The green face of Trondheim: 6-parks-and-gardens-ideal-for-urban-relaxation

The green face of Trondheim: 6-parks-and-gardens-ideal-for-urban-relaxation

June 11, 2025

Trondheim, Norway's third-largest city, can surprise visitors not only with its rich history and modern architecture, but above all with its extraordinary amount of green spaces. It is these oases of calm in the urban jungle that make up the unique character of this Norwegian center. In our article, we will take you on a journey through six of Trondheim's most beautiful parks and gardens, which are ideal whether for a family picnic, a romantic stroll or a moment of solitary contemplation of nature. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and offers something special that makes Trondheim appear as a truly green city, where nature harmoniously coexists with the urban fabric. Get ready to discover the green face of Trondheim and get to know the places that will make you fall in love with this Norwegian city.

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Botanical wonders and urban oases

Our green journey through Trondheim will begin with two unique places that are true gems among the city's green spaces.

NTNU Ringve Botanical Garden is a true paradise for botany lovers and more. This vast botanical garden, managed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, delights with a variety of plants from all over the world. Over an area of several hectares, you can admire countless species of flowers, trees and shrubs, carefully divided into thematic sections. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of Arctic plants, which are rarely seen in other botanical gardens. The garden is open all year round, allowing you to observe how it changes in different seasons. In spring and summer, colorful flowerbeds bloom here, in autumn you can admire the golden colors of the leaves, and in winter the garden takes on a fairy-tale, snowy character. This is an ideal place for an educational walk with children, who can learn to identify different plant species here. For adults, on the other hand, it's an oasis of calm, where they can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden also has a small lake that attracts various species of birds, which makes the place even more attractive.

Moving on to another green corner of Trondheim, it's impossible not to mention Gåsaparken. This modern urban park, located in the heart of the city, is a perfect example of how to create a friendly space for residents in a densely built-up center. Gåsaparken, despite its small size, offers many attractions. It features interestingly designed benches and loungers that encourage relaxation overlooking the Nidelva River. The park is also equipped with a modern playground that attracts families with children. Interestingly, Gåsaparken is a popular place among students, who often come here to study or meet with friends. In the evening, the park takes on a magical character thanks to thoughtful lighting that creates a unique atmosphere.

When comparing the two places, it's worth noting that NTNU Ringve Botanical Garden is much larger and offers a more diverse nature experience, ideal for longer trips. Gåsaparken, on the other hand, while smaller, has a more urban feel and is more easily accessible to those in the city center. Both places have high ratings among visitors (NTNU Ringve Botanical Garden - 4.6, Gåsaparken - 4.6), a testament to their popularity and the quality of the experiences offered. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to contemplate nature or an active outing in the heart of the city, both of these parks are sure to meet your expectations.

Historic parks and modern recreational spaces

Continuing our green tour of Trondheim, we can't leave out two more unique places that combine history with modernity.

Stiftsgårdsparken is a park of extraordinary historical significance. Located in the heart of the old town, right next to the Royal Palace (Stiftsgården), it has witnessed many important events in Norwegian history. This small but charming park impresses with its elegance and carefully maintained greenery. A central fountain surrounded by well-kept alleys and benches creates the perfect place for a short rest while exploring the city. Stiftsgårdsparken is especially beautiful in spring, when a variety of flowers bloom here, creating a colorful mosaic. The park has a rating of 4.2, a testament to its popularity with locals and tourists. It is an ideal place for those interested in history who want to combine sightseeing with outdoor relaxation.

Moving on to more contemporary spaces, Ilaparken is worth noting. This modern city park is an excellent example of how to create a multifunctional recreational space for residents. Ilaparken offers a wide range of attractions for people of all ages. There is a large children's playground, sports fields, jogging paths and extensive green areas ideal for picnics. The park is especially popular with families with children and young people, who enjoy using the sports facilities available here. Ilaparken has a rating of 4.3, which confirms its attractiveness and functionality. It is worth noting that the park is well connected to the rest of the city, making it easily accessible to residents of different neighborhoods.

Comparing the two places, we can see an interesting contrast. Stiftsgårdsparken is an intimate, historic garden, ideal for short rest and contemplation, while Ilaparken is a vast, modern recreational space offering a wide range of activities. Stiftsgårdsparken mainly attracts tourists and history buffs, while Ilaparken is a favorite of the local community, especially families with children and physically active people.

Both parks have their own unique advantages. Stiftsgårdsparken impresses with its historical character and proximity to the city's important monuments. It is ideal for those who appreciate tranquility and the atmosphere of the old days. Ilaparken, on the other hand, offers many more opportunities for active recreation, making it attractive to a wider audience. It is also worth mentioning that Ilaparken is more extensive, which allows for larger outdoor events.

Regardless of your preference, both Stiftsgårdsparken and Ilaparken are important components of Trondheim's green infrastructure, helping to improve the quality of life for residents and the city's appeal to tourists. Each of these parks offers a unique experience and is a testament to how diverse urban green spaces can be.

Natural beauty and active recreation

To conclude our green tour of Trondheim, here are two recent but equally fascinating places that combine natural beauty with opportunities for active recreation.

Ladeparken is a relatively new addition to Trondheim's green infrastructure that has quickly won the hearts of residents. This modern urban park, which opened in 2016, is an excellent example of how former industrial sites can be transformed into vibrant recreational spaces. Ladeparken stands out for its innovative design, which combines natural elements with modern art installations. The centerpiece of the park is a large pond with fountains and bridges, around which numerous walking and biking paths are arranged. The park also offers a modern children's playground, an outdoor gym and spaces for cultural events. Ladeparken has a rating of 4.3, indicating its popularity among residents. It is an ideal place for families with children, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for an inspiring environment to relax.

Last, but certainly not least in our list, is Bymarka. This is a vast forest area on the outskirts of Trondheim that offers countless opportunities for contact with wildlife. Bymarka is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts - you'll find miles of hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing trails, and in winter, ski slopes. This natural forest complex is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal place for nature watching. Bymarka has an impressive rating of 4.8, making it one of the highest rated places in Trondheim. It's an area that offers something for everyone, from leisurely walks through the woods to vigorous mountain hikes to extreme winter sports.

Comparing Ladeparken and Bymarka, we see two different approaches to creating green urban spaces. Ladeparken is a modern, carefully designed urban park that offers a range of amenities and attractions in a relatively small area. It is ideal for people who appreciate easy access to recreation in the city center. Bymarka, on the other hand, is a vast, natural area that allows for a deeper immersion in nature and offers many more opportunities for those seeking more challenging forms of physical activity.

Ladeparken is more accessible to people with limited mobility, families with young children or seniors, thanks to its well-maintained paths and numerous amenities. Bymarka, on the other hand, mainly attracts physically active people, nature lovers and those looking for an outdoor challenge.

It is worth noting the differences in infrastructure - Ladeparken offers modern amenities such as lighted paths, seating areas and public toilets, while Bymarka remains largely wild and unaltered by man, which for many is its greatest asset.

All in all, both Ladeparken and Bymarka are key components of Trondheim's green infrastructure, offering residents and tourists a variety of opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy active recreation. Whether you prefer tidy park spaces or wild woodlands, Trondheim has something to offer for every nature lover.

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