Guide to Trondheim, Norway

This is a picturesque town that is placed in the middle of the country and is a gateway to both the north and south. It is the third biggest city in Norway and due to its universities is 100% a student town.

Getting there

From overseas flights (Trondheim has an international airport) or domestic flights, you can take the Flybussen to the city in 30mins. There are regular departures from outside arrivals and you can buy the ticket on the bus for 90NOK.

From Oslo you can take an 8hr train with NSB or bus. If you take the bus use and it should cost 99NOK which is a steal (even the locals were blown away when I told them).

Where to stay

I couchsurfed in Trondheim and I would strongly reommend it. This is the perfect town to meet people as there are so many students, and it is way more fun.

Getting around

You can walk around the city no dramas, but if you want to go out to the suburbs it is 50NOK ($10) for a one way ticket if you buy it on the bus. Download the app AtB and pre buy a ticket for time periods. This save you at least half!

What to do

1. To get the postcard views of the colourful houses on the river wharf, head to the old bridge downtown.

2. From the bridge, explore the little cobblestone streets filled with cafes. This is a lovely area as it is full of colours, flowers and people.

3. Check out the old cathedral about a 5minute walk from the bridge and its gorgeous teel roof.

4. Walk up to the old fortress on the hill. This is where the germans stayed during their occupation and is quite stunning.

5. Take a look at the university- the locals call if Hogwarts by the way it looks and apparently also by their orientation procedures!

6. Take a ferry to Munkholmen island. In the summer it runs every hour and is 80NOK return. On the island there is an old fortress, cafe, shop and beaches surrounding.

People are kayaking everywhere and take their speed boats out for an afternoon in the sun. It’s great to relax for a few hours and see the coastline of mainland Trondheim. Take a picnic and waterbottle to save money and enjoy the views!

Nightlife

As it’s a student town, there is always something open and somewhere to go. During semester, the Student house Stuentersamfunnet is home to several different rooms with different vibes in each. Drinks are student prices and it is loved by locals.

Otherwise go down to Solsiden area and you will find a strip of outdoor bars with loads of locals. Although drinks are pricy, it is a great place to meet people and is where the action is.

How long to stay in Trondheim

During summer, all the students are out of town so it isn’t as lively as it usually would be. In saying that there are still alot who stay for the summer to work. However I was there in July and there was still a lot of people around and everyone was active in the sun!

You could spend two days here and feel you had seen the sights, but it’s more about the atmosphere and meeting local students, in which case you could stay longer.

For more information check out Lonely Planet’s guide by clicking below.