Norway's ancient capital and Viking-age pilgrimage city — home to the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, colourful Bakklandet wharves, and a lively university town energy on the Trondheim Fjord.
Trondheim's cruise berths sit close to the city center — most ships dock at Turistskipskaia (Pir 1) just minutes from Nidaros Cathedral and Bakklandet. Larger vessels use the Ila quay west of center, a short taxi or city bus ride away.
💡 Pro move: Norway is nearly cashless — tap-to-pay works everywhere including trams and market stalls. Most museums are priced in NOK; the Nidaros Cathedral entrance fee is worth every øre.
Most cruise ships berth at the central Turistskipskaia quay, a short walk from Nidaros Cathedral. Larger vessels use Ila Quay west of town with easy bus connections to the historic centre.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-size cruise ships | Turistskipskaia (Pir 1) — central quay📍 | Docked |
| Large cruise ships | Ila Quay — west of centre📍 | Docked |
| Hurtigruten / Havila coastal | Pirterminalen📍 | Docked |
| Expedition & small ships | Turistskipskaia (Pir 1)📍 | Docked |
Trondheim rewards walkers and history lovers alike. From Viking-age cathedrals to island fortresses and fjord scenery, these excursions cover the highlights of Norway's ancient capital.
The crown jewel of Trondheim and the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, built over the tomb of St. Olav. The Gothic west façade, sculpted figures, and rose window are breathtaking. The adjacent Archbishop's Palace Museum rounds out the pilgrimage story.
Find cathedral tours →A short 15-minute ferry from Ravnkloa fish market takes you to this small island in the fjord — once a Benedictine monastery, then a fortress, then a prison. Today it's a popular summer bathing spot with guided history tours and great fjord views.
Find Munkholmen ferry tours →Built in 1681 after a devastating fire, this hilltop fortress east of the city saved Trondheim from Swedish capture in 1718. The views over the city, fjord, and Nidaros Cathedral from the ramparts are among the best in Norway.
Find fortress tours →Combine two of Norway's finest music museums in one day. Ringve occupies a beautiful manor house outside town and showcases historic instruments from around the world. Rockheim, near the pier, is a sleek interactive museum celebrating Norwegian pop and rock history.
Find museum combo tours →Trondheim's compact centre and charming neighbourhoods are ideal for self-guided walking. These three routes cover the essential sights on foot — no guide needed.
From the pier, walk to the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral and explore the Archbishop's Palace, then cross the iconic red Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge) for postcard views of the colourful Bakklandet wharves reflected in the Nidelva river.
📍 Open in MapsStroll the charming cobblestone lanes of Bakklandet, lined with wooden houses turned cafés and boutiques. Find the world's first bicycle lift — Trampe — which propels cyclists up the steep Brubakken hill. Grab a waffle at a riverside café.
Climate normals for Trondheim, Norway (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°F / 0°C | 23°F / -5°C | 16 | 9:37 AM | 3:18 PM |
| Feb | 35°F / 2°C | 25°F / -4°C | 14 | 8:10 AM | 4:55 PM |
| Mar | 39°F / 4°C | 27°F / -3°C | 16 | 6:36 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Apr | 46°F / 8°C | 33°F / 1°C | 15 | 5:49 AM | 8:49 PM |
| May | 55°F / 13°C | 40°F / 4°C | 16 | 4:11 AM | 10:20 PM |
| Jun | 62°F / 17°C | 48°F / 9°C | 15 | – | – |
| Jul | 66°F / 19°C | 53°F / 12°C | 17 | – | – |
| Aug | 64°F / 18°C | 51°F / 11°C | 16 | 5:14 AM | 9:28 PM |
| Sep | 58°F / 14°C | 47°F / 8°C | 16 | 6:43 AM | 7:42 PM |
| Oct | 48°F / 9°C | 38°F / 3°C | 18 | 8:07 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Nov | 38°F / 3°C | 30°F / -1°C | 13 | 8:41 AM | 3:23 PM |
| Dec | 34°F / 1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 17 | 9:56 AM | 2:30 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Operates June–August, aligns with cruise schedules. Pick-up a short walk from Pirterminalen. 24-hour ticket valid for full loop (~1 hour).
Pirterminalen is about 1.5 km from the city center — a flat, pleasant 15–20 minute walk along the waterfront. Most sights are reachable on foot from there.
Taxis queue at the terminal; TrønderTaxi is the main local operator. Ask for a fixed fare upfront — metered rates can vary by time of day.
Both Uber and Bolt are active in Trondheim and typically cheaper than taxis. Bolt is especially popular locally.
Local buses stop near the terminal and connect to the city center. Buy tickets via the AtB app to save money — cash fares are significantly higher.
Upcoming cruises that call at Trondheim, Norway. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.