Bakklandet

The basics

Bakklandet is one of the oldest and most enchanting neighborhoods in Trondheim, with sights such as the fortress, Gåsaparke park, cute shops, and traditional wooden houses, making it prime territory for walking tours. If you want to take your time exploring the old-fashioned streets, or need leeway to visit inside Kristiansten Fortress, you can easily reach the area from central Trondheim on foot.

Things to know before you go

• Don't miss the nearby Nidaros Cathedral, within walking distance from Bakklandet.

• The neighborhood’s colorful wooden buildings and scenic riverfront make it a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hour.

• Bakklandet is a great place to grab coffee or a bite to eat.

• Some cobblestone streets may be challenging for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers.

How to get there

From central Trondheim, it’s a 10-minute walk east across the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro). The neighborhood is not easily accessible by bus, but bus lines #25 and #28 can take you to the Ankers Gate and Festningsgata stops on the east side of the neighborhood. Cyclists can avoid cobblestones in some areas by riding on the dedicated paved bike paths.

When to get there

Bakklandet is a year-round destination, but the summer months from late June to August offer pleasant weather for strolling along the riverbanks and enjoying outdoor cafés. Winter, when the neighborhood is decked out in snow and seasonal decorations, can be a pleasant surprise—and is a good time to see the aurora borealis in northern Norway.

Stepping across the bridge

If you need another reason to visit lovely Bakklandet, the walk across the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) should convince you. One of two bridges connecting the center of Trondheim with Bakklandet, this wooden, 17th-century beauty is one of the most photogenic spots in Trondheim. Be sure to admire the bridge's red gates, also called the “Portal of Happiness,” and views of the Nidelva River and the Trondheim Fjord in the distance.