Right, let’s get this over with. You want a rewrite of this Wikipedia article on Trondheim. Fine. Just don’t expect me to be enthusiastic about it. It’s a city. It exists. What more do you need to know?

Trondheim

Tråante

Trondheim

From the top: Outer city with Nidelva and sea port, Nidelva seen from Øya, Bakklandet , The city’s central square (Torvet), Old Town Bridge , Munkholmen seen from the air

Flag Coat of arms

Nickname: Stiftstaden (English: “The Diocese City”)

Location of the municipality Trondheim Trøndelag

• Country: Norway • Municipality: Trondheim • County: Trøndelag • District: Trondheim Region • Official language: Bokmål

Government • Mayor: Kent Ranum (H ) • Governing mayor: Kristian Dahlberg Hauge (H )

Area • City: 321.81 km² (124.25 sq mi) • Urban: 342.30 km² (132.16 sq mi) • Metro: 7,295 km² (2,817 sq mi)

Population (1 January 2025) • City: 216,518 [1] • Density: 672.81/km² (1,742.6/sq mi) • Urban: 186,364 [2] • Urban density: 544.45/km² (1,410.1/sq mi) • Metro: 279,234 • Metro density: 38.28/km² (99.14/sq mi) • Municipality/Urban rank: 3rd/4th • Metro rank: 4th

Demonym(s): Trondheimer, Trondhjemmer

GDP [3] • Metro: €26.143 billion (2021)

Time zone: UTC+01:00 (CET ) • Summer (DST): UTC+02:00 (CEST )

Website: www.trondheim.kommune.no

Historical population

Trondheim, a city that practically hums with history, sits on the southern shore of the Trondheim Fjord , right where the Nidelva river decides to spill into the sea. It’s not just any city; it’s a hub of innovation, home to institutions like the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the formidable Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) , the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU), and the esteemed St. Olavs University Hospital .

Founded in 997, this place was once the capital of Norway during the Viking Age , holding onto that title until 1217. For centuries, from 1152 to 1537, it was the spiritual center of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nidaros . Post-Reformation, it remained the seat of the Lutheran Diocese of Nidaros , with the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral as its anchor. The city officially joined the municipal fold in 1838, and its current boundaries were solidified through mergers in 1964 and again in 2020, absorbing Byneset Municipality , Leinstrand Municipality , Strinda Municipality , Tiller Municipality , and Klæbu Municipality .

Despite its northern latitude, Trondheim enjoys a surprisingly mild climate, a gentle reprieve from the harshness typically associated with such regions. The coastal areas offer moderate temperatures, while the higher elevations, as one might expect, embrace a cooler, snowier disposition.

It’s worth noting that while Trondheim serves as the seat of the County Mayor of Trøndelag county, the administrative heart beats in Steinkjer . This deliberate decentralization, apparently, is to prevent the county’s administrative functions from becoming too concentrated.

For the sports enthusiasts, Trondheim is synonymous with Rosenborg , Norway’s most decorated football club. And when winter descends, the Granåsen Ski Centre becomes the stage for thrilling competitions, having hosted the World Championship in Nordic Skiing .

Names and etymology

The flag of Trondheim , interestingly, deviates from the norm for Norwegian municipal flags; it’s not a mere banner of its coat of arms .

• See also: Names of Trondheim in different languages

The city’s genesis is credited to Olav Tryggvason in 997, initially christened Nidaros, which in Old Norse translates to “the mouth of the Nid river.” While Nidaros was its formal designation, the locals were fond of calling it kaupangr, meaning “marketplace” or “city.” More specifically, it was kaupangr í Þróndheimi, signifying “the city in Trondheim.” Now, Þróndheimr itself was the ancient name for the entire region, what we now call Trøndelag . The inhabitants were known as Trønder, and Þróndheimr essentially meant “home of the Trønder people.” The very name Trønder is thought to stem from the Old Norse word þróask, meaning “to grow” or “to thrive.”

As the Middle Ages wore on, the “kaupanger” part of the name gradually faded, leaving just Þróndheimr. Centuries under Danish rule led to the spelling morphing into Trondhjem, a direct reflection of the Dano-Norwegian linguistic influence.

Then came the wave of “Norwegianization” in the early 20th century, spurred by the 1917 Norwegian language reforms . In 1919, the Diocese of Nidaros shed its Danish-sounding name. The capital, Kristiania, shed its regal Danish moniker for the ancient Oslo in 1924. Trondhjem, too, faced a reckoning. A referendum in 1928 decisively favored keeping Trondhjem, but the Storting had other plans. In 1929, a decree dictated that the Nidaros Cathedral would revert to its historical name, and the city itself would follow suit on January 1, 1930. This move ignited public fury, even sparking riots . The government, faced with such an uproar, relented. By 1931, the city was officially renamed Trondheim, a nod to the medieval Norwegian spelling. The cathedral and diocese, however, clung to the name Nidaros.

During the Second World War , Trondheim was briefly known by its German exonym , Drontheim.

History

The Old Town Bridge of Trondheim

• For the ecclesiastical history, see Archiepiscopate of Nidaros .

Trondheim, or Kaupangen as it was known then—meaning “marketplace”—was established in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason . It soon became known as Nidaros . This city wasn’t merely a settlement; it served as the king’s primary residence and the capital of Norway until 1217.

The area’s human history stretches back millennia, evidenced by ancient rock carvings in central Norway , the presence of Nøstvet and Lihult cultures , and the influence of the Corded Ware culture . In antiquity, Norwegian kings were proclaimed at Øretinget , a traditional assembly site near the mouth of the Nidelva . Figures like Harald Fairhair and his son Haakon I were acknowledged as monarchs here. The pivotal battle of Kalvskinnet in 1179 saw King Sverre Sigurdsson and his Birkebeiner warriors triumph over Erling Skakke , a contender for the throne. Intriguingly, some scholars suggest the famed Lewis chessmen , intricate 12th-century carvings unearthed in the Hebrides , might have originated from Trondheim.

From 1152, Trondheim became the ecclesiastical nucleus of Norway as the seat of the Archbishop of Nidaros , operating from the Archbishop’s Palace . The seismic shift of the Lutheran Reformation in 1537 forced the last archbishop, Olav Engelbrektsson , into exile, his death occurring in what is now Lier, Belgium .

The city’s wooden architecture proved tragically vulnerable to fire. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, it was repeatedly ravaged by infernos in 1598, 1651, 1681, 1708, 1717 (twice), 1742, 1788, 1841, and 1842. The 1651 conflagration was particularly devastating, consuming 90% of the city. Following the notorious “Horneman Fire ” in 1681, a sweeping reconstruction commenced under General Johan Caspar von Cicignon . This ambitious project introduced broad avenues, like Munkegata, disregarding private property in a bid to mitigate future fire damage. At this time, the city’s population barely scraped 10,000, concentrated mainly in the downtown core.

The Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 briefly ceded Trondheim and Trøndelag to Sweden. However, a determined counter-offensive culminated in the area’s recapture within ten months, following a three-month siege. The territorial dispute was finally settled by the Treaty of Copenhagen .

City Map of Trondheim in 1898, Norwegian edition Plan of Trondheim, 1942

During the Second World War , Trondheim fell under Nazi Germany ’s occupation on April 9, 1940, the very first day of the invasion of Norway , and remained under its heel until the war’s conclusion in Europe on 8 May 1945 . The initial German assault force comprised the German cruiser Admiral Hipper , supported by four destroyers and 1,700 Austrian mountain troops. Aside from a desultory coastal battery engagement, resistance was minimal. In April, British and French forces attempted a liberation during the ill-fated Namsos Campaign , but their efforts were in vain. [20] [Citation needed] The occupation saw the notorious Norwegian Gestapo agent, Henry Rinnan , operate from a local villa, infiltrating resistance networks. The city endured harsh treatment, including the imposition of martial law in October 1942. The Germans transformed Trondheim into a crucial submarine base, constructing the imposing bunker DORA I . They even harbored ambitions of constructing a massive new city, codenamed Nordstern (“Northern Star”), near Øysand in Melhus municipality, complete with a vastly expanded naval base. While construction began, it was never completed, leaving few tangible remnants today. [21]

Municipal history

Trondheim’s municipal journey began on January 1, 1838. Subsequent expansions saw parts of Strinda Municipality absorbed in 1864 and 1893, followed by the Lade area in 1952. A significant consolidation occurred on January 1, 1964, when Leinstrand Municipality , Byneset Municipality , Strinda Municipality, and Tiller Municipality were merged into Trondheim, effectively doubling its population. [22] The municipality expanded further on January 1, 2020, with the incorporation of Klæbu Municipality . [23]

Coat of arms and seal

• See also: Flag of Trondheim

The coat of arms , dating back to the 13th century, features an archbishop with his staff and mitre within a church archway on the left, and a crowned king holding scales within a castle archway on the right. These elements rest on a base forming an arch, beneath which are three male heads symbolizing the city’s historical status as Norway’s capital and the archbishop’s seat. The scales represent justice, reflecting the 13th-century political philosophy that emphasized the balance of power between church and state. The three heads are thought to represent the city council. This heraldic design is unique in Norway but shares similarities with motifs found in continental bishopric cities. The current design, adopted in 1897, is attributed to Håkon Thorsen. [24]

Geography

Autumn foliage along Nidelva; October 2009

Trondheim’s advantageous location at the confluence of the Nidelva river and Trondheim Fjord provides it with an excellent, sheltered harbor. While the river was once navigable by most vessels, a mid-17th-century mudslide significantly reduced its navigability and impacted the harbor. The municipality’s highest point is the Storheia hill, reaching 565 meters (1,854 ft) above sea level . During the summer solstice , daylight extends from 3:00 AM to 11:40 PM, with twilight lingering throughout the night. Between May 23 and July 19, the city experiences continuous daylight, provided the skies are clear. Conversely, at the winter solstice, the sun barely crests the horizon, rising at 10:01 AM and setting at 2:31 PM, with its midday altitude barely exceeding three degrees.

Climate

Trondheim experiences either an oceanic climate (Cfb ) or a humid continental climate (Dfb), depending on the winter isotherm used. Winters are generally cold, while summers are mild. Areas further from the fjord tend to have colder winters, whereas the fjord-adjacent regions boast milder ones. The city is largely shielded from strong south and southwesterly winds but is more susceptible to northwesterly gusts. Weather patterns are highly variable, influenced by prolonged periods of high pressure over central Norway or low-pressure systems from the Atlantic. Recent years have seen examples of this variability, such as cold, snowy May weather followed by a warm, sunny June in 2020. Snowfall is common from November to March, [26] often interspersed with milder weather and rain. Higher-elevation suburban areas typically receive more snow and experience later snowmelt, offering good skiing conditions in Bymarka . Notably, all historical monthly record low temperatures predate 1955, with half occurring before 1920. The last June frost was recorded in 1958, while the all-time low of −26 °C (−14.8 °F) occurred in February 1899. The record high temperature of 35 °C (95 °F) was set on July 22, 1901.

Early weather stations were situated closer to the city center. Since 1945, stations at higher elevations (Voll, 127 m; Tyholt, 113 m) have recorded slightly colder temperatures. A new sunrecorder at Gløshaugen (NTNU campus), installed in December 2015, has shown higher sun hours than previous instruments, which were affected by terrain obstructions. [27] July averages around 229 sun hours (2016–2020), and Trondheim has set national records for sunshine in October 2016 (197 hours) and April 2019 (308 hours). Conversely, December 2016 saw only 10 sun hours.

Climate data for Trondheim - Voll 1991–2020 (127 m, avg high/low 2002-2024, extremes 1870–present includes earlier stations, sunhrs 2016–2024 Gløshaugen/met.no)

Source 1: eklima.met.no [31] Source 2: Seklima [32]

Climate data for Trondheim - Voll 1981–2010 (127 m, extremes 1870–present includes earlier stations)

Source 1: eklima.met.no [31] Source 2: Meteo-climat [34]

Fauna

The city boasts diverse wetland habitats , including the Gaulosen, where an observation tower facilitates birdwatching and educational displays on avian life. [35]

Despite being Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim is no stranger to wildlife. European otters and European beavers are known to inhabit the Nidelva and Bymarka areas. Eurasian badgers and red foxes are not uncommon sightings. Majestic moose and various deer species are frequently seen in the surrounding hills, occasionally venturing into the city, particularly in May when young are driven from their mothers, or in late winter when food becomes scarce. A wolverine even made its home in Bymarka from 2002 to 2017. [37] [38]

Cityscape and sites

Central Trondheim as seen from the tower of the Nidaros Cathedral looking towards Trondheim Fjord and Munkholmen Island The city’s central square (Torvet) in 2020 The pavement cafes at Bakklandet Bakke Bridge

DORA 1 , a formidable German submarine base from the Second World War, once housed the 13th U-boat Flotilla . Today, its concrete structure safeguards various archives, including the city and university archives. It has also found a new life as a concert venue.

Perched on a hill east of the city, Kristiansten Fortress , constructed between 1681 and 1684, successfully repelled a Swedish invasion in 1718. It was eventually decommissioned in 1816.

In the city’s central square stands a statue of Olav Tryggvason , the city’s founder, atop an obelisk. The base of the statue serves as a sun dial , though its accuracy is skewed by an hour during summer due to its calibration to UTC+1.

The islet of Munkholmen, a popular tourist and recreational spot, has a history as a site of execution, a monastery , a fortress , a prison , and a WWII anti-aircraft emplacement.

Stiftsgården , the royal residence in Trondheim, originally built in 1774, is a colossal wooden structure—possibly the largest in Northern Europe —boasting 140 rooms and spanning 4,000 square meters (43,056 sq ft). It has served royalty and their guests since 1800.

A replica statue of Leif Ericson graces the seaside, near the old Customs Building and cruise ship facilities. The original stands in a marina in Seattle.

The Nidelva river meanders through Trondheim, its banks lined with historic storehouses. The picturesque Old Town Bridge is a prominent feature in this riverside panorama.

Shopping

Trondheim’s city center is a charming labyrinth of independent boutiques. The primary shopping arteries are the pedestrianized Nordre gate, Olav Tryggvasons gate, and Thomas Angells gate, offering a mix of established brands and trendy newcomers.

In the late 1990s, the derelict industrial area of Nedre Elvehavn , once home to Trondhjems mekaniske Værksted , was transformed into a residential and commercial hub. The shopping center Solsiden emerged, becoming a popular spot, especially among younger demographics.

For larger retail experiences, the eastern suburb of Lade-Strindheim, along Haakon VIIs gate and Bromstadvegen, and the southern suburb of Tiller, centered around City Syd , offer extensive shopping. Swedish retailers like IKEA , Biltema , and Clas Ohlson have a strong presence in these areas, particularly in the DIY and apparel sectors.

Nidaros Cathedral

The Nidaros Cathedral and the adjacent Archbishop’s Palace form a significant historical and spiritual nexus in the city center. The cathedral, begun around 1070, stands as Norway’s preeminent Gothic monument and was once Northern Europe’s most vital pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages, drawing pilgrims from as far as Oslo and parts of Sweden. Today, it holds the distinction of being the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral and Scandinavia’s second largest.

West front of Nidaros Cathedral

Historically, the Nidaros Cathedral served as the coronation church for Norwegian monarchs, both during the Middle Ages and following the restoration of independence in 1814. King Haakon VII was the last to be crowned there in 1906. Since 1957, with King Olav V , coronations were replaced by consecration . The current King Harald V and Queen Sonja underwent this ceremony in 1991. A notable event occurred on May 24, 2002, when their daughter, Princess Märtha Louise , married Ari Behn within its hallowed walls. [40] [41]

The ancient Pilgrim’s Route (Pilegrimsleden) to St. Olav’s tomb at Nidaros Cathedral has been revived. Known also as St. Olav’s Way (Sankt Olavs vei), the primary path, approximately 640 kilometers (400 mi) long, begins in Oslo , traces the shores of Lake Mjøsa , winds through the Gudbrandsdalen valley, crosses the Dovrefjell mountains, and descends through the Oppdal valley to its destination in Trondheim. A Pilgrim’s Office in Oslo offers guidance, and a Pilgrim Centre in Trondheim, operating under the cathedral’s auspices, issues certificates to those who complete the journey. [42] [43]

Other churches

Within Trondheim Municipality, 21 churches belong to the Lutheran Church of Norway , all part of the Diocese of Nidaros . Several of these structures are centuries old, with a few dating back nearly a millennium.

Lutheran Churches in Trondheim Municipality

The Roman Catholic Sankt Olav domkirke serves as the cathedral for the exempt Territorial Prelature of Trondheim . Facing the Nidaros Cathedral, it forms part of an informal religious center that also includes a synagogue , a Baptist church, a Salvation Army post, and the Prinsen kinosenter cinema.

Museums

Sverresborg , once a fortification built by Sverre Sigurdsson and named after King David ’s castle in Jerusalem , now operates as an open-air museum featuring over 60 buildings. The original castle, constructed in 1182–1183, was short-lived, burning down in 1188, though the Sverresaga indicates its restoration by 1197. [44] [Citation needed]

The Trondheim Science Center (Vitensenteret i Trondheim ) offers interactive scientific exhibits. The NTNU University Museum , part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology , showcases various collections. The city also hosts smaller museums dedicated to history, science, and natural history , including the Trondheim Maritime Museum, the Armoury adjacent to the Archbishop’s Palace, Kristiansten Fortress, the Ringve National Museum focusing on music and instruments, Ringve Botanical Garden, the Trondheim Tramway Museum , and the Jewish Museum, co-located with one of the world’s northernmost synagogues.

Rockheim , the National Museum of Pop and Rock, opened in August 2010. Housed in a repurposed warehouse, its distinctive box-shaped roof, adorned with thousands of color-changing lights, has become a recognizable landmark, especially during the dark winter months.

Prison

Vollan District Jail (Vollan kretsfengsel ) served as a prison during the Nazi occupation of Norway , holding both prisoners of war and criminals. It was not classified as a concentration camp . [45] Records indicate numerous POWs were held at Vollan, some serving as transit camps for political prisoners . Many were subsequently taken to Kristiansten Fortress and executed. Interrogations often took place at the Mission Hotel or were conducted by Henry Rinnan and his associates. [45] Vollan closed in 1971, replaced by Trondheim Prison at Tunga.

Trondheim Prison (Trondheim fengsel ) is part of the Northern Region of the Norwegian Correctional Services and accommodates 184 inmates . It comprises four main departments:

• Nermarka (“Tunga”) – a closed facility. • Detention department at Nermarka. • Leira – an open division focused on rehabilitation through social activities. [47] • Kongens gt. division – a halfway house located downtown.

Attractions

The Pirbadet , a popular water park and public pool , is situated on the Brattøra district’s northern shore, a short walk from the central train station.

Wider urban area

Trondheim serves as the core of the Trondheim Region , a significant hub for employment, commerce, and healthcare. While official definitions of Norway’s metropolitan areas are broad, the zone of reciprocal commuting—where Trondheim residents also seek services—encompasses Trondheim, Malvik Municipality , central Stjørdal (including Værnes ), central Melhus Municipality , Skaun Municipality , and the lower reaches of Vanvikan in Indre Fosen Municipality . [48]

Government

Trondheim’s town hall.

Trondheim Municipality oversees essential public services, including primary education , outpatient health services , elder care, welfare and social services, zoning , economic development , and municipal infrastructure. The municipality is governed by a municipal council elected for four-year terms, with the mayor chosen through an indirect election by the council members. [49] Legal matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Trøndelag District Court and the Frostating Court of Appeal .

In 2005, the city was reorganized from five to four boroughs , each with its own social services office. The current boroughs are Midtbyen (44,967 inhabitants), Østbyen (42,707 inhabitants), Lerkendal (46,603 inhabitants), and Heimdal (30,744 inhabitants), with population figures as of January 1, 2008. Prior to 2005, Trondheim was divided into the boroughs Sentrum, Strinda, Nardo, Byåsen, and Heimdal.

• See also: List of mayors of Trondheim

Municipal council

The city council (Bystyret) comprises 67 representatives serving four-year terms. The number of council members was reduced from 85 to 67 in 2011. The following tables detail the current and historical party compositions of the council.

Trondheim kommunestyre 2023–2027 [51]

Trondheim bystyre 2019–2023 [52]

Trondheim bystyre 2015–2019 [53]

Trøndheim bystyre 2011–2015 [54]

Trondheim bystyre 2007–2011 [53]

Trondheim bystyre 2003–2007 [53]

Trondheim bystyre 1999–2003 [53]

Trondheim bystyre 1995–1999 [55]

Trondheim bystyre 1991–1995 [56]

Trondheim bystyre 1987–1991 [57]

Trondheim bystyre 1983–1987 [58]

Trondheim bystyre 1979–1983 [59]

Trondheim bystyre 1975–1979 [60]

Trondheim bystyre 1971–1975 [61]

Trondheim bystyre 1967–1971 [62]

Trondheim bystyre 1963–1967 [63]

Trondheim bystyre 1959–1963 [64]

Trondheim bystyre 1955–1959 [65]

Trondheim bystyre 1951–1955 [66]

Trondheim bystyre 1947–1951 [67]

Trondheim bystyre 1945–1947 [68]

**Trondheim bystyre 1937–1941 *** [69]

Trondheim bystyre 1934–1937 [70]

Trondheim bystyre 1931–1934 [71]

Trondhjem / Nidaros bystyre 1928–1931 [72]

Trondhjem bystyre 1925–1928 [73]

Trondhjem bystyre 1922–1925 [74]

Trondhjem bystyre 1919–1922 [75]

Trondhjem bystyre 1917–1919 [76]

Trondhjem bystyre 1914–1916 [77]

Education and research

NTNU’s main building

See also the list of primary schools in Trondheim .

Trondheim is a significant educational center, hosting the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), renowned for its extensive technical facilities and diverse programs, alongside BI-Trondheim, a satellite campus of the Norwegian Business School. [78] Both institutions attract a considerable number of international students annually, offering various scholarships. [79]

St. Olav’s University Hospital , the regional medical center for Central Norway, is located in the city center. It functions as a teaching hospital, fostering close collaboration with NTNU in both research and medical education.

SINTEF , a leading independent research organization in Scandinavia , employs 1,800 individuals, with 1,300 based in Trondheim. [80] The Air Force Academy of the Royal Norwegian Air Force is situated at Kuhaugen.

The Geological Survey of Norway , a prominent geoscientific institution with 220 employees (70% scientists), is headquartered in Lade.

Trondheim hosts eleven high schools. Trondheim katedralskole , founded in 1152, holds the distinction of being Norway’s oldest upper secondary school (gymnasium ). Charlottenlund videregående skole stands as the largest in Sør-Trøndelag, with 1,100 students and 275 staff. Brundalen Skole is expanding to accommodate more students and hosts significant annual festivals.

Ila skole, established in 1770, is Trondheim’s oldest primary school. [81]

Media

Adresseavisen , founded in 1767, is the region’s largest newspaper and Norway’s oldest continuously published one. The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) maintains headquarters in both Tyholt, Trondheim, and Oslo. [82] On December 31, 2019, the digital-only local newspaper Nidaros was launched, aiming to compete with Adresseavisen. [83] Student media is represented by Under Dusken (student paper), Radio Revolt (student radio), and Student-TV (online video broadcasts).

Local radio stations include opt-out feeds of NRK P1 and NRK P1+ , a local version of NRK’s Yr radio station, and Radio Revolt. These, along with national stations, are accessible via DAB+ across most of Trøndelag and through internet radio . While commercial stations like Nea Radio and Radio Trøndelag are available, local commercial broadcasts within Trondheim Municipality proper are limited.

Culture

Visual arts

The Trondheim Art Museum houses Norway’s third-largest public art collection, primarily featuring Norwegian art from the past 150 years. [85]

The National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (no) presents extensive collections of decorative arts and design, including notable tapestries by Hannah Ryggen and Norway’s sole permanent exhibition of Japanese arts and crafts . [86]

Established in 1976, the Trøndelag Centre for Contemporary Art (Trøndelag senter for samtidskunst ) is a key venue for contemporary art. [87]

Two artist-run spaces, Galleri Blunk (founded in 2002 by students of the Trondheim Academy of Fine Art ) and Babel (established in 2006 by Lademoen Artist Workshops), also contribute to the vibrant art scene. [88]

Kunsthall Trondheim , inaugurated in its permanent location on Kongens gate in October 2016, showcases contemporary artistic practices. [89] [90]

The PoMo Museum (no), dedicated to modern and contemporary art , opened its doors on Dronningens gate in February 2025. [91] [92]

Stage

Trøndelag Teater , the main regional theater, is housed in a building dating back to 1816, making it the oldest continuously operating theater in Scandinavia. [93] The city also supports the alternative theater house Teaterhuset Avant Garden and the theater company Teater Fusentast. [94]

Music

The Ringve Museum is dedicated to the history of music.

Trondheim boasts a dynamic music scene, with strong communities in rock, jazz , and classical music . The music conservatory at NTNU , recognized as one of the world’s most innovative, and the municipal music school, Trondheim Kommunale Musikk- og Kulturskole, are central to the city’s musical life. [95] [96] The Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and the Trondheim Soloists are internationally acclaimed ensembles. Trondheim hosts an annual Jazz festival and is home to the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra . [97] The Fjordgata Records label is also based here.

Notable classical musicians from Trondheim include violinist Arve Tellefsen , Elise Båtnes , and Marianne Thorsen , as well as the Nidaros Cathedral Boys’ Choir .

Thomas Bergersen , a self-taught composer and multi-instrumentalist, co-founder of the production music company Two Steps From Hell, was born in Trondheim.

Prominent pop/rock artists and bands associated with Trondheim include Åge Aleksandersen , Margaret Berger , DumDum Boys , Lasse Marhaug , Gåte , Keep Of Kalessin , Lumsk , Motorpsycho , Kari Rueslåtten , the 3rd and the Mortal , TNT , Tre Små Kinesere , the Kids , Bokassa , Casino Steel (of The Boys ), Atrox, Bloodthorn, Manes, child prodigy Malin Reitan , and Aleksander With . The punk scene is largely centered around UFFA .

Georg Kajanus , creator of the bands Eclection , Sailor , and DATA , hails from Trondheim. The music production team Stargate also began its journey in the city.

Trondheim is also home to Rockheim, the national museum celebrating Norwegian popular music from the 1950s to the present day. [98] [99] [100]

Film

The city hosts a vibrant film scene, featuring three film festivals: Minimalen Short Film Fest and Kosmorama International Film Fest in March, and Trondheim Documentarfestival in November. Central Trondheim has two cinemas: Prinsen Kino and Nova Kinosenter.

Student culture

The building of the Studentersamfundet i Trondhjem

With students constituting nearly a fifth of the population, Trondheim’s culture is significantly shaped by its student body. Studentersamfundet i Trondhjem , the student society, is a prominent feature, housed in its distinctive circular, red building from 1929. As Norway’s largest university, NTNU enrolls approximately 36,000 students. [101]

Student culture in Trondheim is characterized by a strong tradition of volunteerism. The student society itself is run by over 1,200 volunteers. [102] NTNUI, Norway’s largest sports club, is another major volunteer organization. Students also organize two significant Norwegian culture festivals: UKA and The International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT). NTNU lists over 200 student organizations with registered web pages. [103]

In popular culture

Trondheim’s cultural quirks are humorously parodied in the Monty Python album Another Monty Python Record through the fictional “Trondheim Hammer Dance.” [104]

The city plays a crucial role in the Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun universe, serving as a key battleground for both factions.

In Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game series, Trondheim is depicted as the name of a planet within the Hundred Worlds.

Trondheim likely inspired the fictional city of Tronjheim in The Inheritance Cycle .

Sports and recreation

Granåsen Ski Centre in Byåsen is a regular host of World Cup competitions in ski jumping , biathlon , and cross-country skiing . It has hosted the 1997 and will host the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships . Trondheim’s bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics was unsuccessful. Hiking and recreational skiing are popular, particularly in Bymarka , accessible via the tramway. Trondheim Golfklubb, one of Norway’s oldest, features a nine-hole course in Byåsen. Byneset Golfklubb offers an 18-hole course that has hosted the Norwegian Challenge , alongside a shorter nine-hole course. Klæbu Golfklubb provides another nine-hole course. A public par-3 course with city views is available in Byåsen.

Rosenborg BK ’s Lerkendal Stadium.

Rosenborg BK is the city’s premier top-flight football club, playing at Lerkendal Stadion . They have secured 26 Norwegian Premier League titles between 1967 and 2018 and have participated in the UEFA Champions League group stage 12 times, reaching the quarterfinals once. Ranheim Fotball achieved promotion to the top division in 2018, maintaining their place since the 2020 season. Their home ground is the EXTRA Arena .

Byåsen IL competes in the women’s handball league and has participated in the EHF Women’s Champions League . Kolstad Håndball plays in the men’s league and has featured in the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons of the EHF Champions League . Both teams utilize Trondheim Spektrum and Kolstad Arena for home games.

Trondheim is also considered the birthplace of the basse game, played with a ball made of tightly bound rubber bands.

Major sports teams

Major championships hosted

Transportation

Skansen Marina Railway station Costa Victoria in Trondheim

• Main article: Public Transport in Trondheim

Trondheim Airport, Værnes , Norway’s fourth busiest airport, is located in Stjørdal , 32 kilometers (20 mi) away. It offers direct flights to major European cities like London , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , and Stockholm . The Trondheim–Oslo air route is one of Europe’s busiest, handling approximately 2 million passengers annually.

Trondheim is also home to the world’s only bicycle lift, Trampe .

Bus

The bus network, managed by AtB , serves most of the city and its suburbs. A revamped public transport system, launched on August 3, 2019, covers Trondheim, Malvik , and Melhus with three metro lines and city routes designed for greater efficiency and passenger capacity. This system reduces reliance on central transfers, streamlining travel. The Nattbuss (Night Bus) service provides late-night transportation on weekends, albeit at a higher cost.

Boats

The Hurtigruten Coastal Express ships, connecting Bergen and Kirkenes , make regular stops in Trondheim, alongside numerous cruise ships during the summer. Daily arrivals and departures of Hurtigruten ships occur in both northbound and southbound directions.

Since 1994, a fast commuter boat service connects Trondheim with Kristiansund (via Brekstad ) and another route serves Vanvikan .

A car ferry route from Flakk in the northwest links Trondheim to the Fosen peninsula.

Rail transport

Key rail connections include the northbound Nordland Line , the eastbound Meråker Line to Åre and Östersund in Sweden, and two southbound routes to Oslo: the Røros Line and the Dovre Line .

Trondheim also boasts the world’s northernmost tramway line (since the closure of the Arkhangelsk tram in 2004): the Gråkallen Line . This 8.8 km (5.5 mi) route, largely single-track outside the city center, runs from the city center through the Byåsen district to Lian, within the recreational area of Bymarka .

Roads

The E6, Norway’s longest north-south motorway , passes through Trondheim, largely southeast of the main districts, with a notable section between Tiller and Sluppen. The eastern terminus of European route E39 is at Klett, just inside the municipality border, before heading west.

The newer National Road 706, Nordre avlastningsvei, offers an alternative bypass northwest from Sluppen, traversing Ila, Piren, and northern Strindheim before rejoining the E6. This route incorporates several roundabouts .

Numerous plans for bridge projects across the Trondheim Fjord to replace car ferries have been proposed but have yet to commence construction.

Twin towns – sister cities

• See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Norway

Trondheim is twinned with: [106]

• Darmstadt , Germany (1968) • Dunfermline , Scotland, United Kingdom (1945) • Graz , Austria (1968) • Klaksvík , Faroe Islands (1987) • Kópavogur , Iceland (1946) • Norrköping , Sweden (1946) • Odense , Denmark (1946) • Petah Tikva , Israel (1975) • Ramallah , Palestine (2004) • Split , Croatia (1956) • Tampere , Finland (1946) • Tiraspol , Moldova (1987) • Vallejo , United States (1960)

Business

• Lilleby smelteverk (1927–2002)

Notable people

Public Service & public thinking

• Lisbet Nypan (c. 1610–1670) – Executed alleged witch.
• Ove Bjelke (1611–1674) – Nobleman, feudal lord, and Chancellor of Norway .
• Albert Angell (1660–1705) – Landowner, businessman, and Mayor of Trondheim.
• Peter Tordenskiold (1691–1720) – Dano-Norwegian nobleman and flag officer. [107]
• Frederik Due (1796–1873) – Norwegian prime minister in Stockholm (1841–1858).
• Johan Thoning Owesen (1804–1881) – Shipowner, landowner, and philanthropist.
• Hans Gerhard Colbjørnsen Meldahl (1815–1877) – Politician and sixth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Norway (1874–1877).
• John Gunder North (1826–1872) – Shipbuilder in San Francisco.
• Fritz Jenssen (1886–1966) – Banker and politician for Nasjonal Samling .
• Bernt Ingvaldsen (1902–1985) – Politician, President of the Storting (1965–1972).
• John Lyng (1905–1978) – Politician, briefly Prime Minister of Norway in 1963.
• Anne Margrethe Strømsheim (1914–2008) – Nurse and Norwegian resistance member.
• Henrik Rogstad (1916–1945) – Politician with Nasjonal Samling .
• Kaare Langlete (1931–2009) – Military officer and Lord Chamberlain .
• Per Arne Watle (born 1948) – Politician and CEO of Widerøe (1997–2008).
• Georg Müller (1951–2015) – RC Bishop of Trondheim until resignation following child sexual abuse in 2009.
• Erik Varden (born 1974) – RC Bishop of Trondheim .
• Stephen Zhao (1990-) – Notable Engineer and CTO.

Science, education, mathematics

• Hilchen Sommerschild (1756–1831) – Pioneer educator.
• Olaus Dons Schmidt (1895–1969) – Genealogist, fellow of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters .
• David Abrahamsen (1903–2002) – Forensic psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and author in the USA.
• Knut Schmidt-Nielsen (1915–2007) – Animal physiologist.
• Idun Reiten (1942–2025) – Mathematician.

The Arts

• Carl Lorck (1829–1882) – Norwegian painter.
• Anna Munch (1856–1932) – Novelist, playwright.
• Knut Glomsaas (1863–1935) – Military musician.
• Tupsy Clement (1871–1959) – Skagen painter of landscapes.
• Emmy Worm-Müller (1875–1950) – Silent film actress. [108]
• Arne Eggen (1881–1955) – Classical composer and organist.
• Bjarne Amdahl (1903–1968) – Pianist, composer, and orchestra conductor. [109]
• Erling Viksjø (1910–1971) – Architect, proponent of architectural modernism .
• Agnar Mykle (1915–1994) – Author, controversial figure in Norwegian literature.
• Håkon Bleken (1929–2025) – Painter and graphic artist.
• Arve Tellefsen (born 1936) – Classical violinist.
• Liv Ullmann (born 1938) – Actress and director. [110]
• Jan Erik Kongshaug (1944–2019) – Sound engineer, jazz guitarist, and composer. [111]
• Sidsel Endresen (born 1952) – Singer, composer, and actress.
• Trond Halstein Moe (born 1954) – Operatic baritone.
• Brit Dyrnes (born 1955) – Ceramist.
• Geir Lysne (born 1965) – Jazz musician and Big Band leader.
• Øystein Baadsvik (born 1966) – Tuba soloist and chamber musician.
• Merethe Trøan (born 1970) – Singer at the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest .
• Elise Båtnes (born 1971) – Violinist, leader of the Oslo Philharmonic orchestra since 2006.
• Ingrid Lorentzen (born 1972) – Ballet dancer, artistic director of the Norwegian National Ballet .
• Thomas Bergersen (born 1980) – Composer and multi-instrumentalist.
• Georg Kajanus (born 1946) – Singer-songwriter, composer. Known from UK bands Sailor, Data, and Noir.
• Casino Steel (born 1952) – Keyboardist, singer, and songwriter. Known from UK band The Boys .
• Bernt Østhus (born 1970) – Lawyer, investor, and photographer.

Sports

• Nils Uhlin Hansen (1919–1945) – Long jumper and Norwegian resistance member in WWII.
• Hjalmar Andersen (1923–2013) – Speed skater, triple gold medalist at the 1952 Winter Olympics .
• Arnfinn Bergmann (1928–2011) – Ski jumper, gold medalist at the 1952 Winter Olympics .
• Odd Iversen (1945–2014) – Footballer with 282 club appearances and 45 caps for Norway .
• Steffen Iversen (born 1976) – Footballer with 79 caps for Norway .
• Martin Schanche (born 1945) – Racing driver and politician.
• Jan Egil Storholt (born 1949) – Speed skater, gold medalist at the 1976 Winter Olympics .
• Ingrid Kristiansen (born 1956) – Former long-distance runner.
• Frode Rønning (born 1959) – Speed skater, bronze medalist at the 1980 Winter Olympics .
• Rune Bratseth (born 1961) – Former footballer with 313 club appearances and 60 caps for Norway .
• Atle Kvålsvoll (born 1962) – Cyclist and coach.
• Roar Strand (born 1970) – Footballer with 464 club caps and 42 for Norway .
• Bjørn Otto Bragstad (born 1971) – Footballer with 251 club appearances and 15 caps for Norway .
• Gøril Kringen (born 1972) – Former footballer and coach.
• Vegard Heggem (born 1975) – Former footballer with 20 caps for Norway .
• Fredrik Winsnes (born 1975) – Former footballer with 353 club appearances and 19 caps for Norway .
• Øystein Kvaal Østerbø (born 1981) – Orienteering and ski-orienteering competitor.
• Trine Rønning (born 1982) – Former captain of the Norway women’s national football team .
• Emil Hegle Svendsen (born 1985) – Biathlete, eight Olympic medals (four gold).
• Torstein Horgmo (born 1987) – Snowboarder.
• Emil Weber Meek (born 1988) – Mixed martial artist.
• Jørgen Gråbak (born 1991) – Nordic combined skier, double gold medalist at the 2014 Winter Olympics .
• Sander Sagosen (born 1995) – Handball player.
• Alexander Sørloth (born 1995) – Footballer.
• Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (born 1996) – Cross-country skier, triple gold medalist at the 2018 Winter Olympics .
• Sverre Nypan (born 2006) – Footballer.

See also

• Norway portal
• Estenstadmarka
• List of mayors of Trondheim
• Norwegian Society for Photobiology and Photomedicine (1983)
• Tyholt Tower