Your guide to the municipalities
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
The Greater Trondheim Region is a dynamic and diverse area in central Norway, comprising eight municipalities. Each municipality offers attractions, thriving communities, and natural beauty. Here is an overview of the municipalities that make up this region.
Trondheim Municipality
Population: Approximately 216,000 (source: SSB, 2025).
Administrative Centre: Trondheim.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 32 km.
Trondheim is the largest city in the region and a cultural hub known for its rich history, vibrant student community, and technological innovation. Surrounded by fjords and forests, the municipality combines natural beauty with urban convenience.
Main attractions:
More on what to do in Trondheim (Visit Trondheim)
Trondheim municipality in the centre of Greater Trondheim region. Graphics: Monografisk
Trondheim Municipality website
Trondheim Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Midtre Gauldal Municipality
Population: Approximately 6,100 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Støren.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 70 km.
Midtre Gauldal is a rural municipality with stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers, ideal for fishing and hiking. The Gaula River, one of Europe’s best salmon rivers, is a significant attraction.
Main attractions:
Midtre Gauldal municipality, in the southern part of the region. Graphics: Monografisk
Midtre Gauldal municipality website
Midtre Gauldal Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Melhus Municipality
Population: Approximately 17,700 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Melhus.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 46 km.
Melhus is a blend of agricultural landscapes and modern development, known for its historical ties to the Viking era. It offers excellent outdoor opportunities, with the Gaula River flowing through the area.
Main attractions:
Melhus municipality, just south of Trondheim. Graphics: Monografisk
Melhus Municipality website
Melhus Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Skaun Municipality
Population: Approximately 8,500 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Børsa.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 57 km.
Skaun is a charming municipality offering a mix of farmland and picturesque coastline along the Trondheim Fjord. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
Main attractions:
Scenic hiking trails
Skaun municipality, between Trondheim and Orkland municipalities. Graphics: Monografisk
Skaun Municipality website
Skaun Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Orkland Municipality
Population: Approximately 18,800 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Orkanger.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 80 km.
Orkland is a thriving municipality with a strong industrial base and rich cultural heritage. The Orkla River is a prime destination for anglers, while the surrounding mountains attract hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Main attractions:
Orkla River fishing spots
Orkland municipality, in the western parts of the Greater Trondheim region. Graphics: Monografisk
Orkland Municipality website
Orkland Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Malvik Municipality
Population: Approximately 15,000 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Hommelvik.
Distance from Værnes Airport 10 km.
Malvik combines proximity to Trondheim with access to nature, offering a tranquil yet convenient lifestyle. The Homla River and Malvikmarka forest are favorite spots for outdoor adventures.
Main attractions:
Homla River trails
Malvik municipality, between Trondheim and Stjørdal. Graphics: Monografisk
Malvik Municipality website
Malvik Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Stjørdal Municipality
Population: Approximately 24,900 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Stjørdal.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 3 km.
Stjørdal is the gateway to the region, home to Værnes Airport and a growing business community. It offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, including Steinvikholm Castle, a historic site on an islet.
Main attractions:
Skatval hiking trails
Stjørdal municipality in the eastern part of the region. Graphics: Monografisk
Stjørdal Municipality website
Stjørdal Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
Indre Fosen Municipality
Population: Approximately 10,100 (source: SSB, 2024).
Administrative Centre: Rissa.
Distance from Værnes Airport: 67 km.
Indre Fosen features stunning coastal landscapes and a strong tradition of agriculture and craftsmanship. Its fjords, hills, and forests make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Main attractions:
Coastal hiking routes
Indre Fosen north of the Trondheim fjord. Graphics: Monografisk
Indre Fosen Municipality website
Indre Fosen Municipality's official website with practical and public service information.
How to get around
Explore all transportation options in Trondheim: buses, e-bikes, rental cars, taxis, walking paths, trains & more! 🚶♀️🚆🚲
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.