Trondheim

The modern cruise quay and passenger terminal stand close to the city centre, a 15 minute walk from its sights. When more than one ship calls, you might berth on the opposite side of the city. A cruise shuttle is provided, or walk down de Nedre IIa and continue along the footpath beside houses labelled “Lindis Irene Enge Valso”.

Some cruise companies also provide shuttle buses costing 50 kr, which drop passengers near Nidaros Cathedral, known for its organ recitals.

Bus lines 19 and 46 connect Brattøra, the cruise-dock district, with the centre. Departures run every 30 and every 20 min.

Plenty of taxis are available.

Pack a printable map for your visit.

Viking King Olav Tryggvason founded Trondheim in year 997, and it holds a special position in Norwegian history and culture. Norway's first capital remains the city where new kings receive their ceremonial blessing.

Beside Trondheim fjord, the city is encircled by lovely wooded hills and crossed by the River Nid. It has long been, and remains, a popular pilgrimage destination, ecclesiastical centre, regional capital and, last but not least, a city of education and research.

Trondheim is now Norway's third largest city, with 165 000 residents. It is a major university centre of more than 30 000 students and one of Europe's largest high-technology centres. Its established, internationally recognised university and research community supplies resources to many businesses and industries. Past and present coexist in unusual harmony, in a place regarded as both a small city and a big town.

Norway's largest religious and cultural celebration, St. Olav Festival, is held every July/August and offers a wide-ranging programme of more than 300 performances. Other yearly events include Trondheim Chamber Music Festival, Trondheim Blues Festival, Kosmorama International Film Festival and Trondheim Jazz Festival.

Most museums lie within walking distance of the harbour. Trondheim also has excellent, attractive shops and a broad selection of historic sights and activities.

Tyholt Tower rises 120 metres (400 ft) into the air. Built by the Telecommunications Authority for modern radio and telecommunications, it is a must for tourists because of spectacular views across Trondheim and its surroundings. A revolving restaurant sits 74 metres (243 ft) above ground.

Trondheim is friendly to pedestrians, with many attractions in the city centre. Take a Walking Tour.

Electronic locks secure the bicycles to their racks and open with an electronic card. Cards are available from the Tourist Information Office on the market square.

Special tourist cards can be hired for NOK 90 plus a deposit. They must be returned to the Tourist Information Office after use.

Munkholmen resort island is ideal for swimming, sunbathing or seeing the old monastery. Summer boats depart Ravnkloa every hour. Make sure you do not miss the final evening boat home!

The area below the cathedral forms the city's pleasant main centre, with plenty of benches for relaxing. It is mostly pedestrianised only.

The Norwegian crown, or norske krone, is Norway's currency and is abbreviated kr. A 1/100th krone is an øre. 1.00 EUR = about 8 NOK.

ATMs in Norway are known as Minibank.

Nearly every shop takes leading credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa. Bring your passport or driver's licence, as identification is required when paying by credit card.

The official language in Norway is Norwegian. It is very close to the two other Scandinavian languages and mutually intelligible with them, while English is widely spoken.

Wireless internet access can be found from the ship's open decks on the starboard side. Try one of the open connections.

Opening times in Norway are better than previously, but many smaller shops still shut early on Saturday, typically at 1 PM or 3 PM, and almost everything closes on Sundays. Opening signs often show "9-21 (9-18)", meaning 9 AM–9 PM weekdays and 9 AM–6 PM Saturday.