The Old Town Bridge

The Old Town Bridge is one of the most iconic places in Trondheim – and a natural stop for both photos and reflection. The bridge is often called “The Portal of Happiness”. The name comes from the song Nidelven stille og vakker du er, and it is easy to understand why. From here, you can see the river, the wharves, Bakklandet, and the city’s old wooden houses all at once. The first bridge on this site was built after the city fire of 1681, as part of Cicignon’s new city plan. It was meant to connect the city centre with Bakklandet, but it also had a military function. It formed a strategic link to Kristiansten Fortress on the hill above the city. The bridge you see today dates from 1861 and was designed by city engineer Carl Adolf Dahl. Its red portals have become a symbol of Trondheim, marking the transition between two quite different parts of the city. When you cross the Old Town Bridge, you are not just moving from one side of the river to the other. You are leaving the busier city centre and entering the calmer streets of Bakklandet. That may be why the bridge feels a little special. It is not just a way across the water – it is a small journey in itself.