Trondheim Tourist Attractions, Landmarks, Monuments and Sightseeing

(Trondheim, Sor-Trondelag, Norway)

The choice of tourist attractions within Trondheim is quite surprising and the city contains many famous landmarks known throughout Scandinavia. Historic wooden architecture has always been a major feature in Trondheim, adding a definite character to the city centre, with the most striking of these attractions being the late-Baroque Stiftsgarden Palace.

Visitors who enjoy outdoor activities will soon discover that Trondheim has much to offer in this department. Look out for the city's free map, which details all of the main recreational attractions, such as hiking, fishing, mountain climbing and even seasonal skiing, and is titled 'Life in the Trondheim Region' (Friluftsliv i Trondheimsregionen).

Nidaros Cathedral (Nidaros Domkirke) / Archbishop's Palace (Erkebispegarden)

Address: Kongsgardsgata, Trondheim, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 73 53 9160
One of the most noteworthy landmarks in Trondheim and amongst the biggest of all the medieval buildings within Scandinavia, the Nidaros Cathedral dates back to the latter part of the 11th century and is filled within historical and religious attractions. Of particular interest within the Nidaros Cathedral, the altarpiece actually stands directly above the grave of the Viking king, St. Olav, who was responsible for bringing Christianity to Norway, which soon replaced the Nordic pagan religion. Look out for the modern stained-glass works and the embellished facade of the western wall, where detailed statues depict various biblical characters and past members of the Norwegian monarchy. Trondheim is extremely proud of its Nidaros Cathedral, which dominates the city centre with its grand architecture and tall central spire. The Archbishop's Palace is located close by and has recently been thoroughly restored.
Open hours: May to mid-June, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 13:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 14:00; mid-June to mid-August, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 14:00; mid-August to April, Monday to Friday - 12:00 to 14:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 14:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Stiftsgarden / Wooden Buildings

Address: Munkegata, Trondheim, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 73 84 2880
The countless wooden mansions and grand wooded buildings around central Trondheim have become both landmarks and tourist attractions in their own right. However, it is the Stiftsgarden Palace that is of special interest, being not only an official residence of the King of Norway, but also because it is the biggest wooden palace in the whole of Scandinavia, dating back to the mid-1770s and containing almost 150 different rooms. The Old Town Bridge offers some glorious views of the wooden buildings in the city, with many further structures of note scattered around the harbourfronts of Fjordgata and Kjopmannsgata.
Open hours: Stiftsgarden, June, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00; July to May, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00, guided tours on the hour
Admission: Stiftsgarden, charge, discounts for children and families

Beaches and Swimming

The summer months in Trondheim may not exactly be sweltering, but on sunny days, crowds flock to the nearby beaches and also the noticeably warmer Pirbadet swimming pool, which stands next to the seafront. Popular beach attractions include the wooden diving tower at the Sjobadet, while the Lade area features an especially scenic footpath alongside the Fjord, passing a number of the very best swimming and bathing spots along the route. Also worth checking out are the beaches around the nearby Rotvoll area, which soon fill up in July and August.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Recreational Activities (Fishing, Hiking and Skiing)

Tourists will find excellent hiking trails and similar attractions on the western outskirts of the city, around the wooded area of the Bymarka, which is easily reached by bus. Skiing is also available close by and around the southerly Vassfjellet mountains, and those in need of a little practice may find the Trondheim Skisenter Granasen of interest, where the biggest plastic-surfaced ski jump in existence is located. Fishermen never cease to be amazed at the quality and size of the salmon in the Gaula and Orkla rivers, with some of the best fishing spots in Europe being situated less than an hours' drive from the city centre itself. Guided deep-sea fishing trips are also available in Trondheim and can be booked from the Aktivum on the Torget.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Kristiansten Fortress (Kristiansten Festning)

Address: Festningsgaten, Trondheim, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 73 99 5831
Built in the 1680s shortly after the great fire of 1681, the Kristiansten Fortress is a familiar landmark on the Trondheim skyline. The fortress was actually constructed to protect the city from easterly attacks and more than served its purpose in the early 18th century, successfully defending Trondheim against the Swedish army, before being decommissioned in 1816. The Kristiansten Fortress enjoys an elevated situation and therefore visitors are treated to some glorious views of the city and its most eye-catching attractions. It is even possible to spot the previous waterline on surrounding hills, indicating where there was once water.
Open hours: June to August, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 15:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, includes access to dungeons and guided tour

Monks' Island (Munkholmen)

Address: Munkholmen, Trondheim, Norway, NO
When the city of Trondheim was initially established, the small islet known as the Munkholmen was where it all began. Soon after and during the 11th century, the Munkholmen became home to the very first monastery in Norway and this Benedictine Monastery was used by monks until the 17th century, before being used as a prison, a fortress and then later as a customs house. Today, Munkholmen is the ultimate location for a picnic or to soak up some rays from the Norwegian sun, and is easily accessible by regular boats, which depart from the Ravnkloa quay between May and September.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free, charge for boat trip