Welcome to Trondheim – one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia


Trondheim

The historical Capital of Norway

Trondheim is a city where the old meets the new. Situated in the county of Sør-Trøndelag where the river Nidelven flows into the Trondheim fjord. We are far north, but the warm Gulf Stream blesses us with a fairly mild climate.

The first capital of Norway

The city was founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 BC, and occupies a special place in Norwegian culture and history. Trondheim was the nation's first capital, and continues to be the coronation city where many of Norway's Kings have been crowned or blessed.

In its history the city was and is now again a popular destination for pilgrimages. The St. Olav Ways to Nidaros (the old name of Trondheim) was formally awarded certification as a "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" in May 2010.


When you visit Trondheim, you will notice:
  • The salmon river Nideven winding slowly around the city's downtown district and the old wharves along the mouth of the river
  • The majestic Nidaros cathedral
  • The wide streets
  • The tall column with the statue of Olav Tryggvason the Viking king in the middle of the town square
  • The old town bridge ("Gamle Bybro") with its carved gates, called “The gate of Fortune”
  • The colourful wooden houses


Sights and Museums in Trondheim

In Trondheim you can choose between a rich variety of historical sights, museums and art galleries See www.visit-trondheim.com for a total overview.


Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace
The Nidaros Cathedral is the national sanctuary of Norway, built over the grave of St. Olav. Work began in 1070, but the oldest parts still in existence date from the middle of the twelfth century.

The Archbishop’s Palace was the archbishop’s residence until the Reformation in 1537. The Archbishop’s Palace in Trondheim is one of the best preserved building complexes of its kind in Europe. The south wing houses the The Archbishop’s Palace museum. The west wing houses the Crown Regalia Exhibition, the Armoury and the Home Front Museum.

For more information, opening hours etc – www.nidarosdomen.no


Ringve Museum is Norway’s national museum of music and musical instrument.
The exhibition in the main building is open from April - November.
www.ringve.no

Stiftsgården - The Royal Residence in Trondheim
Open from June - August.

Sverresborg, Trøndelag Folk Museum
Large open-air museum with wooden buildings and scenes from Trondheim and Trøndelag. Open all year. www.sverresborg.no

Guided tours of the city
During summer season you can experience the city by foot or by bus with a guide.
www.visit-trondheim.com

NTNU Museum of Natural History and Archaeology was in 2010 awarded “Museum of the year in Norway”
www.vitenskapsmuseet.no

The boat trip to historical Munkholmen is a good opportunity to view Trondheim from the seaward side, while the view from the rotating restaurant in the Tyholt tower (74m/243ft.) gives you an exquisite panorama of the city and its surroundings.

 

Outdoor activities

Trondheim’s green belt - In summer as well as winter, Bymarka entices us with the beauty and variety of its countryside. There is a varied and well developed network of trails.

Walking trails - Ladestien (The Lade Trail) of about 14 km (9 miles) goes along the coast of the Lade peninsula. The Nidelv-stien trail alongside the river Nidelven. From Tempe to the Leirfossene waterfalls.

City bikes
Short time cards for the city bikes can be hired from the Tourist Information Office at the market square.

The Trampe bicycle lift
Trondheim is the first city in the world with a lift specifically designed for cyclists.
The lift card is available at the Tourist Information Office at the market square, or Sykkelbua and Dromedar Kaffebar at the starting point of the lift.
www.trampe.no