24 Hours in Trondheim: Top 6 Must-Do Activities
I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Trondheim in the summer after completing my St.Olav’s pilgrimage. Trondheim is a city rich in culture and can be explored in just a day.
This city is the perfect size since you can walk or bike anywhere you want to go. Here are my six must do activities during a 24-hour visit to Trondheim:
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Trondheim Highlights
⭐️ Visit Nidaros Cathedral
⭐️ Relax at Havet
⭐️ Walk on the Old Town Bridge
Top 6 must-do activities in Trondheim
Trondheim is the gateway to the arctic paradise of Norway, therefore making it a perfect stop along your journey. Here are my top 6 activities to do in 24 hours while visiting Trondheim:
1. Enjoy the city views at Kristiansten Fortress
There are several walking paths that will get you to Kristiansten Fortress. As of July 2024, the Fortress is under construction so the views from inside the Fortress are obscured. Not to worry, you can still enjoy the views outside!
2. Visit Nidaros Cathedral
The Cathedral is built over the tomb of Olav and is the world’s Northernmost Gothic Cathedral. There are guided tours and live concerts available almost every day.
Shan’s Tip: If you are a St.Olav pilgrim, stop by the Pilgrim Center to get your free pass to the Cathedral and Royal Regalia. Otherwise tickets are $12 to enter.
3. See the Royal Regalia
Next door to the Nidaros Cathedral is the former Archbishop’s Palace. The Palace is home to Norway’s Royal Regalia available to the public year-round. There is a $12 ticket to visit the museum.
4. Walk on Old Town Bridge
Also known as the “Gate of Happiness”, the Old Town Bridge is an iconic landmark in Trondheim. I recommend visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds, especially in the summer.
5. Grab a bite in Bakklandet “Old Town”
Bakklandet is located right next to the Old Town Bridge. The area is known for its wooden buildings and cobblestone streets. This is a great area to grab a bite for lunch or dinner.
6. Relax at Havet
During the summer Havet offers outdoor concerts and movie events. My personal favorite is their sauna experience available year round.
The sauna can be booked for two hour sessions until 10 PM. Their kitchen has fantastic food, I recommend the fish and chips.
Trondheim FAQs
Is Trondheim worth visiting?
Absolutely! I recommend visiting Trondheim especially if you are heading up north to the Lofoten Islands. The food scene is fantastic and it is a college town so there is plenty of nightlife if that is your vibe.
Can you take the train from Trondheim to Bodø?
Yes, arguably one of the most beautiful train rides in Northern Europe. There are two trains available, one during the day and an overnight train. The ride itself is about 10 hours long.
Shan’s tip: If you are hoping to catch some zzz’s book your sleeper car a couple months in advance. The Premium seating is a great option if you can’t book a sleeper car.
Where should you stay in Trondheim?
Trondheim is a bustling city with most of the hotels located in or near the city center. Here are my top recommendations:
✅ Radisson Blu -Trondheim
The Radisson Blu is located directly on the Nidelva River with a fantastic view. This hotel has just been renovated and the location is hard to beat for the food scene in Trondheim.
✅ Britannia Trondheim
If you’re looking for both a luxurious and historic experience, Britannia is the place for you. I loved that it was next door to Trondheim’s Central Station so it was easy to catch my train to Bodø.
✅ Nidaros Pilegrimsgård
The headquarters for St. Olav’s Pilgrimage and located directly behind Nidaros Cathedral. I stayed here for a couple nights after completing my pilgrimage this past summer.
The Streif Cafe on site is fantastic! They have outdoor seating which is lovely in the summertime.
Final Thoughts
While Trondheim is one of Norway’s smaller cities, it is rich in culture and character. The city hosts festivals year-round including music and religious celebrations.
Visiting Trondheim for 24 hours will guarantee a cultural experience that will introduce you into Norway’s history. Planning a trip to Norway and need inspiration? Learn more about traveling to Norway here:
Now it’s time to start planning your next adventure, Cheers!
