10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in Trondheim

What is the first thing you have to see when you come to Trondheim? Nidaros Cathedral isn't exactly going anywhere, so it's not the first place you need to run to. Gamle Bybro may not be the place either, but few places in the city tug at your heartstrings quite like this one.

With its "Lykkens portaler", red-painted wood and idyllic location by the river, picture-perfect scenes don't get better than this.

Trøndelag Folk Museum is located a short distance outside Midtbyen, and you'll see why when you get there. The museum is full of exciting buildings and houses that provide an insight into how people in this part of the country lived hundreds of years ago - and that's something you need plenty of space for!

The path out to the fjord on Lade is for many the best way to get out to sea without having to take the automobile or public transportation. The entire area comprises 14 kilometers of trails, many of which extend out along the water. Parts of the trail are even cleared of snow in winter, so they are easily accessible all year round.

With just a short distance in and out of the area no matter where you are, hiking on Ladestien is popular with everyone from fitness fanatics to families on their Sunday stroll.

The fortress that towers over Bakklandet is visible from most places in central Trondheim, but it's only when you get up here that you can really appreciate the history and design of this building.

Although you can of course drive up here and park in the carpark, which is just below the fortress wall, the very best way to see Kristiansten is to head up Brubakken and Kristianstensbakken on foot or by bike and see the building from here first. This is by far the best way to approach the fortress!

Brattøra has always been the industrial port of Trondheim and therefore not particularly attractive to visitors who want to see the city's finest sights. But in recent years, the area between the Trondheim central station and the fjord has become increasingly attractive for both residents and visitors who want to see the city from a different angle.

The cycle path along Brattøra goes from Skansen, over the swing bridge and on to St. Olavs pier. If you come from Ilsvika, you can look forward to a wealth of museums, a bathing pool and many great places to eat when you arrive.

If you want to grab a drink and spend a few hours in Bakklandet, there's a wealth of places to choose from. Whether you're feeling sociable or want some alone time, the choice is impressive.

The Antiquarium is a place that suits both these moods: with a huge selection of books available, you can easily while away the hours and read with a coffee or a glass of wine by your side, but if you come here with friends to attend a concert, you're guaranteed to have even more friends by the time you leave. That's just the type of place this is.

If you want to see the city from a bird's eye view, but you don't have access to a drone or small plane, there are other ways to hit the skies. The question is how? And the answer is Tyholt Tower. The viewing platform here reaches 70 meters above the ground and provides a really unique view - and a wealth of photo opportunities too.

And if you're feeling peckish, take in a lunch or dinner at Egon Tårnet, the restaurant located on the floor above the viewing platform.

At the bottom of Brubakken, the road that takes you from Gamle Bybro to Kristiansten fortress, lies what is popularly known as Bakklandstorget. The square is paved with cobblestones from olden times and is surrounded by pleasant two-storey wooden houses on three sides. Several cafés offer outdoor seating that faces the square, and the many cyclists who use the Trampe bicycle lift like to whiz past here on their way further up in Bakklandet.

The place is therefore bursting with life, which is an attraction in itself, and for many there's no better way to spend their spare time than to sit here and watch the world go by.

One of the many buildings around the campus at NTNU's premises Ringve on Lade, houses the music and instrument museum. Whether you work in the arts or you're just interested in music, this is a must-see exhibition. The collection is one of Norway's biggest to be open to the public, and definitely one of the most interesting ones too.

It includes a historical collection of pianos, to which an entire book has been dedicated, an honor not even bestowed on the better known art collections.

When you visit Trondheim, a visit to Nidaros Cathedral is a must. Unless you only intend to spend the visit as an avid facade photographer, you will need a trip to the visitors center to get your guidebook for the building, tickets (excluding services, which are free) and of course a souvenir.

And if hunger strikes as you stroll round this magnificent building, you can also stop by the To Tårn café for some sustenance. The café looks directly onto the cathedral and serves coffee and snacks.