Touristic Trondheim

Welcome to Trondheim, Norway!

Posing on the Gamble Bybro overlooking the Nidelva.

Situated in Trøndelag county, Trondheim was founded as a trading post in the year 997 AD. Trondheim was the Norwegian capital through the Viking Age (793-1066 AD) and until 1217. Today, it's Norway's fourth largest city with a population of approximately 200,000.

Lykkens Portal on Gamble Bybro (Old Town Bridge).

Lykkens Portal stands for the "Gate of Happiness," and was first constructed in 1681, following the great fire which destroyed much of Trondheim. It served as an important route to the city center and until 1816 was a guarded city gate. Today, it is a lovely bridge for pedestrians to stroll across and enjoy views of the old, colorful wooden homes along the Nidelva.

View of Nidelva from the harbor.

The Nidelva runs throughout Trondheim, making boat access from the fjord to within the city very easy. This view of the harbor is from nearby the train station. It was a Sunday afternoon, so not much activity happening our on the water.

View of Nidelva from the harbor.

View of swimming dock, Munkholmen Island (in back), & Trondheimsfjorden (Trondheim Fjord).

Munkholmen Island sits in the Trondheim Fjord and has been in use since before the city's founding in 997 AD. Over the millennia, the island has had many uses. Early on it was used for executions, then as a monastery during the Middle Ages, and as a fortress and prison from 1658-1893. During WWII, the island became a Nazi anti-aircraft and submarine base. 

Along Trondheimsfjorden.

Trondheim is a very walk-able city with lots of paths throughout the city. The shore of Trondheimsfjorden is a beautiful spot to take in the views of the fjord, Munkholmen Island in the distance, or to watch the boats go by.

Lighthouse and Trondheimfjorden.

Along the waterfront there are also areas to go swimming, a couple of eateries, and a pop-up art installation. The sun was just beginning to sent when we arrived, so it was mostly calm and quiet over the fjord.

Mural on building near Skansenparken.

Throughout the city, there were different murals on the sides of buildings and on walls, giving each space it's own unique character and adding more color to the environment.

Bridge across the Nidelva.

Within Trondheim there are at least four different bridges (we crossed) that go across the Nidelva. Out of the four we crossed, three were for pedestrians/bike traffic only, while the main Elgeseter Bridge was the only one open for cars.

Mural on side of the Galleri Cafe near the Trondheim Kunstmuseum (Art Museum).

Trondheim has several different museums, including the Kunstmuseum located near Nidarosdomen. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to visit any museums. However, there is an outdoor sculpture park around the Kunstmuseum which is free and always open, so we did have the opportunity to walk through that.

Nidarosdomen (Nidaros Cathedral).

Nidarosdomen is an iconic, easy-to-spot landmark in the city of Trondheim. It took 230 years to build the original church foundation, beginning in 1070 AD and finishing in 1300 AD.  The cathedral is built atop the grave of King Olav II of Norway, who is also known as St.Olaf, the patron saint of Norway. Today, the church is still in use and is the world's northernmost medieval church.

Detail on Nidarosdomen.

The church served the Catholic Archdiocese of Nidaros from 1152 AD till the reformation in 1152 AD. Today, the church is important for the Lutheran bishops of the Diocese of Nidaros.

The side of Nidarosdomen.

Over the years, the church has been damaged, especially from fires, and rebuilt time and time again. The last phase of rebuilding wrapped up in 2001. Today the church hosts regular services and tours, and is a popular pilgrim destination.

View of Gamle Bybro and Bakklandet houses along the Nidelva.

Across the Nidelva and Gamble Bybro lies the neighborhood of Bakklandet. In the 1960s, the homes and narrow streets were almost demolished to give way to a highway. Fortunately, plans changed with public resistance, leaving quaint old streets, buildings, and cafés.

Homes from Bakklandet along the Nidelva.

Outside of the Trøndelag Teater.

We didn't actually see the inside of Trøndelag Teater, but it was a pleasant sight to walk by in the morning. As it turns out, Trøndelag Teater is Scandinavia's oldest continually used theater first built in 1816. 

Kayakers on the Nidelva. 

While Trondheim may have a reputation of being a rainy city, we had near perfect weather when we were there and had a lovely time exploring the town. 

Tusen takk Trondheim!