Bakklandet is the neighbourhood on the east bank of the Nidelva river, opposite the city centre. It is one of the few areas in Trondheim that survived the city fires, and the narrow cobblestone streets lined with small, colourful wooden houses are the most photographed part of the city.
The area was first settled in the early 1600s. It was a working-class neighbourhood for centuries, and by the 1960s and 70s there were plans to demolish it entirely and replace it with modern housing. Local protests stopped the demolition, and today it is full of cafes, small shops, and galleries.
The classic view is from Gamle Bybro, the Old Town Bridge, which connects Bakklandet to the city centre. The red wooden bridge was built in 1681, rebuilt several times since, and gives you the postcard view of the old wooden wharves along the river. At one end of the bridge stands a gate with the inscription reminding visitors that the bridge was once a toll point.
At the foot of the hill behind Bakklandet you will find Trampe, the world's only bicycle lift. It was installed in 1993 to help cyclists up the steep Brubakken hill. You put your foot on a small plate, press a button, and it pushes you up the 130-metre slope. It is free to use and takes about a minute.
The area was first settled in the early 1600s. It was a working-class neighbourhood for centuries, and by the 1960s and 70s there were plans to demolish it entirely and replace it with modern housing. Local protests stopped the demolition, and today it is full of cafes, small shops, and galleries.
The classic view is from Gamle Bybro, the Old Town Bridge, which connects Bakklandet to the city centre. The red wooden bridge was built in 1681, rebuilt several times since, and gives you the postcard view of the old wooden wharves along the river. At one end of the bridge stands a gate with the inscription reminding visitors that the bridge was once a toll point.
At the foot of the hill behind Bakklandet you will find Trampe, the world's only bicycle lift. It was installed in 1993 to help cyclists up the steep Brubakken hill. You put your foot on a small plate, press a button, and it pushes you up the 130-metre slope. It is free to use and takes about a minute.