Sightseeing in Trondheim
On foot:
As February is not exactly a peak month for tourists in Trondheim, several of the attractions will have limited opening hours, but there is still a lot to see, just by taking a walk around the city.
A good starting point is the main square with the statue of Trondheims founder Olav Trygvasson. The statue is placed on a 16,75 meters tall column, and is standing in the middle of a giant sundial. Turning away from the seaside you'll be walking towards Trondheims largest and most famous landmark.
The Cathedral (Nidarosdomen)The construction of the cathedral begun in 1070, but construction has continued up until today. Nidarosdomen was constructed over the grave of St. Olav the patron saint of Norway. The cathedral is built mainly in the Gothic style. Much of the church was damaged in several fires, the last in 1719. The church has later on been restored back to what is thought to be its original glory. The west front of the cathedral is decorated with statues of saints and biblical characters. The cathedral is open to visitors Monday to Friday 12-14.30, Saturdays 11.30-14 and Sundays 13-15.A ticket to the cathedral costs 50 kr, and gives you admission to the Archbishop’s palace that is situated just behind the Cathedral.The archbishop’s palace is a museum where you can see original statues from the cathedral as well as archaeological findings from the history of the palace.
The archbishop’s palace is open to visitors Tuesdays to Fridays 11-15, Saturdays 11-14 and Sundays 12-16
If you turn back towards the square and walk towards the seafront you will pass a big yellow wooden building on your right. This is Stiftsgården, the home of the Norwegian royal family when they visit Trondheim. Stiftsgården was constructed in 1774 by Cecilie Christine Schøller, and is the largest wooden building in the Nordic countries. By the quay at the end of the street is Ravnkloa, the seafood hall of Trondheim. An excellent place to taste fresh fish from local fishers.
If you look out to sea, you will be able to see Munkholmen. This small island has been used as a execution ground, a monastery (from year 1000) and a prison (from 1658). Today Munkholmen is a favourite place to visit during the summer half of the year for both locals and tourists.
Veit = The local name for the small and narrow streets and alleys, typical for old Trondheim. You can still find several of these in the city centre.
The Wharves (bryggene), these old buildings located along the channel of Trondheim are constructed during the 18th to the 20th century. They where originally used for loading and unloading goods from ships on the canal, and as storage houses for the merchants of Trondheim. Today many of the Wharves has been restored and turned into apartments, restaurants or shops. Some of the wharves still look as they have done from the start, and they are seen as very important to preserve.
The old town bridge (Gamle bybro) is easy to recognize with its red, carved wooden portal. This portal is also called the portal of luck (lykkens portal), and is said to have been a favourite place for the students of Trondheim to kiss each other good night. The bridge was built in 1861. If you cross the old town bridge you enter Bakklandet. This part of town was originally built as housing for the working class. The small wooden houses and narrow winding cobbled streets with little traffic are a picturesque brake from the rest of the city and a favourite for both tourists and the students of Trondheim. Bakklandet has several popular coffee shops and stores. Looking up the hill from Bakklandet you can see the white walls of Kristiansten Festning (fortress). The fortress was built in 1681, and helped save the city from a Swedish invasion in 1718. During the Second World War the fortress was an execution ground for the German occupational army. The fortress grounds offer a great view of the city centre, and are a popular hang out place for young people during the summer.
The gate of the fortress walls is open all day 08-24, but there is not possible to get a tour inside during the winter.
By bus:
If you want an even greater view of the city then you get from Kristiansten fortress, the best choice is the Tyholt tower. The tower was originally built as a radio and television mast, and is 120 meters tall. A little over halfway up the tower there is a lookout post, and on top of that a rotating restaurant. One hour in the restaurant will give you a 360 degrees view of most of the city.