Trondheim is one of Norway’s most rewarding cities to explore on foot. It combines a lively student atmosphere with medieval history, colourful wooden buildings, excellent museums, scenic waterways, and easy access to nature. Whether you have one day or a long weekend, this guide to the best things to do in Trondheim covers the city’s essential sights as well as a few experiences that are easy to overlook.
Historic Trondheim attractions
1. Visit Nidaros Cathedral
Nidaros Cathedral is the most famous of all Trondheim attractions and the natural starting point for any visit. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, Norway’s patron saint, the cathedral has been an important pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. Study the detailed stone carvings on the western facade, then step inside to see the soaring nave, stained glass, and historic artwork. Allow extra time for the tower climb if it is open, as the views across Trondheim are excellent.
2. Explore the Archbishop’s Palace
Next to Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace is one of Norway’s oldest secular buildings. Its museum explains the history of the archbishops, the cathedral, and Trondheim’s role in medieval Norway. The crown regalia exhibition is a particular highlight, while the atmospheric courtyards are worth seeing even if you only have time for a short visit.
3. Walk across the Old Town Bridge
Gamle Bybro, or the Old Town Bridge, is one of the most recognisable sights in Trondheim. The red wooden bridge dates from the eighteenth century and provides lovely views along the Nidelva River. It is especially photogenic in the morning and around sunset. From the bridge, look back towards the colourful wharf buildings and the spire of Nidaros Cathedral.
4. Wander through Bakklandet
Bakklandet is Trondheim’s most charming neighbourhood, with narrow streets, wooden houses, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. It is a great place to slow down after visiting the cathedral. Browse small design stores, stop for coffee, and follow the riverfront paths. Bakklandet is also a good base for an evening meal, with options ranging from casual cafés to more ambitious local restaurants.
5. See the colourful Nidelva wharves
The old wharf buildings along the Nidelva are among the best-known images of Trondheim Norway. Their painted facades reflect the city’s trading history and look particularly beautiful in calm weather when they appear in the river. Walk along Kjøpmannsgata and the river paths on both sides, taking time to compare the different colours, balconies, and architectural details.
6. Learn about Kristiansten Fortress
Kristiansten Fortress stands on a hill above the city and was built after the great fire of 1681. Its defensive walls, grassy grounds, and white tower are open to visitors, and the site offers some of the best free views in Trondheim. The fortress also has a sombre history, including its use during the Second World War. Visit on a clear day and bring a picnic if the weather is good.
7. Find the city’s old wooden streets
Trondheim has several areas where historic wooden architecture remains part of everyday city life. In addition to Bakklandet, explore streets around Hospitalsløkkan and the area near the cathedral. These quieter corners are ideal for Trondheim sightseeing away from the busiest routes. Look for painted doors, traditional window designs, and small gardens tucked behind the houses.
Museums and cultural experiences
8. Visit the NTNU Science Museum
The NTNU Science Museum, also known as the University Museum, covers archaeology, natural history, and cultural history. Exhibitions include Viking and medieval finds, Sámi culture, church art, and local wildlife. It is a useful place to visit early in your trip because it gives context to many of the historic buildings and landscapes you will see around the city.
9. Discover Rockheim
Rockheim is Norway’s national museum of popular music. Interactive exhibitions explore Norwegian music from the 1950s to the present, covering rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic music, and more. The museum is engaging even if you are not familiar with Norwegian artists. Do not miss the rooftop terrace, which has wide views over the harbour and central Trondheim.
10. Explore the National Museum of Decorative Arts
The National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, often associated with Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum, displays furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, and other objects. Its collections offer a different perspective on Norwegian design and craftsmanship. Check current opening information before visiting, as exhibitions and access can change during renovation periods.
11. See the Trondheim Kunstmuseum
Trondheim Kunstmuseum presents Norwegian and international art, with a particular strength in modern and contemporary works. The museum’s exhibitions change regularly, so it is worth checking the programme rather than relying only on a permanent collection. It is located close to Nidaros Cathedral, making it easy to combine with a historic city walk.
12. Visit Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
Sverresborg is an open-air museum built around the ruins of medieval Sverresborg Castle. Historic buildings from across Trøndelag have been moved to the site, including farmhouses, town buildings, and a stave church. You can step inside many of the buildings and learn how people lived in the region over several centuries. Plan at least two hours for this attraction, especially during the summer season.
13. Attend a concert at Nidaros Cathedral or Olavshallen
Music is an important part of Trondheim’s cultural life. Look for organ concerts or seasonal performances at Nidaros Cathedral, and check the programme at Olavshallen for classical music, theatre, and larger concerts. The city is also known for jazz and live music, with smaller venues offering performances throughout the week.
Outdoor things to do in Trondheim
14. Walk along the Nidelva River
A riverside walk is one of the easiest things to do in Trondheim. Start near the Old Town Bridge and follow the paths in either direction. You will pass wharves, bridges, small parks, and views of the cathedral. The route is attractive in every season, although autumn brings especially rich colours to the trees along the water.
15. Relax at Marinen
Marinen is a green riverside park beside Nidaros Cathedral. Locals come here to read, meet friends, and enjoy sunny days. It is a good place to pause between museum visits, and the open views towards the river make it popular with photographers. In summer, the park can feel surprisingly peaceful despite being close to the city centre.
16. Climb to Utsikten
Utsikten, meaning the view, is a viewpoint above Trondheim that looks across the city and surrounding landscape. You can reach it by walking through residential streets and forested paths, or by combining it with a longer hike in the surrounding hills. The view is especially rewarding in clear weather, when you can see the fjord, rooftops, and distant mountains.
17. Hike in Bymarka
Bymarka is Trondheim’s large outdoor recreation area, with forests, lakes, trails, and routes suitable for different fitness levels. Popular walks lead around Theisendammen and Skistua. In summer, you can hike, cycle, or swim in selected lakes. In winter, Bymarka becomes a major cross-country skiing area. Check local conditions and transport options before setting out.
18. Cycle around the city
Trondheim is a comfortable city for cycling, with relatively compact central districts and several dedicated cycle routes. Rent a bike to connect Bakklandet, the harbour, Lade, and quieter neighbourhoods in a single day. The city is also home to the famous bicycle lift on Brubakken, which helps cyclists up the steep hill from the Old Town Bridge area. It is a fun piece of urban engineering, whether or not you use it.
19. Walk or swim at Korsvika
Korsvika on the Lade peninsula is a pleasant coastal area with paths, rocks, and views across the Trondheimsfjord. On warm summer days, people come here to swim and sunbathe. The water can be cold, but the setting is beautiful. Combine the visit with a walk along the Ladestien coastal path, one of the best easy walks near the city.
20. Follow the Ladestien coastal trail
The Ladestien is a scenic trail along the coast east of central Trondheim. It passes beaches, rocky viewpoints, woodland, historic sites, and small coves. You do not need to complete the entire route to enjoy it. Choose a section based on your time, and bring water and sensible footwear because some parts can be uneven.
Food, markets, and local life
21. Try local food at Mathallen Trondheim
Mathallen Trondheim is a good introduction to the region’s food scene, with stalls and producers showcasing local ingredients. Look for seafood, cured meats, cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal specialities. It is a useful option when everyone in your group wants something different, and it can be more relaxed than a formal restaurant.
22. Visit the farmers’ market
When the farmers’ market is running, it is one of the most enjoyable places to sample Trøndelag produce. Depending on the season, you may find berries, vegetables, local cheeses, bread, preserves, meat, and handmade products. Market dates and locations vary, so check the current schedule before planning your visit.
23. Taste seafood from the Trondheimsfjord
Trondheim’s location beside the fjord means seafood features prominently on many menus. Try local fish, mussels, crab, or other seasonal catches at a restaurant or food hall. For a more casual experience, look for fish soup, open sandwiches, or freshly prepared seafood dishes rather than limiting yourself to a single formal meal.
24. Explore Trondheim’s coffee culture
With a large student population and a strong creative scene, Trondheim has plenty of independent cafés. Bakklandet, Møllenberg, and the city centre are good areas for finding carefully brewed coffee, pastries, and light lunches. A café stop is also one of the best ways to experience the city at a slower pace, particularly when the weather turns wet.
25. Visit a local brewery or pub
Trondheim has a lively craft beer scene, with local breweries, taprooms, and traditional pubs. Ask staff about beers brewed in Trøndelag, and look for seasonal releases. Several venues also serve hearty Norwegian food, making them a practical choice for an informal evening after a day of sightseeing.
More memorable things to do in Trondheim
26. Take a boat trip on the Trondheimsfjord
A boat trip offers a different view of Trondheim’s skyline and waterfront. Depending on the season, you may find sightseeing cruises, fjord excursions, or smaller guided trips. On the water, look back towards Nidaros Cathedral and the old wharves, and keep an eye out for seabirds. Book ahead during the busiest summer weeks.
27. Visit Munkholmen
Munkholmen is a small island in the Trondheimsfjord with a fortress, former monastery, and prison history. Boats generally operate in the warmer months, weather permitting. The trip is short, but the island feels removed from the city and provides an interesting combination of history, open sea views, and summer swimming opportunities.
28. See the Tyholt Tower
Tyholt Tower is one of the tallest structures in Trondheim and has a revolving restaurant near the top. Even if you do not plan a full meal, the panoramic view is a memorable way to see the city, fjord, and surrounding hills. Visibility matters, so choose a clear evening if possible and reserve a table in advance.
29. Make a day trip to Stjørdal or Hell
If you have extra time, the area east of Trondheim offers easy day-trip possibilities. Stjørdal has access to historic sites, countryside, and the airport area, while Hell is known for its memorable name and railway station sign. These stops are best combined with other nearby attractions rather than treated as a full day on their own.
30. Follow a section of the Saint Olav Ways
Trondheim is the destination of several pilgrimage routes known collectively as the Saint Olav Ways. You do not need to commit to a multi-day pilgrimage to experience the route. Walk a short section outside the centre or visit the Pilgrim Centre to learn about the trails, accommodation, and history. It is a thoughtful way to connect Trondheim’s modern streets with its medieval past.
Planning your Trondheim sightseeing
Most central attractions can be reached on foot, especially Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, Bakklandet, the Old Town Bridge, and the museums near the river. For Bymarka, Sverresborg, Lade, and other outlying areas, use local buses or bicycles. Trondheim’s weather can change quickly, so bring a waterproof layer even in summer and wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and forest trails.
One day in Trondheim is enough for the cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, Old Town Bridge, Bakklandet, and a riverside walk. With two or three days, add Rockheim, Sverresborg, Kristiansten Fortress, a coastal walk, and a food-focused evening. If you are visiting between late spring and early autumn, check boat schedules for Munkholmen and fjord trips before finalising your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Trondheim for first-time visitors?
Start with Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Old Town Bridge, Bakklandet, and the colourful Nidelva wharves. If you have more time, add Rockheim, Kristiansten Fortress, and a walk along the river or Ladestien.
How many days do you need in Trondheim?
Two full days are ideal for seeing the main Trondheim attractions without rushing. One day covers the historic centre, while three days gives you time for museums, nature, local food, and a possible trip to Munkholmen or Bymarka.
Is Trondheim worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter brings a quieter atmosphere, seasonal events, cross-country skiing in Bymarka, and the possibility of snowy historic streets. Daylight is limited, so plan indoor attractions for the middle of the day and check conditions before travelling into the hills.
What is Trondheim best known for?
Trondheim is best known for Nidaros Cathedral, its medieval history, colourful wooden wharves, student culture, music scene, and access to the Trondheimsfjord and surrounding outdoor areas.
Can you explore Trondheim without a car?
Yes. The historic centre is compact and easy to walk around, and local buses connect the centre with places such as Sverresborg, Bymarka, and Lade. Renting a bicycle is another convenient option during the warmer months.