Places to stay and things to do in Arendal

Norway’s third largest city, the capital of Trøndelag and known as Norway’s food mecca - Trondheim offers many reasons to spend a weekend at a hotel.

The city centre, divided by the Nidelva River and with the fjord right next door, is easy to explore on foot. Visit Nidaros Cathedral and Kristiansten Fortress, stroll around Bakklandet or take a walk in Bymarka. With a strong food scene and several Michelin restaurants, it’s easy to understand why Trondheim is called Norway’s food dish. Come hungry.

Thon Hotels has three hotels in Trondheim. Thon Hotel Trondheim is located right by the Torvet in the heart of the centre and Thon Hotel Nidaros is situated by Trondheim central station.

Here are some things to do when you take the trip to Trondheim:

Activities

Glide along Nidelva

If you want to experience Trondheim from the water, you can join Trondheim Kajakk on a tour or course. They offer both day trips along the Nidelva River and around the city, as well as evening trips with LED lights on the kayak. The tours last around two hours and are also suitable for beginners. You can also rent equipment and paddle on your own.

Trondheim on two wheels

Trondheim is one of Norway’s leading cycling cities and easy to explore on two wheels. The popular Hjerterunden roundabout six kilometres takes you past Bakklandet, Nidelva and Trondheimsfjorden. You can use Trondheim City Bike or rent a bike at Trondheim Bike Adventures, which also offers guided tours.

Tips! Try the Trampe bicycle lift in Brubakken on Bakklandet - one of the city’s most famous attractions.

Trondheim Camping

At Trondheim Camping, you can play minigolf indoors on a 13-hole course, combined with a bar and snacks. During the day, it is open to everyone, while there is a 20-year limit after 7 p.m. The restaurant is a five-minute walk from Thon Hotel Nidaros.

Tips! If you want real golf, you can visit Trondheim Par3Golf on Byåsen.

Beer tasting

The Beer Academy offers courses in beer tasting with different themes, such as beer and chocolate, cheese and beer or Christmas beer. You can also attend group classes here. ØX Taproom arranges courses and serves a wide range of beers, including from its separate brewery.

Trondheim by Boat

With Trondheim by Boat, you can experience the city from the sea, whether you want to go sightseeing, fishing or sunset. The tours can be combined with dinner or a visit to Rockheim. Both group tours and tailored experiences are offered.

Tips! If you want more speed, you can join a RIB tour with Fjord Rafting.

Pirbadet

Pirbadet on Brattøra is Norway’s largest indoor swimming pool. Here you will find a wave pool, slides, diving tower and outdoor swimming pool - with views of the lake and Munkholmen. The bathing water stays at a comfortable temperature all year round.

Taste your way through the city

Trøndelag is known for strong food traditions, and Trondheim offers many great taste experiences. Join a guided food tour with By-k or Trondheim Guiding and combine local history with tastings from the city’s restaurants and cafes.

Food and drinks

Credo

Credo is a one-star Michelin restaurant, known for sustainable ingredients from local producers. Here you get a fixed flavour menu of 20-25 servings that change daily. The restaurant is run by Heidi Bjerkan, who is also behind Jossa and Finnes Kafé in Trondheim.

Fagn

Fagn is one of Trondheim’s Michelin restaurants with one star. The first floor serves an inspirational menu of 10 or 20 dishes, while the second floor has a bistro and cocktail bar with simpler dishes.

Bula Neobistro

At Bula Neobistro, you get creative and playful food by René Fagerhøi. Choose between a five- or thirty-course menu, with a wine package if desired. The bar also serves snacks and appetisers.

Frati

Frati has served Italian classics for over 40 years. Here you’ll find everything from pasta and pizza to bruschetta and panna cotta, as well as a great selection of wines. Located in the heart of Oslo.

Gubalari

Gubalari is inspired by the dishes from the TV kitchen and Ingrid Espelid Hovig. Lunch and dinner are served here with Norwegian classics in a modern style. The restaurant is a five-minute walk from Thon Hotel Nidaros.

Emilies Eld Restaurant & Bar

At Emilies Eld, the food is cooked over a flame grill with seasonal ingredients. Choose between a bar menu, 3-5 courses or à la carte. The restaurant also has a cocktail lounge and wine packages.

Bror Burger & Taco

Bror serves charcoal-grilled burgers, tacos and other “cosy foods” such as nachos and chilli fries. The restaurant is only a few minutes from Thon Hotel Trondheim and Thon Hotel Nidaros.

Baklandet Skydsstation

In a historic wooden building by Gamle Bybro you will find Baklandet Skydsstation. Traditional homemade food and well-known cakes are served here in cosy surroundings.

Dromedar Kaffebar

Dromedar has been part of Trondheim for over 25 years and has several cafes in the city centre. Here you’ll get good coffee, baked goods and cakes from your own bakery - try their chilli latte.

Lager11

Lager11 is a food hall at Sluppen with eight stalls serving food from all over the world. Concerts and various events are also held here.

Raus Bar

Raus is a cocktail bar in Nordre gate, known for classic and modern drinks. Perfect before dinner or as a cosy finishing touch to the evening.

Ila Brainnstasjon

Ila Brainnstasjon is a cultural café by Ilaparken with concerts, stand-up and Sunday jazz. The menu is based on local seasonal ingredients.

Kieglekroa

Trondheim’s oldest pub offers a great selection of beer and whisky, as well as games such as darts and board games. It also serves burgers, pizza and snacks.

Antikvariatet

The antiquities restaurant on Bakklandet is a music café and a bookable bar with concerts and events. Enjoy something in the glass surrounded by bookshelves and views of the river and cathedral.

Natural gems

Munkholmen

Munkholmen is a small island in Trondheimsfjorden, popular on sunny days. The island has been a monastery, fortress and prison, but today people come here to swim and relax. which also has a nice restaurant. Boat departs from Ravnkloa in the city centre.

Solsiden

Solsiden, also known as Nedre Elvehavn, is a vibrant area with restaurants and outdoor dining along the water. A nice place to eat and drink in the sun. Dokkhuset is also located here, which offers concerts in the fields of jazz and chamber music.

Ringve Botanical Garden

Ringve Botanical Garden at Lade houses a wide variety of plants from all over the world. The garden is used by NTNU for research and teaching, and is open every day all year round - free of charge for everyone.

Ladeparken

The charging park, also known as Sirkusparken, is a green outdoor area with playground equipment, fountains and open lawns. Perfect for families with children and those who want to relax outdoors.

Ladestien

The charging trail is a popular hiking trail of around eight kilometres from Ladehammerkaia to Rotvollfjæra. On the way, you will pass Ringve Farm, war memorials and several bathing spots, as well as cafes such as Ladekaia and Sponhuset.

The sea bath in Brattøra

Sjøbadet on Brattøra is a central bathing area with sun areas and a diving tower. A great alternative for a refreshing dip in the fjord on hot days.

Bymarka

Bymarka west of Trondheim offers hiking opportunities all year round. Here you can walk, ski, fish, take a bath or just enjoy the silence in the forest.

Museums and attractions

Nidaros Cathedral

Nidaros Cathedral is Trondheim’s most famous landmark and the world’s northernmost Gothic cathedral. It was erected over the tomb of Olav the Holy from 1070 and completed around 1300. Today it is an important pilgrimage destination, and you can join a guided tour or experience the cathedral on your own.

Bakklandet

Bakklandet is Trondheim’s charming old town by the Nidelva river, with colourful wooden houses, small shops and cosy restaurants. The area dates back to the 1600s and can be reached via Gamle Bybro from the city centre.

Kristiansten Fortress

Kristiansten Fortress was built after the city fire in 1681 to protect Trondheim. Today, it is Norway’s best preserved tower fortress from the 1600s and a popular viewpoint. The area is free to visit and is also used for events and concerts.

Trondheim Food Festival

Trøndelag has a strong culinary tradition, which is celebrated during Trøndersk Matfestival and Bryggerifestivalen, among other events. Food producers and visitors gather here to taste local food and drink experiences.

Rockheim

Rockheim on Brattørkaia is Norway’s national museum for popular music. Here you can explore Norwegian pop and rock history from the 1950s to today, with interactive experiences and a separate Hall of Fame.

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum

At Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum you can experience what life was like in Trondheim and Trøndelag in the past. The outdoor museum has historic buildings, the Old Town, a mediaeval castle, exhibitions and activities for the whole family room.