This article was written in partnership with Visit Trondheim.
Trondheim is beautiful in the summer and there’s something for everyone to do. So whether you’re a flavour-loving foodie or an unabashed basement-dweller, you’ll have plenty to do this summer!
For the Foodie
Trøndelag’s unique food culture received international recognition when it was chosen as the European Region of Gastronomy in 2022 and Trondheim lies at the centre of this booming culinary scene. This summer, the biggest food and drink events in the city are without a doubt Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Brewery Festival which will be held alongside each other August 3-5. Over 250,000 people are expected to enjoy the vast vast array of flavours of the more than 200 local food producers and 30 craft breweries. You shouldn’t let these festivals pass you by, but there are plenty of tasty experiences to be had in the city throughout the summer.
Inside Olavshallen, Olavstorget food hall offers fantastic food from five concept kitchens. Among them is Pastalab which is recommended by the prestigious Eccellenze Italiane awards for Italian food. Strolling through the city centre, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to high-end dining, for example To Rom og Kjøkken, Gubalari, and Michelin-star restaurants FAGN and Speilsalen. We also recommend checking out the Lilleby neighbourhood where you’ll find another Michelin-star winner Credo. The same owners also opened Edoramen in an adjacent historic building which offers a high-quality twist to the beloved Japanese dish.
For the Culture-Lover
Olavsfest is one of the highlights of the cultural year in Trondheim as tens of thousands gather to experience a week full of concerts, art exhibitions, and talks on a wide range of topics.
Trondheim’s great museums are also open all summer. A great place to start is to check out The List’s Museum Map featured in the Summer 2023 issue but K-U-K, Kunsthall Trondheim, and Trondheim Kunstmuseum are a true joy to visit for anyone with an interest in art. For more cultural events or visit trdevents.no!
For the Musicophile
The music scene in Trondheim never sleeps and the city will be filled with irresistible tunes throughout the summer. Music festivals such as Neon Festival, Pstereo, Olavsfest, and Festningen are filled with top-level acts and won’t disappoint. Many places in the city centre also frequently offer live music, such as Antikvariatet, Good Omens, and Olavshallen. The easiest way to find concerts is to check out The List's latest issue for listings or visit konsertby.no, a collaborative project by concert venues in the city. Now it’s easier than ever before to find the perfect concert for you in Trondheim!
You can also learn more about history at Ringve Music Museum or Rockheim, Norway's National Museum of Popular Music. If you’re not content with listening to or learning about music, you can also take the stage yourself at one of Lager11’s karaoke nights or book your own room at Sing Sing Karaoke.
For the Outdoorsy
You don’t have to go far for adventurous outdoor activities in Trondheim. You can sail down the Nidelva with Trondheim Kajakk or feel the wind in your hair as you speed across the fjord in Crazy Coyote’s RIB tours. You can also take a dip in the Trondheim Fjord from Sjøbadet in Brattøra or jump in after a hot sauna and drinks at Havet Arena.
Only a short bus ride from the city centre, you can also go on beautiful hikes in Bymarka and take a picturesque pit stop at the Grønlia cabin. You also have the amazing Høyt & Lavt Climbing Park inside the city where the whole family can climb and zipline through the treetops!
For the Basement-dweller
If the harsh light of the midnight sun is getting too much, you can always seek refuge in Trondheim’s fascinating basements. Nidarosdomen offers a tour of the cathedral's mysterious crypts which you shouldn’t miss. K-U-K has art exhibition spaces hidden underneath the surface and free admission.
You can also sip on hoppy delights at Øx Tap Room under Frati or at Den Gode Nabo in one of the historic warehouses by Nidelva. If you’re in a playful mood, you can go to Centrum Bowling under Trondheim Torg, play a round of minigolf at Trondheim Camping, or go for the high score on one of the classic pinball machines in the basement of Work-Work.
For the Dog Parent
There’s no need to leave your favourite buddy behind when enjoying Trondheim. Lavollen in Bymarka has a dog-friendly café in Gulstua. In the city, Ladekaia and Baklandet Skydsstasjon have designated indoor areas for dogs and many other restaurants have dog-friendly outdoor seating, such as Café Løkka, Streif, Sponhuset, Una Pizzeria, Trondhjem Mikrobryggeri, and San Sebastian. And when your furry friend is feeling restless, the dog parks at Kanonhaugen in Lade and Saupstad are the perfect place to have fun.
For the Urbanite
Trondheim’s city centre is filled with restaurants where you can enjoy a drink in the sun and great shops with everything from high-end boutiques to thrift shops full of treasures. Bakklandet is also a particularly wonderful place for a leisurely stroll among cute little cafés, old wooden houses, and beautiful artisanal shops full of local crafts. The wonderful thing about Trondheim is you can walk between all the major spots, whether it’s shops, markets, or museums, so make the most of it!
This article originally appeared in The List Summer Magazine 2023 and was written in partnership with Visit Trondheim.