Culture

HOME OF ROCK AND ROLL: Rockheim in Trondheim is Norways National Museum of Popular Music. © Geir Mogen
HOME OF ROCK AND ROLL: Rockheim in Trondheim is Norways National Museum of Popular Music. Geir Mogen

A vibrant cultural life awaits you on your spare time. Rest assured, there are so many options to choose from, no matter if you prefer historical sites, museums, galleries, concerts or the theater.

Trondheim is known for its vibrant arts scene, historical landmarks and a plethora of festivals and music venues. You'll find some tips here to get you started. The rest is up to you. We're sure you'll find something to enrich your life and satisfy your cultural appetite!

What's on in Trondheim calendars

  • The List
    An overview of activities and events - in English
  • Visit Trondheim
    Many good tips for enjoying cultural experiences
  • TRD Events
    Keeping up with concerts, debates, festivals, galleries, theatre and more
MAGIC NIGHTS: The annual Pstereo rock festival attracts about 25 000 people.
— MAGIC NIGHTS: The annual Pstereo rock festival attracts about 25 000 people.
— MAGIC NIGHTS: The annual Pstereo rock festival attracts about 25 000 people.

Music Scene

Trondheim has a thriving music scene that spans various genres. The city is known for its support of alternative and experimental music, with numerous venues hosting live performances. The Trondheim Jazz Festival is a major event that attracts jazz enthusiasts from all over.

Some venues to check out

  • Olavshallen
    Large and small auditoriums. Hosts everything from John Cleese, The Hollies, Anne Sophie Mutter, Bear Grylls to the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and local brass bands.
  • Studentersamfundet
    The Student Union in Trondheim is one of a kind. 5+ stages, a vast variety of concerts, festivals and culture, as well as bars and cafés.
  • Rockheim
    Rockheim is Norway's National Museum of Popular Music and also hosts a varierty of concerts.
  • Ringve Museum
    Norway's national museum for music and instruments - also providing a venue for artists and concerts.
  • TRHstage
    Includes larger venues like Trondheim Spektrum, Sverresborg museum, Olavshallen, E.C Dahls Arena. Check their upcoming events list.
  • Byscenen
    "Central Norway's grand hall for magical moments, in the heart of Trondheim."
  • Dokkhuset
    "Chamber music, jazz, folk and new music."
  • Hjorten scene
    "A concert venue in the cellars of Britannia Hotel."
  • Verkstedhallen
    Old car dealership turned great concert venue. Two stages and a real Trondheim heartland experience.
  • Café 3B
    Hosted some of the big names in Norwegian music history back in the 80's and is still an intimate down-to-earth venue.
  • Fru Lundgreen
    "The town's oldest Lady of Rock"
  • Good Omens
    "Good Omens venue is a rock and metal bar in the centre of Trondheim"
  • Lager 11
    Street food and music venue, located near many large companies at Sluppen borough
  • Lokal bar
    "Your town's free space"
  • Moskus
    "Continental bar and a small intimate stage focusing on quality"
  • Tyven
    "Some tunes for your body"
  • Trykkeriet scene
    "Trykkeriet scene is a vibrant cultural arena in the heart of Trondheim. Here you'll find theatre, stand-up, concerts, impro, exhibitions, lectures and much more."

Festivals and Events

Trondheim hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. The St. Olav Festival celebrates the city's history and heritage, while the Kosmorama is a significant event for cinephiles. The UKA Festival, organized by students, is one of the largest cultural festivals in Norway, featuring concerts, performances, and exhibitions. One of the most Trondheim festivals there is, is the Pstereo festival in August every year.

Some festivals to look into

  • Pstereo
    One of the largest music festivals around, in the heart of Trondheim. Beautifully surrounded by the Nidaros Cathedral and the river.
  • Festningen
    Largest music festival in central Norway. Kristiansten Fort is the venue - a short walk from Trondheim city centre and amazing views.
  • Barokkfest
    In January-February every year. The festival started in 2013 and has developed into one of the most important Scandinavian festivals in it's genre.
  • Trondheim Calling
    3 days, 9 stages, 90 concerts. Experience new artists on their way towards a breakthrough.
  • Jazzfest
    Aims to front a strong artistic content with the main focus on Norwegian, Nordic and European jazz.
  • Neon
    One of the more recent additions to the Trondheim region festival scene. The first Neon festival was recorded on the Richter's scale for Trondheim.
  • Trondheim Rocks
    Rock festival in Trondheim. Quite simply.
  • Trondheim Chamber Music Festival
    The festival is internationally recognized for an innovative programme of high quality and with a young profile, always with outstanding musicians from home and abroad.
  • Olavsfest
    A week filled with life and festivities. Quality concerts, talks and a wide range of cultural expressions. An arena for discussions on human rights and values.
  • Kosmorama
    International film festival held since 2004. Also occupied with strengthening the movie maklng business in central Norway.
  • Ladehammerfestivalen
    100% run by volunteers. A more intimate festival right next to Trondheim's city centre.
  • Torucon
    Annual festival for people with all kind of hobbies - from sci-fi to fantasy via cosplay, laiv, Japanese pop culture, Kpop, gaming and board games.
  • UKA
    2000 students volunteer to produce Norway's largest culture festival every other year since 1917. Tons of concerts, theatres, stunts, lectures and more.
Silent Disco at UKA. One of more than 100 events and concerts. © foto.samfundet.no
— Silent Disco at UKA. One of more than 100 events and concerts. foto.samfundet.no
— Silent Disco at UKA. One of more than 100 events and concerts. foto.samfundet.no

Academic and Student Culture

Trondheim is home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), which contributes to the city's youthful and dynamic atmosphere. The presence of students from different parts of Norway and the world enriches the cultural diversity and events in the city.

Where to start

  • UKA
    The ultimate student festival in Norway. So many events that you'll struggle to choose. Lasts two-three weeks
  • ISFiT
    ISFiT is the world’s largest international student festival. Students from different national and cultural backgrounds come to talk and connect. Culture events and concerts
  • Hyfer
    A meeting place for the curious. Hyfer celebrates knowledge and science in everything around us
  • Trondheim Maker Faire
    Strengthening innovation culture by supporting a creativity, tech and maker culture for children and adults
  • NTNU event calendar
    Academic and science talks, festivals and thesis lectures. Most are open for all
  • Samfundet
    Trondheim student union. Tons of events, mostly open to all. If you make student friends, you might be included into even more of all this amazing academic city can offer
  • Vitenskapsmuseet
    The NTNU University Museum is responsible for cultural heritage management. This involves archaeological investigations, conservation and preservation of objects.

Historical Significance

Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities, with a history dating back over a thousand years. It was the capital of Norway during the Viking Age and the medieval period, and it continues to be an important cultural and historical hub in the country. Exploring that is a cultural immersion in itself.

A copper engraving showing Trondheim looking west from "Bakklandet" (1674) © Jacob Mortenssøn Maschius
— A copper engraving showing Trondheim looking west from "Bakklandet" (1674) Jacob Mortenssøn Maschius
— A copper engraving showing Trondheim looking west from "Bakklandet" (1674) Jacob Mortenssøn Maschius

How to explore the history

  • Geocaching
    Geocaching can be a fun way to explore a new city. Geocaches are placed at most historical sites around the region
  • Trondheim Guiding
    Paid guided walks. Several themes to choose from
  • UT.no
    This site and app shows you walks, including city centre walks that will take you by several historical sites
  • Wikipedia on Trondheim history
    Find the places mentioned in the article whilst walking around the city
  • Explore Trøndelag
    Walks and hikes you can do in the Trondheim region, along historical sites and places important to the birth of the nation

Art and Museums

Trondheim boasts a range of museums and galleries that showcase its cultural heritage. The Trondheim Kunstmuseum (Trondheim Art Museum) features a diverse collection of Norwegian and international art, spanning various time periods and artistic styles. The Rockheim Museum is dedicated to Norwegian popular music history, while the Ringve Museum focuses on musical instruments and music history.

NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet (NTNU University Museum) focusing og science and history © Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
— NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet (NTNU University Museum) focusing og science and history Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
— NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet (NTNU University Museum) focusing og science and history Tormod Igelø Ellingsen

Some of Trondheim's many museums

  • Trondheim kunstmuseum
    Trondheim kunstmuseum is an open museum, a place for knowledge, a meeting place, a brave art institution and plays an active and distinct role in society
  • Sverresborg - Trøndelag folkemuseum
    Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum is the 3rd largest cultural history museum in Norway, and has an impressive collection of houses, artifacts and photos
  • Trondhjems sjøfartmuseum
    The main task of the Trondheim Maritime Museum is to preserve, exhibit, and tell the maritime history of Trondheim and its surrounding region
  • Vitenskapsmuseet
    The NTNU University Museum is responsible for cultural heritage management. This involves archaeological investigations, conservation and preservation of objects
  • Jødisk museum
    Visit Europe's northernmost synagogue and learn about the history and culture of the Jews of Trondheim and the Northern parts of Norway
  • Ringve Museum
    Norway’s national music museum with a collection of over 2000 instruments. Seated on an old estate in Trondheim and surrounded by the beautiful Ringve botanical garden
  • MIST - Museene i Trøndelag
    An umbrella organisation for several museums in Trøndelag county - a good place to start
  • Rockheim
    Rockheim is Norway's National Museum of Popular Music. Rockheim is located at the harbour in Trondheim
  • Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum
    National museum of decorative arts and design in Trondheim
  • Vitensenteret
    A popular attraction for children and families. Over 30 years experience in increasing people's interest and insight in science
  • Stiftsgården
    The Royal Residence in Trondheim and the largest wooden palé in the Nordic countries. Open to the public
  • Justismuseet
    Norwegian National Museum of Justice, located in Trondheim, Norway. The museum is housed in two buildings, the Criminal Asylum and the old military hospital
  • Sporveismuseet
    Trondheim's long lasting tramway history. Open to visitors during the summer months. The Trondheim collection is large and quite complete
  • Erkebispegården
    Arch bishop's palace has been home to 27 arch bishops. The seat included Norway, Iceland, Faroe islands, Greenland, Orkneys and Isle of Man.
  • Norsk Døvemuseum
    The Norwegian Museum of Deaf Culture and History lies in Norway's first school for the hard of hearing.
  • Riksregaliene
    The Crown Jewels of Norway - the world's only democartically elected monarchy.
  • Forsvarsmuseet Rustkammeret
    Norwegian defence museum emphasize on showing Trøndelag's military history and resistance during the second world war
  • Trondhjems kunstforening
    Trondheim Arts Society is a meeting place for art patrons, professionals and amateurs to make and display art
  • SeeSalmon
    SeeSalmon is a modern high-tech visitor centre with exhibits which gives the visitor a research-based knowledge about aquaculture and salmon farming
  • Museet Kystens Arv
    Museet Kystens Arv is a coastal heritage museum on the Fosen peninsula
  • Falstadsenteret
    Falstad Centre is an engaging meeting place with a powerful history. Prison during WWII. Learn about democracy, human rights and current societal issues
  • Kystmuseet
    The Coastal museum of south Trøndelag, located at the Hitra island on the Trøndelag coast
  • Medisinsk museum
    Medical museum displays historic and current medical equipment as a source of knowledge for professionals and others
  • Rørosmuseet
    Røros Museum is responsible for mining history, heritage conservation, Southern Sami cultural history, natural history and the World Heritage site Røros
  • Rindal skimuseum
    At Rindal skimuseum you can learn more about the skimaker traditions in Rindal. From local craft tradition to industrial production of skis
  • Orkla Industrimuseum
    Orkla Industrial museum shows exhibitions in the Information center in Løkken Verk and runs the Thamshavn railway, the Old mine and Meldal village museum
Trondheim museum of art has two venues in the city centre © Wil Lee-Wright
— Trondheim museum of art has two venues in the city centre Wil Lee-Wright
— Trondheim museum of art has two venues in the city centre Wil Lee-Wright

Literary, theatre and cinema scene

Trondheim has a strong literary tradition, and the city has been home to several renowned authors and poets. Trondheim House of Literature host talks, debates and group meetings often.

What to check out

  • Litteraturhuset i Trondheim
    Trondheim Literature House holds talks, concerts, debates, plays, exhibitions, debates, seminars, literary meals, meetings and children's events
  • Trondheim folkebibliotek
    Trondheim public library has nine locations including it's main branch downtown Trondheim. Events stretching from talks, debates to free shops
  • NTNU Universitetsbiblioteket
    NTNU University Library also holds exhibitons, events and courses
  • Trøndelag Teater
    Trøndelag theatre located in the centre of Trondheim. Highly acclaimed theatre and venue for other events
  • Nye Hjorten Teater
    One of the most recent additions to the Trondheim theatre and musical scene. Crazy and cozy and soon to move into to new facilities in the centre of Trondheim
  • Cirka teater
    From small, intimate performances to stunning outdoor spectacles and main stage productions
  • Rosendal teater
    Off beat and exciting cinema come theatre scene. Operas, cafes, movies and event nights
  • Trondheim kino
    Trondheim movie theatre has two great locations and 19 theatres - including "Boutiq", "Epic" and "Magic" theatres

Cafés, Restaurants, and Nightlife

Trondheim's cafés and restaurants often reflect its mix of modernity and tradition. The city's nightlife offers a range of venues, from cozy pubs to dance clubs, ensuring entertainment options for various preferences.

We're not even gonna start to list cafés and restaurants. There are hundreds just in Trondheim alone.

But - you'll find some insight here