Trondheim between Pilgrim Tradition, Culture and Nature

Trondheim combines a long pilgrimage tradition with vibrant cultural venues and varied natural landscapes. Nidaros Cathedral, events at Torvet, and the forests and wetlands of Bymarka offer very different experiences. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider whether you mainly want to explore the culture, spend time outdoors, or include both in your trip.

Nidaros Cathedral, Torvet and Olavsfest

Nidaros Cathedral is the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral and has been a pilgrimage destination for almost 1,000 years. The Regional Pilgrim Centre in Trondheim is responsible for a pilgrim reception centre in Trondheim, where many pilgrims end their journey. The pilgrimage tradition is therefore a defining part of the city’s history and a possible focus for your explorations.

Torvet is also part of the historic cityscape: the square is one of Trondheim’s important cultural monuments. Concerts, festivals, markets, activities and gatherings take place here. Another recurring event is Olavsfest, held every year from 28 July to 3 August in and around Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the city centre. The programme includes concerts, various artistic and cultural expressions, a free family programme, talks, debates and a marketplace.

City life and museums

Trondheim also offers insights into different aspects of its history. The National Museum of Justice displays objects relating to Norwegian legal history from the 17th century to the present day. Visitor activities include trying on a police uniform and sitting in the judge’s chair. The museum is located by Ila Church, about ten minutes from the city square; bus and tram stops are directly below the museum.

Vitensenteret i Trondheim is located in the heart of the city, near Nidaros Cathedral, the colourful warehouses along the Nidelva River and Torvet city square. Those interested in medieval history will find another special place at Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum: the museum is set around the ruins of King Sverre’s castle, Norway’s oldest medieval castle.

Bymarka and outdoor routes

Bymarka extends from dense forest to wetland areas and has a well-developed network of trails. The Gråkallbanen tram runs from St. Olavs gate to Lian and provides access to Bymarka. This makes it easy to add time in a varied landscape to a city break. Granåsen is Trondheim’s main venue for ski jumping, cross-country skiing and Nordic combined. In summer, the area is used for hiking and recreation and serves as a gateway to Marka.

For a walk by the water, a paved path runs around Haukvatnet. The Ladestien trail from Sponhuset to Grilstad is one of Trondheim’s hiking routes suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are different ways to spend time outdoors, from a lakeside loop to a longer walk along the Ladestien.

Experiences for different interests

A two-hour guided kayak tour on the Nidelven River runs from Tempe idrettsanlegg through the centre of Trondheim towards Solsiden. If you prefer travelling on two wheels, Bakklandet is home to Trampe, the world’s first bicycle lift. Trøndersk Matfestival celebrates local food and takes place in the heart of Trondheim. These activities offer different experiences—on the water, by bike or through local produce.

Public transport may also factor into your choice of location: AtB operates the bus service in Trondheim, whose network covers almost the entire city. Together with the Gråkallbanen connection to Lian, this can help you plan city visits and time in Bymarka as part of your trip.

More destination pages

Discover Trondheim, Jonsvatnet and Heimdal. Other destinations at the same level are Hitra, Selbu, Malvik, Skaun and Røros.

For the overview of the wider region: Sor-Trondelag.