About Trondheim

Trondheim is Norway's third-largest city with a population of approximately 210,000. Founded by Viking King Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD, it served as Norway's capital until 1217 and remains the country's historic and religious center.

Today, Trondheim is known as Norway's technology capital, home to NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and SINTEF, Scandinavia's largest independent research organization. The city beautifully combines its medieval heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

Key Facts About Trondheim

Population

~210,000 (city), 280,000 (metro area)

Location

63.4305°N, 10.3951°E - Central Norway

Airport

Trondheim Værnes (TRD) - 32km from city center

Founded

997 AD by King Olav Tryggvason

Top Attractions in Trondheim

Nidaros Cathedral

Northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, built over the burial site of St. Olav. Norway's national sanctuary.

63.4269°N, 10.3969°E
🏘️

Bakklandet

Charming old neighborhood with colorful wooden houses, cafes, and the iconic Old Town Bridge.

63.4300°N, 10.4033°E
🌉

Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge)

Red wooden bridge from 1861 with iconic views of the colorful wharves along the Nidelva river.

63.4294°N, 10.4000°E
🏰

Kristiansten Fortress

17th-century fortress on a hill with panoramic views over the city.

63.4278°N, 10.4122°E
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Archbishop's Palace

Scandinavia's oldest secular building, now housing the Crown Regalia and military museum.

63.4267°N, 10.3986°E
🎵

Rockheim

Norway's national museum of popular music, housed in a striking modern building.

63.4392°N, 10.4003°E

Trondheim's Unique Features

  • World's First Bicycle Lift: The Trampe bicycle lift in Bakklandet helps cyclists up steep hills
  • Student City: 30,000 students give the city a vibrant, youthful atmosphere
  • White Nights: 20+ hours of daylight in summer (May-July)
  • Coronation City: Norwegian kings were traditionally crowned at Nidaros Cathedral

Neighborhoods

Explore Trondheim's distinct neighborhoods:

  • Midtbyen: City center with Nidaros Cathedral and main shopping streets
  • Bakklandet: Bohemian neighborhood with cafes and antique shops
  • Solsiden: Former shipyard, now trendy area with restaurants and nightlife
  • Ila: Historic working-class neighborhood with wooden houses
  • Brattøra: Modern waterfront development with Rockheim museum

Day Trips from Trondheim

  • Ringve Museum: Musical instrument museum in historic manor (4km)
  • Munkholmen Island: Former monastery and fortress, summer beach destination
  • Bymarka: Forest area with hiking trails and lakes west of city
  • Atlantic Road: Spectacular coastal drive (2.5 hours)
  • Røros: UNESCO mining town (2.5 hours)