🌆 Trondheim in the evening: Nidelva and Bymarka in 60–90 minutes
🎯 Who is it for and what is the purpose
For families and nomads who want a quiet evening without a car: a loop along the water or a short forest ‘loop’ with quick access from the centre. Below are specific entry points, coverage, lighting and how to get back on time.
🌊 Nidelva: flat embankments and bridges
🌟 Why it's convenient in the evening
- Flat surfaces and well-lit areas allow you to walk with a stroller or scooter without any ‘surprises.’ A great landmark is the Midtbyrunden city loop: it runs along the embankments and is designed for strollers and bikes.
- Classic track: from Gamle Bybro through Marinen park, then along the water to Øya/Trondheim Spektrum — and back via any bridge. This is a quick ‘loop’ with views and benches.
🗺️ Route map (example)
- Time: ~60–75 minutes at a leisurely pace.
- Surface: asphalt/paving stones; stroller-friendly.
- Lighting: street lighting on most sections.
- Shortcut: turn around at any of the next bridges.
🌲 Bymarka: short forest loops
🚋 How to get to the forest quickly
- The tram to Lian (Gråkallbanen) departs from the city centre (St. Olavs gate) and arrives right at the edge of Bymarka — the trails and the loop around Lake Lianvatnet start from the platform. An excellent ‘entry point’ for a weekday evening.
👣 Where to go and what to see
- For a ‘quick evening,’ take the loops along the wide forest roads around the lakes and glades — they stay dry longer and are easier to walk on.
- In winter, look for lysløyper (lit trails): they are turned on at dusk and operate until 23:00 from 1 October to Easter — convenient for a safe return.
🗺️ Route map (example from Lian)
- Time: ~50–70 minutes around the lake + short ‘detours’ into the forest.
- Surface: compacted paths/gravel.
- Lighting: during the season — sections of illuminated trails; outside the season — headlamp.
- Shortcut plan: stick to the radial paths from the Lian platform — it's easy to get back to the tram in 10–15 minutes.
🚍 How to get there and back
🚌 Public transport and bikes
- Plan your trip with the AtB app: up-to-date tram/bus schedules and convenient transfer points.
- City bikes — a quick way to get to the start of the embankment and leave your bike at the station; the service operates from early morning until late evening.
- By car + bike: there are covered bike racks and a bike hotel in the city — convenient for train+bike combinations.
🚲 Where to park your bike
- Choose well-lit spots with fixed racks; there are often power outlets/benches near the waterfront and libraries, which are convenient for a short break.
🌦️ Weather and season: how to adjust your plan
- Rain: take a raincoat and shoes with grippy soles; take small steps on descents.
- Wind: on the Nidel, it is more comfortable to walk on the windward side there and return on the leeward side.
- Twilight: make a ‘loop’ with the finish at the transport stop; a headlamp and reflectors are a must.
- Winter: less daylight — start earlier, use the illuminated sections of Byamarki and check the timetables in advance.
⏱️ Quick examples ‘after 6 p.m.’
👨👩👧 Nidelva (family-friendly and flat)
- Start/finish: Gamle Bybro or Solsiden.
- Format: a loop along the embankments with ‘shortcuts’ across bridges.
- Pros: lighting, benches, cafes at the finish line.
🌲 Bymarka (short forest loop)
- Start/finish: tram Lian → circle around the lake + section along a wide road.
- Pros: ‘forest right next to the platform’, some sections are lit during the season.
| Block | Checklist |
|---|---|
| Family backpack (evening) | Snack/tea in thermos, blanket |
| Dry socks / thin gloves / hat (seasonal) | |
| Headlamp + reflectors on backpack/stroller | |
| Wet wipes, small first-aid kit | |
| Offline map + saved route in AtB | |
| Route card (template) | Time & surface: (e.g., 60–75 min; asphalt/gravel) |
| Lighting: (street lights / lysløyper / headlamp) | |
| Start/finish: (bridge / station / bus stop) | |
| Shortcut plan: (bridge / tram or bus connection) | |
| Rest points: (benches / library / café) |
❓ FAQ
Two easy options:
– Nidelva Riverwalk: ~60–75 min loops along bridges and promenades, well lit and flat.
– Bymarka (Lian): tram Gråkallbanen to Lian, then ~50–70 min loops around the lake and forest roads. Both routes are safe and easy to return from before 21–22.
The Nidelva embankments are perfect: asphalt/brick paths, lighting, benches, and space for strollers or scooters. Midtbyrunden circle is stroller-friendly. For nature, take the tram to Lian — the lake loop is manageable with kids.
Wear a membrane jacket and shoes with good grip. On Nidelva, go first against the wind and return with the tailwind. In Bymarka, use wide forest tracks instead of narrow trails. Take smaller steps on wet cobblestones or slopes.
Use the AtB app to plan routes. Tram Gråkallbanen takes you straight from the city to Lian. Buses connect neighborhoods with Bymarka and Nidelva. City bikes are a quick option to reach the riverfront start points (Gamle Bybro/Solsiden).
