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Sør-Trøndelag
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Explore Sør-Trøndelag through Trondheim’s heritage, Røros mining history, island coasts, fjords, mountain valleys and generous outdoor landscapes.

Sør-Trøndelag is the historic southern half of Norway’s present-day Trøndelag county, a varied region stretching from the urban centre of Trondheim through fjord landscapes, island communities, agricultural valleys and high mountain country. Although Sør-Trøndelag ceased to exist as a separate county in 2018, the name remains useful for understanding this broad travel area and its distinct contrasts. Trondheim provides the region’s principal cultural and transport hub, while the coast and inland districts offer a slower, more spacious experience shaped by fishing, farming, mining and outdoor life.
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Trondheim stands at the meeting point of the Nidelva river and Trondheimsfjord. Its skyline is defined by Nidaros Cathedral, the medieval Archbishop’s Palace and the colourful timber buildings of Bakklandet, while museums, galleries, music venues and the student population give the city a more contemporary character. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet it also serves as a practical base for excursions to the islands, coastal settlements and inland valleys. Nearby Munkholmen, reached seasonally by boat, adds a maritime and religious dimension to the fjord setting.
To the west, the Fosen peninsula and the islands of Hitra and Frøya open into a rugged coastal world of skerries, tidal channels, fishing villages and windswept heathland. Ørland combines military and maritime history with important bird habitats, while Hitra and Frøya are associated with aquaculture, fishing and seafood. These districts are best approached with realistic travel times: ferries and roads connect the communities, but journeys are shaped by water, weather and limited rural services rather than by urban-style frequency.
Inland, the landscape rises through the Gaula, Orkla and Nea valleys towards the mountains. Oppdal is a major centre for hiking, skiing and access to highland scenery, while the quiet districts around Røros and Tydal reveal a colder, more open environment. Røros, a historic copper-mining town and UNESCO World Heritage site, is the region’s most distinctive built landscape, with dark timber buildings, slag heaps and a street plan that reflects centuries of industrial activity. The mountain country around Oppdal, Rennebu, Holtålen and Tydal offers marked walks, fishing, wildlife watching and winter sports.
Food reflects the geography: seafood from the coast, lamb and dairy products from mountain farms, game, berries and produce from the valleys, and the distinctive local traditions associated with Røros. Trondheim adds a broad restaurant and café culture, while smaller communities favour bakeries, farm shops, cafés, pubs and seasonal dining. Sør-Trøndelag rewards an itinerary that combines Trondheim with at least one coastal or inland district, allowing time for ferries, weather changes, museums and walks rather than treating the region as a single city break.

When is the best time to visit Sør-Trøndelag?

Best: June–August · 18–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-175
February-165
March360
April755
May1450
June (best)1855
July (best)2070
August (best)1975
September1580
October1090
November495
December185

Getting to and around Sør-Trøndelag

How to get there

Trondheim Airport, Værnes, is outside historic Sør-Trøndelag in neighbouring Trøndelag but is the principal air gateway for Trondheim and the wider region, with domestic connections and some international services. Trondheim is also reached by long-distance trains on the Dovrebanen and Nordlandsbanen, while regional trains connect it with districts such as Røros, Støren and Oppdal. Roads provide access from Oslo, Ålesund and the north, although distances are substantial. Coastal travellers can use ferry connections from Trondheim towards Fosen and road-and-ferry routes to Hitra and Frøya.

Transportation

Trondheim has the region’s most extensive local bus network and is convenient for walking and cycling in the central districts. Rail is useful for journeys towards Røros, Oppdal and the Gaula valley, but many coastal and mountain destinations require buses, ferries or a car. A car offers the greatest flexibility for linking small settlements, trailheads and heritage sites, particularly in Fosen, Hitra, Frøya, Tydal and the Røros uplands. Ferry crossings are an ordinary part of travel in the coastal districts, so allow time for connections and check arrangements before departure.

Top city travel guides in Sør-Trøndelag

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Destinations in Sør-Trøndelag

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Sør-Trøndelag

Sør-Trøndelag’s attractions range from Trondheim’s major cultural institutions and medieval heritage to remote coastal landscapes and highland recreation. In Trondheim, Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the wooden streets of Bakklandet, Ringve Museum and Rockheim provide different perspectives on religious history, music and modern Norwegian culture. The islands and peninsulas of Fosen, Hitra and Frøya offer sea-based activities, birdwatching, fishing heritage and open coastal scenery, while Ørland is notable for its maritime setting and bird habitats. Inland, Røros combines a UNESCO-listed mining town with museums, craft traditions and industrial landscapes. Oppdal provides access to hiking, skiing and mountain cycling, and the valleys around Rennebu, Meldal, Holtålen and Tydal offer quieter walks, farms and viewpoints. River landscapes, forests and high plateaux create opportunities for fishing, canoeing and wildlife observation, but many experiences are seasonal and dispersed. The region is best understood as a collection of contrasting environments rather than a single sightseeing circuit.

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Best landmarks in Sør-Trøndelag

Nidaros Cathedral is Sør-Trøndelag’s defining landmark, its Gothic stone architecture marking Trondheim’s medieval importance as the centre of the cult of Saint Olav and Norway’s Catholic archdiocese. Beside it, the Archbishop’s Palace preserves the institutional setting of that ecclesiastical power. Trondheim’s wooden riverfront and Bakklandet provide a contrasting urban landmarkscape, shaped by commerce, fires and repeated rebuilding. In Røros, the dense timber town, church, smelting-related remains and surrounding mining landscape form an unusually coherent industrial heritage environment; the town’s appearance is inseparable from the copper industry that created it. Munkholmen, the island in Trondheimsfjord, is recognisable for its former monastery, fortress and prison history. Further south, the mountain horizons around Oppdal and the open uplands near Tydal are natural landmarks rather than single monuments, expressing the region’s transition from settled valleys to highland terrain. Along the coast, the low islands, skerries and exposed headlands of Hitra, Frøya and Fosen provide a visual identity rooted in the sea.

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Explore Sør-Trøndelag on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Sør-Trøndelag

Dining in Sør-Trøndelag reflects the meeting of Trondheimsfjord, productive valleys and mountain farms. Trondheim has the widest range, from cafés and bakeries to contemporary restaurants using Norwegian seafood, vegetables, grains and preserved ingredients. Along the coast, fish, shellfish and locally farmed seafood are central, while island communities often combine casual dining with small food businesses and seasonal sales. Inland menus may feature lamb, game, dairy products, mushrooms, berries and traditional baking. The Røros area is particularly associated with agricultural produce from mountain farms, including distinctive cheeses, meats and baked goods sold through specialist shops, markets and restaurants. Rural inns, farm cafés and community cafés can be as useful for encountering local food as formal dining rooms, although opening patterns vary outside the main towns. Trondheim’s markets and food shops are practical places to compare products from across the wider Trøndelag region, while coastal villages often provide the freshest sense of the area’s maritime food culture.

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Best bars in Sør-Trøndelag

Trondheim is the centre of Sør-Trøndelag’s evening life, with pubs, cafés, cocktail bars, live-music venues and student-oriented places concentrated around the central streets, Bakklandet and the areas near the university. The city also has theatres and concert venues, so an evening need not revolve around drinking. Røros offers historic hotel bars, pubs and restaurants in timber buildings, with a quieter atmosphere shaped by its heritage setting and seasonal events. In Oppdal, evening activity is linked to skiing, outdoor tourism, pubs and restaurants rather than a large club scene. Coastal communities such as Hitra, Frøya and Fosen generally favour local pubs, hotel bars, community events and occasional live music; nightlife is limited and dispersed compared with Trondheim. Check current arrangements before travelling, particularly outside the larger towns, and do not rely on late-night transport in rural districts.

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Best nightclubs in Sør-Trøndelag

Trondheim is the centre of Sør-Trøndelag’s evening life, with pubs, cafés, cocktail bars, live-music venues and student-oriented places concentrated around the central streets, Bakklandet and the areas near the university. The city also has theatres and concert venues, so an evening need not revolve around drinking. Røros offers historic hotel bars, pubs and restaurants in timber buildings, with a quieter atmosphere shaped by its heritage setting and seasonal events. In Oppdal, evening activity is linked to skiing, outdoor tourism, pubs and restaurants rather than a large club scene. Coastal communities such as Hitra, Frøya and Fosen generally favour local pubs, hotel bars, community events and occasional live music; nightlife is limited and dispersed compared with Trondheim. Check current arrangements before travelling, particularly outside the larger towns, and do not rely on late-night transport in rural districts.

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Best shops in Sør-Trøndelag

Trondheim has the broadest shopping choice in Sør-Trøndelag, combining central high-street retailers with independent design shops, bookshops, galleries, food stores and craft businesses around the older city streets and Bakklandet. Market events and specialist shops are useful for finding Norwegian food products, woollen goods, ceramics and locally made gifts, although schedules vary. Røros is particularly well suited to heritage-oriented shopping, with crafts, textiles, pottery, jewellery, books, traditional foods and products connected with its mining-town identity. In coastal districts, small shops and farm or fish-producer outlets may sell seafood, preserves, wool, artworks and practical maritime products, but availability is seasonal and opening hours can be limited. Visitors seeking regional produce should look for cheeses, cured meats, bakery items, berries and other goods from Trøndelag rather than assuming every souvenir is locally made. Larger everyday retail centres are concentrated in and around Trondheim, while smaller towns offer more personal, locally focused shopping.

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Sør-Trøndelag essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Norwegian krone, abbreviated NOK, as throughout Norway. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Trondheim, Røros, Oppdal and most established visitor businesses, but a small amount of cash can be useful for rural services, occasional local sales or unexpected transport needs. Norway is highly digital in its payment habits, although foreign cards may incur exchange or withdrawal charges. Check whether a card terminal offers payment in Norwegian kroner rather than an automatically converted home currency.
Safety
Sør-Trøndelag is generally suitable for independent travel, but outdoor conditions require preparation. Mountain weather can change quickly around Oppdal, Tydal and Røros, and paths may be wet, rocky or poorly marked away from well-used routes. On the coast, heed local advice about tides, wind, slippery rocks and boat conditions. Winter driving can involve ice, snow and reduced daylight, while rural roads may be narrow and winding. Keep valuables secure in busy parts of Trondheim and follow posted guidance at historic sites, harbours and nature areas.
Emergency Situations
In Norway, call 112 for police, 110 for the fire service and 113 for urgent medical assistance. Call 120 for a maritime emergency, while mountain incidents can be reported through the emergency services, which coordinate rescue resources. Give your precise location, especially on a trail, island or remote road, and download or carry a reliable map because mobile coverage is not continuous in every mountain or coastal area. For non-urgent medical advice, use Norway’s national out-of-hours medical service on 116 117.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow marked routes, close gates, avoid disturbing livestock and leave no waste when walking in the countryside. Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and other wildlife, particularly in coastal habitats. At Nidaros Cathedral, churches and historic interiors, dress and behave quietly and observe photography rules. Queueing, punctuality and personal space are valued in Norway, while tipping is discretionary rather than a strict obligation. Do not assume that public access gives permission to camp close to homes, cultivated fields or sensitive sites; follow Norway’s access-rights rules and local notices.
Local Tips
Plan by landscape rather than by county map: Trondheim, Røros, Oppdal and the coast each deserve separate time. The Røros area is especially atmospheric in winter but can be very cold, whereas coastal travel is often most comfortable in the brighter months. In Trondheim, explore beyond the cathedral towards the river, Bakklandet and the city’s museum and music venues. In small coastal communities, services may close earlier than visitors expect, so arrange food, fuel and accommodation before leaving larger towns.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHei[hay]
GoodbyeHa det[ha deh]
YesJa[ya]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVær så snill/Ingen årsak[vair so snill/een-yen or-sahk]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld[oon-shild]
How are you?Hvordan har du det?[vor-dahn har doo deh]
Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?[brah. oh doo?]
Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?[snah-kker doo eng-elsk?]
I don't understandJeg forstår ikke[yay for-stor ee-keh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, vær så snill[yay vil yair-na seh men-yen, vair so snill]
I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt[yay spee-ser ee-keh shutt]
Cheers!Skål![skawl]
I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill[yay vil yair-na be-ta-leh, vair so snill]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjelp![yelp]
Go away!Gå bort![gaw bort]
Call the Police!Ring politiet![ring po-li-teh]
Call a doctor!Ring en lege![ring en lay-geh]
I'm lostJeg er tapt[yay air tahpt]
I'm illJeg er syk[yay air seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...[yay vil shuh-peh...]
I'm just lookingJeg bare ser[yay bah-reh sehr]
How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?[vor mye kos-ter deh]
That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt[deh air for deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?[kan doo sen-ke pree-sen?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hva tid er det?[vah teed air deh]
It's one o'clockKlokka er ett[klok-ka air ett]
Half past (10)Halv etter (10)[halv et-ter (10)]
MorningMorgen[mor-gen]
AfternoonEttermiddag[et-ter-mid-dahg]
EveningKveld[kveld]
YesterdayI går[ee gorr]
TodayI dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowI morgen[ee mor-gen]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/den...?[vor air en/den...?]
What's the address?Hva er adressen?[vah air ad-res-sen?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?[kan doo vee-seh mai (poh kar-tet)?]
When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?[nor gor nes-teh (boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)[en bee-lett (til ....)]

History of Sør-Trøndelag

Early settlement and the Trøndelag landscape

People have lived around the Trondheim basin, the coast and the inland valleys since the Stone Age, using a combination of farming, fishing, hunting and seasonal movement. Rock art, burial remains and other archaeological evidence show that the region’s landscape was already culturally organised long before written history. The sheltered fjord, productive river valleys and access to mountain hunting grounds supported communities with different but interconnected economies. Archaeological sites around Trondheim and the wider Trøndelag area help explain how seafaring, agriculture and regional exchange developed across central Norway.

Nidaros and the medieval religious centre

Trondheim, known in the Middle Ages as Nidaros, became one of Norway’s most important religious and political centres. The cult of Saint Olav developed around his burial place, and Nidaros Cathedral grew into a major pilgrimage church visited by travellers from across northern Europe. The Archbishop’s Palace nearby was the administrative centre of a powerful ecclesiastical institution. Medieval Trondheim’s influence extended far beyond the city, and the cathedral, palace complex and surviving street pattern remain the clearest physical reminders of the region’s central role in Norwegian Christianity.

Royal power, trade and the growth of Trondheim

Trondheim retained importance as a royal, commercial and administrative centre after the medieval period, even as political power shifted between Norwegian towns and Danish-Norwegian authorities. Its position on Trondheimsfjord connected inland producers, coastal communities and overseas trade. Timber buildings, warehouses and streets were repeatedly rebuilt after fires, creating the layered urban character visible in areas such as Bakklandet and along the river. The city’s institutions, harbour and markets helped make it the principal gateway to central Norway and the cultural capital of the Trøndelag region.

Røros copper mining and the mountain economy

Copper ore discovered near Røros in the seventeenth century led to the establishment of one of Norway’s most important mining communities. Røros Copper Works organised extraction, smelting, transport and woodland use across a demanding mountain environment. The industry transformed settlement patterns and created a distinctive town of timber houses, workshops, storehouses and industrial remains. Mining placed considerable pressure on forests and local resources, but it also generated a durable cultural landscape. Røros and its surrounding industrial heritage are recognised by UNESCO for their historical significance.

Agriculture, coastal livelihoods and modern communications

Alongside mining, the region developed through farming in the Gaula, Orkla and Nea valleys, fishing along the coast and trading links across the fjords. Coastal settlements depended on boats, seasonal fisheries and later mechanised fishing, while inland farms combined livestock, haymaking and woodland resources. Roads, steamship routes and railways gradually connected communities that had previously relied heavily on water and mountain tracks. The opening and expansion of railway lines through Trondheim, Røros and Oppdal strengthened the region’s links with Oslo and eastern Norway and helped establish modern travel patterns.

War, occupation and reconstruction

Norway’s experience of German occupation during the Second World War affected Trondheim, its harbour and the wider region. Military installations, transport routes and coastal positions acquired strategic importance, while resistance activity and restrictions shaped civilian life. Trondheim was also associated with German naval and military construction, leaving difficult remnants of twentieth-century history alongside older heritage. After 1945, reconstruction, improved roads, electrification and expanding public services altered rural and urban communities. The period marked a transition from predominantly local economies towards greater mobility and regional integration.

From Sør-Trøndelag to modern Trøndelag

Sør-Trøndelag existed as a separate Norwegian county until 2018, when it merged with Nord-Trøndelag to form the present Trøndelag county. The administrative change reflected efforts to coordinate transport, public services and regional development across central Norway, but the historic distinction remains familiar in local identity and travel planning. Contemporary Sør-Trøndelag combines Trondheim’s universities, culture and technology sector with coastal aquaculture, established farming districts, mountain tourism and heritage industries. Its older geographical character therefore continues to influence both everyday life and visitor experiences.

Sør-Trøndelag in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sør-Trøndelag

Discover the best of Sør-Trøndelag with Evendo – your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities
  • High-quality images and descriptions
  • Local tips and advice
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Uncover the hidden gems of Sør-Trøndelag with Evendo. Our free travel guide app offers detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

  • Interactive maps and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • History of Sør-Trøndelag and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Sør-Trøndelag, Norway? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate app-based travel guide designed to make your visit unforgettable. Sør-Trøndelag is brimming with breathtaking landmarks like the Nidaros Cathedral, the scenic Tyholttårnet tower, and the historical Kristiansten Fortress. With Evendo, you won't miss a single highlight. Our app provides comprehensive details on all the best attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities. From tasting the local flavors at Credo Restaurant to exploring the fascinating Rockheim Museum, Evendo has you covered. Each location comes with rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Plus, you can effortlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see and how to get there – Evendo consolidates everything in one place. The app offers features like the history of Sør-Trøndelag, travel essentials, tons of local advice, easy navigation, a 'Near me' feature, and curated local tips to ensure you experience the city like a local. And the best part? It's completely free with no hidden costs. Besides Sør-Trøndelag, Evendo covers 7,000+ other destinations worldwide, putting the world in your pocket. Download Evendo today and start your adventure!

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