Trondheim: A culinary and cultural pilgrimage

Once, the path to Trondheim was spiritual. Pilgrims crossed mountains and fjords to kneel before the grand altar of Trondheim Cathedral, the towering Gothic heart of Scandinavia. Today, a different kind of pilgrim arrives, still searching for meaning, but now through taste, culture, and connection. In modern Trondheim, the relics are edible, and the revelations come in tasting menus.

The rise of the Trondheim food scene

In 2022, Trøndelag was named the European Region of Gastronomy – and the buzz hasn’t stopped since. Trondheim, its culinary heart, is now firmly on the map, and Norwegian chefs have even nicknamed the region the country’s pantry. With its unique mix of fjord, forest, and farm, the city has evolved into a true foodie destination.

The world is paying attention too: it’s no coincidence that Bocuse d’Or Europe was hosted here in 2024. The Michelin Guide has scattered stars across the city, and the influential 50 Best Restaurants list is watching Trondheim with growing curiosity.

Photo by Christine Baglo | Visit Norway

Fine dining in Trondheim: where local ingredients steal the show

Though Credo (1 star) has moved to Oslo, its legacy remains strong. Today, Fagn and Speilsalen each carry a Michelin star and promise an evening of culinary bliss.

But the one to watch – and to book, fast – is Bula Neobistro, where local star Renée Fagerhøi serves bold, playful dishes that break rules and win hearts. She’s also the creative force behind Olgas, a bistro housed in Nye Hjorten Teater, where unpretentious, flavour-packed plates meet backstage buzz. Her menus read like a love letter to the region: langoustine from Frøya, hand-picked scallops from Hitra, butter churned in Røros.

In Trondheim, every ingredient comes with an address, because food here isn’t just fuel. It’s geography, identity, and a little bit of attitude.

Photo by Maverix | Visit Norway

Hotel Britannia: five-star elegance in the heart of the city

If Trondheim’s food scene is a feast, then Hotel Britannia is the crystal chandelier hanging above it. This five-star icon has become a destination in itself – a place where white-glove service meets relaxed Scandinavian luxury.

Recently restored to its original grandeur, the hotel houses multiple restaurants, including the Michelin-star Speilsalen, a top-tier wine cellar, and even a world-class spa. It’s the perfect base for exploring Trondheim’s new cultural and gastronomic frontiers.

Photo by Maverix | Visit Norway

PoMo: Trondheim’s most exciting art space

No visit to Trondheim is complete without a stop at PoMo, the city’s boldest new art destination. Opened in February 2025 and housed in the beautifully preserved Jugend-style post office from 1911, PoMo is more than a gallery. It’s a love letter to art itself.

One room is devoted entirely to Edvard Munch, offering international visitors a familiar doorway into Norwegian art, while the rest of the space brims with provocative, playful, and powerful contemporary works from around the world.

Just as compelling is the story behind it: PoMo is the artistic brainchild of supermarket mogul Ole Robert Reitan and his ex-wife Monica – two collectors who, despite parting ways romantically, channelled their shared passion for art into this extraordinary space.

Alongside PoMo, K-U-K (Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst) stands out for its bold curation and focus on emerging talent – reinforcing the city’s status as a hub for creative renewal.

Ready for a new kind of pilgrimage?

As you can see, Trondheim is a city for the curious, the hungry, and the culture-thirsty. This is still very much a place of pilgrimage. Only now, what you seek isn’t salvation, but flavour, inspiration, and a deeper sense of place. In Trondheim, you’ll find all three, beautifully plated and ready to create new memories.