Sør-Trøndelag, Norway Travel Guide

Discover Sør-Trøndelag: A Norwegian Haven of Natural Beauty, Rich History, and Vibrant Culture Awaiting Your Exploration.

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Sør-Trøndelag

Sør-Trøndelag, located in the heart of Norway, is a region that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As you journey through this stunning area, you will be captivated by its majestic fjords, lush forests, and picturesque coastal landscapes. The region is home to the famous Trøndelag Folk Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional Norwegian way of life and explore historical buildings and artifacts. One of the key highlights of Sør-Trøndelag is the charming city of Trondheim, known for its medieval architecture and lively cultural scene. Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings in Norway, is a must-visit. The city also boasts a variety of museums, galleries, and quaint cafes that line its cobblestone streets, offering a delightful experience for any traveler. For those who love outdoor activities, Sør-Trøndelag provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing. The region's numerous trails and parks, such as Bymarka and Trollheimen, offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone looking to relax, Sør-Trøndelag has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sør-Trøndelag.

Dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountainous areas.
Visit the local markets in Trondheim for fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Take a guided tour of Nidaros Cathedral to learn about its historical significance.
If you plan to hike, ensure you have proper gear and check trail conditions beforehand.
Use public transport or rent a bike to explore Trondheim's city center efficiently.

Top City Travel Guides in Sør-Trøndelag

The cities of Sør-Trøndelag, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Trondheim

Destinations in Sør-Trøndelag

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

Rondane National Park

Røros

Oppdal

Explore Sør-Trøndelag: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Sør-Trøndelag

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Solsiden Senter

Explore Solsiden Senter: Trondheim's premier shopping destination with a blend of shops, restaurants, and waterfront views.

4.2

Pirbadet

Experience the ultimate aquatic adventure at Pirbadet in Trondheim, Norway's largest indoor water park, offering fun for all ages in a stunning setting.

4.4

Rockheim

Explore Norway's musical roots at Rockheim, the National Museum of Popular Music, showcasing the vibrant history of pop and rock culture.

4.4

Rørosmuseet Olavsgruva

Discover the captivating history of Norway's mining industry at Rørosmuseet Olavsgruva, where past meets present in a stunning setting.

4.6

Best landmarks in Sør-Trøndelag

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Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Nidaros Cathedral

Discover the architectural splendor and historical significance of Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's most important church and a must-visit destination for travelers.

4.7

Old Town Bridge

Discover the historic Old Town Bridge in Trondheim, Norway, an architectural gem offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.

4.7

Kristiansten Fortress

Explore Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim, a historic military stronghold offering stunning views and a glimpse into Norway's rich heritage.

4.5

Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum

Explore Norway's rich history and stunning landscapes at Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum, where Viking heritage comes alive.

4.6

Best restaurants in Sør-Trøndelag

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Egon Tårnet

Discover Egon Tårnet in Trondheim: A remarkable restaurant offering stunning views and diverse dishes in an inviting atmosphere.

4.2

Frati restaurant

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Frati Restaurant in Trondheim, where every dish is crafted with passion and fresh ingredients.

4.3

Troll Restaurant

Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine and vibrant entertainment at Troll Restaurant in Trondheim - a culinary adventure awaits!

4.5

Grano Trondheim

Discover Grano Trondheim: Where Authentic Italian Pizza Meets Cozy Atmosphere in Norway's Historic City.

4.7

Best bars in Sør-Trøndelag

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Bror

Savor the essence of Norwegian cuisine at Bror, a grill restaurant in Trondheim renowned for its quality dishes and inviting atmosphere.

4.4

E.C.Dahls bryggeri pub og kjøkken

Explore Trondheim's brewing heritage at E.C.Dahls Bryggeri, where craft beer meets delicious local cuisine in a welcoming ambiance.

4.5

Den Gode Nabo AS

Explore Trondheim's vibrant nightlife at Den Gode Nabo AS, a charming riverside bar and pub with local brews and a unique atmosphere.

4.6

ØX Tap Room

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and craft beer delights at ØX Tap Room, Trondheim's premier brewing bar.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Sør-Trøndelag

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Best Nightclubs

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Fire fine

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Fire Fine in Trondheim, featuring a stylish bar atmosphere and an extensive drink selection for an unforgettable night out.

3.5

Diskoteket

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Diskoteket, Trondheim's premier night club, where music and fun unite for an unforgettable evening.

4.0

Lokal Bar — Scene — Klubb

Experience Trondheim's vibrant nightlife at Lokal Bar, a trendy night club featuring live performances and a lively bar scene.

4.2

Tyven

Discover the energetic nightlife of Trondheim at Tyven, a vibrant bar and club known for cocktails, music, and unforgettable experiences.

4.3

Best shops in Sør-Trøndelag

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Trondheim Torg

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Trondheim Torg, where local culture meets modern retail in the heart of Trondheim.

4.2

Solsiden Senter

Explore Solsiden Senter, Trondheim's premier shopping mall featuring diverse stores, restaurants, and an inviting atmosphere for all visitors.

4.2

City Syd

Explore City Syd in Tiller: Your ultimate shopping destination with diverse stores, dining options, and family-friendly entertainment.

4.1

Lade Arena

Discover a diverse shopping experience at Lade Arena, Trondheim's premier mall for all your retail needs.

4.1

Explore Sør-Trøndelag on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Sør-Trøndelag, mapped for you.

Sør-Trøndelag Essentials

Sør-Trøndelag is served by Trondheim Airport, Værnes (TRD), located approximately 32 kilometers east of Trondheim city. The airport has regular international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to reach various destinations within Sør-Trøndelag. The train ride to Trondheim city center takes around 35 minutes, and buses are also available for a similar duration. Car rentals are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive.
Public transportation in Sør-Trøndelag is efficient and reliable. Trains and buses connect Trondheim with other towns and villages in the region. The local bus network, AtB, operates throughout Trondheim and surrounding areas. For exploring rural areas, renting a car is a convenient option. Biking is popular in Trondheim, with extensive bike lanes and rental services available. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive.
The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment is common. ATMs are available in cities and towns, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas. Currency exchange services are available at banks and major airports.
Sør-Trøndelag is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Trondheim city center and its historic neighborhoods are safe to explore, even at night. However, it's always wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 113 for medical emergencies, 110 for fire, and 112 for police assistance. Hospitals and clinics are available in Trondheim and other major towns. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. English is widely spoken, so communication with emergency services should not be a problem.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Waterproof clothing is advisable. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Norway is largely secular, be mindful and respectful when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be punctual, as public transport runs on a strict schedule. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Norwegians value personal space, so avoid overly familiar gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'klippfisk' (dried and salted cod) and 'rakfisk' (fermented fish). Don't be offended if Norwegians seem reserved; it's part of the culture.
To experience Sør-Trøndelag like a local, explore the vibrant Bakklandet neighborhood in Trondheim, known for its colorful wooden houses and cozy cafes. Visit the local markets, such as the Trondheim Market Square, to buy fresh produce and traditional Norwegian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to hike in Bymarka, a large forested area just outside Trondheim, offering numerous trails and scenic views.

When is the best time to visit Sør-Trøndelag?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sør-Trøndelag

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sør-Trøndelag. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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?]
- 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]
- 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

Founded in 997 AD by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim (formerly Nidaros) is one of Norway's oldest cities. The city quickly grew into a major trading hub and served as Norway's capital during the Viking Age. The Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of Saint Olav, became an important pilgrimage site.
The Battle of Stiklestad, fought in 1030, is one of the most significant events in Norwegian history. King Olav II Haraldsson, who later became Saint Olav, died in this battle while attempting to reclaim the Norwegian throne. His martyrdom and subsequent sainthood played a crucial role in the Christianization of Norway.
Nidaros Cathedral, located in Trondheim, is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. Construction began in 1070 and continued for about 230 years. It stands as a stunning example of Gothic architecture and has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries. The cathedral also serves as the coronation site for Norwegian monarchs.
The town of Røros, established in 1644, is known for its historic copper mines. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Røros is one of the oldest wooden towns in Europe. The mining operations significantly contributed to Norway's economy and left a lasting legacy evident in the well-preserved wooden architecture and cultural landscape.
During World War II, Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1945. Sør-Trøndelag, like the rest of the country, saw the resistance movement in action. The area around Trondheim was strategically important, and the Germans built several fortifications and airfields. The region's history during this period is marked by resistance efforts and the impact of occupation.
The Trøndelag Folk Museum (Sverresborg) in Trondheim is one of Norway's largest cultural history museums. It offers a comprehensive look at the region's history through its extensive collection of buildings, artifacts, and exhibitions. The museum is built around the ruins of King Sverre's medieval castle and provides a glimpse into daily life in historic Trøndelag.
Sør-Trøndelag is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and crafts. The region hosts numerous festivals, such as the Olavsfestdagene, which celebrate Saint Olav and medieval culture. This vibrant cultural scene reflects the area's historical significance and ongoing traditions.