Eight Unique Places to Visit in Trondheim, Norway

Situated on the Banks of the Nidelva river and the historic capital of Norway, Trondheim is home to around 30,000 University students and is a favourite destination of tourists. What’s the attraction?

Why do so many people choose to visit Trondheim, in Norway?

From history to today – Trondheim’s Nidelva river and old warehouses now restaurants and workshops

Was it just because of the historic cathedral, Nidaros, the most northerly cathedral in the world? Or was it the lacework on the old bridge or something else that drew the crowds?

Take a fast virtual tour through Trondheim to see why I found it unique.

Bakklandet quarter in Trondheim

7 Unique Facts about Trondheim

1. The Bicycle Tramp – Trondheim

lift in Trondheim

It is home to the Tramp: the world’s only bicycle lift, a card-operated assist track that carries your bike up to the top of the hill. (It takes practice to use)

2. The Old Bridge, Gammel Broen, Trondheim

trondheim-gammelbro

The first bridge was built in 1681 to connect with the Kristiansten ‘festning,’ (or fortress on the hill).  The current bridge was built in 1861 by Carl Adolf Dahl. An iconic first stop for a selfie or Instagram pic that unequivocally says Trondheim.

Trondheim, Norway

3. Kristiansten Fortress, Trondheim

Built after the great fire of 1682, at a time when the Norwegians feared invasion from the marauding Swedes, Kristiansten Fortress is the location the Nazis used as a place of execution for members of the Norwegian resistance in WWII.

For modern visitors, it offers commanding and unique views of the city, fjords and mountains and retains vestigial examples of war – cannons, bastions, army barracks and artillery supply buildings.

Kristiansten Fortress can be accessed free of charge.

On weekends, you might be lucky to find re-enactment groups practising in the grounds.

5. Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim

Trondheim is home to the northernmost gothic cathedral in the world – a unique architectural gem.

Nidaros Cathedral

Built from 1079 onwards over the tomb of St Olav, the Viking King who brought Christianity to Norway, the Nidarosdomen cathedral was completed around 1300.

For the fit and hearty, there are 172 steps to the top of the tower. The tale of how St Olav united Norway, is legendary.

Similar to the Camino, Nidaros was the endpoint for pilgrims in the Middle Ages, who walked the Pilgrimsleden, or Pilgrim’s path, in the hopes of achieving enlightenment, spiritual clarity, healing and adventure.

View of Nidaros Cathedral from Festning Kristiansten

6. Armoury and Resistance Museum, Trondheim

Adjacent to the cathedral, this museum conveys the history of the Norwegian armed forces with a focus on WW II. It houses a defunct Norwegian flag used at the time of the Nazi Occupation, and a curious portrait of Quisling, who the Nazis installed as leader, which very much resembles Adolf Hitler – this might have been intentional?

7. Stiftsgaarden, Trondheim

Dating from 1774, Stiftsgaarden was first constructed for a well-to-do family but from 1900 onwards, became the residence for the Norwegian Royal Family, when in Trondheim and comprises 140 rooms. Tours are available if booked in advance.

8. Bakklandet, Trondheim

baklandet

On the far side of the city precinct, a colourful quarter of historic buildings line the river’s edge. Here you will see a living museum of unique wooden vernacular architecture known as Bakklandet.

Housing cafés, boutiques and curio shops, the old-style industrial warehouses have been repurposed as restaurants, schools and workshops. In summer in Norway, it is the place to be.

skyndstasjion

Open seven days a week, Bakklandet Skyndsstation is a unique café with walls literally busting with traditional embroidery and comfy decor. A must-see for a cuppa or light meal, any time of the day.

Eight reasons why Trondheim has got me under its spell and I can’t wait to go back, one day.

Unique Boutique Accommodation in Trondheim

Looking for a unique hotel to complement your stay? I loved the Hotel Bakeriet, a unique hotel cleverly designed to maintain the integrity of a historic bakery. The dining room has kept the original bakers’ ovens, its glass ceiling allowing guests to take in the view skyward. I love the dark brick walls complete with fire escape ladders and can highly recommend the complimentary waffles served at afternoon tea.

I do hope I have tempted you to fall in love with Trondheim.