Trondheim Mini Guide
Why Should I Visit Trondheim?
Trondheim is renowned throughout Europe for the beauty of the city and its location. It has proportionately, one of the largest student populations in Europe and this adds to the youthful vigour of the city and to its cultural highlights. The city sports the largest ecclesiastic building in Northern Europe in the stunning Nidaros Cathedral and has views typical of a Constable painting along the water meadows of the Nidelva River. The city recently celebrated its millennium anniversary despite it having been thought of as a Viking settlement. Formed as a trading post in the 11th century, it was the northernmost trading city in Europe.
How do I get Into Trondheim?
Trondheim Airport, also called Vaernes, is only a short distance away from the city centre. It’s a busy international airport with flights from all over Scandinavia, Europe, including
London Gatwick, and many Mediterranean holiday destinations. To get into the city from the airport, take a local bus, taxi or hire a car to allow you to explore the city independently.
What is There to See and Do in Trondheim?
Constructed over the grave of St Olav, Nidaros Cathedral is said to define the city. Its size means that it is visible from nearly every part of the city and its importance has led to it being named as the national cathedral. Next to the cathedral is the park called Marinen. There, the Nidelva River snakes through beautiful lush parkland making a great place for picnics and walks. Trondheim’s wealth, built on trade in the middle ages, led to the building of several wooden mansions in the area around the river. Today, many of them can be visited including the summer residence of the King of Norway at Stiftsgaarden.
What can I buy to Take Home With me From Trondheim?
There’s not so much in the line of souvenirs in Trondheim. The city has followed the modern upmarket route in preferring modern shopping malls selling Norwegian clothing and jewellery rather than individual craft and souvenir stores. Still, those who love shopping will be interested in the malls with their designer brands interspersed with less expensive fare.
What Should I eat in Trondheim?
The vast number of students in the city means that there are plenty of cheap places to eat. This also means plenty of traditional Norwegian food, mostly of the carbohydrate rich variety, can be found! Try such delicacies as klubb, which is a stew made of potato dumplings served with bacon and brown cheese sauce. Another favourite amongst students is lompe, a tortilla wrap filled with mince or cheese and potatoes.
What do People do to Party in Trondheim?
The key celebration in the year is the St Olav Festival which celebrates the life and works of Olav Haraldsson who set out to Christianise the country in the 11th century. The festival takes place over two weeks in July and August and includes religious aspects but also plays, music, recitals, food, drink and competitions.