Where?

Trondheim, Norway.

Why now?

Trondheim is where the cool kids are heading for a city break
this month. Sitting on the south shore of Norway’s sparkling
Trondheim Fjord, at the mouth of the River Nidelva, the leader in
farm-to-fork dining was recently honoured with the title of
European Region of Gastronomy 2022. The abundance of award-winning
local menus (we’ll get onto them in a bit) can, in part, be put
down to the region’s unique landscape – all dramatic mountain
peaks, fertile soil and an incredible array of wildlife. But
feasting is not all this place is good for. A thriving creative
scene exists here, too: think independent art houses showcasing
emerging talent, cutting-edge design studios and the sort of street
art that makes touring on foot a welcome prospect. Plus, in true
Scandi style, a slew of saltwater baths and lake-facing saunas make
Trondheim a wellness-first destination.

Don’t miss

Take time to visit the Trondheim
Kunstmuseum, where contemporary art and design collections make
for a culture-rich afternoon. Elsewhere, art centre Kunsthall
Trondheim hosts an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions and
events. Then, there’s the International Student Festival, on 3-18
February, with a roster of panel discussions, immersive
performances and live DJ gigs all set to take place.

Trondheim’s pastel-coloured facades, left, and a fine
selection of flaky pastries. | Photo credit: Kristen Drew /
Unsplash.com

Where to stay?

Stay at the city’s 1870-built grande dame hotel, Britannia. We love its
central location, stellar spa facilities and seriously snug
bedrooms.

Where to go for dinner?

There’s no dish you won’t be able to find. For a farm-to-fork
feast, head to Credo, helmed by renowned Norwegian chef Heidi
Bjerkan. The industrial-inspired set-up sees raw and repurposed
materials employed in the sort of design you’d expect to find in
The World of Interiors – all black metal beams, blonde wooden
benches and walls plastered in colourful graffiti murals. The food?
Multi-course magic that’s won the restaurant a Michelin star.
Vegans should make a beeline for new plant-based kitchen Erlings, which dishes up
Mediterranean mezzes and wood-fired pizzas. The taco pizza is a
strong order, topped with vegan cheese sauce, jalapeños and nachos.
The edgy food court Lager 11 offers a relaxed vibe, with Indian, French,
Korean, Mexican and Chinese flavours spread across eight different
food stalls. Don’t miss the fluffy cakes and flaky pastries at
Streif Bakeri & Café.

And for a drink…

Try the ØX Tap
Room, where they brew their own beer and have an impressive
menu of ales. Housed in a renovated 300-year-old cellar, the
characterful space has clay plastered walls, vaulted ceilings and
warm pendant lights. Try your hand at the short beer-tasting
course: a 45-minute session will see you tasting four different
types of beer. For cocktails and light bites, there’s Cowsea, and for a
little groove? Lokal Bar is your best bet.

A snapshot of the Trondheim Fjord. | Photo credit: Evan /
Shutterstock.com

Who to take with you?

That mate who’s always game for an outdoor adventure. There are
plenty of beautiful wild swimming spots dotted around the city.
Those brave enough to plunge into the chilly waters should make a
beeline for Sjøbadet – a saltwater sea bath offering
sweeping views of the islet of Munkholmen and the Fosen Alps.
Post-sesh, reward yourself with a stint in the toasty sauna. But be
warned: it’s only open to the public on Sundays during the winter
months. Venture a little further afield to find Bymarka’s
freshwater Lian Lake, where sprawling grassy plains are a
hotspot hangout for locals.

Essentials to pack

We’re stuffing the Dr Barbara Sturm Winter Kit in our carry-on.
Specially crafted to protect the skin against harsh temperature,
this ultimate beauty bundle includes a nourishing lip balm,
anti-ageing face cream, plant-based serum, rich and creamy face
mask and a cleanser designed to target dead skin cells and nasty
pollutants. The best bit? All sizes are less than 100ml.

How to get there

Take a direct flight from London Gatwick to Trondheim Airport,
from where the city centre is just a 32-minute drive away.