Trondheim: City Highlights Bus and Walking Tour

Explore Trondheim through an engaging 3.5-hour combination of bus and walking tours offered by Trondheim City Tours. For $90 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded look at the city’s most notable sights, making it ideal for visitors eager to see Trondheim’s landmarks efficiently. The experience begins with a 2-hour bus tour from Pirbadet, passing key locations such as the Hotel Britannia, Stiftsgården, and St. Olavs Hospital. This is followed by a 1.5-hour on-foot exploration of the historic city center, including Nidaros Cathedral and the charming Bakklandet district. The tour combines panoramic views, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods, with the guide’s insightful commentary highlighted as a major strength.

While the tour does not include entrance to Nidaros Cathedral, it compensates with spectacular viewpoints like Sverresli and in-depth stories of Trondheim’s past. The group size is manageable, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. A practical choice for cruise passengers or visitors with limited time who want a rundown of Trondheim’s highlights in a relaxed, accessible format.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $90, 3.5 hours total, combining bus and walking segments.
• Major Sights Covered: Nidaros Cathedral, Kristiansten Fortress, Old Town Bridge, Bakklandet, Sverresli Viewpoint.
• Expert Guides: Guides are known for good explanations and enthusiasm about Trondheim’s history and sights.
• Scenic and Historic Highlights: Enjoy stunning views from Sverresli and learn about Kristiansten Fortress, built after the fire of 1681.
• Flexible Experience: The tour includes both bus and on-foot portions, allowing for a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Trondheim with a Mix of Bus and Foot

This tour starts at Pirbadet, near the cruise terminal, making it very convenient for cruise visitors. The bus ride takes you through Solsiden, a lively district with colorful boats and warehouses along the river Nid. The guides provide detailed commentary as you pass iconic spots like Hotel Britannia and Stiftsgården, the royal residence, offering insight into Trondheim’s history and culture.

A highlight of the bus portion is the Utsikten stop at Sverresli viewpoint. Here, travelers enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the fjord, giving a perfect photo opportunity and perspective on Trondheim’s layout. The bus then continues to Kristiansten Fortress, a historic defensive site built after Trondheim experienced a devastating fire in 1681. The view from the fortress reveals the city’s skyline and the surrounding landscape, making it a notable photo spot.

Visiting the Nidaros Cathedral and Historic City Center

After the bus tour, the on-foot segment begins at Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s most beautiful Gothic church. Built in the 11th century, the cathedral features Gothic and Romanesque styles, and is known as Northern Europe’s best-preserved Gothic building. Tour participants can admire the exterior, while the interior is not included in the tour admission.

From the cathedral, the tour continues along Kjøpmannsgata to the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro), one of Trondheim’s most iconic sights. The colorful warehouses along the river make for great photos, especially with the Old Town Bridge in the foreground. This area forms part of the Bakklandet neighborhood, renowned for its small, colorful wooden houses and a worldwide unique bicycle lift.

At the market square (Torvet), a statue of King Olav Tryggvason sits prominently, and guides share stories about Trondheim’s founding. Nearby, the Stiftsgården, the royal residence, offers a glimpse into regal history, complete with its beautiful courtyard and public garden.

The Charming Bakklandet and Market Square

Walking through Bakklandet, visitors encounter narrow streets lined with brightly painted houses and small cafes. This district, the oldest in Trondheim, has a lively atmosphere and offers many photo opportunities. The market square continues to be a hub of local activity, with the statue of Olav Tryggvason as a notable landmark.

Guides highlight the significance of the royal residence Stiftsgården, open to the public since 1997, and discuss its role in Trondheim’s royal history. The walk through this area is leisurely, with informative commentary and a focus on local architecture and stories.

The Tour’s Final Stops and Practical Details

The last part of the on-foot tour passes by the Rockheim Museum, Norway’s national museum of popular music, before returning to the Pirbadet area. The entire experience is made more convenient by the meeting point location, just outside the security area, and the group size allows for personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.

The tour’s itinerary is flexible, depending on weather conditions and traffic, ensuring smooth operation. The guides speak English and German, and the tour is suitable for those comfortable with walking, though it is not accessible for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

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Practical Tips for Participants

Travelers should bring outdoor clothing, especially warm layers, as Trondheim’s weather can be unpredictable. It’s also recommended to bring a child safety seat if traveling with children and comfortable shoes for walking. Since entrance to Nidaros Cathedral is not included, visitors interested in exploring inside should plan for separate tickets.

The tour offers free cancellation if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for cruise schedules or changing plans. It’s helpful to inform the tour provider about your cruise ship or arrival time, to ensure smooth coordination.

Why This Tour Shines and Who Will Appreciate It

This combined bus and walking tour provides a rundown of Trondheim’s most important sights, blending scenic viewpoints, historic landmarks, and the vibrant local neighborhoods. The guides’ enthusiasm and expert explanations help visitors understand the city’s story, making it especially suitable for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

The tour’s manageable pace and variety of stops make it a practical choice for cruise passengers or anyone wanting a well-rounded introduction. The spectacular views from Sverresli and the iconic Nidaros Cathedral are highlights that stand out, even if entrance to the cathedral is not included.

While the tour does not provide access inside Nidaros Cathedral, the exterior views and surrounding landmarks offer plenty to admire. It’s a balanced mix of transportation and walking that captures Trondheim’s essence without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts 3.5 hours, split between a 2-hour bus tour and a 1.5-hour walk.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a bus ride with a local guide and a city walk led by the same guide, focusing on major sights and scenic spots.

Is entrance to Nidaros Cathedral included?
No, entrance to the cathedral is not included, so visitors can admire the exterior but need separate tickets for interior access.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is a few meters after leaving security at Pirbadet, near the parking lot in front of the swimming center.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Participants should bring a child safety seat if needed, and the tour is best suited for those comfortable with walking.

Does the tour accommodate mobility impairments?
No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and German.

What should I bring?
Travelers should wear warm outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes. Weather can be unpredictable, so layers are recommended.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Who is the tour provider?
The activity is offered by Trondheim City Tours.

This combination of bus and walking exploration offers a well-organized, engaging way to see Trondheim’s highlights, perfect for those wanting a detailed, manageable overview of this historic Norwegian city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby