Winter has its own beauty – endless white plains covered by fluffy snow, the sun sparkling in the tiny snowflakes, trees covered in frost. I am not much of a skiing (or snowboarding) enthusiast but I do love to see some winter wonderland! So where could one travel and admire the beauty of winter? The more North the better, right? I myself decided to go to Trondheim in Norway and spend 24 hours there.
What can you do for 24 hours in Trondheim? Lots, apparently! Plus, it comes out Trondheim is quite a hipster paradise! Here are my top 10 recommendations:
- Breakfast at Scandic Nidelven.
The hotel Scandic Nidelven won Best Breakfast in Norway for 11th time in a row in 2017! Apart from the usual suspects, it features super healthy freshly squeezed juices, virgin Bloody Mary, gluten free bread and muffins, eggs Benedict and locally brewed beer! If you are into spicy food, try the Sheriff Omelette. You can also stay at the hotel – it is close to the center and the old town. And it features some amazing art work!
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- The Old Town Bakklandet.
Walk along the river and go under the Lykkens Portal on Gamle Bybro – a bridge built in 1685. You can stop to admire the lovely view over the Nidelva river that starts from the Trondheim Fjord. The old town is a cute little area of cobbled streets lined with old houses and full of young people walking around. No wonder, as Trondheim is home to about 40 000 students studying at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology!
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- Baklandet Skydsstation
This lovely little cafe from 1700s in the old town, was named Best Cafe of the Year 2012 by National Geographic. In the old days Baklandet Skyddstation served as a ski station, a hat shop and a woodcarver’s shop, among others. Order waffles with Norwegian brown cheese accompanied by home made hot chocolate. If you are in the mood for lunch, it boasts the best fish soup in Norway! The current owner Gurli is a super sweet Danish lady, you can chat to her and ask her to tell you more about the 176 bottles of aquavit lining up the wall of the bar!
Image: Visit Trondheim
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- Nidaros Cathedral
Nidaros Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral and was built from 1070 to 1300, over the burial site of Saint Olav, king of Norway in the 11th century. Such a beautiful and imposing building with plenty of statues on the façade! The inside has an old part and a new part. If you are lucky, you can get the young priestess Anne as a guide. I was fascinated by the organs! The main organ was built by Steinmeyer firm in 1930 and has 10 000 pipes. The older Baroque organ is made by the famous German organ builder J.J. Wagner in 1738. One of only five such remaining organs in the world – the rest were destroyed in the World Wars. Supposedly tested by J.S. Bach.
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- The Archbishop’s Palace
I approached the palace from the court yard and was not that impressed by the building. But we have to keep in mind that it is an old medieval structure from the 13th century! The palace was the residence of the Archbishop of Nidaros before the Reformation. Today, it houses several museums but can also be rented for conferences. One of the interesting things to see inside is the Royal Regalia, the coins minted by the Archbishop – which contained more gold than the king’s at the time, and the big medieval hall with flags. The hall can be the stage of some theatre performances sometimes.
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- City library with skeletons
The city library is housed in the old Council house and apart from books, it has some excavation sites on display. And yes, you can see an old grave with a skeleton, some burial stones and some old maps. As the capital of Norway until 1217, Trondheim has a very rich history and a lot to offer!
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- Trondheim Science Museum
The main Norwegian Bank building (from the time when Trondheim was the capital of Norway) now houses the Trondheim Science Museum. It has a Planetarium, kitchen chemistry, robot lab and a 360 degrees’ cinema. Great place to visit if you are traveling with children! I was tempted to buy a crystal growing kit for my daughter.
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Science Museum Trondheim
- The main square Torvet with the statue of St. Olav
If you happen to be in Trondheim around Christmas, they have a lovely Christmas market on the square, with wooden Christmas crafts stalls, two Sami tents and live performances. The Sami tents have cosy fireplaces inside and offer reindeer hamburger. A must try! If you are there during a different season, just stroll around and admire the square’s baroque style and the old buildings around it. It is a nice starting point to discover the main street Kongens gate as well.
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- Havfruen restaurant
One of the old colourful warehouses by the river now houses Havfruen restaurant. The restaurant offers lovely fresh fish and seafood dishes. The best part there is that you can pay 50 NOK, get a fishing rod, go fish your own salmon and then they will cook your catch for you! Super nice experience!
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- Beer tasting
I went to Trondhiem Mikrobryggeri and tasted a few beers. My favourite? Ginger beer. A few places offer beer tasting in Trondheim, among them E.C. Dahls brewery. Just have your pick and taste some craft beer! Trondheim is getting really famous for home sourced produce, not only beer but cheese and meat as well.
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Trondheim Mikrobryggeri
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
- Dinner on the 21st floor
Yeap, I had my very own delicious dinner on the 21st floor of Scandic Lerkendal – the third highest building in Norway. Started with some bubbly first and then went for a lamb rack dish – super tasty! And the view over the city was amazing! The hotel itself is more of a sports hotel, right next to the Lerkendal football arena. So if you are a football fan, you definitely need to check it out!
Image: Scandic Hotels
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
Image: Scandic Hotels
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
So yes, I landed one winter day at 18.00 in Trodnheim and left the next day at exactly 18.00 with SAS. Do you like our articles? Do follow us on Facebook and share with your friends!
Image: Ekaterina Larsson
