22nd European Dependable Computing Conference
6-9 April 2027
Trondheim, Norway
Local Information
The City of Trondheim
Trondheim is the third most populous municipality in Norway, with approximately 210,000 inhabitants, and one of the leading technology and innovation hubs in the country. The city was established in 997 AD by Olav Tryggvason, and it served as the capital of Norway during the Viking Age until 1217. At that time it was known as Nidaros.
Despite being a few latitude degrees below the polar circle, Trondheim enjoys a relatively mild coastal climate. The weather can change quite quickly, which is sometimes a good thing. Temperatures in April can range between -4 °C to 17 °C, so be sure to check the forecast before you travel.
Being after the spring equinox, in April you will already experience a quite good amount of daylight hours, even slighly more than in the rest of Europe.
Nidaros Cathedral
The beautiful Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its construction originally began in 1070 as a shrine over the burial place of Olav II of Norway, the king who was later canonized as Saint Olav. The cathedral underwent multiple reconstructions and renovations, evolving into the magnificent Gothic cathedral we see today.
Nidaros Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a pilgrimage site and cultural center. It stands as the final destination of the St. Olav Ways, a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that draw thousands of visitors each year, similarly to the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Via Francigena in Italy.
The cathedral is open to visitors, along with the nearby Archbishop’s Palace and The Crown Regalia museums.
Bakklandet (The Old Town)
Bakklandet is Trondheim’s most charming and picturesque neighborhood, featuring a collection of colorful wooden houses that form one of the “postcard” views of the city. Today Bakklandet is one of the city’s most sought after neighborhoods to live in, however, it was once known as the working class area with poor living conditions.
The neighborhood has a unique identity, with cozy cafés and bars located by cobblestoned streets, along the Nidelva river. You can reach it crossing the Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro) from the city center. From there, you can enjoy a nice walk either along the river, towards the Gløshaugen campus, or towards the Kristiansten Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjord. You will also spot the Bicycle Lift, a unique device originally built in 1993 to help cyclists get up the steep hill towards the fortress.
Other Sights and Attractions
Trondheim offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, including:
- Sverresborg Museum — An open-air museum showcasing the history and culture of Trondheim and the surrounding region.
- Kristiansten Fortress — A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the fjord.
- Rockheim — The Norwegian Museum of Popular Music, dedicated to Norwegian rock and pop from the 1950s to the present day.
- Ladestien and Korsvika — A nice walk along the Trondheim Fjord, with beaches and scenic views. Easy access from the city center by bus or simply by walking.
- Tyholt Tower — A panoramic tower with an observation deck offering 360° views of the city, accessible only through the restaurant at the top (reasonable prices).
- Ringve Museum — A museum dedicated to music and musical instruments, located in a beautiful manor house with gardens.
- Pirbadet — A large indoor swimming pool and water park, perfect for families and relaxation. It also features a sauna and an outdoor heated pool.
- Munkholmen — A small island in the Trondheim Fjord, reachable by a short boat ride.
- Bymarka and the Gråkallbanen — A large forested recreational area on the western edge of the city, with hiking and cycling trails accessible directly from the city centre by tram. The Gråkallbanen tram line is the northernmost tram line in the world, and by itself a scenic experience. It is possible to take the tram to the top of the hill and enjoy a nice walk down to the city center.
Northern Lights
Trondheim is north enough to experience Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) with a certain frequence during the darker months of the year.
April is a bit borderline, because the sky starts to be too bright, but it is occasionally possible. Be sure to read these good tips to maximize your chances.
However, many factors come into play, such as solar activity and clear skies — we hope you will be lucky!
Further Information
You can find more information about Trondheim and its attractions on the official Visit Trondheim tourism website. Since you are traveling until up here, you may also want to check the Explore Trøndelag and Visit Norway websites for more information about the surroundings.