Trondheimsfjorden
Med sine 130 km er Trondheimsfjorden Norges tredje lengste fjord og hjemsted til et yrende fugleliv, frodige grønne åser og utallige historiske steder.
Norges tredje lengste fjord
Trondheimsfjorden er riktignok omgitt av færre fjell enn andre norske fjorder, men likevel er den Norges tredje lengste fjord og strekker seg hele 130 km fra Agdenes fyr til Hjellebotn.
Fjordmunningen er 3–5 kilometer bred, og fjorden blir bare bredere mens den slynger seg østover og inn mot Trondheim og enda lenger nordøst. Utallige fjordarmer forgreiner seg ut fra den.
Trondheim: city of the fjord
Trondheimsfjord (or Trondheimsfjorden to us Norwegians) stretches from the Fosen peninsula and the rugged Norwegian Sea to Beitstadfjorden, its innermost arm.
At its heart lies Trondheim, the city that gave the fjord its name. Founded in 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, it quickly became the capital of Norway and a centre of trade, culture and religion.
Even after Oslo took over as capital, Trondheim remained Norway’s spiritual capital. The towering Nidaros Cathedral, built on the grave of Saint Olaf (Olav II), became the most important pilgrimage site in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. It’s still our national sanctuary.
Today, the city blends old and new: medieval streets and timber houses in Bakklandet, the Art Nouveau post office building that now houses PoMo art museum, and the bustling student life behind Norway’s tech-driven future. It’s a place that never lost its character, or its connection to the fjord.
Trondheimsfjord through the ages
People have lived along Trondheimsfjord for thousands of years. Artefacts from the Stone and Bronze Ages have been found in the area, along with Viking burial mounds and settlements.
In the 19th century, steamships and railroads boosted local trade. Fishing and timber industries grew, with the fjord playing a vital role in moving goods along the coast.
Today, the fjord is a peaceful retreat. Travellers head to the hills for hiking and skiing, to the water for fishing and boating and to Nidaros Cathedral and islands like Munkholmen for a dose of history and calm.
The best things to do around Trondheimsfjord
1. Visit Trondheim
Trondheim is undoubtedly one of the fjords highlights. Visit Nidaros Cathedral, walk along the River Nidelva, explore the colourful houses of Bakklandet, and stop in at the city’s cosy cafés and bakeries.
We call at Trondheim for 3 hours on our Coastal Express voyage. Our Trondheim with Nidaros Cathedral and Trondheim city walk excursions are great introductions to the city.
2. Take a fjord cruise
Sailing the fjord is the best way to take in its scale. Look out for seals, seabirds and traditional boathouses along the shore.
If you're sailing with us on the Coastal Express, our Kayaking on the River Nid excursion gets you even closer to the water. You’ll get a chance to see some of city's the most famous landmarks, like Nidaros Cathedral, Kristiansten Fortress on a nearby hilltop, and the popular Marinen Park.
3. Hike in Bymarka
Just outside Trondheim, Bymarka Nature Reserve is an easy escape into nature. It’s crisscrossed with year-round trails that are perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing or just wandering between lakes and pine trees. Many trails start at Granåsen or Lian.
4. Visit Munkholmen Island
This tiny island in the middle of the fjord has worn many hats over the centuries: monastery, prison, fortress and World War II gun station.
Today Munkholmen is a relaxed spot for a swim or picnic. In summer, boats run regularly from Trondheim’s harbour.
5. Discover Ringve Museum
Set in a 19th-century manor overlooking the fjord, the Ringve Museum is Norway’s national museum of music. It showcases instruments and traditions from around the world, along with a lovely botanical garden and scenic views of the water.
When is the best time to visit Trondheimsfjord?
The weather in Trondheimsfjord is typical of coastal Norway. As with other Norwegian fjords, the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do.
Mild temperatures (12-18°C) and long daylight hours make summer the best season for hiking, sightseeing and fjord cruises. It’s also when the city is most lively.
Spring is a peaceful time to visit. Flowers bloom, the air is fresh, and trails begin to open up. Just note that weather can still be changeable.
Fewer visitors, golden foliage and crisp air characterise autumn in Trondheimsfjord. Many outdoor activities are still available, though some tours may wind down mid-season.
Winter is cold but beautiful. Snowfall transforms the forests and hills, and cross-country skiing in Bymarka is a favourite local pastime. Trondheim’s Christmas market and cosy cafés make it a lovely winter stop.
Visit Trondheimsfjord with Hurtigruten
You can visit Trondheimsfjord on The Coastal Express, which sails between Florø and Rørvik, stopping in Trondheim and passing through the fjord’s western mouth behind the Fosen peninsula.
Opplev den vakre norskekysten
Skipene våre har seilt langs norskekysten i over 130 år. Bli med om bord og se den slik den er ment å oppleves – fra vannet.
Utforsk flere fjorder
Geirangerfjorden
De bølgende åsene, de avsidesliggende gårdene og fosser som De syv søstrene og Friaren er med på å gjøre Geirangerfjorden til en av de mest kjente fjordene våre.
Hjørundfjorden
Denne fjorden er regnet som en våre vakreste, og den ligger omgitt av ruvende fjelltopper, langt fra folkemengdene.
Nordfjorden
Den 106 kilometer lange Nordfjord er Norges sjette lengste fjord, og en av de lengste i Sogn og Fjordane.