Trondheim, Norway

Getting To Know Trondheim – Cruise Port Guide

Port Snapshot

Once the capital of Norway during the Viking age, Trondheim is today the third largest city in Norway and a centre for science and technology industries. Previously called Nidaros, for its location at the mouth of the River Nid, the city was the seat of the Archbishop of Nidaros during the Middle Ages from 1152 to 1537, when Lutheran Protestantism was introduced to Norway. As a site of pilgrimage, with the Pilgrim’s Route or St. Olav’s Way stretching from Oslo to Trondheim covering 400 miles, the city built up around the Nidaros Cathedral, the burial site of King Olav II who is patron saint of Norway. The route fell into disuse with the advent of train travel in Norway but has since been revived and is a popular hiking trail. Welcome to our Trondheim cruise port guide.

Port Location and Facilities

The Trondheim Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the district of Brattøra around 2km from the city centre. It is easily walkable however some cruise lines may operate shuttle services. There are no major services at the port itself, although the area has a few attractions such as Rockheim and the Pirbadet indoor waterpark.

What Not to Miss

Nidaros Cathedral

Built over two centuries on top of King Olav II’s burial site, Nidaros is at the heart of the city. Work started in 1070 and was mostly completed in 1300, whilst additions have been made over time. It is the traditional location for the consecration of new kings of Norway. It is classed as the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world.

Archbishop’s Palace

Next to the cathedral you will find the former archbishop’s residence, a large medieval stone structure that dates to the 13th Century. Today it is a museum that amongst other things, particularly sculptures and archaeological finds from the cathedral, houses the Royal Regalia of Norway.

Old Town Bridge

Gamle Bybro, or the Old Town Bridge, was constructed after the great fire of 1681 that had destroyed most of the city. It crosses the Nidelva River from the main street Kjøpmannsgata to the district of Bakklandet, which is full of traditional wooden houses that line the riverbank. The bridge is also known as Lykkens portal, meaning Gate of Happiness, from the lyrics of a popular Norwegian waltz.

Kristiansten Fortress

If you continue over Gamle Bybro for around 10 minutes, slightly uphill, you will reach the Kristiansten Fortress, named after Christian V of Denmark-Norway. Built in 1685 after the great fire of 1681, it is located in the east of the city and was positioned there to protect from easterly attacks from neighbouring Swedish territory. It defended the city during the Great Northern War when Swedish forces laid siege to Trondheim in 1718. It offers wonderful panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape and fjord.

Stiftsgården

The royal residence in Trondheim is one of the largest wooden buildings in Europe, with 140 rooms spread over 4000 square metres. It is located on the main thoroughfare of the city, Munkegata, and its exterior is pretty much in its original form from when it was completed in 1778.

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum

Previously a fortress built by King Sverre Sigurdsson in the 12th Century on the outskirts of the main city, it is now home to an open-air folk museum showcasing over 60 buildings of ethnological importance to Norway and the surrounding area.

Trondheim Art Museum

With the third largest public art collection in Norway, this museum has ever changing exhibitions of international and regional art, with its permanent collection focusing on Norwegian artists.

NTNU University Museum

One of seven university museums throughout Norway, this museum focuses on collections of cultural history, zoology, botany and geology.

Rockheim

The national museum for popular music in Norway, Rockheim is an iconic building in the city for its unique sixth floor known as the ‘box’, clad in glass and able to project reproductions of album covers with over 13,000 individually changing LED lights. The museum offers you a chance to travel through Norwegian music history from the 1950s to the present day. It is also home to the Rockheim Hall of Fame.

Travel Tips

Tourist Information

NoFlyCruises recommends https://www.visittrondheim.no the official site of Visit Trondheim.

Currency

The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. Norway has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the average price of a standard cup of coffee is around £3/$4. Budget accordingly if you plan to dine out each day, as meals are roughly around 110kr per person (£11/$13 per person).

Weather

Trondheim’s weather is greatly affected by its location, and it is not uncommon to have snow up to mid-May. The average summer temperature through June to August is around 19 degrees Celsius, although depending on the weather conditions it can be in the mid 30s.

Getting Around

Whilst most attractions are found in the compact city centre and the main street Mukegata links the inner harbour area with Nidaros Cathedral, you will find the city well connected by buses. For more information on public transport, including prices, routes and schedules check out https://www.atb.no/en/

Trondheim is also the location of the world’s northernmost tramline, the Gråkallbanen. It is more of a touristic service that starts in the city centre and winds its way westward into the suburban hills of Lian, offering views over the city. Again for more information including prices and how to buy tickets check out https://www.atb.no/en/

Safety Whilst Ashore

Trondheim is traditionally a very safe city but do be aware of pickpockets.

Where to Eat

NoFlyCruises recommends the following eateries:

Key highlights of Trondheim

• Nidaros Cathedral
• Archbishop’s Palace
• Old Town Bridge
• Kristiansten Fortress
• Stiftsgården
• Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum
• Trondheim Art Museum
• NTNU University Museum
• Rockheim

Regular cruise line visitors

• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Silversea
• P&O Cruises
• SAGA Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Viking Ocean 

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