Cheap flights to Trondheim from PLN62*

Trondheim, Norway's third-largest city, is at once grand and unassuming. The Viking capital until 1217, Trondheim retained its prominence for centuries. The line of brightly coloured historic wooden warehouses along the river that winds through the city attests to Trondheim’s trading might, but also lends a Nordic charm that invites you to cross the Old Town Bridge, explore the cosy streets, go island-hopping in the Trondheim Fjord, or bike or hike in the nearby national park. Trondheim’s 30,000-strong student population also keeps the city young and vibrant.

 

Fly to Trondheim, Norway for

All of Norway’s charms

Trondheim’s historical significance is evidenced by the imposing Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, the adjacent Archbishop's Palace and the Kristiansten Fortress, which dominate the landscape. More modern landmarks include the official royal residence, grand museums and the harbourside warehouse district, part of which retains its old-world charm, and part of which has been renovated into sleek loft residences, classy restaurants and trendy shops. As a university town, Trondheim offers up innovation in all kinds of ways, from imaginative cuisine to the ingenious bicycle lift, and it’s also got the island-hopping option to experience Norwegian nature at its best.

 

Rich in history, from religious to royal

The Nidelva River winds through the centre of Trondheim, past the colourful wharves, warehouses and boathouses, the oldest of which date from the 18th century. Stroll across the Gamle Bybro, the Old Town Bridge, with its beautifully carved gates, now a symbol of the city. Here in the historic heart of the city, you’ll immediately notice the mighty Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and the national sanctuary of Norway. Nearby lies the Archbishop’s Palace, begun in the 12th century. Don’t miss the Crown of Norway, the most significant symbol of the 1,000-year-old Norwegian monarchy. Speaking of royalty, in the old town you can also see the official royal residence, Stiftsgården, which remains the largest wooden palace in Scandinavia. Nearby you’ll also find the Trondheim Art Museum and the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum, the national museum of interior design, glass, silver, textile and furniture. On the opposite side of the Old Town Bridge, if you’re biking and need to get uphill, never fear, there’s an ingenious invention to help! The “Trampe” cyclocable is the world’s first bicycle lift. Stay on your bike, put your foot on the lift’s “pedal”, press the button and you’re on your way up the steep slope. And it’s free! Be sure to lift or climb your way up to Kristiansten Fortress at the top for a spectacular view of the city, the fjord and the mountains. Also in this area, where the land narrows, you won’t miss the student society, in a round, red building at the head of the bridge. The expansive and impressive campus of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is also nearby. It’s the largest university in the whole of Norway, meaning students dominate Trondheim’s café scene and nightlife.

 

Eat local, with tradition and innovation

For traditional Norwegian dishes done up right, Baklandet Skydsstation, in a yellow-painted old wooden house, is the place to try fish soup, reindeer stew and herring. For innovative cuisine based on local fish, meat and produce, book a table at Bula Neobistro to try the creations of chef Reneé Fagerhøi, who won the Norwegian version of the reality cooking show Masterchef. The extreme gourmet choice in Trondheim is Fagn, which has garnered a Michelin star. More unassuming but also top-notch, especially for fish dishes but also the classic holiday lamb dish known as pinnekjøtt, is Troll. The restaurant also has its own aquavit, the local spirit, to complete your meal. This being a student town, beer and coffee prevail in Trondheim, but that can be a good thing, right? Heidi’s Bier Bar in Solsiden is an Oktoberfest-inspired hangout. For something more local, try what’s brewed right on the premises at Trondhjem Mikrobryggeri. Café le Frère is a serious, independent espresso bar, or head to Café To Tårn for a view to the two towers of the Cathedral.

 

Scandinavian design, craft beers

The pedestrian area of the old town is home to cosy cafés, trendy and traditional shops. Find handmade ceramics at Pottemakeri Elin Aune, or warm and soft Merino woolen wear at Lanullva. Across the river in Bakklandet, you can find gems such as Sukker, a design collective featuring local designer jewellery and clothing. Inside the train station, you’ll find Trondheim’s largest souvenir shop, Fjordbuda, with Norwegian-made knitwear and handicrafts. As evening comes (don’t forget it might be light out all night in summer), head to Kieglekroa, Trondheim's oldest pub. Sit at sturdy old wooden tables with candlelight or by the open fireplace, or play shuffleboard with beer in hand. Get a British pub experience at Lille London or Three Lions Pub, or the Scottish variety at Macbeth. Move on to the simply named clubs Diskoteket and Downtown, or the beachy Kokomo. If you’re not sure whether you want cocktails, concerts, or clubbing, try Lokal, where each of these occupy one floor in the same space. For jazz, chamber music and other genres, head to Dokkhuset, the dock house at the old shipyard renovated into a concert venue with glass façade.

 

Venture to outer islands or inland wonders

For a short jaunt, ferry out to Munkholmen, Monk’s Island, in the fjord opposite the city. This islet has served as a monastery, a fortress and a prison à la Alcatraz. Relax on the beach or at the restaurant, looking out on the Trondheim cityscape, or the fjords, islands and mountains beyond. For more island-hopping, hire a car, take a bike on a ferry, or book a cruise or a fishing trip. Put up a tent, or spend the night in a fisherman’s cabin. Start with islands Hitra and Frøya, with distinctive lighthouses, and beyond to Mausundvær, with restaurants, bars, shops and boat hire. This is the Trondheim region’s border to the open sea, an archipelago of more than 40 islets and reefs. On Froan, visit protected areas where you may see harbour seals and grey seals, cormorants, sea eagles and perhaps porpoises as well. If you prefer an inland adventure, visit Røros, one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe, dating from 1644. Not only is this old copper mining town full of historic charm, it is an official Sustainable Destination, meaning it works to reduce the negative impact of tourism. That’s just one reason why you should rent a bike here. The miraculous Northern Lights are of course best seen outside Trondheim. Where and when? There’s an app for that! The scientists at the Norwegian Centre for Space Weather make the predictions on an hourly basis for cities and towns across Norway. Or just go to Hell! The town of Hell, just 1 km from the airport, is the perfect spot for a selfie under the railway station sign that says Hell - Gods Expedition. Go in winter to see Hell frozen over.

 

Trondheim airport

Trondheim airport has duty-free shops, a bookshop and a kiosk, and seven casual cafés and restaurants. The train into Trondheim takes about 35 minutes, as do the Flybussen buses.

 

Trondheim weather

Unless you’re up for a real winter wonderland trip, the best time to visit Trondheim is May through October. The warmest month is July, with highs around 20. May, June and July are the months of midnight sun, with 18-20 hours of daylight. Trondheim gets a bit more clouds and rainfall than other Norwegian cities, but is less windy and suffers fewer extremes of temperature.