Trondheim's claims and quirks
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
The Trondheim region stretches from the lighthouse that pulls the North Sea all the way to the mountain ranges you never knew you had to visit. But what personality does this region hold in the nation's consciousness?
Cottage retreats, cutting-edge nanolabs, culinary delights, and Nobel laureates. Trondheim is the cradle of a nation and a hub where the future is shaped through world-class research. It's a city that's down-to-earth, welcoming, and deeply passionate about outdoor life.
That’s one way Scandinavians might sum up their perception of Trondheim. But if you’re curious to explore the details, keep reading.
From beacons to beakers....
...and city to serenity
Greater Trondheim is defined by the municipalities that share their living and working environment within a natural commuting distance for jobs, shopping, and leisure activities around Trondheim.
Stjørdal, Malvik, Trondheim, Indre Fosen, Skaun, Orkland, Melhus, and Midtre Gauldal make up this region.
It consists of three cities and an additional 39 smaller towns, with Trondheim being the largest, home to 215,000 people, and Råkvåg in Indre Fosen being the smallest, with just over 200 residents.
In total, over 316,000 people live in the Trondheim region.
Dean Sheridan / From The List archive
Prominent place in history
The region is known for its prominent place in Norwegian history, with Trondheim being the nation's first capital, founded in 997 AD, later serving as a royal seat and a religious and cultural center for the country for many years. The city exists because of the surrounding countryside — power has often been concentrated in rural estates throughout history, and together they built their city.
Christiansen & Solberg / The Municipal Archives of Trondheim
Norway's nerd nest
Trondheim is widely regarded as Norway's tech capital, driven by a dynamic ecosystem of innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Anchored by the prestigious Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), SINTEF and other prominent research institutions.
The city region fosters a thriving culture of research and development, producing world-class talent in engineering, technology, and sustainable solutions.
With a strong focus on green technology, artificial intelligence, health tech and marine innovation, Trondheim combines academic excellence with industry leadership, making it the beating heart of Norway's tech future.
Helmet / Greater Trondheim
We are foodies
The Trondheim region is also the heart of a part of Norway known for strong food traditions – and significant production, both at sea and on land. Nearly a quarter of the nation's agricultural production comes from Trøndelag, and the areas around the Trondheim fjord are famous for their fertile soil that produces high-quality crops.
In recent years, the region has also become a hotspot for culinary experiences, with restaurants of international caliber. You can enjoy these experiences both in the city centers and in spectacular natural settings far beyond.
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Jennifer Wold / The List archive
Third longest fjord in the Land of fjords
The Trondheim fjord is also likely the country's most diverse fjord in terms of species, with high biomass production and over 150 fish species. Modern fish farming was invented and developed at the fjord's outlet. The access to a large fjord is also part of the reasons for the region's role as an aquatech hub.
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
We know. Literally.
Knowledge and insight are trademarks here. Among the region's most renowned knowledge seekers is SINTEF, one of Europe's largest research institutes, with over 2,000 employees from more than 80 countries and strong ties to NTNU, which has 44,000 students and thousands of academics, including a University Hospital.
The university has strong connections with professional environments worldwide and hosts many visiting researchers and students from around the globe. In addition, several other higher education institutions, research centers, and companies with large R&D departments are located here — drawn by the wealth of knowledge, technology, and research.
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Sporty and spirited
The Trondheim region and Trøndelag have an unusually high number of international sports achievements per capita, particularly related to winter sports — especially in the inland areas. Trøndelag county accounts for a quarter of Norway's Olympic medals since WWII. Trondheim is also home to Norway's most successful football club of all time - Rosenborg.
William Lee-Wright/The List
From Punk to Prestige
The region enjoys a distinguished reputation for its vibrant cultural scene. It boasts an internationally renowned classical and jazz music tradition, complemented by thriving theater and comedy communities, all deeply rooted in Trøndelag's rich cultural heritage.
Trondheim emerged as a focal point during the punk wave of the 1980s, leaving an enduring impact on the region. Many of the iconic performers from that era remain cherished figures in the hearts of Norwegians today. The music scene is still going strong including a large variety of underground bands.
Each year, the region hosts several major festivals alongside one-off concerts that draw crowds of up to 40,000.
Trondheim culture
Your turn to make your mark?
Trønders and Trondheimers have been called many things: slow, friendly, clever, bold, sailors, and mountain goats. No one is just one thing or all things, nor is this region.
It is, though, a beautiful place offering exciting jobs, world-class professional environments, and an incredibly good life beyond work.
A place to love, both for those who have just arrived and those whose names trace back to the farms that have stood here since Viking times.
You are very welcome!
Greater Trondheim impressions
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Trondheim.com editor
How to Explore the Region
First time tourist or long time resident? These resources will help you see more.