Attractions in Trondheim & Central Norway
Viking kings, musk oxen, and the world's most scenic drive ⛪🛣️
Showing 56 attractions · Sorted by importance
Atlanterhavsparken (The Atlantic Sea-Park)
📍 Ålesund
🐠 AquariumOne of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums, featuring massive landscape tanks, a dedicated seal bay, and interactive exhibits on North Atlantic marine life.
Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
📍 Oppdal
🌲 NatureA high-mountain plateau famous for being the only place in Norway to see musk oxen in their natural habitat.
Granåsen Skisenter
📍 Trondheim
⛷ Ski Resort150-250m elevation, 10km+ competition trails, Dec-Mar season. An international-grade winter sports facility featuring world-class cross-country tracks, ski jumping hills (K-93 and K-124), and host of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.
Namsskogan Familiepark
📍 Trones
🧗 AdventureA large-scale wilderness park combining Nordic animal encounters with zip lines and alpine coasters for a full day of family adventure.
Nidaros Cathedral
📍 Trondheim
🏰 CastleBuilt over the burial site of Saint Olav, this majestic gothic cathedral is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and a national icon.
Nidelva River
📍 Trondheim
🏔 Scenic ViewThe scenic waterway winding through the city, offering iconic views of colorful historic warehouses on stilts and pleasant riverside paths.
NTNU University Museum
📍 Trondheim
🔬 ScienceA fascinating museum showcasing natural history collections, Viking age archaeology, and regional biodiversity in a historic setting.
Oppdal Skisenter
📍 Oppdal
⛷ Ski Resort585-1,300m elevation, 35 runs, 56km total pistes, Nov-May season. One of Norway's largest ski areas spanning four mountains (Vangslia, Ådalen, Hovden, and Stølen) with a major terrain park and extensive off-piste terrain.
Pirbadet
📍 Trondheim
🌊 Water ParkNorway's largest indoor water park, located on the harbor with stunning views of the Trondheimsfjord and facilities for all ages.
St. Olav's Way (Gudbrandsdalsleden)
📍 Oppdal
🥾 Hiking & Cycling150km challenging 8-day pilgrimage section from Oppdal to Trondheim with 3,200m elevation gain. Trail ends at Nidaros Cathedral. Bike rental: Brattørkaia Bike Rental (trondheimssykkel.no)
The Archbishop's Palace
📍 Trondheim
🏰 CastleOne of the largest medieval stone structures in Scandinavia, featuring the Norwegian Crown Regalia, original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral, and an armoury museum.
The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsvegen)
📍 Averøy
⛱ BeachAn iconic coastal engineering marvel featuring the Storseisundet Bridge and scenic walking paths overlooking the Norwegian Sea.
Trondheim Kunstmuseum
📍 Trondheim
🖼 Art GalleryThe museum offers engaging workshops and creative activities for children alongside its vast collection of Norwegian masterpieces and international art.
Bakklandet Historic District
📍 Trondheim
🏘 Town / VillageA charming historic neighborhood with colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets, perfect for family walks and riverside cafe visits.
Bymarka Nature Reserve
📍 Trondheim
🌲 NatureThis vast forest bordering Trondheim offers family-friendly hiking paths, swimming lakes, and skiing trails easily accessible by the city's tram system.
Dovrefjell Muskox Safari
📍 Oppdal
🦁 ZooA unique wildlife experience offering guided hiking tours to spot prehistoric muskoxen in their natural tundra habitat within the spectacular mountain range.
The Dovrefjell Plateau (E6 Scenic Section)
📍 Dombås
🚗 Road TripApproximately 100km paved mountain crossing (2 hours) reaching an elevation of 1,026 meters. This high mountain plateau is the only place in Norway to see wild musk oxen and features views of the massive Snøhetta massif and arctic-alpine flora.
Trekanten in Trollheimen
📍 Oppdal
🥾 Hiking & Cycling~60km challenging 3-day mountain circuit with approximately 2,600m elevation gain. Connects Gjevilvasshytta, Jøldalshytta, and Trollheimshytta DNT cabins. Equipment: VPG Oppdal (vpg.no)
Trondheim Science Centre
📍 Trondheim
🔬 ScienceA hands-on discovery center with interactive exhibits on physics and technology, featuring Norway's first 3D planetarium.
Femundsmarka National Park
📍 Røros
🌲 NatureIdeally suited for families who enjoy canoeing and fishing, this park near the UNESCO mining town offers a wilderness of ancient pines and boulders.
Innerdalen Valley
📍 Sunndal
🏔 Scenic ViewOften called Norway's most beautiful valley, this car-free area features dramatic peaks and lush greenery perfect for family hiking.
Kongsvoll Alpine Garden
📍 Oppdal
🌿 GardenScandinavia's only dedicated alpine botanical garden, showcasing the unique flora of the Dovrefjell mountain range in its natural habitat near the historic Kongsvoll mountain inn.
Kristiansten Fortress
📍 Trondheim
🏰 CastleAn 17th-century hilltop fortress with historic cannons and a grassy park area that provides panoramic views over the city and fjord.
Kunsthall Trondheim
📍 Trondheim
🖼 Art GalleryChildren and adults can discover world-class contemporary art in a unique, accessible setting inside a beautifully renovated former fire station.
Kystriksveien (The Coastal Route)
📍 Steinkjer
🚗 Road Trip650km paved coastal highway (4-7 days) stretching from Steinkjer to Bodø. Features 6 ferry crossings, the Torghatten mountain with its hole, the Seven Sisters mountain range, and thousands of islands. Known as one of the world's most beautiful coastal drives.
Munkholmen
📍 Trondheim
⛱ BeachA historic island fortress reachable by ferry, featuring a sandy beach, grassy picnic areas, and guided tours of ancient prison cells.
Old Town Bridge
📍 Trondheim
🏛 LandmarkAn iconic historic red wooden bridge crossing the Nidelva river, first built in 1681 and rebuilt in its current form in 1861, offering the most famous views of the colorful historic wharf houses.
Røros Winter Fair (Rørosmartnan)
📍 Røros
🎭 EventHeld annually in mid-February, this 5-day traditional winter market dates back to 1854 and attracts approximately 75,000 international and domestic visitors. Set in a UNESCO World Heritage town, it features horse-drawn sledges arriving across the snow, traditional outdoor markets, and local folk music. Highly family-oriented with historical reenactments and winter activities.
St. Olav Festival (Olavsfest)
📍 Trondheim
🎭 EventLate July to early August, a 7-8 day international cultural and church festival celebrating Norway's patron saint. It attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and features large-scale concerts at Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace, a historical medieval market with crafts and food, and diverse family-friendly workshops and activities.
Atlantic Road Cycling Route
📍 Kårvåg
🥾 Hiking & Cycling35km moderate 3-hour cycle from Kårvåg to Bud with 300m elevation gain. Part of EuroVelo 1, featuring dramatic bridges over the open ocean. Bike rental: Averøy Sykkelutleie (visitnorthwest.no)
Den Gylne Omvei (The Golden Road)
📍 Inderøy
🚗 Road Trip22km paved cultural detour (2-4 hours) off the E6 highway through the Inderøy peninsula. Famous for its pastoral landscapes, artisanal food producers, art galleries, and views of the Borgenfjord. It is a certified sustainable destination route.
Hosnasanden Beach
📍 Åfjord
⛱ BeachA stunning white sand beach on Stokkøya island known for its turquoise waters, rugged hills, and modern coastal architecture.
Høyt & Lavt Trondheim
📍 Trondheim
🧗 AdventureA versatile forest climbing park offering varied obstacle courses and zip lines suitable for all ages and skill levels.
K-U-K (Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst)
📍 Trondheim
🖼 Art GalleryThis welcoming art center features a variety of experimental works and ten different gallery spaces that spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Meråker Alpinsenter
📍 Meråker
⛷ Ski Resort160-600m elevation, 13 runs, 8.5km total pistes, Dec-Apr season. Features 6 lifts, extensive cross-country trail connections, and diverse slopes ranging from beginner to expert.
Oasen Svømme- og Miljøsenter
📍 Namsos
🌊 Water ParkA unique and impressive aquatic center built entirely inside a mountain, featuring a 50-meter pool, slides, and whirlpools.
Rørosrein
📍 Røros
🐄 FarmA reindeer farm where visitors can feed the animals and learn about traditional Sami culture in the historic Røros region.
Salmon Center Rørvik (Norveg)
📍 Rørvik
🐠 AquariumLocated in the architecturally unique Norveg building, this center offers high-tech interactive exhibits and viewing tanks focused on Atlantic salmon and coastal aquaculture.
The Copper Route (Rørosveien)
📍 Trondheim
🚗 Road Trip155km paved historic route (2.5 hours) via Route 30 and E6 connecting the cathedral city of Trondheim to the UNESCO World Heritage mining town of Røros. Follows the scenic Gaula river valley through dense forests and traditional farming hamlets.
The Musk Ox Trail (Moskusstien)
📍 Hjerkinn
🥾 Hiking & Cycling15km moderate 5-hour loop with 450m elevation gain. Famous for sightings of wild musk oxen in their natural habitat. Equipment: Hjerkinn Fjellstue (hjerkinn.no)
Vassfjellet Vinterpark
📍 Klæbu
⛷ Ski Resort198-659m elevation, 12 runs, 15km total pistes, Dec-Mar season. Located just 20 minutes from Trondheim, it features approximately 460 meters of vertical drop, night skiing on most slopes, and a dedicated snowboard park.
Forollhogna National Park
📍 Røros
🌲 NatureKnown as 'The Kind Mountains,' this park offers gentle, family-friendly hiking terrain and is one of the best places to observe wild reindeer.
Ladestien (The Lade Trail)
📍 Trondheim
🥾 Hiking & Cycling14km easy 4-hour coastal walk with 150m elevation gain. Follows the Trondheim Fjord shoreline past beaches and historic estates. Bike rental: Trondheim Bysykkel (trondheimssykkel.no)
Øysand Beach
📍 Melhus
⛱ BeachA long, flat sandy beach south of Trondheim offering shallow waters and expansive views, perfect for families and windsurfing.
Stiftsgården Park
📍 Trondheim
🌿 GardenA beautifully maintained formal garden behind Scandinavia's largest wooden palace, featuring manicured lawns and historic architectural elements in the city center.
Storvika Beach
📍 Stjørdal
⛱ BeachA popular recreation area featuring a wide sandy bay, volleyball courts, and accessible trails along the picturesque Stjørdalsfjord.
Gangstad Gårdsysteri
📍 Inderøy
🐄 FarmAn award-winning dairy farm on the Golden Detour that welcomes visitors to see the cows and sample artisanal cheeses and ice cream.
Nils Aas Kunstverksted
📍 Inderøy
🖼 Art GalleryFamilies will enjoy the interactive workshops and the scenic outdoor sculpture park where fine art meets the natural beauty of the fjord.