Bakklandet

Bakklandet is Trondheim’s oldest suburb, and one of the city’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. The area began to grow in the mid-17th century, on the eastern side of the Nidelva River. Because Bakklandet lay outside the old city boundary, it was not included in Cicignon’s strict city plan after the fire of 1681. That is why the streets here still feel more organic. They follow the terrain, giving us perhaps a small impression of what Trondheim may have looked like before the great re-planning of the city. Bakklandet has had a dramatic history. It was burned by Swedish forces in 1658, and again in 1718 – this time by Norwegian forces, as a defensive measure to prevent the enemy from using the area. Along the river there were wharves, workshops, and simple homes. Craftsmen, workers, and small traders lived here, close to both their workplaces and the waterway. Bakklandet was also an important industrial area. There was a brickworks here already in the Middle Ages, and later came shipyards, boat repair, and mechanical industry. In the 19th century, steamships were built here – and so was Norway’s first Norwegian-built locomotive, Thrønderen. Today, many people know Bakklandet for its wooden houses, cafés, and peaceful atmosphere. But beneath the charm lies a history of work, industry, fire, and survival.