Discovering Trondheim on foot, by bus, or even on skis is a fantastic way to truly get to know this lively Norwegian city. The city’s compact size and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place for various tours that blend history, culture, and nature. We particularly love the private walking tours that connect you with passionate locals, like the Trondheim: Private Walking Tour with a Local, which offers personalized insights into hidden spots and personal stories. Whether it’s exploring the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, crossing the historic Old Town Bridge, or enjoying panoramic views from Kristiansten Fortress, Trondheim’s tours are designed to give you an authentic taste of this Scandinavian city.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 14 best tours in Trondheim—ranging from insightful city walks and scenic bus tours to outdoor adventures in Norway’s wilderness. Each offers a unique way to experience Trondheim’s charm, history, and natural beauty.
1. Trondheim: Private Walking Tour with a Local
At number one, this personalized walking tour is perfect for travelers who want flexible, in-depth exploration. You’ll be guided by a passionate local who customizes the experience based on your interests, whether that’s uncovering Trondheim’s quirky spots or soaking in its historic landmarks. The tour lasts from 2 to 6 hours, allowing for a relaxed or more intensive visit. Highlights include discovering hidden gems, learning local tips, and making genuine connections with people who know Trondheim best. The meeting point is flexible, and you can choose the start time that suits your schedule.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, with reviews like “Make travel about the friendly people and not just the places,” emphasizing how this tour reveals the city’s soul. Since it’s private and customizable, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: For a flexible, personal introduction to Trondheim that adapts to your interests, this private walk is hard to beat.
2. Trondheim: Discover the city of kings with a local guide
At number two, this two-hour tour offers a rundown of Trondheim’s most iconic sights. Your guide will take you past the Nidaros Cathedral, the oldest bicycle elevator, and the lively Solsiden neighborhood. The tour covers rich history, legends, and local life—from the royal residence, Stiftsgarden, to the famous Old Town Bridge.
This highly-rated tour earns a perfect 5-star rating, with reviews highlighting its entertaining and knowledgeable guide Maëlle, who effortlessly blends historical facts with personal insights. Entrance tickets are not included, but the focus is on storytelling and vibrant cityscape views. It’s perfect if you want a solid intro to Trondheim’s must-see spots without the fuss.
Bottom Line: If a concise, engaging tour packed with Trondheim’s highlights sounds appealing, this guided walk offers excellent value and insight.
3. Trondheim: City Highlights Bus and Walking Tour
Number three combines the best of bus and on-foot exploration. Starting from Pirbadet, the tour provides stunning views from Sverresli viewpoint and visits the Kristiansten Fortress. The bus ride covers areas like Solsiden and Bakklandet, with stops for photos and brief walks.
Guests enjoy the balance of scenic viewpoints and walking, especially the chance to see the panoramic city view from Kristiansten Fortress. The itinerary includes essential sights like the Nidaros Cathedral and the colorful Bakklandet district. With a duration of about 3.5 hours, it’s suited for travelers with limited time who still want a broad overview.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a practical, scenic introduction to Trondheim, combining transportation with walking for a versatile experience.
4. Explore the beautiful nature of Trondheim
For those who prefer outdoor adventures, this private hike tops the list. Led by a local personal trainer, it takes you through Trondheim’s lush forests and up to a scenic pike with commanding views over the fjord and city. Covering about 6.5 km, the hike involves steep but rewarding trails, and includes a Norwegian tradition of stopping for a home-made snack in the snow.
Reviews mention how Linda’s guiding makes the experience enjoyable and accessible, even for those not used to strenuous outdoor activity. It’s perfect for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to see Trondheim from a different perspective—the top of a mountain with spectacular views.
Bottom Line: If you love combining outdoor activity with a local guide and want breathtaking views, this hike is a memorable choice.
5. Trondheim Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
At number five, this fully customized tour is ideal for travelers who want to steer the experience themselves. Without a fixed itinerary, your guide will tailor the visit to your preferences, focusing on personal interests, whether that’s art, green initiatives, or lesser-known neighborhoods.
The reviews highlight how Danae’s enthusiasm and flexibility make this tour special. It’s suited for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth understanding of Trondheim’s everyday life. Since the tour is private and flexible, it’s an excellent way to uncover what truly interests you.
Bottom Line: For a bespoke experience rooted in local insights, this private tour is your best bet, especially if you want to skip the standard tourist trail.
6. Skiing in winter wonderland
Number six takes you into Trondheim’s snowy wilderness with a cross-country skiing adventure. Led by Ingrid, the guide ensures no prior experience is necessary, and the tour includes a stop for a homemade snack. The journey covers roughly 6.5 km through forested trails, offering a true taste of Norwegian winter life.
Guests praise the personalized care and how Ingrid adapts to skill levels, whether you’re an experienced skier or a beginner. The small-group format (up to 8 travelers) guarantees intimacy, and the scenic scenery is stunning.
Bottom Line: If you want to experience Norway’s winter outdoors, this ski tour combines scenic beauty with approachable activity for all levels.
7. Trondheim Private Walking Tour
At number seven, this intimate, private tour offers a deep dive into Trondheim’s vibrant city life and history. Led by an expert with over 25 years of experience, the guide will take you through key sights like the Nidaros Cathedral, Bryggerekka, and Kristiansten Fortress.
Guests love how this tour balances informative commentary with relaxed pacing, allowing plenty of time for questions and photos. It’s perfect if you want a private, rundown tailored to your pace.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, detailed walk that touches on Trondheim’s past and present, this private tour delivers.
8. Trondheim to Trondheim Airport (TRD) Departure Private Transfer
Number eight is a straightforward private transfer service. Perfect for those catching an early flight or arriving in Trondheim, it offers door-to-door service with professional drivers. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and booking ensures a stress-free start or end to your trip.
Guests appreciate the punctuality and comfort, especially when navigating unfamiliar transport options in a foreign country. The service also tracks flights, so you won’t worry about delays.
Bottom Line: For hassle-free airport transfers, this private service guarantees a comfortable, reliable ride.
9. See the city power-walk
Number nine is a fast-paced, fitness-oriented tour. Led by a personal trainer, it covers major sights like Kristiansten Fortress, Nidaros Cathedral, and the Old Town Bridge—all in about 1 to 2 hours.
Guests rave about the customizable pace and how it’s a fantastic way to see a lot in a short time. It’s ideal if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a healthy, active way to explore.
Bottom Line: If fitness and efficiency matter, this power-walk tour offers a quick but thorough introduction to Trondheim.
10. Half-Day Highlights of Trondheim by Bus and City Walk
Number ten is a balanced mix of bus and walking, perfect for travelers wanting a quick, structured overview. Starting with a coach tour, you’ll visit Solsiden, Stiftsgarden, and the Sverresli viewpoint before a short walk through Nidaros Cathedral and Bakklandet.
Reviewers find it a solid introduction with good guides, and the combination of transport and walking provides a good overview without feeling rushed. Duration is about 3.5 hours, so it suits those with limited time.
Bottom Line: For a well-organized, scenic half-day tour, this blend of bus and walk hits the spot.
11. Trondheim’s Inner Circle: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Number eleven offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore independently. Using an app, you’ll receive a self-guided audio tour of Trondheim’s key sites like Olav Tryggvason’s founding and Stiftsgården.
Guests appreciate how easy it is to go at your own pace, and many find it a cost-effective alternative to guided tours. The GPS tracking keeps you on route, and it works offline.
Bottom Line: For tech-savvy travelers seeking independence, this self-guided tour provides a comprehensive, affordable way to see Trondheim.
12. 2 Hour City Walk through Trondheim
Number twelve is a short, engaging walk starting at Pirbadet. You’ll explore Solsiden, Bakklandet, and the Old Town Bridge, with stops at key sights like Nidaros Cathedral. The guide provides a well-paced, detailed overview of Trondheim’s charm.
Guests note the informative narration and the pleasant pace, making it ideal for a quick but meaningful visit. The tour lasts about 2 hours, suitable for travelers on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: If you want a concise, friendly walk that covers key highlights, this tour delivers.
13. Panorama Bus Tour with Audio Guide
Number thirteen offers an audio-guided coach tour of Trondheim’s scenic outskirts. You’ll pass Solsiden, the Royal Residence, and make a photo stop at Sverresli. The tour lasts about 2 hours and provides a panoramic perspective of city and countryside.
Reviews mention how informative and fun the guide is, and it’s ideal for travelers who prefer to sit back and enjoy the views. It’s a relaxed way to see both the city and its surrounding landscape.
Bottom Line: For those who prefer audio-guided comfort and panoramic vistas, this bus tour is a good choice.
14. City Bus Tour in Trondheim, Norway
Finally, the standard 2-hour city bus tour hits most of the highlights, including Stiftsgården, Kristiansten Fortress, and the Old Town Bridge. The tour offers a practical overview and a chance to see the city’s skyline from Sverresli.
Though reviews vary, many appreciate the professional guides and the efficient route. It’s a straightforward way to get oriented, especially if you’re short on time or prefer bus comfort.
Bottom Line: For a simple, dependable overview of Trondheim, this bus tour gets the job done.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a personalized experience, the Private Walking Tour with a Local or the Customized Private Tour will serve you well. For outdoor lovers, the nature hike or skiing tours provide a chance to step outside the city and into Norway’s stunning landscapes.
If your schedule is tight, the city highlights or 2-hour walk give a quick but rundown, while the self-guided audio tour offers flexibility for independent explorers. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months or winter ski season.
To sum it up, Trondheim offers a rich variety of tours that suit all tastes and styles. Whether you prefer wandering through medieval alleyways with a passionate local guide, enjoying panoramic views from historic forts, or exploring Norway’s natural beauty on skis or hikes, there’s something to match your mood. For history buffs, the private and guided options provide depth and insight. For outdoor enthusiasts, the hiking and skiing tours promise memorable adventures. And for those seeking efficiency, bus and self-guided options make the most of limited time.
To get the most out of your trip, consider your interests and travel style—then book early, so you won’t miss out on these fantastic Trondheim experiences.
