Norway's third-largest city, Trondheim, was once the capital of Viking Norway. The city is richly historical, with a past still felt on its city streets—landmarks like the Nidaros Cathedral get visitors thinking in millennia, not centuries. But the city is also culturally vibrant in the modern sense, with an epic food scene, buzzy nightlife, and plenty of things to do around the clock and calendar. For a journey into northern Norway, start in Trondheim.
The best time to visit Trondheim depends on what you want to experience. June to August offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, like kayaking in the fjords (you'll also get more daylight hours for sightseeing). September and October mean cool weather, smaller crowds, and fall foliage. December means festive holiday markets and glowing streets. And March to May could bring you face-to-face with the northern lights.
Trondheim is a fairly compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. But beyond the opportunity to play pedestrian tourist, the city offers a well-developed bus network (you’ll want the app to buy tickets); the Grakallbanen tram line, which stays near the city center; and a bike program, with stations across the city for easy access. Taxis and private cars-for-hire are good options, too.
The northernmost pilgrimage route in the world, known as the St. Olav Ways, ends in Trondheim. The ancient Norwegians trekked to Nidaros Cathedral, where St. Olav is buried, to show their respects—at the end, hikers are supposed to walk around the cathedral three times, clockwise, before entering. Today, the route is a cross-country trek akin to Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Hop on the trail at any point in the city, and you’ll participate in one of Europe’s oldest pilgrimages.
