Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Trondheim for Skyline Swims

Lars Eriksen here. I have spent the better part of two decades walking every cobblestone in this city, and I have learned that Trondheim does not announce itself loudly. It shows itself to you in the light across the Nidelva at two in the morning and in the way the old wooden warehouses lean into each other near Bakklandet like gossiping neighbors. Even so, if you want to see this city from up high while the water laps at your elbows, you are searching for the best hotels with rooftop pools in Trondheim. The reality is that the city itself is compact and low-slung, so when a rooftop pool does exist, it matters. This is my on-the-ground guide to the places where you can actually float above the rooftops and look out across the fjord, the cathedral, and the patchwork of red timber houses that make this city feel so small and so personal.

Scandic Nidelven and the Rooftop Pool Scene in Trondheim

If you ask any local about a rooftop pool hotel Trondheim, they will be honest with you and say there are not as many as you find in Barcelona or Dubai. The market is small, the winters are long, and the water has to be heated from October through May. That is exactly why the few pools that do exist are carefully maintained and surprisingly social. You will find business travelers in one lane and honeymooners sharing a bottle of Cava in a deck chair at the edge of the same small infinity ledge. The hotels that invest in a pool at this altitude understand that people are coming for the view, the novelty of outdoor swimming at 63 degrees north, and the excuse to stay at a slightly nicer property than they might otherwise book. Trondheim rewards those who plan ahead, and booking a room with rooftop access is one of the best ways to make the city feel both intimate and expansive at the same time.

Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim

Location: Kongens gate 71, close to the city center and the Trondheim Torg square.

The Radisson Blu Royal Garden has been a familiar part of the downtown skyline since the late 1980s, and I remember when they added the rooftop pool as part of a renovation. The pool area is small, but that is actually what makes it work. You do not have to pretend you are at a resort in the Maldives. You are in the middle of a Scandinavian city, looking out at the cathedral spires and the residential blocks that slope down toward the river. The water temperature is kept comfortable even when the air is sharp, which means you will see locals using it well into October when the evenings start to draw in.

What to Do: Poolside lounging with a view of Nidaros Cathedral, followed by a walk down to the river before dinner.

Best Time: Late afternoon on a weekday, when the business crowd has cleared out and you can have two or three lanes to yourself.

The Vibe: Low-key and slightly corporate during the day, but it turns into a surprisingly relaxed social spot once the sun goes behind the buildings.

Local Tip: Ask for a room on the upper floors facing east. You will get a direct sightline to the cathedral, and if you are up early enough you can watch the fog lift off the river without leaving your bed.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel is connected to the Royal Garden shopping arcade, which means you can walk indoors from your room to the mall and the tram stop without stepping outside in winter, something that feels like a small miracle when the sidewalks are coated in ice.

Connection to Trondheim: Kongens gate is one of the oldest and most central streets in the city, named for the king, and this hotel sits right on the axis between the old town and the commercial heart. Staying here keeps you within a ten-minute walk of the cathedral, the pedestrian bridge, and the main university campus.

Minor Drawback: The outdoor seating area is tiny, and if there is a brief summer wedding party you will be sharing the space with a group of Norwegians who have been drinking since lunch.

Comfort Hotel Trondheim and the Mid-Range Rooftop Option

The Comfort Hotel brand does not normally conjure images of infinity pools and skyline cocktails, but the Trondheim property is a good example of how this city uses its limited footprint. There is a small rooftop pool that functions more like an elevated hot tub, but the view over the rooftops toward Lade and the fjord beyond is worth the climb. This is a popular choice for conference visitors and families who want a clean, predictable room without paying the boutique price tag.

What to Order: A beer from the hotel bar and a towel for the pool. There is no poolside cocktail service, so manage your expectations.

Best Time: Early evening in midsummer, when the sun stays above the horizon long enough to turn the water a deep blue.

The Vibe: Functional, not fancy. You are here for the view and the soaking, not for the scene.

Local Tip: Use the pool as a reward after a long walk through the Old Town Bridge area in Gamle Byend. Your knees will thank you when you lower yourself into the warm water and look back at the church towers glowing in the evening light.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel is within easy walking distance of the Ringve Botanical Garden, and you can stroll there from the pool area in less than twenty minutes.

Minor Drawback: The Wi-Fi signal near the rooftop can be unreliable, so if you were planning to post a steady stream of photos from your lounger you will have to go inside to send them.

Scandic Nidelven

The Hotel and Its Rooftop Pool Experience

Scandic Nidelven sits right on the banks of the river, and its rooftop pool is one of the most honest examples of an infinity pool hotel Trondheim style you will find. The pool is modest in size, but it is long enough to do a few laps and wide enough to stand at the edge and look straight down the Nidelva toward the old port. At night the reflection of the city lights on the water makes the whole experience feel larger than it actually is. The building itself is relatively modern, a concrete and glass mix that fits into the industrial heritage of the riverside without trying to mimic the wooden houses of Bakklandet.

What to See: The twinkling lights of the wooden warehouses in Bakklandet across the river, and the occasional kayaker gliding by below.

Best Time: An hour before sunset on a clear evening. The low sun hits the cathedral and turns the stone almost gold.

The Vibe: Calm and low noise. This is not a party rooftop. It is a place to decompress.

Local Tip: Bring your own towel if you can, because the ones provided are a bit thin and you will want something heavier when you get out and the breeze picks up.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The pool is heated year-round, but it is most atmospheric from June through September when the temperature difference between the water and air makes the surface wreathed in a faint mist.

Connection to Trondheim: The riverside is the spine of the city, and staying here puts you right on the edge of the old industrial zone that has been slowly converted into apartments, coworking spaces, and small restaurants.

Pool Area and Amenities

The rooftop level has a small bar area and a few lounging chairs. You can order a Norwegian IPA or a soft drink and sit with your feet dangling over the water. The staff are friendly and will tell you that the pool is popular with locals who book a day pass just to use the sauna and the water without paying for a room. If you are staying at the hotel, access is included, which is one of the reasons this is considered by many as an under the radar option for anyone searching for the best hotels with rooftop pools in Trondheim.

What to Drink: An IPA from a local Trondheim brewery, or a glass of organic apple juice if you are swimming early in the morning.

Best Time: Weekday mornings. On Saturday afternoons the pool fills up with guests who are here for weddings and conferences.

The Vibe: Relaxed and slightly Scandinavian in its lack of pretension.

Local Tip: If you are traveling with kids, the shallow end of the pool is perfect for younger children who just want to splash around.

Minor Drawback: The view from the shallow end is partially blocked by the railing, so if you want the full panorama you need to walk to the far side.

Proximity to Bakklandet and the Old Town Bridge

You are a five minute walk from the Old Town Bridge and the colorful houses on both sides of the river. This means you can swim, dry off, and be in the middle of Bakklandet in time for an early dinner at one of the small restaurants that line the lanes. The neighborhood feels like a village within the city, and it is one of the most photographed parts of Trondheim for good reason.

What to Order Nearby: Fish soup at one of the old timber buildings near the bridge.

Best Time: Late afternoon on a weekday when the tour groups have thinned out.

The Vibe: Historic and intimate.

Local Tip: Walk across the bridge at dusk and photograph the cathedral from the middle of it. The light is better than any rooftop angle.

Connection to Trondheim: The bridge has been the main pedestrian crossing for centuries, and the houses on either side are part of the original merchant district.

Quality Hotel Prinsen

A Pool View Hotel with Central Access

Quality Hotel Prinsen is another solid choice for travelers looking for a pool view hotel Trondheim style close to the main train station and the cathedral. It does not have a dramatic infinity edge, but it does have a rooftop pool that gives you a clear perspective over the city center. The hotel is a favorite for business travelers and for families who want a reliable base without the boutique price tag. It is a short walk from the main shopping streets and from the old shipyard area that has been redeveloped into offices and apartments.

What to See: The mix of old and new architecture from above, including the modern buildings near Nedre Elvehavn.

Best Time: Mid-morning, after breakfast and before the lap swimmers arrive in the afternoon.

The Vibe: Quiet and functional.

Local Tip: Book a room on one of the higher floors for better sightlines to the fjord from your window.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel has a small winter garden on a lower level that fills with plants and natural light, a nice alternative to the pool on cold days.

Connection to Trondheim: Prinsen has been part of the hotel landscape for decades and has adapted over time to the growing number of visitors who come for the campus and the cultural events.

Pool and Guest Experience

The pool is clean, well maintained, and not overly crowded. You can do a few laps, soak in the adjacent hot tub, and then head back to your room without the kind of drama that comes with larger resort complexes. The staff are used to Swedish and German guests who are interested in the pool for both exercise and relaxation.

What to Order: A coffee from the ground floor after your swim.

Best Time: Anytime on a weekday.

The Vibe: Domestic and low-key.

Local Tip: If you are here for more than a few days, ask the concierge about the bicycle rentals nearby. A bike will let you reach the beach at Lade or the trails on Byåsen in less time than you think.

Minor Drawback: The rooftop bar is more of a service window than a lounge, so do not expect a full cocktail menu up there.

Thon Hotel Trondheim

Rooftop Relaxation in the City Center

Thon Hotel Trondheim sits close to the main square and the cathedral, making it a convenient base for anyone exploring on foot. The hotel has a rooftop area with a pool and sauna, and the view from the top is surprisingly expansive given how compact the neighborhood is. You can see the river, the cathedral, and the hills beyond. The design is modern Scandinavian, with clean lines and minimal decoration, which suits the city’s general aesthetic.

What to Do: Combine your swim with a sauna session and a cold plunge if you are up for it.

Best Time: Early evening after a long day of walking.

The Vibe: Simple, unpretentious wellness.

Local Tip: Bring a book. There is not much staff interaction on the roof, which some people prefer.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel is within walking distance of the Student Society building, where some of the best concerts and club nights in the city take place.

Connection to Trondheim: The hotel is part of a larger network of properties that cater to both visitors and locals attending events in the city center.

Practical Details for Pool Guests

The pool is not huge, but it is long enough for a decent swim. The water is clean and the area is well maintained. The heat from the sauna pipes helps keep the surrounding air a bit milder on the roof, even in spring or autumn.

What to Drink: A local lager in the bar after your swim.

Best Time: After the main tourist groups have finished their sightseeing for the day.

The Vibe: Pleasantly anonymous.

Local Tip: If you are sensitive to chlorine, bring your own goggles because the ventilation on the roof is strong and the smell can be more noticeable near the water return vents.

Minor Drawback: The changing rooms are functional rather than luxurious, and the shower pressure can be inconsistent during peak usage.

Clarion Hotel Trondheim

Modern Style with Rooftop Access

Clarion Hotel Trondheim is a more modern option, located a bit south of the historic core but still within a short drive or tram ride of the main attractions. It has a rooftop pool that is popular with both hotel guests and local companies booking corporate retreats. The hotel leans into the contemporary Nordic aesthetic, with large windows, pale wood, and minimal clutter. The view from the pool is mostly residential, but you can see the fjord in the distance, and the quiet is a nice contrast to the more central hotels.

What to See: The fjord beyond the apartment blocks and the patchwork of roofs.

Best Time: Midday, when the sun is high enough to warm the concrete.

The Vibe: Modern and spacious.

Local Tip: Use the tram to get back to the old town. It is faster than you expect in a city this size.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel has a decent gym on the same level as the pool, so you can combine a workout and a swim without going through the lobby twice.

Connection to Trondheim: Clarion is part of a newer wave of hotels built to serve the growing number of visitors and business travelers to the university and hospital district.

Poolside Environment

The pool area is wide and has enough loungers for everyone, which is not always the case in smaller rooftop setups. There is usually a light breeze, so bring an extra towel if you plan to stay outside for a while after swimming.

What to Order: A soft drink or a light snack from the small menu on the roof.

Best Time: Late morning on a weekday.

The Vibe: Suburban resort within short reach of the city.

Local Tip: If you are here in winter, use the pool after dark. The contrast between the warm water and the cold air is more dramatic when you can see the stars.

Minor Drawback: The view is less iconic than from the more central hotels, so if you want cathedral and river shots you will need to walk over to the old town.

Scandic Solsiden

Rooftop Pool with a Sunset View

Scandic Solsiden sits close to the waterfront and is a favorite for visitors who want to combine a rooftop experience with easy access to the sea. While it is not as centrally located as some of the other hotels on this list, its pool has a more open view of the horizon, which means better sunsets and a stronger sense of the city’s relationship to the sea. The hotel is part of a larger complex with conference facilities, so you will often be sharing the space with event attendees.

What to Do: Watch the sunset from the pool and then walk along the waterfront.

Best Time: One hour before sunset in summer.

The Vibe: Casual resort, especially during conference season.

Local Tip: Bring a jacket. The breeze can be stronger here than in the more sheltered city center locations.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel is close to the Lade peninsula, which has some of the best local walking trails and beaches.

Connection to Trondheim: Lade has long been a gateway between the city and the more rural areas along the fjord, and staying here gives you a sense of how the urban environment gradually gives way to forest and water.

Rooftop Layout and Amenities

The rooftop area has a pool, a few lounging chairs, and a small bar. The staff are used to international groups who want to mix with the locals and are happy to point you toward the best sunset viewing spots.

What to Drink: A gin and tonic made with a local spirit, if available.

Best Time: Early evening on a clear day.

The Vibe: Relaxed and social.

Local Tip: If you are here for a conference, book your swim times early to avoid the post-event rush.

Minor Drawback: The pool is relatively short, more suited to floating than serious laps.

Comfort Hotel Park

Near the Cathedral with Rooftop Access

Comfort Hotel Park is located along the river, close to the cathedral and not far from the old bridge. It has a rooftop pool that gives a clear view of the church and the surrounding rooftops. The hotel is clean and functional, catering to a mix of business guests and tourists who want to be within easy walking distance of the most important landmarks. The building is not the prettiest from the outside, but the rooftop perspective redeems it.

What to See: The cathedral spires and the reflection of the old town in the river.

Best Time: Late afternoon, when the stone facade of the cathedral picks up the warm light.

The Vibe: Practical and unpretentious.

Local Tip: Use the river walk to get to Bakklandet. It is one of the most pleasant strolls in the city.

What Most Tourists Do Not Know: The hotel has a small library corner on a lower floor that is worth browsing if you want to learn more about the city’s history.

Connection to Trondheim: This hotel is located in the heart of the old city, close enough to the medieval core that your evening walks will naturally take you past some of the oldest buildings in Norway.

Pool and Hotel Experience

The pool is small but clean, and the staff take pride in keeping it in good condition. You can swim, soak in the hot tub, and then head downstairs for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. The hotel is not trying to be glamorous. It is trying to be convenient, and it succeeds.

What to Order: A glass of Norwegian sparkling wine if the rooftop bar has it.

Best Time: Weekday evenings after the main sightseeing crowds have disappeared.

The Vibe: Domestic and calm.

Local Tip: Ask the front desk for a map of the local walking routes along the river and the old fortifications.

Minor Drawback: The sound insulation between the pool corridor and the nearby rooms is not perfect, so early morning swimmers can be heard by light sleepers.

When to Go / What to Know

Best Season for Rooftop Pool Use

If you are planning a trip based around the best hotels with rooftop pools in Trondheim, aim for the period from late May through early September. This is when the pools are most likely to feel like a genuine outdoor experience, rather than a compromise with the cold. The water temperature is usually kept between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, but the air temperature above the pool can still be cool, especially in the evenings. Even locals will admit that a swim at 10 PM in August is very different from one in June, when the sun barely sets at all.

What to Bring: A thick towel and a warm robe. Most hotels provide robes, but they are often thin.

Best Time: Between 6 PM and 10 PM on a clear evening.

Local Tip: Always check the weather forecast. A windy day on the rooftop is experienced very differently than a windy day on the ground.

Booking and Day Pass Policies

Many of these hotels allow non guests to buy day passes for the pool and sauna complex. This is especially worth considering if you do not want to pay the full rate for a room in one of the more central options. The price can vary, but it is usually between 200 and 400 Norwegian kroner. Weekday access is more common and cheaper, while weekends may be reserved for guests only.

What to Ask: Whether children are allowed and at what hours.

Best Time: Weekday mornings or early afternoons.

Local Tip: Call ahead. Unlike in larger cities, the staff at these hotels often know you by name after a couple of visits and will tell you if the pool is unusually crowded.

Connection to Trondheim: The small scale of the hospitality industry in Trondheim means that relationships with hotel staff are more personal, and a quick phone call can save you a lot of wasted time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are credit cards widely accepted across Trondheim, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?

VISA and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Trondheim, including small cafés, taxi services, and hotel lobby shops. Cash usage is rare, even at local markets and small kiosks. Contactless payment and mobile payment apps are also common. You can comfortably go several days without touching physical currency.

What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Trondheim?

A service charge is already included in most restaurant bills, so tipping is not expected. Many locals round up the total or leave an extra 5 to 10 percent for good service. Tipping at hotel bars and poolside service counters is appreciated but never obligatory. Even taxi fares are often rounded by a few kroner in casual situations.

What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Trondheim?

A regular brewed coffee at a typical café costs around 40 to 50 Norwegian kroner, while a specialty latte or cappuccino ranges from 55 to 70 kroner. Tea is slightly cheaper, with basic options starting around 35 kroner. Prices near the cathedral and the old town tend to be at the higher end of that range.

How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Trondheim without feeling rushed?

Two full days are enough to visit the cathedral, walk across the Old Town Bridge, explore Bakklandet, and take a boat or a hike to Ringve Botanical Garden. A third day is helpful if you want to explore the fjord by kayak or walk the trails of Ladestien. Adding a half day for the Nidaros Cathedral interior and museum without crowds is also worthwhile.

Is Trondheim expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

Mid-tier spending for one person runs roughly 1,000 to 1,500 Norwegian kroner per day. That includes a moderate hotel room, two meals at casual restaurants or cafés, one or two paid attractions, and local transport. Pool access is often bundled with hotel rooms, so no additional daily allocation is necessary unless you are buying a separate day pass.