Despite being Norway’s third-largest city with just over 200,000 inhabitants, Trondheim retains its small-town heart and charm. To the west of the city centre, a neighbourhood called Ila is home to a tight-knit network of artistic souls and creative minds. It’s a place where old meets new, traditional meets industrial, and urban meets nature. A myriad of wooden buildings house eateries and galleries, and countless colourful murals still remain from the Trondheim Street Art Festival in 2018. On the east side of the city centre, the hip yet historic area of Bakklandet features cobbled pedestrian streets sprinkled with cosy boutiques, unique restaurants, and historical sites.
Connecting Bakklandet to the rest of the city is Gamle Bybro, a bridge across the Nidelva river with picturesque views of 18th-century wooden wharfs. On the opposite side of the bridge, the Trondheim Art Museum is known for its extensive collection of Norwegian, international, and contemporary art. Next door, the Nidaros Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture and fine craftsmanship, with roughly 5,000 sculptures covering its walls. Similarly, the Archbishop’s Palace Museum contains 120 medieval sculptures, as well as an impressive array of archaeological finds. In addition to preserving history and culture through art, these attractions play an important role in shaping the country’s future generation of artists.
As the unofficial foodie capital of Norway, Trondheim boasts three Michelin Star restaurants – Fagn, Speilsalen, and Credo – and was recently recognised as the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 through the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. From coffee shops and craft breweries, to local markets and farm-to-table restaurants, the city is currently undergoing a culinary revolution of sorts. Given the local production of high-quality ingredients from both sea and land, chefs are taking advantage of the region’s resources and pushing the limits of regional cuisine. The annual Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Brewery Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the success of baristas, brewers, chefs, farmers, and foragers alike.
Trondheim has become well-known for its summer festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. In addition to the Food and Brewery Festival, there’s Olavsfest, Festningen, and Pstereo. Trondheim International Olavsfest is a folklife festival to celebrate tradition and culture, whereas Festningen and Pstereo are among Central Norway’s largest music festivals. These events draw huge international crowds and are a vital part of Trøndelag’s cultural scene. Between trendy neighbourhoods, architectural gems, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and an impressive festival season, it’s no wonder that Trondheim is home to a flourishing creative community.
