Things to see and do Trondheim

This boat offers a guided tour that passes through various ports in the fjord, and then stops at Monk's Island. At the end of the tour, the boat travels up the Nidelva River to give visitors a glimpse of the city and its important monuments. Departures every half hour in high season. Before boarding, remember to buy tickets which are also valid for the return trip. Taking this small boat will allow you to see the city from another perspective, from the water, and to tread on the charming Monks' Island with your feet.

You will find all the necessary information about the city and its region. It is possible to discover the city on foot or by bike and for that you just have to ask the office to find a French or English speaking guide. At the time of writing this guide, only the tiny office located in the Torg shopping center is open. It doesn't offer as many services as a regular tourist office, but it's still very good for everyday needs if you're spending a few days in Trondheim. Ask about guided tours!

This tower built by the Post and Telecommunications is 120 m high. An elevator takes you up to the terrace where you have a breathtaking panoramic view of Trondheim and the surrounding area. It includes the Egon Rotating Restaurant, which is 74 m high. It is one of the most visited attractions in Trondheim.

The Nidaros cathedral has kept the Viking name of the present-day city of Trondheim, inspired by the river Nidelva. Built in the 12th century, in 1653, on the tomb of Saint Olav, the cathedral is entirely dedicated to him. Converted to Christianity in France and proclaimed king on his return to Trondheim. In 1024, he tried to Christianize the society before fleeing under pressure from the people. When he returned, he died during the Stiklestad ride and was buried on the spot, under a pile of sand. According to the legend, people who trampled on the tomb were cured of their illnesses. A year and five days later, it was decided to open his tomb and they found his body intact, his hair and nails had grown. It was then decided to build around him the beginnings of the present monument. The cathedral is built in "soapstone", in a style where the Gothic dominates, but older parts are of Romanesque inspiration. The stained glass windows are magnificent and only date from the 20th century. With its richly sculpted façade and splendid stained glass windows, it is reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris. The last king to be crowned in the cathedral was Harald V in 1991. The interior of the cathedral is ultimately more sober than the exterior, so if you don't opt for an educational and enjoyable guided tour, it may be more interesting to go in for a concert. Now a protestant church, the cathedral remains a place of pilgrimage and a cultural symbol of the country.

This open-air museum is 4 km from the town centre and can be reached on foot or by bus. It comprises some 60 buildings, including the remains of King Sverre's castle. There is a wildlife park, a standing wooden church, farm buildings, an old shoemaker's workshop and old houses that were once in the centre. In the museum, an 18th-century inn keeps the traditions alive with a restaurant that continues to serve authentic cuisine in a 1739 home.

Almost opposite the cathedral, the royal residence in Trondheim is the largest wooden palace in Scandinavia. The building was constructed in 1778, in a style halfway between rococo and classicism. Most of the furniture in the palace today is in the Biedermeier style, but there is Hepplewhite furniture in the Chinese cabinet and Gustavian furniture in the Red Room. It is the official residence of the King and Queen when they are in Trondheim.

This old tramway resembles a small country train that runs out of steam a little as it climbs the hill through the woods, before arriving at the terminus. From the semicircular outdoor terrace, there's a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Below you'll find a small lake, with a tiny island in the middle, spiked with a single tree. When the weather's fine, it's a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. It's also the starting point for many hikes in the Bymarka nature reserve, a must-see if you're spending several days in Trondheim!

Welcome to the national museum dedicated to pop/rock music. This ultra-modern museum was opened in 2010. Built on several floors, the Rockheim is both educational and interactive. You can learn about the history of music in Norway, the birth of pop music in the country and around the world. The Rockheim invites its visitors to be part of the visit. There is also a gallery that hosts many exhibitions throughout the year, and a media library with a very nice documentation. Superb view from the^5th floor.

Oyvind is a photographer. He offers to take you into his world, looking for beautiful views. From a two-hour walk in Trondheim and its points of interest to a three-hour hunt for the Northern Lights (remember to bring warm clothes!), on the coast or in the forest, Oyvind adapts to your tastes and desires and will be able to share techniques and advice. A pleasant way to discover the region and the opportunity to come back with nice pictures.

The Musée des Arts et Métiers, in addition to its craft and furniture collections, boasts tapestries based on cartoons by Gerhard Munthe. These motifs tell the story of the Viking epic and perfectly illustrate the Norwegian Olympus. Three other sites are associated with the museum, taking over from the main building: the jewel of Trondheim royal residence, Austrått manor house, one of the country's oldest, and the Hannah Ryggen Centre. Reopening date unknown.

This tiny walled island was once Trondheim's place of torment. A Benedictine convent built around the year 1000 (one of the first in Scandinavia) was transformed into a prison fortress in 1658, a bit like Alcatraz or the Château d'If. Today, it is a pretty and popular tourist site, with a small beach and a café-restaurant which are open during the whole summer period. Guided tours are available during the summer.

The Archbishop's Palace, the symbol of the city, is located just behind the cathedral. It was the residence of the pontiffs until the Reformation, when Norway became Lutheran. From 1556 onwards and for about 100 years, the palace housed the Danish overlords before being taken over by the army. At the end of Bispegata Street, which runs in front of the cathedral, is Gamle Bybro, the old drawbridge with its ornate, red-painted porticoes.

The museum is the only one in Norway that specializes in musical instruments and consists of white houses in a small square courtyard. The museum's collection consists of about 2000 instruments from all over the world. Among the instruments on display are the hardangerfele violin, whose distinctive sound inspired Edvard Grieg, and the nuckelharpe, a Swedish variant of violins with under-strings. A pleasant café, a souvenir shop, a botanical garden and temporary exhibitions complete this place perfectly.

The Musée de la Marine is housed in a former prison built in 1725. In use until 1835, it was once known as the slave prison. The legendary Gjest Baardson, the Norwegian Robin Hood, was put in irons here. The museum houses a small collection of sailing ships, some beautiful figureheads and navigational instruments. The museum shop offers beautiful illustrated books, games and small items.

This painting gallery adjoins the cathedral. On the steps, the Skrubbefar, a bronze by Dyre Vaa, stands guard. Immediately at the entrance is Karl Uchermann's huge painting (1892) of a moose being devoured by wolves. Further on, we find Peter Balke with his bistre seascapes of the Great North under the storm. Tidemand and Gude, also present, were the great painters of the Norwegian romantic period. The museum café is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm.

The Trondheim Tramway Museum opened its doors to the public in 1995. What makes this collection so special, beyond its sheer number and diversity, is its completeness. The museum brings together almost all the models that have paraded the city's streets! The trains are fully restored, and some are even functional. The vast majority are open to the public. All in all, a wonderful journey back in time!

It's a great student association that exists since 1927. Housed in this amazing round red house, Samfundet organises events, parties, exhibitions and many other activities. Interesting to get up close and personal with the vibrant youth of Trondheim and the world. Every year they organise UKA, Norway's largest student-run cultural festival and ISFit, one of the largest international student festivals.

Trampe, Trondheim's bicycle elevator, is a curiosity that needs no introduction! Trondheim's cyclists were faced with such a steep incline that they ended up taking matters into their own hands. Created in 1993, Trampe is one of a kind. Free of charge, it enables cyclists to overcome the steep Brubakken climb without breaking a sweat! To use it, nothing could be simpler: place your right foot on the cleat, keep the other foot on the pedal, and press the button!

Bymarka is quite simply the garden of the people of Trondheim. This vast 80 km² coastal natural area is home to a wealth of natural beauty and some 200 km of hiking trails! It's a meeting place for locals in fine weather, but also in winter, when the cross-country ski trails (some of which are illuminated for night-time use) are open. There are several refuges and cafés on the reserve to welcome you for a break. It's easy to get here by public transport, via Sverresborg, Kyvatnet or Lian.