Trondheim is bisected by a river and flanked by a fjord, with bridges over the river. The old bridge is next to the colorful Brygge (wharf buildings). We walked to the Kristiansten Fortress as well as through neighborhood, coming upon the Sykkelheisen Trampe (Bike Lift), the only one of its kind, in which one can get a boost from a motorized wedge going up a hill.

We stayed at Scandic Nedelvin, a modern hotel next to and partially over the river. The hotel has won awards for the “Best Breakfast in Norway,” and it didn’t disappoint, with a huge array of fish, cheese, meat, eggs, pancakes and waffles, fresh orange juice, bread, sweet rolls, and more.

Our second day in the city, we took a morning ferry to Munkholmen (Monk’s island) in the fjord. This was the site of a monastery, a prison, and a fort used by the Nazis. On the ferry, we met a delightful couple from Oslo (Øystein, originally form Oslo, and Audrey, originally from Minnesota) with whom we toured the island. In the afternoon we walked around more of the city, following a route along the river, and encountered college students engaged in playful weekend celebrations. Dinner of mussels and a burger was at a place near the hotel. The next morning Scandic provided box breakfasts (enough for both breakfast and lunch) for our early-morning train departure to Oslo.