The historic city of Trondheim is a popular stop on the Norwegian coastal voyage and with some cruise lines. Here's our recommended guided tours of Trondheim for when your time in town is limited.
Even though it doesn't get the tourist numbers of Oslo or Bergen, Trondheim is packed with attractions. That's especially true for natural and historic sites. The city also has a thriving culinary scene, so visitors will leave with their bellies full.
Whether you're exploring its cobblestone streets on foot, taking a scenic cruise along the Nidelva river, or immersing yourself in the local culture, there are many things to do in Trondheim for everyone.
Although not as common as in Bergen or Stavanger, cruise ships do call in to Trondheim during the summer, giving passengers several hours to explore the city.
Also, many people visit the city on the Norwegian coastal route on a Hurtigruten or Havila coastal ferry. On the northbound leg, visitors get approximately three hours to explore Trondheim.
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Whether you're visiting on the coastal ferry, on a cruise ship, or simply stopping off in the city as part of a longer tour of Norway, booking a guided tour is a great way to make the most of your time.
Walking Tour for Hurtigruten / Havila Visitors
If you're travelling northbound with Hurtigruten or Havila, your port call in Trondheim gives you up to three hours to enjoy the city. In theory, that's enough time to see some of the highlights.
But once you've figured out the walking route into the town, plus the anxiety of getting back to the ship on time, you're not left with a great deal of time.
Starting from Pirbadet, just a few minutes' walk from the Hurtigruten pier, this two-hour walking tour is designed specifically for passengers on the Norwegian coastal voyage.
You'll see the historic docks that have been transformed into the Solsiden neighbourhood, before moving on to the picturesque Nidelva river.
Here, you'll wander down the cobbled streets of Bakklandet and admire the wooden houses. Crossing the Old Town bridge to Nidaros Cathedral, the tour continues to the market square, and past the large, wooden royal residence.
Find more details including pricing and availability of this tour on Viator
Highlights of Trondheim for Cruise Ship Visitors
One advantage of visiting Trondheim on a cruise ship as opposed to the Norwegian coastal route is the extra time you'll have to explore the city. Most cruise ship calls last approximately eight hours.
This 3.5-hour highlights of Trondheim tour is part coach tour and part walking tour. Such a combination makes the most of your time on the tour, and also leaves some time to do your own thing before sailing away.
In addition to the city highlights including Nidaros Cathedral and the Bakklandet neighbourhood, you'll get to take in the sensational view of the city from the Sverresli viewpoint.
The historic Kristiansten fortress that overlooks the city from the other side is another enjoyable photo stop on this tour.
Find more details including pricing and availability of this tour on Viator
Private small group hike in Trondheim's nature
Discover the joys of the Scandinavian outdoors lifestyle on this guided nature hike, led by a local personal trainer. It’s a great way to combine exercise with sightseeing and get an authentic local experience thrown in too.
Norwegians love spending time in nature, whether it's foraging for berries and mushrooms, or simply enjoying the natural world. In Trondheim, there's plenty of forested area surrounding the city to do just that.
This hike offers the perfect opportunity to discover and embrace this important aspect of Norwegian culture.
The path will take you along an alley of leafy trees, alongside sparkling streams, and over scenic hills offering a wonderful view across the city and the fjord.
This 6.5 km hiking experience is for a maximum of four people and you'll need good walking shoes at a minimum. Allow between 2.5 and 3 hours for the full tour, which includes pickup from the city centre.
Find more details including pricing and availability of this tour on Viator
Whichever tour you choose, I hope you enjoy your time in my adopted home city of Trondheim. There’s a lot to see and do, but by booking yourself on to a guided tour, you’ll make the most of your time.
