Rainy Day Wandering in Trondheim’s Colorful Heart

Sailing into Trondheim cruise port, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Norway’s third-largest city. Overcast skies loomed above the harbor, and light rain cast a sleepy hush over the waterfront. Still, even through the mist, I could tell this place had stories waiting to be uncovered.

Trondheim (Trondheim – Pronounced [TRONN-hime]) was once the Viking capital of Norway, and its colorful timber buildings and cathedral spires give it an old-world charm. Founded over a thousand years ago, it’s home to one of Scandinavia’s most iconic churches and an unexpectedly artistic city center. Even without a plan, there’s plenty to stumble into here.

The streets were quiet at first, but the city slowly came to life as I wandered further inland. And sometimes, the best days start with nothing but curiosity and a waterproof jacket.

This was my first time in Trondheim, and while the weather didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat, I was determined to explore. I stepped off the ship with no itinerary, just a plan to meet up with friends later. I followed the waterfront past scattered sculptures and took a pedestrian bridge across the train tracks into the heart of the city. With an hour to myself, I let the canals guide my walk, photographing old boats and weathered buildings with character carved into their beams.

Once I reunited with my friends, we set off toward Nidaros Cathedral. The sun finally broke through the clouds as we arrived, and the building stood in dramatic contrast to the gray skies that had defined the morning. Between its towering spires, carved sculptures, and Gothic details, the cathedral felt like something out of a fantasy novel. We lingered long enough to hear the noon bells ring before heading off in search of lunch.

As luck would have it, we wandered straight into the Martnan festival on its final day. Local vendors filled the square with booths selling wool hats, homemade crafts, and every type of street food imaginable. I managed to track down one last waffle with brown cheese before we ducked into Baklandet Skydsstation for some traditional Norwegian fare. That meal hit the spot, and my friends left with souvenir woolens in tow. By the time we returned to the ship, it felt like Trondheim had turned the day completely around.