The main things to do in Trondheim are a short walk apart: Nidaros Cathedral, the Old Town Bridge, the wooden houses of Bakklandet and the harbour at Solsiden. The cathedral costs NOK 140 for adults, and a combined ticket with the Crown Regalia costs NOK 260. In December, add the Christmas market on Torvet.
We checked prices and winter hours in October 2026. One thing many guides still mention is not running: the Trampe bicycle lift is closed in 2026 until further notice.
Getting there and around
From the airport: The local train from Trondheim Airport Værnes to the city takes about 35 minutes. The Værnes-Ekspressen airport bus meets all arriving and departing flights and stops near the central hotels.
In the city: An AtB single ticket for one zone costs NOK 50 for adults and NOK 25 for children. It is valid for 90 minutes on buses and trams. Buying on board costs NOK 20 more.
The cathedral and the centre1. Nidaros Cathedral
The world’s northernmost medieval cathedral has been a pilgrim destination for almost 1,000 years. Adults pay NOK 140, and ages 8–25 pay NOK 70. Current hours are Monday to Friday 09–14, Saturday 09–13 and Sunday 13–16, but they change around holidays and services. Large bags are not allowed inside, so leave them at your hotel or in a locker at the central station.
2. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Crown Regalia
The Norwegian crown and other royal regalia are on display in the Archbishop’s Palace next to the cathedral. It is closed on Mondays and opens Tuesday to Friday 11–14, Saturday 11–15 and Sunday 12–16. The combined ticket for all three costs NOK 260 for adults. Photography is not allowed in the regalia exhibition.
3. Vår Frue Church
The Church of Our Lady has its hours listed on the cathedral’s website. It opens Monday 11–15, Tuesday to Friday from 09, and until 19 on Thursdays. It is closed on Sundays. A quiet stop between shops.
4. The Christmas market on Torvet
The market runs from 3 to 21 December 2026, every day 11–19. The Ferris wheel has the same hours. The food lavvo stays open until 20, and until 22 on Thursdays and Fridays.
Bakklandet
5. Cross Gamle Bybro
The Old Town Bridge was first built in 1681, and the present bridge and red gates date from 1861. Locals call it the Portal of Happiness, after a well-known waltz about the river by Oskar Hoddø. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
6. Coffee and cake in Bakklandet
The cobbled streets across the bridge are full of small cafés and bars in old wooden houses. In the 1960s the city planned a four-lane road through here. Residents protested, and in 1971 the plan was stopped.
7. Krana viewpoint
For the classic photo of the coloured wharves on the river, walk to Krana. It is between Nedre Bakklandet 10 and 18. Swimming in the river is not allowed because of strong currents.
8. Kristiansten Fortress
The fortress on the hill above Bakklandet was built to defend the city against Swedish attack. The grounds are free. In winter the gates open at 09 and close at sunset. The museum in the tower only opens in summer.
9. Trampe, for later
The world’s first bicycle lift, in Brubakken, opened in 1993. It is closed in 2026 until further notice, and the city has not said when it will reopen. Walk the hill instead.
Museums
10. Rockheim
The national museum of popular music covers Norwegian pop, rock and more. It opens Tuesday to Friday 10–16 and at weekends 11–17, and is closed on Mondays. Adults pay NOK 180, and children up to 15 are free with a paying adult.
11. Ringve Music Museum
A music museum at Lade Allé 60, with a combined Ringve and Rockheim ticket for NOK 245. From November to March adults pay NOK 160. It opens Tuesday to Sunday 11–16 and is closed from 23 December to 1 January. Take bus 2 or 20 from Prinsens gate. Ask how long the combined ticket is valid, as the two museums give different answers.
12. Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
An open-air museum of old buildings at Sverresborg Alle 13. It opens Tuesday to Friday 10–15 and at weekends 11–15. Adults pay NOK 160 in the low season. It is closed 21–26 December and 31 December to 4 January.
Solsiden and beyond
13. Solsiden
The old shipyard on the river is now a harbour area with restaurants and a shopping centre. In winter the old dry dock becomes a lit ice rink. Trondheim Kunstmuseum Gråmølna, in an 1840s mill house, shows works by local artists.
14. Pirbadet
Indoor swimming at Havnegata 12, open almost every day of the year. Adults pay NOK 215 at the desk, and less in the app. It opens 09–19 at weekends. It is closed on 24 and 25 December and 1 January.
15. Gråkallbanen to Lian
The Gråkallbanen tram runs between Ila and Lian, a starting point for walks in Bymarka, the city’s forest. Change at Ila from bus lines 3, 11 or 18.
Our verdict
With one day, see the cathedral in the morning, cross Gamle Bybro for lunch in Bakklandet and walk up to Kristiansten for the view. Spend the evening at Solsiden or the Christmas market. With two days, add Rockheim and Ringve on the combined ticket.
More city guides are in our Norway hub. Travelling the coast? See things to do in Ålesund and things to do in Oslo. Norwegian readers can use our version for Norwegians.
The train from Værnes takes about 35 minutes, and the cathedral costs NOK 140 for adults.