Trondheim: City Walk with Bakklandet, Nidaros & Old Town Bridge

Summary

Wander Trondheim’s riverfront, old bridge & colorful Bakklandet streets

You’ll wander Trondheim with a local guide—past riverside warehouses, through Bakklandet’s wooden lanes (maybe even try the quirky bicycle lift), across the Old Town Bridge to Nidaros Cathedral, and end at lively Torget Square. Expect laughter, real stories, and small surprises—this city walk is more than just sightseeing; it lingers with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Trondheim to smell so much like cinnamon and cold river water. We met our guide outside Pirbadet — she waved at us with her wool mittens, which made me realize I’d underdressed (Norwegian spring is not really spring). Solsiden was first, all glassy buildings and people laughing under heat lamps outside cafés. It felt like everyone knew each other; someone shouted across the street about a football match and our guide just grinned, “That’s typical here.” I liked that.

Walking along the Nid river, the warehouses looked like they’d been colored in by kids — reds and yellows against the grey sky. The wind picked up and I could hear seagulls fighting over something near the docks. In Bakklandet, we stopped for coffee in a place that smelled like cardamom buns. The wooden houses are all slightly crooked, painted soft greens and blues. Our guide pointed out the world’s only bicycle lift — I thought it was a joke at first, but then some guy actually used it (and almost fell off). Li laughed when I tried to say “Bakklandet” in Norwegian — probably butchered it.

The Old Town Bridge felt heavier than it looks in photos. There’s this red arch called “The Portal of Happiness” — honestly, I didn’t feel any different walking through it but maybe that’s just me. Nidaros Cathedral is huge; inside it smells like stone and candle wax. Our guide told us about St. Olav being buried underneath. She lowered her voice when she talked about him, which made me do the same without thinking.

Torget was busy — students everywhere, someone selling flowers even though it was barely above freezing. The statue of Olav Tryggvason looked sort of stern above all the noise. We walked past Stiftsgården (the royal residence) and peered through its gates; apparently if you’re lucky you might spot someone from the royal family but we just saw a gardener raking leaves. Heading back toward the harbor my feet were tired but I kept thinking about those crooked blue houses by the river — still do sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — City walk through Trondheim highlights

• Start in front of Pirbadet
• Visit Solsiden district cafés
• Walk along river Nid and warehouses
• Explore Bakklandet wooden architecture
• See the world's only bicycle lift
• Cross old town bridge "Portal of Happiness"
• Visit Nidaros Cathedral
• Stop at Market Square with Olav statue
• Walk through Stiftsgården garden
• Pass Britannia Hotel
• Return to the harbour

Top questions

How long does the Trondheim city walk last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the city walk in Trondheim start?

The tour begins in front of Pirbadet near Trondheim harbor.

Is there a local guide included in this Trondheim city walk?

Yes, an experienced local guide leads the entire tour.

Does this tour include visiting Nidaros Cathedral?

You’ll visit Nidaros Cathedral from outside and learn about its history during the walk.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this city walk?

Yes, infants can join and strollers/prams are welcome on this route.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the tour?

Public transportation options are available close to both start and end points.

What is special about Bakklandet on this tour?

Bakklandet has preserved wooden architecture and features the world’s only bicycle lift.

Does this tour operate if there’s bad weather?

The itinerary may change due to weather or road conditions but an alternative will be organized if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour guided city walk through Trondheim with stops at Solsiden, riverside warehouses along Nid river, charming Bakklandet (with its unique bicycle lift), crossing the Old Town Bridge to see Nidaros Cathedral from outside, passing Torget Square and Stiftsgården before returning to the harbor—all led by an experienced local guide.