48 hours in Trondheim

Trondheim, Nidaros, 'moustache city' and the capital of Trøndelag - the city, situated roughly halfway between the north and south of the country, that offers as interesting experiences as its nicknames. 

The city is a treasure trove for cultural and historical enthusiasts, as well as those looking for a wonderful mix of city and small town charm. Make sure to visit Trondheim with an appetite. Trondheim is Norway’s new food capital and boasts several culinary highlights - from Michelin restaurants to traditional local cuisine. 

Here are some tips on how to spend 48 hours in Trondheim: 

Hotels in Trondheim

Thon Hotels has two hotels in Trondheim, Thon Hotel Nidaros and Thon Hotel Trondheim. Both are located in the city centre close to all the sights.

Thon Hotel Trondheim is only 50 metres from Torvet, the heart of the city. The hotel has 107 rooms, a shopping centre in the same building and, of course, a breakfast buffet included in the rate.

Thon Hotel Nidaros is located in the middle of the city’s business district, close to the Trondheim central railway station. The hotel has 163 rooms and offers, among other things, free newspapers, shoe cleaning and a breakfast buffet.

The perfect Friday in Trondheim:

3-6 pm: Art and coffee

After you've arrived and checked into the hotel, you're ready to explore the city of Trondheim. If you enjoy art, you should definitely head to K-U-K, Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst. The art gallery opened its doors in 2021 and has quickly established itself as a key cultural institution in the city and a must-see.

The gallery is only a five-minute walk from Thon Hotel Nidaros and along the way, you can first stop by Jacobsen og Svart or Onkel Svanhild if you’re in the mood for a cup of hand-brewed coffee or fresh pastry. 

6 pm: From fun gourmet dining at Gubalari to Taco Friday at Bror

In the same building as K-U-K is one of the city’s most unique restaurants, Gubalari. With cool art on the walls, a disco ball hanging from the ceiling and food inspired by Norway’s most famous TV chef and cookbook author Ingrid Espelid Hovig. 

More in the mood for Italian? Frati is a popular traditional restaurant in the city, while Bror serves fantastic burgers and Mexican food for those who swear by Taco Friday. 

9 pm: Award-winning cocktails 

If the night is still young and you're not ready to call it a day, you can stop by the cocktail bar Raus on your way home. The bar is only a minute’s walk from Thon Hotel Nidaros and is famous for its delicious and creative cocktails. Raus has even won several awards for them.

An exciting Saturday in Trondheim:

10 am-13 pm: Morning swim at Munkholmen or gliding along the Nidelva River

Want a refreshing start to the day? Go for a morning swim at Munkholmen. The historic island in Trondheimsfjord has been home to convents, fortresses, defence facilities and prisons throughout history, but is now a popular destination for both swimmers and history buffs. In the summer, there is a daily ferry to the island, which takes around 30 minutes from Ravnkloa in the city centre.

If you're looking for more action and want to get closer to the water, you can join Trondheim Kajakk on a kayaking trip along the Nidelva River. They organise several tours all year round, including one that departs daily at 10 am. They also rent out equipment to those who want to explore Trondheim's waterways on their own. 

If the weather is less than perfect, you can visit Rockheim, Norway’s national museum for popular music, offering an exciting and interactive exhibition on the history of rock music in Norway.

And if you're visiting Trondheim in the winter, perhaps the ice rink at Solsiden is just what you need? 

1 pm: Sellanraa Bok & Bar or a taste of the world at Lager11

If you want to combine local food, coffee and books for lunch, head to Sellanraa Bok & Bar, which offers what they call 'bistronomy', a mix of gastronomic experiences and bistro charm.

If you enjoy tastes from around the world, you can hop on the bus to Sluppen, home to the Lager11 food court, where you'll find food stalls with goodies from Chile, India, Greece, Mexico and more. 

3-7 pm: Culture and shopping 

If you'd like to see more art, you can spend the afternoon at Kunsthall Trondheim, which is located right by Sellanraa Bok & Bar, or Trondheim Kunstmuseum, around a 10 minute-walk away. Or you can head out to Ila to admire vibrant street art. 

If you'd prefer to check out some of Trondheim’s many shops and spend the afternoon shopping, Midtbyen is a great starting point. Here you'll find both boutiques and several shopping centres.

7 pm: From Michelin dining to boundary-pushing gourmet 

If you really want to go all out in the culinary capital, you can book a table at the Michelin-star restaurant Fagn. Here you can choose between a small and large tasting menu, where each dish is carefully composed and tells a story worthy of a genuine culinary experience. The restaurant also has a slightly less expensive bistro on the second floor, where you can choose between a la carte, three and five-course menus. 

Another great option is Bula Neobistro, where Trondheim chef Reneé Fagerhøi offers an evening full of surprises, with a secret menu and creative, boundary-pushing gourmet food, while To Rom og Kjøkken serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients from Trøndelag. 

10 pm: A night on the town 

Trondheim is known for its nightlife, so there’s no reason to spend the evening inside the hotel. 

If you’re in the mood for natural wine, cocktails and good music, check out the locals’ favourite TYVEN, a mix between a bar, nightclub and music venue, and only three minutes away from Thon Hotel Trondheim. Wine enthusiasts can also check out Spontan Vinbar and NB6, while beer lovers should head to ØX Tap Room, Den gode nabo or Habitat, while Antikvariatet often offers live music and good drinks. 

Tip! If it's getting late and you fancy a midnight snack, Istanbul Döner Chef serves what is said to be the best kebab and falafel in town until 3 am.   

A quiet Sunday in Trondheim:

9-11 am: A great start to the day 

Perhaps you prefer to sleep in and enjoy a delicious and leisurely breakfast at the hotel, but if you’re a morning person and want to start your day outdoors, Trondheim has lots of great options. 

How about starting the day with a stroll along Nidelva or going to Kuhaugen to enjoy fantastic views of the city? You can also walk along the popular Ladestien and visit the Botanical Garden and Ringve Music Museum at Ringve or take Forsvarsrunden and learn about Trondheim’s military history.

Along the way, you can stop by Dromedar Kaffebar, which has several locations in the city, for a cup of coffee to kickstart your day.

11 am-13 pm: Historical sightseeing

No city trip is complete without some sightseeing. The pride of Trondheim and its most popular tourist attraction can be found around a 10-minute walk from Thon Hotel Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral, the world’s northernmost Gothic cathedral that beautifully towers over the city, which was completed around the year 1300 and is built on the burial site of Saint Olav. 

From here you can walk to Gamle Bybro, which was built back in 1681, which takes you across the Nidelva and into the district of Bakklandet, Trondheim’s picturesque 'old town'. Here you can first check out the world’s first bike lift Trampe, which transports cyclists up Brubakken, from where you can either walk or cycle further up to Kristiansten Fortress. 

And don't forget to explore Bakklandet’s charming wooden houses and streets, lined with cosy cafés and small boutiques in what is known as the city’s most charming and coolest neighbourhood. 

1-3 pm: A tasteful farewell in Bakklandet

Before saying goodbye to Norway’s new food capital, make sure to enjoy one last good meal. If you've made your way to Bakklandet, Baklandet Skydsstation is a great option for lunch, especially if you’re craving traditional dishes like 'klappkak', fish soup or reindeer stew, served in a charming setting. 

If you’re craving a good sandwich or snack, Kalas & Canasta is the place to go, while the Italian Blomster og Vin serves Pinsa Romana-style pizza. Both are also located in Bakklandet.

When it’s time to go home, there’s only one thing to do: say goodbye and see you next time.