Choosing between Trondheim hotels is mostly a question of location, travel style, and budget. Norway’s historic technology capital is compact enough to explore on foot, but each part of the city offers a different experience. Stay in the centre for easy access to Nidaros Cathedral and restaurants, choose Bakklandet for colourful streets and riverside charm, or book near Solsiden for a livelier evening atmosphere. This guide to the best hotels in Trondheim explains where to stay Trondheim visitors will enjoy most, with recommendations for every type of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Trondheim
Trondheim is one of Norway’s easiest cities to navigate. Most attractions are within walking distance of the central districts, and local buses connect the centre with areas farther out. Even so, choosing the right neighbourhood can make a noticeable difference to your trip.
City centre and Midtbyen
Midtbyen is the most convenient choice for a first visit. This central area is close to Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Old Town Bridge, museums, shops, and many of the city’s best restaurants. It is also the most practical base if you are arriving by train, since Trondheim Central Station sits just east of the main shopping streets.
Hotels in the centre range from historic luxury properties to simple budget rooms. The area can feel busier than Bakklandet, particularly around the main shopping streets, but it gives you the greatest choice of places to eat and things to do within a short walk.
Bakklandet
Bakklandet lies across the Nidelva River from the main centre. Its wooden buildings, independent cafés, small shops, and narrow streets make it one of Trondheim’s most atmospheric areas. The neighbourhood is especially appealing to couples, photographers, and travellers who prefer character over a conventional business district.
You can walk into the centre in minutes via the Old Town Bridge. Bakklandet is quieter than Midtbyen in the evening, although popular cafés and restaurants bring plenty of life during the day. Accommodation here can be limited, so book early if you want to stay in this part of the city.
Solsiden
Solsiden is a former dockland area that has been transformed into a popular dining and nightlife district. Restaurants and bars line the waterfront, and the atmosphere is particularly lively on summer evenings. It is a good option for younger travellers, groups of friends, and anyone who wants dinner and drinks close to their hotel.
Solsiden is still within walking distance of the centre, although it takes a little longer to reach Nidaros Cathedral than it does from Midtbyen. The area is modern and convenient rather than historic, and some streets can be lively late at night.
Brattøra and the railway station
Brattøra is the waterfront district north of the railway station. It is convenient for travellers arriving by train, catching an early flight connection, or attending a conference. The area has modern hotels, broad waterfront views, and easy access to the station and harbour.
Brattøra is not as atmospheric as Bakklandet or the historic centre, but it works well for short stays and business trips. Trondheim Airport is outside the city, so staying near the station does not put you directly beside the airport. It does, however, make transport connections simple.
Lerkendal and the southern districts
Lerkendal is south of the city centre and is best known for the football stadium and nearby university and research facilities. Hotels here are often a good value, especially when central rooms are expensive or sold out. The centre can be reached by bus, bicycle, or a longer walk.
This area suits business travellers, visitors attending events at Lerkendal Stadium, and people who do not need to be in the historic centre every day. For a sightseeing weekend, however, central Trondheim accommodation will usually be more convenient.
Best hotels in Trondheim for a first visit
Britannia Hotel
Britannia Hotel is Trondheim’s best-known luxury hotel and one of the city’s most prestigious places to stay. It occupies a historic building in the centre, close to restaurants, shops, and the cathedral district. The hotel combines elegant interiors with modern facilities, including a spa, fitness area, restaurants, and a well-known food and drink offering.
Britannia is a strong choice for a special occasion, a refined city break, or travellers who value service and atmosphere. It is also a practical base because you can reach many of Trondheim’s main sights without using public transport. Rates are at the top end of the local market, so it is worth comparing dates carefully.
Scandic Nidelven
Scandic Nidelven sits beside the Nidelva River, close to the central shopping area and Solsiden. Its location works well for visitors who want easy access to both the historic centre and the waterfront restaurant district. The hotel is also known for its substantial breakfast, which is useful before a day of sightseeing or an early excursion.
Rooms are generally suited to couples, families, and business travellers who want a dependable full-service hotel. Ask about river-facing rooms if the view matters to you, as the outlook can vary significantly depending on the room category.
Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel
The Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel is located along the river in the centre of Trondheim. It is close to the station, shopping streets, restaurants, and major attractions, making it one of the most convenient all-round choices in the city.
The hotel has a sizeable range of rooms and often appeals to both leisure and business travellers. Its location is particularly useful for a short visit when you want to spend as little time as possible travelling between your hotel and the sights.
Best Trondheim hotels for couples and atmosphere
Scandic Bakklandet
Scandic Bakklandet is a natural choice for couples who want to stay in one of Trondheim’s most charming neighbourhoods. The hotel is close to the river and the Old Town Bridge, with cafés, restaurants, and picturesque streets right outside. You can enjoy Bakklandet’s atmosphere while still walking into Midtbyen whenever you like.
The hotel has a modern design and a range of room types. It is a good compromise for travellers who want both local character and the predictability of a large hotel group.
Clarion Hotel Trondheim
Clarion Hotel Trondheim stands on Brattøra and offers a modern waterfront setting. Larger rooms and views across the harbour make it appealing for couples who prefer contemporary design and a more open outlook than a central historic property can provide.
It is also close to Trondheim Spektrum and the railway station. The walk to the old centre is straightforward, although the hotel’s surroundings are more modern and spacious than romantic Bakklandet.
Thon Hotel Nidaros
Thon Hotel Nidaros is centrally located in a historic building near the railway station and the river. Its setting is convenient for exploring on foot, while the building gives the stay more personality than a standard modern hotel. This can be a good option for couples who want a central base without choosing the city’s most expensive luxury property.
Best hotels in Trondheim for families
Families should look for room size, sleeping arrangements, breakfast, and access to restaurants rather than choosing only by star rating. A central location is helpful because it makes it easier to return to the hotel during the day, especially in changeable weather.
Clarion Hotel Trondheim
Clarion Hotel Trondheim is often practical for families because of its modern facilities, larger hotel layout, and waterfront location. It is near the science and technology museum, which is a popular stop for children, and the walk into the centre is manageable for older children.
Scandic Nidelven
Scandic Nidelven is another dependable family option. Its central location reduces the need for buses, and the hotel’s breakfast makes busy mornings easier. Check the exact room configuration before booking, since family capacity can vary by date and room type.
Apartment-style accommodation
Families staying for several nights may prefer an apartment or aparthotel arrangement. Having a kitchenette, extra living space, and separate sleeping areas can be more useful than a traditional hotel room. Options change frequently, so compare the total price with a family room and check whether cleaning fees, linen, and breakfast are included.
Best budget hotels and affordable accommodation
City Living Schøller Hotel
City Living Schøller Hotel offers apartment-style rooms in a central location near Nidaros Cathedral. It can be a useful choice for travellers who want more space or basic self-catering facilities. The setting is especially convenient for a longer city break, when eating every meal in a restaurant becomes expensive.
Facilities and service are simpler than at a full-service hotel, so this is best for independent travellers who care more about location and flexibility than daily housekeeping or extensive common areas.
P-Hotels Brattøra
P-Hotels Brattøra is a straightforward budget option close to the station and harbour. It is well suited to short stays, early departures, and travellers who plan to spend most of the day exploring Trondheim rather than relaxing at the hotel.
Budget hotels can vary in value depending on the date. Always check what is included in the rate, particularly breakfast, towels, and room cleaning, before comparing it with more established properties.
Quality Hotel Panorama
Quality Hotel Panorama is located south of the centre and may offer better prices than hotels in Midtbyen. It is more suitable for visitors with a car, travellers attending events in the southern part of the city, or anyone comfortable using local transport.
Best hotels for business travellers
Business travellers usually benefit from reliable Wi-Fi, a proper desk, breakfast hours that suit early starts, and a location near meeting venues or transport. Brattøra and Midtbyen are the most convenient districts for many work trips.
Radisson Blu Royal Garden, Scandic Nidelven, and Clarion Hotel Trondheim all offer the facilities and central access that business visitors often need. Thon Hotel Nidaros can be a good alternative for a smaller, more personal setting near the station.
If your meetings are at the university, research campus, or Lerkendal, staying farther south may save time. In that case, compare the cost of a central room with daily taxi or bus journeys. A slightly less central hotel can be better value if your schedule is based outside the old centre.
Best places to stay for food, nightlife, and local life
For restaurants and bars, Solsiden is the most obvious choice. The waterfront has a broad selection of places to eat, and it is easy to move between venues without arranging transport. Bakklandet is better for independent cafés, relaxed dining, and a quieter evening atmosphere.
Midtbyen offers the widest overall selection, including restaurants around Nordre gate, the cathedral area, and the river. It is usually the safest choice if you want variety rather than a specific nightlife scene. Keep in mind that Trondheim’s nightlife is generally more relaxed than that of larger European capitals, and opening hours can change outside the main summer season.
How to choose among hotels in Trondheim Norway
Start with the location that matches your plans. If this is your first trip, choose Midtbyen or the area around the river. If you want charm and cafés, look at Bakklandet. For waterfront views and modern hotels, consider Brattøra. Solsiden is convenient for restaurants and evening activity, while Lerkendal can offer better value for business or event-based trips.
Next, check the total cost rather than the headline nightly rate. Breakfast, parking, city taxes where applicable, and flexible cancellation can change the final price. Parking is particularly important if you are driving, as central hotel parking may be limited or charged separately.
Finally, look closely at room categories. A standard double room may not accommodate a third guest, and views can differ between river-facing and street-facing rooms. If you are travelling with children, confirm bed arrangements directly with the hotel before booking.
When to book Trondheim accommodation
Summer is a popular time to visit, especially during the long daylight hours and around festivals or major events. Prices can rise when conferences, concerts, football matches, or university events fill the city. Booking several weeks or months ahead gives you a better selection of central rooms.
Winter can offer lower rates, although weather and shorter days may influence your plans. Trondheim remains enjoyable in winter if you are happy to visit museums, cafés, restaurants, and indoor attractions between walks. Always check the cancellation policy if your trip depends on transport or weather conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Trondheim?
Midtbyen is the best all-round area for most first-time visitors because it is close to Nidaros Cathedral, restaurants, shops, and the railway station. Bakklandet is better for historic charm, while Solsiden suits travellers who want restaurants and nightlife nearby.
How many days do you need in Trondheim?
Two full days are enough to see the main sights and enjoy the central neighbourhoods. Three or four days allow time for museums, a slower visit to Bakklandet, and day trips or outdoor activities beyond the centre.
Are hotels in Trondheim expensive?
Trondheim can be expensive by international standards, particularly during summer, conferences, and major events. Budget hotels and apartment-style rooms can reduce costs, and travelling outside peak dates usually gives you more choice.
Can you walk between the main hotels and attractions?
Yes. Most central Trondheim hotels are within a 10 to 20 minute walk of Nidaros Cathedral, the Old Town Bridge, shopping streets, and the main restaurant areas. Hotels in Lerkendal and some parts of Brattøra may require a bus or a longer walk.
What is the best Trondheim accommodation for families?
Scandic Nidelven and Clarion Hotel Trondheim are practical choices for families because of their central access and room options. Apartment-style accommodation can be better for longer stays, particularly if you want a kitchenette and extra living space.