Trondheim is an amazing city whatever time of year you visit - even in winter. During the coldest and darkest season, the city still offers plenty of outdoor things to do.
Why not visit the city's Christmas market, join a sleigh ride, try your hand at ice skating, or take a ski trip in Bymarka and stay in a country cabins? And if you prefer to travel without skis, then there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from too. The stunning scenery is even more breathtaking when covered in snow. And if you're really lucky, you may even get to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky. What more could you wish for?
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Skiing in Bymarka
Good Skiing Close to City Centre
- Budget
- Families
Bymarka is located a little west of Trondheim and is both the closest and most popular hiking area for the city's inhabitants, both in summer and winter. The large outdoor area offers varied landscapes, hiking trails and ski trails, and is definitely worth experiencing it in its winter glory. Even if there is little snow elsewhere in Trondheim, you are more or less guaranteed that this area is covered by a white blanket.
The ski slopes criss-cross Bymarka and there are lots of groomed slopes, which makes it popular with skiers. Most trails are easily accessible, and whether you are going on a hike or a ski trip with the whole family, you'll find a run that suits you.
Location: Trondheim, Norway
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Vassfjellet Winter Park
Fun for All the Family
- Adventure
- Families
The beautiful ski resort of Vassfjellet Vinterpark at Klæbu is only 30 minutes by car from Trondheim and is a popular destination among the city's inhabitants.
The facility has 12 slopes of different levels, so the conditions are ideal for both experienced skiers and beginners. There are also several slopes and challenges for children, so even the smallest can have fun. Cross-country skiing, sledding and snowboarding are other activities offered. You can rent skis and equipment, and there are several places to get a snack or something to drink if you need a breather.
Location: Tulluan, 7540 Klæbu, Norway
Open: Monday: 17.00-21.00 Tuesday-Friday: 10.00-21.00. Saturday-Sunday: 10.00-16.00.
Phone: +47 72 83 02 00
Map - 3
Gråkallparken
A Small But Large Park
- Adventure
Gråkallparken is a small park in Instruktørbakken behind Lille Gråkallen, but even though the park is not that big, it's popular with the town's residents. The slope is suitable for both beginners and more experienced snowboarders and downhill skiers, and many come here to have fun with rails and jumps.
In addition to the proximity to the city and good winter sports conditions, the park can also offer fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, Tømmerdalen and the city. You can get here in 20 minutes by car or bus; you can also hire boards here.
Location: Andbjørg Jamesons veg 7020, 7020 Trondheim, Norway
Phone: +47 97 79 08 66
Map - 4
Ice skating
Pirouettes on Ice
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
Trondheim has a long tradition of winter sports and as well as having all-year ice rinks, some of the city's outdoor spaces also transform into ice rinks in the winter.
One of the most popular is the illuminated ice rink on Solsiden, which is located in a dock. Here there is often a bustling life on the ice, and the course has become a natural meeting place where both young and old enjoy themselves in winter. Other favourites among the city's residents are Finalbanen and Ilaparken. When the ice settles on the small lakes in Bymarka, many people flock here too. Skating on a lake in open scenery has its own unique charm - just remember to check that the ice is safe before you go out on it!
Location: Trondheim, Norge
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Christmas Market in Trondheim
The Magic of Christmas in the City Centre
- Families
- Shoppers
The Christmas market on Torvet in Trondheim has become a tradition for many Trondheim residents. It's easy to see why because here you can experience both winter magic and a real Christmas atmosphere. In fact, people come here from all over the country to experience the special atmosphere.
The many stalls sell everything from high-quality handicraft products to local foods produced from the best ingredients, and if you're looking for original Christmas gifts, the chances are high that you will find them here. When darkness falls and the Christmas lights sparkle, the atmosphere becomes almost magical, and it is easy to see why this traditional market is so popular.
Location: Torvet, Kongens gate, 7013 Trondheim, Norway
Open: Daily: 11.00–19.00.
Phone: +47 99 35 40 00
Map - 6
Sleigh Rides
A Magical Experience
- Couples
- Families
A sleigh ride is a great way to get out into nature, or to explore Midtbyen's decorated streets during the Christmas market in Trondheim. It's also the perfect romantic winter activity.
During the Christmas market in Trondheim, you can go on a horse and sleigh around the decorated streets. This is a magical experience whatever your age! If you long for a magical winter trip in a traditional sleigh, there are several places just outside Trondheim that offer sleigh rides, such as Lian. Even though this is just outside the city, you are left with an unforgettable experience, which makes it well worth the trip out there.
Location: Trondheim, Norway
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Ladestien
Coastal Landscape in Winter Glory
- Adventure
- Budget
- Families
Ladestien stretches over 14 kilometres long and flanks the sea for 8 kilometres. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in Trondheim, but when the snow settles like a blanket over the city, it can often mean poor conditions for hiking. Parts of the trail are cleared of snow in winter, so they are easily accessible all year round.
Large parts of the trail pass through beautiful nature and a coastal landscape, and if you hike here in winter, you'll experience nature in a whole new way.
Location: Trondheim, Norway
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Granåsen
Winter Sports Arena with Multiple Uses
- Adventure
- Families
Granåsen is the main winter sports arena in Trondheim and the World Cup in jumping is held here annually. The place is a great activity area both in winter and summer. It is the gateway to the countryside in the summer and a perfect set-off point for many of the ski slopes in the area in the winter.
The facility is mostly used for competitions, training and other events, but the runs are open to the public. The ski stadium itself and the competition runs on Granåsen are reserved for those on skis, so if you are thinking of hiking, tobogganing or barbecueing, you must use other areas in the terrain.
Location: Granåsen Skisenter, 7026 Trondheim, Norway
Map - 9
Markahyttene
Cosy Stops in the Countryside
- Adventure
- Families
In the countryside around Trondheim you will find several cabins that offer dining, and each of them is nice both as a destination in itself and to take a breather on the slopes if you are out on a longer ski trip.
Markahyttene are pleasant, serviced cabins where both hot and cold drinks are often served, as well as a selection of baked goods and smaller dishes. And there's nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked waffles when you've been skiing. Perfect if you are on a long trip and need a break and a little extra energy. Bymarka has a good selection of cabins, and several of them are located in very idyllic surroundings.
Location: Trondheim, Norway