7 Things to Do in Trondheim in September: What Surprised Me Most

I arrived in Trondheim after a few days in Oslo, curious why so many locals had called it Norway’s “student city.” What I found was a compact, walkable place with a lot more to do than I expected, colorful wooden houses along the river, cozy cafés filled with students, and one of the country’s most impressive cathedrals right in the center.

Whether you come in September or any other time of year, Trondheim feels lived-in and local. It’s not a checklist city, but it’s if you’re going it’s totally worth it. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: how to get here, where to go, what locals recommend, and seven things to do in Trondheim.

Quick Facts: Trondheim at a Glance

• Location: Central Norway, midway between Oslo and the coast, about seven hours north of Oslo by scenic train or a quick one-hour flight.
• Best for: Weekend trips, riverside walks, local cafés, and that relaxed student-town energy Trondheim’s known for.
• Weather: Expect mild summers (12–18 °C) and crisp early autumns (8–14 °C). September brings cooler mornings and light rain, perfect for café-hopping.
• Budget: €50–70 /day on average (closer to €35 if you cook or stay with friends). Norway isn’t cheap, but Trondheim’s manageable compared to Oslo or Bergen.
• Getting around: Compact and walkable; local buses and e-scooters help with hills. Everything’s within 20 min on foot from the center.
• Vibe: Cozy and colorful, half medieval charm, half university buzz.
• Top highlights: Bakklandet, Nidaros Cathedral, Gamle Bybro, Solsiden, Kristiansten Fortress, and the Nidar Chocolate Factory.
• Essential experience: See Trondheim from above, whether it’s the fortress hill, the Nidaros Cathedral tower, or the hike up Våttakammen.

How to Get to Trondheim from Oslo (Train vs Flight)

I arrived in Trondheim by train from Oslo, a seven-hour ride through lakes, forests, and mountain towns that feels more like a moving postcard than public transport. I booked through Vy.no for around €55 a literally the night before, prices go up the longer you wait, so plan ahead if you can (unlike me).

If you’re short on time, flights from Oslo to Trondheim Airport (TRD) take under an hour (Avinor.no), but once you add airport transfers, the train often wins for convenience and views (and price). Plus, it’s far more sustainable, Norway’s electric rail lines are among the greenest in Europe.

Inside the city, you won’t need much transport. Trondheim is compact and walkable, with most highlights, Bakklandet, Nidaros Cathedral, and Solsiden, just minutes apart on foot. For rainy days or steeper hills, AtB.no runs reliable local buses, and e-scooters are everywhere during the warmer months.

7 Things to Do in Trondheim That Are Actually Worth It

I visited Trondheim to see a friend who studies at NTNU, the city’s huge university that keeps everything young and moving. Having a local show me around made all the difference. I got to skip the tourist checklist and went straight to the spots that students actually hang out, the viewpoints locals recommend, and the cafés that feel lived in, not staged.

If you’re planning your trip and wondering what’s actually worth your time, here are the seven things to do in Trondheim that stood out the most, from historic neighborhoods and fortress views to hikes, fjord lookouts, and a real chocolate factory.

Explore Bakklandet: Trondheim’s Most Photogenic Neighborhood

If there’s one place that captures Trondheim’s charm, it’s Bakklandet, a riverside neighborhood lined with colorful wooden houses, cafés, and cobblestone streets. It used to be a working-class area where boats unloaded goods along the Nidelva River. Today, it’s one of the city’s most sought-after places to live and easily the most recognizable part of Trondheim.

Walking across the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) gives you the classic postcard view, especially in late afternoon when the colors reflect on the water. It reminded me a bit of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, just quieter and more lived-in.

You don’t need a plan here, just grab a coffee at Dromedar or Antikvariatet, wander by the river, and take in the calm. If you only have time for one stop in Trondheim, this is the one that sums up what makes the city feel so relaxed and genuine.

Visit Nidaros Cathedral – The Heart of Trondheim

You can’t visit Trondheim without stopping by Nidaros Cathedral (Nidarosdomen). It’s not just the city’s main landmark, it’s Norway’s most important church and the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. Built between 1070 and 1300 over the burial site of King Olav II, it became a major pilgrimage destination and still draws travelers from across Europe. It reminded me of Lund Cathedral across the border in Sweden, a similar Romanesque masterpiece I covered in my Malmö vs Lund guide.

The cathedral has survived at least five fires, been rebuilt multiple times, and today stands as a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, think Notre-Dame, but smaller and more weathered by time. Inside, the stonework and stained glass are stunning, but even if you don’t go in, the exterior alone is worth the stop.

If you’re into history, there’s a small museum and guided tours that explain its Viking-era roots, plus the archbishop’s palace next door. Otherwise, just walk around the grounds, it’s peaceful, especially in the morning before tour groups arrive.

Quick visit tip:

• Entry: ~120 NOK (€10) for the cathedral, extra for the tower.
• Best view: climb the tower for a 360° panorama of the city (open seasonally).
• Fun fact: Nidaros is the site of Norway’s royal coronations, even modern monarchs are blessed here.

Climb Up to Kristiansten Fortress for the Best View in Trondheim

Perched on a hill above Bakklandet, Kristiansten Fortress (Kristiansten Festning) offers one of the best views in Trondheim, the cathedral, the river, and the colorful rooftops all visible from a single spot. Built in 1681 to protect the city after a massive fire, it once stood guard against Swedish invasion (yes, the people, not the candy).

You can walk up from the city center in about 15 minutes, or take a short local bus if it’s raining. Once at the top, there’s an open courtyard, a small museum (open seasonally), and plenty of space to sit and take in the view. Sunset is the best time to go, locals come up here with friends or snacks to watch the light fade over the fjord.

My friend actually walks past the fortress every day on his way to university, and honestly, that’s a pretty unbeatable commute.

Quick visit tips:

• Entry: Free (museum entry ~60 NOK / €5 when open)
• Best time: Around sunset for the soft light and city views
• How to get there: 15-minute uphill walk from Bakklandet or bus #26 to Festningsgata
• Local note: The fortress grounds are open year-round and double as a picnic spot in summer

Why go: It’s the single best place to understand Trondheim’s layout, from the old town to the fjord, and to see why locals never really get tired of this view.

Visit the Nidar Chocolate Factory in Trondheim, Home of Smash!

I didn’t expect a chocolate factory to end up on my Trondheim list, but Nidar is no ordinary one. Founded in 1912, it’s one of Norway’s oldest confectionery brands, the company behind Smash!, Troika, and Stratos, three national obsessions. Their factory and shop (Nidar Godteributikk og Sjokolademuseum) sit just a short bus ride from the city center, and you can actually peek into parts of the working production line through glass windows.

The visit itself is pretty straightforward, there’s a small shop, a few historical displays, and modest free samples, but for me, it was a full-circle moment. My Norwegian friend first introduced me to Smash! over a year earlier when we were both living in Madrid, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Finding myself in the actual birthplace of Smash felt like visiting a weirdly specific kind of shrine… and yes, I stocked up.

Quick visit tips:

• Location: Bromstadvegen 2, about 10 minutes by bus from the center.
• Getting there: Take bus 14 from Trondheim Sentrum to Nidar.
• Hours: Weekdays 10:00–17:00 (Closed weekends).
• What to buy: Smash! — sweet, salty, dangerously addictive, and officially Norwegian.

Why go: It’s not a tourist trap, it’s a glimpse into real local industry, and a fun, offbeat stop that connects modern Trondheim to over a century of Norwegian chocolate-making.

Take a Boat to Munkholmen Island — Trondheim’s Floating Time Capsule

Just offshore from Trondheim’s harbor sits Munkholmen, a small island with a history that’s way more dramatic than its size suggests. During the Viking Age, it was an execution site; centuries later, it became a monastery, and after the Swedish war in 1659, it was rebuilt into a coastal fortress. It’s even served as a World War II prison.

These days, it’s the opposite of grim, a quiet summer escape just ten minutes by boat from the city center. Locals come here to swim, sunbathe, or grab waffles at the small café by the pier, and it’s a great way to spend a few hours when the weather cooperates.

Boats leave from Ravnkloa, the fish market near downtown, every 30–45 minutes during summer (usually May to early September). The short ride alone is worth it for the fjord views and a look back at the city’s colorful waterfront and Kristiansten Fortress perched on the hill.

Once on the island, you can walk the loop trail in about 15 minutes, take a guided tour through the old fortress walls and underground rooms, or just sit on the rocks watching the boats go by.

Quick visit tips:

• Ferry: From Ravnkloa, ~10 minutes each way; round-trip ~150 NOK (€13).
• Hours: Seasonal (May–September). Check munkholmen.no for current times.
• Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and snacks.
• Good to know: The café is cashless, and shade is limited.

Why go: Munkholmen blends Norwegian history and local life in one spot, part fortress, part beach day, and completely unique to Trondheim.

Hike to Våttakammen for a Peaceful Panoramic View of Trondheim

If you want a quiet nature escape close to the city, the Våttakammen hike is perfect. It’s one of the easiest and most popular trails in Trondheim, just challenging enough to feel like you’ve earned the view, but short enough to fit into an afternoon.

The trail starts near Bymarka, on the west side of town, and takes about 45 minutes each way. It’s well-marked and easily reachable by local bus. When I went, the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating, gray skies, drizzle, and low clouds, but it still looked beautiful. From the top, you can see the Trondheimsfjord, Munkholmen Island, and even Nidaros Cathedral on clear days.

While Kristiansten Fortress gives the best city-center views, Våttakammen is where you go for fresh air and space, just trees, fjord, and a calm silence that reminds you how close nature always is in Norway.

Bring good shoes if it’s been raining; the trail gets slippery fast.

Visit NTNU Gløshaugen – The Heart of Trondheim’s Student Life

Trondheim’s known as Norway’s student city, and you really feel that at NTNU Gløshaugen, the main campus of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. It’s the largest university in the country with around 40,000 students, so a huge part of the city’s energy comes from here.

It sits up on a hill just east of downtown, about a ten-minute walk from the center. The old brick buildings and big open lawns overlook the city and fjord.

I went with my friend who studies there, and the place was packed with students biking, hanging out on the grass, or grabbing food between classes. You really get a sense of how much the university shapes the city, half the people you pass on the street probably study here.

It’s worth a quick stop, even if you’re not a student. Walk up from Elgeseter Bridge or catch bus 5 to Gløshaugen Nord, and you’ll see why locals call Trondheim a university town before anything else.

What’s the Weather Like in Trondheim (and When to Visit)

Trondheim’s weather changes fast, one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misty and gray. But that’s part of what makes the city feel alive. Each season shows a different side of Trondheim, and if you visit in autumn, like I did, you’ll see it at its most atmospheric.

Autumn (September–November)

This is arguably the best time to visit. The city glows in orange and gold, the air is crisp, and the student buzz is back after summer break. Expect temperatures between 8–14 °C, light rain every few days, and daylight that stretches until around 7 p.m. early in the month. Cafés feel extra cozy, and hiking trails like Våttakammen are perfect for short, scenic climbs.

Winter (December–February)

Cold, quiet, and beautiful in its own way. Snow covers the old wooden houses, and the river often steams in the morning chill. Temperatures range from -3 °C to 2 °C, and daylight is limited to just 4–6 hours. Bring proper boots, the cobblestones can get icy, and plan for indoor activities like cafés, saunas, or the Nidaros Cathedral museum.

Spring (March–May)

A calm reset before summer crowds arrive. Locals come out for their first outdoor coffees of the year, and the city parks slowly turn green again. Expect 3–11 °C, longer daylight, and quieter streets, a great time if you prefer fewer tourists and cheaper accommodation.

Summer (June–August)

Trondheim’s warmest and liveliest season, with temperatures up to 20 °C and daylight that barely ends. Locals swim by the fjord, enjoy open-air concerts, and fill every café terrace. Prices are higher, and you’ll share the city with plenty of visitors, but the energy is infectious.

Trondheim Travel Tips (From Someone Who Visited With a Local)

Having a local friend in Trondheim made a big difference, not just for directions, but for understanding how people actually live here. Trondheim might look small on the map, but it has its own rhythm, shaped by students, weather, and coffee.

1. Don’t underestimate how walkable it is.
The city center is compact, and most sights, Bakklandet, Nidaros Cathedral, Solsiden, are within 15 minutes on foot. I barely used public transport, but when I did, the AtB app made buses easy to track and pay for.

2. Coffee culture is serious business.
Trondheim runs on caffeine. Locals meet for a quick brew at Dromedar Kaffebar or Jacobsen & Svart, and no one’s in a rush. Prices hover around €4–5, but the quality makes it worth it. (I learned quickly that “just one cup” doesn’t exist here.)

3. Eat early or cook.
Norwegian restaurants tend to close earlier than in southern Europe. Most kitchens shut by 9 p.m., and a casual dinner can run €25–30. I cooked most nights, groceries at Rema 1000 or Coop Prix are far cheaper and surprisingly good.

4. The student energy is real.
Trondheim is home to NTNU, Norway’s largest university, and you feel it everywhere, cafés full of laptops, bikes flying past in the rain, concerts in random basements. Around 40,000 students study here, so even when it’s cold or dark, the city doesn’t slow down.

5. Bring layers, not luggage.
Locals dress like they’re ready for five seasons in a day, and they kind of are. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable. You can skip the umbrella; the wind will eat it.

Visiting Trondheim with someone who lives here changed how I saw it. It’s not a city you “do”, it’s one you settle into for a few days, walk everywhere, eat slow, and let surprise you in small ways.

FAQ About Visiting Trondheim

Final Thoughts on Visiting Trondheim

I really liked Trondheim. It’s colorful, friendly, and way more relaxed than Oslo. The student energy keeps the city lively, but it still feels like a small town, easy to explore, full of good coffee, and just the right amount of calm. Whether you come for a weekend or stay longer, it’s an easy place to enjoy.

If you’re planning a trip through Scandinavia, Trondheim pairs well with cities like Gothenburg and Stockholm. Each has its own rhythm, Stockholm is grand and cultural, Gothenburg has that cozy west-coast feel, and Trondheim sits somewhere in between, smaller but full of character. Visiting all three gives you a real sense of how different life feels across Sweden and Norway.