Those who want to see the aurora borealis often travel to the Arctic, while those who want to see art tend to flock to Oslo because of its sophisticated vibe. The rest of Norway often gets overlooked in favor of these “it” spots. It is important to make time to see Trondheim, Norway’s third largest city and former capital.
No matter what city you plan to explore, it’s always a good idea to rent a car and make sure to hit every trademarks or monument on your list. It will be a shame if you don’t witness all the beauty Trondheim has to offer by not having enough time thanks to public transport. Here are eight of the best reasons to extend your stay in the city, which is home to Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, a vibrant nightlife, and museums that will warm your heart and your thermal socks!
Nidaros Domkirke – a medieval beauty
This impressive medieval structure, located further north than any other in the world, is adorned with intricate tracery and rows of bishops. The Nidaros Domkirke was constructed over the burial site of Saint Olav, the “everlasting king” and patron saint of Norway, who is widely recognized as the figure responsible for the country’s conversion from paganism to Christianity.
It’s interesting to see the contrast in the types of visitors the Domkirke gets. Some travelers have traveled the 640 kilometers (400 miles) along the Pilgrim’s Way from Oslo, a path that has been used by pilgrims since the 11th century. The others are complete opposites, though. They are fans of Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, whose debut full-length album included a picture of the cathedral as its cover art.
Party hard!
Those who wish to rock out to some powerful guitars need not wait until nightfall in Trondheim. Rockheim is a museum and cultural center in one, covering the history of rock music in Norway from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the illustrious careers of today’s heavy metal icons.
You can easily spend an entire day at Rockheim thanks to its interactive exhibits and listening posts, though given Norway’s reputation for quiet sophistication, we wouldn’t recommend treating it like your personal karaoke bar. After the sun has set, continue the theme at Fru Lundgreen, a basement pub playing nonstop Scandinavian rock.
Amazing folk history
Trondheim is a city steeped in nostalgia thanks to the excellent preservation of its monuments and old structures. Stones for the Archbishop’s House were originally placed in the 12th century, making it the oldest secular edifice in all of Scandinavia.
Under its shadow, the Archbishop’s Palace Museum traces Trondheim’s history from the Iron Age all the way up to the present day.
Nonetheless, the Folk Museum in Trondheim is the best relic of the city’s agricultural heritage (summer only). More than eighty ancient structures, predominantly wooden dwellings and farmsteads from the eighteenth century, can be found in this open-air environment. Find out more here.
The spiritual Monks’ Island
Trondheim’s spiritual side is best experienced on a boat journey to Munkholmen (Monks’ Island) if the city’s nightlife has you ringing in your ears. The waters of the Trondheimsfjord lap at this tiny island, which had a grim history as an execution ground before becoming a Benedictine monastery with the spread of Christianity in Norway.
A prison was built there in the seventeenth century, although these days it serves as a summer amusement park. In the summer, Munkholmen is a great place to cool down in the water and enjoy a picnic with thermos tea and kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls). In fair conditions, boats leave every hour.
Colorful beauty
The Gamle Bybro, or Old Town Bridge, is the best starting point for exploring Trondheim’s most vibrant neighborhood with a rented car. Over the Nidelven River, reflected in its crimson waters, are warehouses in a rainbow of colors.
The Old Town is packed with cobbled streets, quaint shops and a really pleasant vibe. All the small lights along the street make it a wonderful site to visit during the holiday season. Go exploring, and maybe pick up a memento along the way.
If walking across the bridge in sunny Bybro makes you happy, then you can see why it has this name. Following a disastrous fire in 1681, the city of Trondheim rebuilt in part by constructing a new bridge. The scenic Bakklandet begins on the other side of the bridge in Trondheim. This cobblestone street is framed by stores and cafes in cheerful pastels and bright primary colors.
Feel like a Viking
There’s no denying that eating out in Norway may quickly drain your bank account, but we’re here to tell you that it’ll be worth it! Baklandet Skydsstation is one of the restaurants in Trondheim that offers decent food at a reasonable price.
A great place to enjoy herring platters, fish soup, or rye bread sandwiches, this eighteenth-century structure is dripping with character thanks to the embroideries and ancient photographs that adorn its walls. You can chase it with any one of over a hundred different kinds of aquavit.
Also, vegans won’t want to miss the daily specials at Persilleriet. You’ll end up having an amazing lunch there!
While the English pub Three Lions and the Scottish-themed bar Macbeth may throw off British visitors, there are plenty of nightlife options that have a more authentic local flavor. Trondheim Mikrobryggeri is a cozy spot to enjoy local brews.
Enjoy the fjords
The natural world is easily accessible from urban centers. The 126-kilometer long Trondheimsfjord is the third longest in Norway and is characterized by picturesque islets and rugged coves over which soar sea eagles.
Visitors looking to catch their own catfish for a barbeque can do so in the fjord, or they can just bob in the peaceful waters. Late winter or early spring are prime fishing seasons, so don’t forget your thermals.
Driving south from Trondheim for 40 minutes (or using the rail for 45 minutes) will get you to Vassfjellet, a ski center with 500m of vertical.
Shop ‘til you drop
The “new” section of Trondheim is a fantastic spot to go shopping for Christmas presents or to treat yourself if you happen to be in town during the holiday season. Just take your rented car and visit as many shops as possible. The lovely Christmas lights that line the streets will make your stroll all the more enjoyable.
Apart from shopping, think of all the amazing pics you’ll be able to snap once you take a look at those lights! There’s nothing quite like seeing a beautiful city adorned with tiny lights!
Also read: Luxury Rental Cars – For Those Who Care About Style and Comfort
