Whether it's winter or summer, the true north and the contact with nature always leave you spellbound: here's what to visit in Norway's third largest city.
Trondheim third largest city in Norway, with a population of only 180,000, it will give you a peaceful holiday and will give you landscapes never seen before, as only Norway can! The city is located in the center of one of the fjords most fascinating of Norway, often a stop on cruise ships, the Trondheimsfjorden, at the mouth of the Niveda River.
Trondheim, a fascinating meeting point
The charm of this city lies precisely in being the most representative meeting point of southern and northern Scandinavia. City of Viking origin, over time it has increased its importance in the country, welcoming every year thousands of students who choose this city precisely to improve their English (here also the elderly lady you will meet on the bus will charm you with her perfect English! ), to spend your free time between climbing, skiing and, with a little luck, admire moose and go hunting for the Northern Lights!
Another key feature of this city is theaccess it offers towards the north! Here, in fact, for the first time, thanks to the Hurtigruten coastal express, it was possible to reach the highest point in Europe. If now I've made you want to go on an adventure to the true north, here's what you absolutely need to know about this city.
Getting around in Trondheim
First thing: if you haven't used your bike in a few years, it's time to get it out! Trondheim is the right place to start cycling again, be careful though, the city offers beautiful landscapes to admire while cycling, but make sure you have enough breath, the territory, with the many climbs, can be very heavy if you are not used to it. Otherwise you can always count onmechanical assistant from Bakklandet, which pushes cyclists up the steepest hill in the city.
What to visit
Bakklandet is the picturesque old town, cobbled streets, colorful wooden houses that will welcome you for a break at the restaurant during your tour of the city. Crossing the Old Town Bridge, (Gamble Bybro), characteristic for its red portals reminiscent of the Japanese style, you can admire the Nidaros cathedral (impossible not to notice it!), A Roman-Gothic style that represents the national sanctuary of Norway, an important pilgrimage site, which It contains the remains of St. Olaf and the entire history of the Norwegian kingdom.
Adjacent to the cathedral, you will find the Archbishop's Palace, particularly suitable for fans of "royal bling", here you will find the jewels of the Norwegian crown.
If you are hungry, you cannot fail to taste the fish! The city will offer you excellent quality fish sold in the markets, the most famous being called Ravnkloa, picturesque and full of freshly caught products. Once you are satisfied, finding yourself near the port, take a ferry and visit theMunkholmen Island. There you will find an ancient monastery, later used as a prison. I recommend you stop at the cafe and taste the famous one fish soup!
If you are still in the mood for history visit the beautiful Kristiansen Fortress located on a hill that will give you a beautiful view over the whole city. Do you still have time? What about then enjoy a kayak ride on the Nidelva River, the best time to spend in Norway is to immerse yourself in nature, between fjords, magnificent landscapes in the woods in Bimarka where you can take a dip in the lake.
Travel tips
It will seem like a lot to do, in reality the city is small and you will find time to wander around and engage in other activities, the city is very expensive, if you want to dine out I recommend you go to theEgon Tower in Thholt, where you can find an affordable pizza buffet on a high rotating tower! Another important consideration is: choose the right period! The winters here are very harsh and the sunny days very short, which is why the city is crowded with tourists especially in summer but, it is also true that if you want to admire the beautiful Green Lady, winter is the best time. In fact, the chances of seeing the aurora increase in the period between September and March.
What can I say, once you have reached and visited Trondheim the journey is only at the beginning! From here, go on an adventure and head towards the polar circle, pass the city of Bodo and Tromso, visit the beautiful Lofoten islands and arrive at highest point in Europe!
