5 Days in Trondheim: First-Timer Plan

September 2, 2026

Five days is enough to cover Trondheim properly and still add a full day at Røros, the UNESCO copper-mining town that Trondheim itself lacks.

Day 1

Fly into Trondheim Airport, Værnes, and take the Værnesekspressen bus (roughly 40-50 minutes, around NOK 200, verify) or the airport train (about 35 minutes) into town. Check in, then head straight to Nidaros Cathedral, entry roughly NOK 120-150, and the Archbishop’s Palace next door for the crown regalia. Spend the afternoon in Bakklandet across the Gamle Bybro, and book dinner at Fagn or Credo if a Michelin-recognized meal appeals, roughly NOK 500-900.

Tip: check the cathedral’s service schedule in advance, it closes to visitors during services.

Day 2

Ferry to Munkholmen from Ravnkloa (roughly NOK 95, verify, seasonal) in the morning, then Kristiansten Fortress in the afternoon for the view and the small Donjonen museum inside. A casual lunch runs roughly NOK 200-300.

Tip: the Munkholmen ferry only operates roughly May or June through August or September, have a fortress-and-museum backup ready for the shoulder season.

Day 3

Take the Gråkallbanen tram up to Lian for a morning in Bymarka forest, then spend the afternoon at Ringve or Rockheim, individual tickets roughly NOK 130-200, or the combination ticket around NOK 230-245 if you want both. Wander back through Ravnkloa fish market on the way, and stop for coffee at Jacobsen & Svart or Dromedar.

Tip: pack a rain layer for Bymarka regardless of the forecast, coastal weather here shifts fast.

Day 4

Drive or take a tour roughly 90km, about 1.5 hours, north to Stiklestad, where St. Olav fell in battle in 1030. The Stiklestad National Cultural Centre’s dioramas and short film, the 1180 church, and the 30-building folk museum fill a full day comfortably. Return to Trondheim for the evening.

Tip: treat Stiklestad as a full day on its own, the drive and site both deserve unhurried time.

Day 5

Head roughly 2.5 hours southeast, by car or the scenic Rørosbanen train, to Røros, the UNESCO World Heritage copper-mining town that Trondheim itself doesn’t have. Tour the old Olavsgruva mine, walk the well-preserved wooden streets, and eat well, Røros has a strong local-food reputation. The distance makes this a genuinely long single day; if your schedule allows, an overnight here is more comfortable than a rushed round trip.

Tip: confirm the Rørosbanen train times before you go, service can be limited outside peak season.

Practical notes

Norway is near-cashless and expensive, and Vinmonopolet closes on Sundays. Britannia Hotel, Clarion Hotel Trondheim, and Scandic Solsiden remain the best-documented lodging picks in the city.

For a shorter trip without Røros, see our 4-day itinerary ; for a longer one with a slower pace, see the 6-day itinerary .