinct atmosphere. Some Trondheim cafes focus on Nordic-style coffee and simple pastries, while others are better known for brunch, vegetarian food, books or traditional Norwegian cakes.
Opening hours can change, particularly outside the main summer season, so it is worth checking the café’s latest information before you go. Many popular places become busy around lunchtime and on weekends. Arriving early is a good idea if you want a quiet table or a full choice of pastries.
The best cafés in Trondheim
Dromedar Kaffebar
Dromedar is one of the most familiar names in coffee Trondheim. With several locations around the city, it is a practical choice when you want well-made coffee without planning your whole walk around one address. The cafés have a relaxed, informal feel and are popular with students, locals and visitors alike.
Order a filter coffee, espresso-based drink or a seasonal special, then pair it with a cinnamon bun or another sweet pastry. The location on Nedre Bakklandet is particularly pleasant when you are exploring the old wooden neighbourhood. It is a good place to warm up after walking along the Nidelva, although the smaller spaces can fill quickly.
Jacobsen & Svart
Jacobsen & Svart is a strong choice for anyone who takes coffee seriously. The café is known for specialty coffee, carefully prepared brewing methods and beans with clear flavour profiles. Staff are generally happy to explain the difference between a pour-over, filter coffee and espresso, making this a welcoming place even if you are new to specialty coffee.
The atmosphere is modern but not formal. Come here for a focused coffee break, a quiet conversation or a chance to buy beans for later. If your priority is the quality of the drink rather than an extensive food menu, this is one of the best cafés in Trondheim to put on your list.
Sellanraa Bok & Bar
Sellanraa combines a café, bookshop and cultural meeting place near the centre. It has a thoughtful, creative atmosphere, with shelves of books and a menu that usually reflects an interest in good ingredients. The room feels calm during the day, making it suitable for reading, writing or simply taking a break from sightseeing.
Food is an important part of the experience. You may find freshly baked bread, open sandwiches, soup, seasonal dishes and cakes alongside good coffee. Sellanraa works especially well for a late breakfast or light lunch. It is also one of the more distinctive cafés in Trondheim Norway if you want somewhere with a strong local personality rather than a standard coffee-shop setting.
Hevd Håndverksbakeri
Hevd is the place to consider when bread and pastries are the main reason for your café visit. This artisan bakery and café focuses on well-made loaves, laminated pastries, buns and other baked goods. A simple coffee with a warm pastry can easily turn into a longer stop once you see what is in the display.
For Trondheim breakfast, choose a freshly baked item, a filled sandwich or bread with a simple topping. The style is uncomplicated and satisfying, with the baking doing most of the talking. Hevd is also useful when you want to pick up something for a picnic or a train journey, although seating and queues can vary at busy times.
Baklandet Skydsstation
Baklandet Skydsstation is one of the most atmospheric places to eat in Trondheim. Set in a historic wooden building on Bakklandet, it feels more like a traditional inn than a modern café. The small rooms, old-fashioned details and relaxed pace make it especially inviting on a cold or rainy day.
The menu includes Norwegian-inspired food, cakes and drinks, so this is a good choice when you want more than a quick cup of coffee. Try a slice of cake with tea, or settle in for a light meal after exploring Bakklandet. Because the building is compact and popular, you may need to wait for a table. That is part of the experience, and the setting rewards a slower visit.
Antikvariatet
Antikvariatet is a cosy bookshop, bar and café beside the Nidelva in Bakklandet. It is best known for its literary atmosphere, intimate interior and programme of cultural events, but it also works well for a daytime coffee. The location is excellent for people-watching and taking in one of Trondheim’s most attractive streets.
Do not expect a large brunch menu or a bright, minimalist coffee bar. Antikvariatet is about atmosphere, conversation and the pleasure of spending time somewhere with character. Stop in for coffee during the day, then consider returning in the evening for a drink or live event. Checking the programme ahead of time is useful, since the mood and opening hours can change depending on what is happening.
Ni Muser
Located near Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace, Ni Muser is convenient when you are sightseeing in the historic centre. It is a long-established café and restaurant with a comfortable setting, making it an easy place to stop after visiting the cathedral or the nearby museums.
The menu usually offers a broad selection, from coffee and cakes to more substantial meals. This makes Ni Muser a practical option for groups with different tastes. It is particularly useful when one person wants a sweet treat and another wants lunch. For visitors comparing Trondheim cafes, it offers a more traditional café experience than the city’s specialty coffee bars.
Café Løkka
Café Løkka has a friendly neighbourhood feel and is a good option when you want a relaxed meal as well as coffee. The atmosphere is informal, with a menu suited to lingering over breakfast, brunch or lunch. It is a place where you can meet friends, bring a book or take your time over a plate of food.
If you are searching for Trondheim breakfast at a reasonable pace, Café Løkka is worth considering. Look for breakfast favourites, sandwiches, salads and sweet items, depending on the current menu. It can be busier around weekends and brunch hours, so allow a little extra time if you are visiting during the morning rush.
Habitat
Habitat brings together a café, bar and kitchen in a lively setting. It is a good match for visitors who want a more modern social space rather than a quiet traditional café. During the day, you can stop by for coffee and food, while later hours bring a more energetic atmosphere.
The food tends to be more substantial than what you would find at a dedicated bakery. Depending on the menu, you may find sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, snacks and shareable plates. Habitat is a flexible choice for a group, particularly when some people want coffee and others are ready for a proper meal. Check current hours before visiting, as the character of the venue changes throughout the day.
Where to find the best coffee in Trondheim
The city centre is the easiest area for café hopping. Around Nordre gate, Munkegata and the streets near the main square, you will find several options within walking distance. This area is convenient for combining coffee with shopping, museums and a visit to Nidaros Cathedral.
Bakklandet is the most scenic café district. Its wooden houses, independent shops and river views make it a natural place for a leisurely stop. Dromedar, Baklandet Skydsstation and Antikvariatet are all good choices in or near the neighbourhood. Allow time to walk rather than moving directly from one address to the next.
For specialty coffee, look towards cafés such as Jacobsen & Svart and Dromedar. For a more complete meal, Sellanraa, Café Løkka or Habitat may suit you better. Hevd is the natural choice for bread and pastries, while Ni Muser is convenient if you are already near the cathedral.
Choosing a café for breakfast
Norwegian breakfast can be simple, often built around bread, cheese, spreads, eggs, yoghurt or fruit. In Trondheim, cafés may offer anything from a pastry and coffee to a larger brunch plate. Decide first whether you want a quick start to the day or a place where you can sit for an hour.
For a fast breakfast, a bakery such as Hevd is a sensible option. If you want a calm table and something more substantial, try Sellanraa or Café Løkka. Ni Muser is convenient for sightseeing days, particularly if you are staying in the centre. At weekends, breakfast and brunch can be popular, so an early arrival is often easier than trying to find a table at midday.
Tips for enjoying Trondheim cafes
- Bring a card, as Norway is highly card-friendly and many cafés prefer electronic payment.
- Check opening hours on the day you visit, especially on Sundays, public holidays and outside the summer season.
- Ask about the day’s cake or pastry if the display is not clearly labelled. Local favourites can change regularly.
- Expect coffee prices to be higher than in many other European cities, but portions and preparation are generally generous.
- Look for reusable cups and responsible sourcing if sustainability is important to you.
- In busy cafés, ordering at the counter is common, though some restaurants offer table service.
- Try more than one neighbourhood. A coffee near the cathedral feels very different from a coffee on Bakklandet.
Frequently asked questions about cafés in Trondheim
What are the best cafés in Trondheim for specialty coffee?
Jacobsen & Svart and Dromedar Kaffebar are among the strongest choices for specialty coffee. Both offer carefully prepared drinks, quality beans and a relaxed setting. Jacobsen & Svart is especially suitable if you want to learn more about brewing methods.
Where can I find the best Trondheim breakfast?
Hevd Håndverksbakeri is a good choice for fresh bread, pastries and a quick breakfast. Sellanraa Bok & Bar and Café Løkka are better for a slower meal with more substantial options. Menus and breakfast hours can change, so check before you visit.
Which cafés in Trondheim are best for cake?
Baklandet Skydsstation, Ni Muser and Hevd are good places to look for cake or sweet baked goods. Baklandet Skydsstation is particularly appealing if you want a traditional setting, while Hevd focuses more on bakery-style pastries.
What is the best café area in Trondheim for visitors?
Bakklandet is the most atmospheric area, with historic wooden buildings, river views and several independent cafés. The city centre is more convenient for combining a café stop with museums, shopping and Nidaros Cathedral.
Are cafés in Trondheim open on Sundays?
Some cafés open on Sundays, but hours are often shorter and more limited than on weekdays. Always check the latest opening information before setting out, particularly during holidays or the quieter winter months.