Trondheim sits right on Trondheimsfjorden, the third longest fjord in Norway, and it is ringed by quiet side fjords, tidal narrows, historic islands, and easy coastal hikes. If you are picturing dramatic vertical cliffs like Geiranger, you will not find that here. What you get instead is a gentler, more lived-in fjord landscape with farms, medieval ruins, small fishing harbors, and wide views that open and close as the light shifts across the water. I grew up exploring this coastline in every season, and it remains my favorite part of Norway for slow travel.
If you are asking whether there are worthwhile fjords near Trondheim, the short answer is yes. Trondheimsfjorden and its arms, including Stjørdalsfjorden, Åsenfjorden, Beitstadfjorden and the intimate Borgenfjorden, are all easy day trips. They offer kayaking on sheltered waters, coastal trails, family-friendly beaches, and a taste of Norwegian village life. Go for a half day to Munkholmen or Ladestien, or spend a full day wandering Inderøy’s “Golden Road” with farm cafés and fjord viewpoints.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the fjords near Trondheim and how to enjoy them like a local.
Understanding Trondheimsfjorden
Trondheimsfjorden runs roughly 80 miles from the open coast near Ørland to the inland town of Steinkjer. It is wide and deep, with a patchwork of peninsulas and bridge crossings that make it easy to combine driving, short walks, and small ferries. Do not expect a single “must-see” viewpoint. The pleasure here is stringing together a few stops, breathing the salt air, and watching the color of the water change hour by hour.
From Trondheim city center you are already on the fjord. Take the short boat over to Munkholmen, an island with a layered history as a monastery, fortress, and prison. It is a classic first taste of the fjord, especially on a calm summer morning when the city feels far away but is still in view. Back on shore, the Ladestien coastal path east of the center follows coves and pocket beaches like Korsvika and Ringvebukta. The water is cold, but on warm days you will hear the splash of brave swimmers.
Stjørdalsfjorden: Easy Views and a Medieval Castle
East of Trondheim, Stjørdalsfjorden is a long inlet that feels almost like a lake. It is a good pick if the wind is up on the main fjord, since the hills offer shelter. The headliner is Steinvikholm Castle, a 16th-century ruin sitting on a small island just off the village of Skatval. At low tide you can sometimes walk the causeway in dry shoes. Bring a thermos and sit on the rocks while the tide creeps back across.
For simple viewpoints, drive the ridge roads above Skatval. Short strolls from pullouts give you big fjord panoramas without a major hike. Photographers love evenings here when the sun slips under the clouds and paints the fields gold.
Getting there: By car, follow the E6 toward Stjørdal and then local signs to Skatval and Steinvikholm. By train, take the local service from Trondheim to Skatval or Stjørdal and connect by bus or taxi.
Åsenfjorden and Frosta: Quiet Shores and Monastic Calm
North of Stjørdal, Åsenfjorden splits off the main fjord toward the Frosta peninsula. This is a gentle corner of Trøndelag, famous for vegetables and berries, with shorelines that invite wandering. Tautra island sits in the middle, linked by a low causeway. It holds the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and a modern convent that welcomes quiet visitors. Even on busy summer days, you can find a bench by the water and listen to eider ducks grumble as they raft past.
There are small, shallow beaches along Frosta where families set up simple picnics. If you enjoy birdwatching, bring binoculars. The mudflats and reed beds around Tautra attract waders and terns in spring and late summer. On still evenings the reflections here are mirror-clean.
Local tip: The wind on Åsenfjorden often eases after 7 p.m. in summer. I time my visits for late light, when the water goes glassy and the farms across the fjord light up warm.
Inderøy, Beitstadfjorden, and Borgenfjorden: Norway in Miniature
Drive an hour and a bit north to Inderøy, a peninsula that feels purpose-built for a low-stress fjord day. The route called Den Gyldne Omvei translates to “The Golden Detour,” and it is exactly that. You loop between small farm shops, art studios, and viewpoints over Beitstadfjorden. The road itself is part of the pleasure. Roll down the window. Smell cut grass and seaweed. Wave at cyclists.
Tucked inside Beitstadfjorden is one of my favorite spots in all of Norway, Borgenfjorden. It is a narrow inner fjord separated from the larger water by a tidal strait at the village of Straumen. At peak flow you will see current lines and whirlpools racing beneath the bridge. Do not swim here when the tide is running. Instead, walk the waterfront path, grab a cinnamon bun, and watch the show. When the tide slackens, this is a fine place to launch a kayak for a drift along sheltered shores.
Getting there: Follow the E6 north to Røra and turn onto local roads for Inderøy. Trains run hourly to Røra and Steinkjer from Trondheim, and you can rent bikes locally in summer to complete the loop at your own pace.
Fosen Side: Ferries, Headlands, and Old Manor Houses
Across the fjord from Trondheim lies the Fosen peninsula, a wilder shore with farms tucked into coves. The regular ferry from Flakk to Rørvik puts you right into the scenery. Drive north along the coast to quiet villages like Leksvik, or south toward Brekstad where the coast opens to the Atlantic. The fjord views are wide here and on clear days you can pick out the skyline of Trondheim across the water.
If you enjoy history, detour to Austrått Manor near Brekstad, a Renaissance estate with grounds that slope toward the sea. On windy days, the Fosen side gets proper whitecaps. On calm evenings the sunset can roll on for hours.
Local tip: Check ferry departure times before you set off. In shoulder seasons there are fewer sailings. If you are prone to seasickness, sit outside and look at the horizon. It makes a difference.
Sunndalsfjorden and Surnadalsfjorden: Bigger Scenery within Range
If you want steeper mountains without driving all the way to the famous western fjords, aim southwest for Sunndalsfjorden or Surnadalsfjorden. These are reachable as long day trips from Trondheim. The valleys carry more snow in spring, waterfalls rip harder after rain, and the mountain walls start to climb. You will feel the transition from mellow Trøndelag to the crisper outlines of Northwest Norway.
For a classic stop, pull into Sunndalsøra and stroll the riverfront where the fjord meets the valley. On bright days the contrast between green water and dark rock is dramatic. Bring layers even in July. The wind funnels here and can go from mild to sharp in minutes.
Namsenfjorden and the Folda Coast: Northward for Wild Edges
Drive north past Steinkjer and the landscape opens again. Namsenfjorden cuts inland from the town of Namsos. It is broad and quiet, with small communities on both sides. Keep an eye out for porpoises rolling just under the surface and for white-tailed sea eagles circling above the ridgelines. If you push farther to the Folda coast around Flatanger, the coastline gets craggier and more exposed. This is an excellent area for sea-kayaking with a local guide on calm days, but only go with proper experience and safety gear. Weather can change quickly.
This northern extension is better as an overnight trip than a strict day out, but if you start early in summer, the long light buys you time.
Best Fjord Activities Near Trondheim
Coastal walking. If you only do one thing, walk a piece of Ladestien in Trondheim and another coastal loop out on Frosta or Inderøy. The paths are well marked and family friendly. I keep a small picnic kit in the car so I can stop wherever looks good.
Kayaking. The side fjords are ideal for beginners on calm days. Put safety first. Always wear a life jacket, check the wind forecast, and avoid tidal narrows like Straumen in Inderøy at peak flow. Early mornings are usually the quietest.
Beach dips. The water is cold year-round. In summer, locals still swim. Try Korsvika or Ringvebukta in the city, Vikanbukta on Inderøy, and small sandy pockets on Frosta. Bring warm clothes for after. A quick dip followed by a hot coffee is peak Trøndelag.
Photography. The fjord here rewards patience more than drama. Wait for soft light. After rain, puddles on rock terraces make perfect reflection pools for minimal shots.
Cultural stops. Pair your outdoor time with Steinvikholm Castle, Tautra’s monastery ruins, Austrått Manor, or the small museums in Inderøy. It rounds out the day and keeps children engaged.
How To Get Around Without a Car
A car is convenient, but you can enjoy most of this with public transport.
Trains and buses. The local Trøndelag line runs north from Trondheim to Stjørdal, Levanger, Verdal, Røra, and Steinkjer. From these hubs, buses reach Frosta, Inderøy, and smaller villages. Plan for lower frequency on weekends and in school holidays.
Boats and ferries. The seasonal boat to Munkholmen is an easy win on sunny days. The Flakk to Rørvik ferry is frequent and part of the fun, and there are smaller ferries farther north if you push into Inderøy and Beitstadfjorden.
Cycling. Inderøy and Frosta are great on bikes. The roads undulate but the distances are modest. In high summer, start early to avoid the warmest hours and carry a water bottle. Drivers are used to cyclists, but ride single file on narrow sections.
When To Visit and What To Pack
Summer. Long evenings, mild temperatures, and farm cafés in full swing. Bring a light windbreaker, a sweater, and sunscreen. Even if the day starts hot, the fjord breeze can bite when the sun dips.
Autumn. My personal favorite. The fields go copper, the air sharpens, and the water often looks inky and calm. Pack a hat and gloves. Expect showers that pass quickly.
Winter. Quiet and beautiful. On clear, cold nights there is a chance to see the northern lights over the fjord, especially away from city lights. Wear traction on icy paths. Many cafés close midwinter, so carry your own snacks.
Spring. Migratory birds return to Tautra and the farms green up. The weather swings. Bring layers you can add or peel off. Melting snow up in the hills feeds waterfalls on the bigger fjords west and southwest.
Safety and Etiquette on the Fjord
Cold water is the main risk. Even in July, treat the fjord with respect. Wear a life jacket when boating or paddling. Keep children within arm’s reach at the shoreline, especially near currents.
Mind the tides. Narrow straits like Straumen in Inderøy run fast. Check tide tables if you plan to kayak or stand close to the edge at peak flow.
Allemannsretten. Norway’s right to roam lets you walk and picnic on uncultivated land, but be considerate. Close gates, leave no trace, and keep a respectful distance from farmhouses. There is a general bonfire ban in and near forests from April 15 to September 15. Use established grills or wait until wet, calm conditions if local rules allow.
Wildlife. Give seabirds room in nesting season. If a bird starts calling loudly and diving near you, you are too close.
Sample One-Day Itineraries
Half-day from Trondheim without a car. Morning boat to Munkholmen. Lunch back in town. Afternoon stroll along Ladestien to Korsvika and Ringvebukta. Sunset on the rocks if the sky looks promising.
Full day with a car: Inderøy loop. E6 to Røra, slow detour along Den Gyldne Omvei. Coffee at Straumen while you watch the tide, short shoreline walk on Borgenfjorden, then up to a farm viewpoint. Late return along the main road with a stop in Steinkjer harbor for a leg stretch.
History and views east. Drive to Steinvikholm for the castle, continue to ridge pullouts above Skatval, then wander a beach on the inner Stjørdalsfjorden. Back to Trondheim for dinner on the waterfront.
Final Practical Tips
Bring a towel and swimwear even if you think you will not use them. Pack a thermos. Keep small change for rural parking machines, though most now accept cards or apps. Weather here changes quickly. If it looks gray in the city, it can be bright at Frosta or Inderøy, and the reverse. I often check two or three webcams around the fjord to choose my direction.
The fjords near Trondheim are not a spectacle to be consumed in one gulp. They reward an unhurried day, a small detour, and a little curiosity. If you meet the water halfway, it will meet you right back.