Trondheim, Norway - Norway, Fjords & Baltic Cruises

A leisurely option that will introduce you to the highlights of Trondheim.

Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities, founded by the Viking King, Olav Tryggvason in 997 AD, situated at the estuary of the River Nid facing the wide Trondheimsfjord.

Travel towards the busy city centre, past the market square with its statue of the Viking King and the Nidaros Cathedral and Archbishopry. This church, dating from the 12th century, is the finest and largest gothic-style church in Scandinavia. As with so many towns in Norway, disastrous fires struck Trondheim’s wooden buildings and the architect, Cicignon, reconstructed the city centre in the late 17th century. Most of the buildings from this period are still standing. Amongst others you’ll see the largest wooden building in Norway - Stiftsgaarden - used by the Royal family when they visit Trondheim.

From a viewpoint above the city you’ll have some lovely sights of the area before returning to the city via one of the many bridges over the River Nid. Admire the old drawbridge and the many colourful warehouses along it. Out in the fjord lies a former fortification on the islet Munkholmen.

Note: All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach. There is a photograph stop at Nidaros Cathedral, however you can opt to remain on the coach.

Combine a city tour, pretty views, a fascinating open-air museum and a scenic tram ride to experience the best of Trondheim.

Your journey begins with a brief city tour and a photo stop at a hillside viewpoint, for lovely views over the city, before visiting the Folk Museum.

Trøndelag Folk Museum is one of the largest cultural history museums in Norway. The open-air museum has more than 60 vintage buildings, from the 18th and 19th century, which show the local building traditions, including Sami huts, country houses and a 12th century stave church. In the ‘Old Town’, you can visit buildings moved from Trondheim centre, including an old-fashioned grocer's selling traditional sweets, the old dentist's office and ateliers for local handicrafts.

Back in the city centre, your transport changes to the ‘Gråkall-banen’, the only tram line left in Trondheim. The 5½ mile tram line, originally opened in 1924, runs downhill from the town centre, through the outskirts, passing green parks and picturesque old wooden houses painted in vivid colours to Lian, the recreation area of Trondheim. The tram provides the opportunity to see how the local people live and also offers an excellent view to the city and River Nid below.

Rejoining your coach there will be a photo stop at the 12th century Gothic style Nidaros Cathedral, which has become one of Europe's most important pilgrimage churches, before returning to the port.

Note: There is some uneven terrain at the Folk Museum. The tram ride is approximately 30 minutes. Please carry personal belongings with you, as you may not return to the same transport.

Step back in time on board the narrow track railway, as you travel along the shores of Trondheimfjord.

Enjoy a drive along the coastal road of the Trondheimfjord, through Orkanger passing the Bårdshaug mansion, and head up-river to Fannrem, where you will board the Thamshavn narrow track railway.

The Thamshavn Line was Norway's first electric railway, running from 1908 to 1974. Today it is operated as a heritage railway and is the world's oldest railway running on alternating current. The line runs south from a small coastal town of Thamshavn, to the mining community of Løkken 16 miles away. It was originally used to transport ore from the copper mines and today it is a museum, having reopened in 1983. The carriages date back to 1908, and during World War 2 several sabotage attempts were carried out on the line. Your train journey will end at Løkken station where you will rejoin your coach for the return journey to Trondheim.

Back in the city, there will be a short drive past the local highlights, including the bustling market square and the statue of the Viking King who founded the city. A photograph stop will be made at the Gothic style Nidaros Cathedral, one of the finest and largest in Scandinavia, before returning to the port.

Note: There are a few steps to negotiate to get onto and off the train. The transfer time to Thamshavn is approximately 1½ hours. The return journey to Trondheim from Løkken station is approximately 45 minutes. Please note that this is a vintage train so facilities and decor will be basic.

An opportunity to head away from the city and explore the surrounding countryside and forestland.

Driving through the city centre, you’ll head towards Sverresli to enjoy views of the fjord and wood clad hills before reaching Bymarka. This is an area of natural landscapes with contrasting scenery and a haven for the people of Trondheim in both winter and summer months.

Your nature hike will take you through scenic forestland, passing small lakes and open landscape. The highest point is Gråkallen Hill, some 1,700 feet above sea level; from here you can enjoy a spectacular view towards the fjords. On a clear day you can sometimes see in the distance the mountain chain which forms the border between Sweden and Norway.

Following your hike, you’ll rejoin your coach for the return drive to Trondheim.

Note: There is approximately two hours of walking over uneven ground and many steep inclines, so a good level of fitness is required. Comfortable, flat and enclosed walking shoes are essential. Please dress according to the weather. It is advisable to carry sun protection and a bottle of water. This tour is not suitable for children under eight years old. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

An exploration on foot is one of the most rewarding ways of ‘discovering’ Trondheim.

Your walking tour begins at the quayside, from where you’ll walk towards the city centre. Crossing Market Square with its colourful stalls, the statue of the Viking King who founded the city looks down on you from a great height. Heading up Munk Street, you’ll see the old, narrow lanes lined with wooden buildings, as you make your way towards Nidaros Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia. Next to the Cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace, also dating back to the Middle Ages (entrance not included).

You’ll then stroll through the park leading to the River Nid and cross over the Elgeseter Bridge. The walk continues through the old part of the city called Bakklandet, where you are able to admire the many picturesque, wooden houses painted in vivid colours. Reaching the old drawbridge, painted in bright red, you head down the street following the River Nid.

From Bakklandet, the route goes through the newly-restored area of Solsiden (the sunny side) before crossing the Blomsterbrua (Flower Bridge) over the River on the way back to the ship.

Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and you should dress according to the weather. This tour includes some uphill walking. It is advisable to take sun protection and a bottle of water.

Discover the city of Trondheim by bus before taking a nostalgic tram ride.

By bus, you’ll head to St Olav Street in the city centre, where you'll board the Gråkall Line Trolley. Started in 1924, the tram has been a familiar part of everyday life in Trondheim for years.

Experience local life as you pass through some of the tree lined streets of Trondheim. Catch a glimpse of the old wooden coloured houses, most of which were built after the last destructive fire in 1842. You'll also pass the old fortifications dating back to the 16th century, before climbing Byåsen Hill for splendid views of the calm River Nid, the Cathedral, fjord and neighbouring fertile valleys.

Changing back to the bus, you’ll drive through new and old Trondheim and pass Market Square's impressive statue of Viking King Olav Tryggvason.

Note: Belongings should not be left on the bus, as it may not be the same bus that is used to collect you after the tram ride. There are steps to negotiate onto and off the tram. There may be a short wait to board the tram depending on local traffic conditions. Guests who wish to remain in the centre of Trondheim at the end of the tour will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship.