11 Best Sights in Trondheim, Trondheim to the Lofoten Islands

Nidarosdomen

Fodor's choice

Trondheim's cathedral was built on the grave of King Olav, who formulated a Christian religious code for Norway in 1024. The town quickly became a pilgrimage site for Christians from all over northern Europe, and Olav was canonized in 1164. Construction of Nidarosdomen began in 1070, but the oldest existing parts of the cathedral date from around 1150. It has been ravaged on several occasions by fire and rebuilt each time, generally in a Gothic style. Since the Middle Ages, Norway's kings have been crowned and blessed in the cathedral, and the crown jewels are on display here. Guided tours lasting 45 minutes are offered in English from mid-June to mid-August, and the guides are enthusiastic about the relics and its visiting artworks---they may even show you the crypt complete with a saintly skeleton.

Stiftsgården

Fodor's choice

Built in the 1770s, Stiftsgården is now the official royal residence in Trondheim. The architecture and interior are late Baroque and highly representative of 18th-century high society's taste. Guided tours---the only way to see the interior---offer insight into the festivities marking the coronations and blessings of the kings in the cathedral.

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum

Fodor's choice

Near the ruins of King Sverre's medieval castle is this open-air historical museum that depicts everyday life in Trøndelag during the 18th and 19th centuries. The stave church here, built in the 1170s, is the northernmost preserved church of its type in Norway. In the Old Town, you can visit a 1900s dentist's office and an old-fashioned grocery store that sells sweets. In the summer there are farm animals on-site, and a range of activities for children. There's a copy of the main house at Walt Disney World's Epcot in the Norway pavilion.

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Erkebispegården

The oldest secular building in Scandinavia, Erkebispegården dates from around 1160. It was the residence of the archbishop until the Reformation in 1537. The Archbishop's Palace Museum has original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral and archaeological pieces from throughout its history. Within Erkebispegården's inner palace is the Rustkammeret/Resistance Museum, which traces military development from Viking times to the present through displays of uniforms, swords, and daggers. The dramatic events of World War II get a special emphasis.

Opening times for the various museums and wings in the Erkebispegården and for the cathedral vary greatly by season.

Kongsgårdsgt. 1, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7013, Norway
73–89–08–00
Sights Details
Rate Includes: NKr 200, includes entry to Nidaros Cathedral, Closed Mon. Sept.–Apr.

Korsvika

This little beach is the perfect place to take in the views of the fjord after conquering one of the many hiking trails in the area. Swimming is possible during the summer months, although the water is still pretty cold. The beach is a popular place among locals, especially around sunset.
Ladestien, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7040, Norway

Kristiansten Festning

Built by J. C. Cicignon after the great fire of 1681, the Kristiansten Fort saved the city from conquest by Sweden in 1718. During World War II, the German occupying forces executed members of the Norwegian Resistance here; there's a plaque in their honor. The fort has spectacular views of the city, the fjord, and the mountains. Some walls are unsecured, so take care when walking, and mind your children.

Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum

The Tiffany windows are magnificent at this museum of decorative arts, which houses an impressive collection of furniture, silver, and textiles. The permanent collection includes exhibitions on the history of crafts and industrial design, Henry van de Velde interiors, contemporary Norwegian fashion, Japanese miniatures and samurai armor, and works by textile artist Hannah Ryggen.

Don't miss the magical on-site café-restaurant. Known for its own baked goods and farm-to-table produce of wild salmon, chanterelles, goat cheese and root vegetables in the right season. Also, try their famous local teas and seabuckthorn lemonade. 

Munkegt. 5, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7013, Norway
73–80–89–50
Sights Details
Rate Includes: NKr 110, Closed Mon. and various summer dates

NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet

This highly regarded university museum covers flora and fauna, minerals and rocks, archaeological and cultural discoveries---even church history. The eclectic exhibits include relics from the Stone Age as well as Viking artifacts and ecclesiastical articles from the 13th to 18th century. There's also a permanent exhibit showing daily life in medieval Trondheim.

Ravnkloa Fisk og Skalldyr

An immense variety of seafood is sold at Trondheim's fish and seafood market. It's also a great place to stop for a bite.

Ringve Musikkmuseum

Taking you through the history of musical instruments in Norway and the rest of the world, the brilliant Ringve Music Museum covers just about every type of music you can imagine. Interactive displays allow you to "play" some of the most famous instruments. After exploring the museum, take the time to explore the beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the museum. The building is over 400 years old.
Lade alle 60, Trondheim, Trøndelag, 7041, Norway
73--87--02--80
Sights Details
Rate Includes: NKr 130, Closed Mon. Sept.--May

Trondheim Kunstmuseum

The town's art museum houses some 4,000 works of art, including many by regional artists. It's one of the country's largest public art collections and focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries. The main building is downtown in the shadow of the city's cathedral.