If you are planning a trip to Trondheim and wondering where to stay, Britannia Hotel is probably on your shortlist. This grand dame opened in 1870 and has long been the city’s most iconic address. As a Norwegian who grew up with weekend trips to Trondheim, I have watched the hotel transform from a storied classic to a polished luxury property that still feels rooted in local life. It is the place locals book for milestone celebrations, long lunches, and spa days, and travelers choose it when they want comfort, character, and a bit of ceremony.
If you want the short of it: Britannia Hotel is the best full-service luxury hotel in Trondheim, with refined rooms, serious food and drink, and a destination spa. It is not the cheapest bed in town, and it does aim for a classic luxury feel rather than edgy minimalism. If that aligns with your taste, you will be very happy here.
Curious how it actually feels to stay, what the rooms are like, where to eat, and whether the spa is worth your time and kroner. Let’s take a deeper look at the experience of staying at Britannia Hotel in Trondheim.
Location: Right in the Heart of Trondheim
Britannia sits a short stroll from Torvet, the main square, and close to the river that curls around Bakklandet’s colorful wooden houses. You can walk to Nidaros Cathedral in about 10 minutes, which is handy if you want an early quiet visit before tour groups arrive. Solsiden’s waterfront restaurants are also within walking distance, and you are well placed for shopping streets like Munkegata and Nordre.
For arrivals, the airport express bus stops nearby, and the train station is a 10 to 15 minute walk or a quick taxi ride. If you are driving, plan for valet or nearby parking. Trondheim’s center is compact, so once you are in, you really can explore on foot.
Local tip: If you are sensitive to street noise, request a room facing the inner courtyard. Trondheim is safe and calm, but the city center does wake up early, especially on market days around the square.
First Impressions and Service
The tone is set at the door with courteous staff, spotless common areas, and a lobby that strikes a balance between historic elegance and modern polish. You get the traditional Norwegian warmth without fussiness. Service is attentive and professional, and in my experience staff are good at reading the room. Traveling with kids. They offer a gentle, friendly welcome. On a couples weekend. They keep things discreet and feel a touch more formal.
Check-in is usually quick, and luggage help is offered without you having to ask twice. If something is not quite right, I have found the front desk team effective at fixing it. Norwegians are not big on over-the-top chat, so expect efficiency with a smile rather than performative small talk.
Rooms and Suites: Classic Comfort With Modern Details
Rooms have a timeless style with soft colors, high-quality bedding, and well-placed lighting. You get the comfort you expect at this price point: good mattresses, blackout curtains, and quiet HVAC that does not roar all night. Bathrooms are a highlight. Think heated floors, excellent water pressure, and premium toiletries that actually feel premium.
Entry categories are perfectly fine for a city break, but if you value space, consider a larger room or junior suite. Storage is well thought out, which matters in a country that requires a rotation of layers and sturdy shoes. Wi-Fi works reliably across the property, and there are enough outlets near the bed and desk to keep your gear charged without playing adapter gymnastics.
Local tip: Spring and early autumn can bring quick weather changes. Rooms with a small seating area make it easier to regroup between showers and sunshine.
Food and Drink: From Champagne Breakfast to Serious Dining
Breakfast is a point of pride in Norwegian hotels, and Britannia embraces that tradition. The spread is generous and quality-led rather than chaotic. You can expect fresh bread and pastries, local cheeses, smoked fish, eggs to order, and seasonal berries when available. Coffee service is efficient, and the dining room has enough space that you are not elbowing your neighbor at the buffet.
For later in the day, the hotel runs several venues with distinct personalities, from a glossy bar to a refined restaurant that draws both travelers and locals for special-occasion meals. Menus tend to celebrate Norwegian ingredients: seafood from the coast, lamb and game in season, and dairy that actually tastes of the region. Dress codes are relaxed by international standards, but Norwegians will still dress neatly for dinner. You will not feel out of place in smart jeans and a knit, yet it can be fun to elevate a little.
Local tip: Book dinner in advance on weekends and during peak season. Trondheim hosts events and conferences, and top tables go quickly.
The Spa and Wellness: A Real Reason to Stay In
The spa is not an afterthought. If you travel to Norway for nature and end up soaked or windblown, a proper thermal circuit and pool are pure joy. Expect a serene pool area, saunas of varying temperatures, and treatment rooms staffed by well-trained therapists. The design leans calming and classic rather than flashy. If you are coming in winter or after a long fjord day trip, schedule the spa for late afternoon and then drift into dinner.
The small gym covers the basics with modern equipment. Runners can head outside and follow the river paths, which are scenic and easy to navigate.
Local tip: Book treatments ahead of time in summer and December. Locals love winter spa days, and holiday periods fill.
What Stands Out Compared to Other Trondheim Hotels
Trondheim has plenty of solid, good-value hotels, many with decent breakfasts and friendly service. What sets Britannia apart is the combination of heritage, service consistency, and amenities under one roof. You can check in, dine well, spend meaningful time in the spa, and walk to everything that matters. The hotel invests in upkeep, so common areas and rooms feel maintained rather than tired.
If you are deciding between Britannia and a simpler design-forward hotel, ask yourself what you want this trip to feel like. If you want a softer, more ceremonial experience where breakfast feels like an occasion and the lobby invites lingering, Britannia is your lane. If you just need a clean bed near the action and plan to be out all day, you might be happy saving a bit and spending the difference on fjord boat trips or a tasting menu elsewhere.
Who Will Enjoy Britannia Hotel Most
Couples looking for a city break or a romantic base for exploring Trøndelag will appreciate the quiet luxury and spa access. Business travelers benefit from the central location, reliable Wi-Fi, and polished meeting spaces. Families are welcomed, though the vibe is more refined than playful. If you are traveling with young kids, ask for a room with a sofa bed or connecting option, and plan your restaurant bookings at earlier times.
Solo travelers who value creature comforts will feel safe and well supported. The staff are used to hosting international guests, and English is fluent across the board.
Pricing and Value
Britannia is a premium-priced property by Norwegian standards, and rates move with seasons and demand. Summer, major events, and December weekends can be higher. Compared to other Nordic capitals, Trondheim is smaller and calmer, but quality costs what it costs here. If you use the spa, enjoy the breakfast, and make use of the central location, the value tends to pencil out.
Local tip: Shoulder seasons like late April to early June and early September can offer softer rates and beautiful light. Bring layers and you will get the best of Trondheim with fewer crowds.
What To Do Nearby Without Wasting Time
From the hotel, walk to Nidaros Cathedral for the stonework and the sense of history that anchors the city. Cross the old town bridge to Bakklandet for coffee and cobbled lanes. If the weather is good, continue along the river paths or climb up to the Kristiansten Fortress for views across the rooftops and out to the fjord. For culture, the music museum and the art museum are manageable in an afternoon. Food-wise, Trondheim’s scene has grown lively with bakeries, wine bars, and seasonal menus highlighting local producers.
Local tip: Trondheim’s weather changes quickly. Start your day early, get your outdoor walking done before lunch, then reward yourself with the spa in the late afternoon.
Practical Notes and Small Things That Matter
Check-in and check-out times are fairly standard. If you arrive early from a morning flight, the staff do their best to help, but bag drop is always available so you can get out into the city. Rooms have kettles or coffee machines, which is useful on chilly mornings. Slippers and robes make that spa shuffle comfortable. Elevators are quick, and stairwells are bright if you prefer steps.
Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed throughout the property. If you need a walk-in shower or step-free access, mention it when booking and the team will allocate the right room type.
Verdict: A Classic Nordic Luxury Stay Done Right
If you are seeking the best all-around luxury hotel in Trondheim, Britannia is still the benchmark. It blends Norwegian sensibility with international polish, offers serious food and drink, and anchors you in the exact part of the city you want to be. You can spend full days exploring the fjord region and come back to warmth, good service, and a bed that will reset you for the next morning.
Book early for weekends and peak months, plan at least one long breakfast, and save an afternoon for the spa. That combination delivers the Britannia experience as locals think of it: gracious, calm, and quietly memorable.