Look at the Trondheim skyline from a boat on the Nidelva and one building immediately smacks you in the eye. It’s that massive, star-shaped, shimmering copper-and-glass structure sitting right on the harbor's edge. That's the Clarion Hotel & Congress Trondheim. Honestly, when it first opened back in 2012, locals had plenty to say about the bold architecture by Space Group. Some loved the futuristic vibe; others thought it looked like a spaceship that took a wrong turn at the Arctic Circle. But over a decade later, it’s basically become the anchor of the Brattøra district. It’s not just a place to sleep. It is a massive, 400-room architectural statement that doubles as one of Scandinavia’s largest convention hubs.
If you’re heading to Trondheim, you’ve probably noticed that the city center is a tight squeeze of historic wooden wharves and narrow alleys. This hotel is the opposite. It’s airy. It’s wide. It’s got that specific kind of Norwegian "hygge" mixed with high-end corporate polish.
What You’re Actually Getting Into at Brattøra
Location is everything, but "location" in Trondheim means different things depending on who you ask. If you want to be steps away from the Nidaros Cathedral, this isn't it. You’ll be walking about 15 or 20 minutes to get to the historic heart. But if you want the fjord? You’re literally on top of it. The Clarion Hotel & Congress Trondheim sits right next to the Pirbadet water park and the Rockheim National Museum of Pop and Rock.
It’s a bit of a trek from the train station if you’re hauling heavy bags in the snow—maybe an 8-minute walk—but the bridge makes it manageable. The vibe here is "modern maritime." You get the salty air, the sound of the Hurtigruten coastal steamers docking nearby, and a sense of space that you just don't find in the older hotels like the Britannia (though that's a whole different level of luxury).
The design inside is just as polarizing as the outside. It’s sharp angles and glass. It feels expensive. It feels like the kind of place where big oil and tech deals get signed during the day, and then everyone lets loose at the sky bar once the sun (eventually) goes down.
✨ Don't miss: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
The Kitchen & Table Situation
Let’s talk about Marcus Samuelsson. The Swedish-American celebrity chef is the brain behind the "Kitchen & Table" concept you find in many Clarion hotels, and the Trondheim version is arguably one of the best. The focus is "Manhattan meets Trondheim." Think local Norwegian ingredients—wild-caught fish, root vegetables from Trøndelag—prepared with international spices and techniques.
The breakfast? It’s legendary. Norwegians take hotel breakfast seriously. You aren't just getting soggy eggs and a box of cereal. You’re looking at local cheeses, smoked salmon that actually tastes like salmon, freshly baked sourdough, and a dedicated omelet station. It’s included in most rates, and honestly, you should eat enough to skip lunch. Most people do.
Then there’s Astrum.
Located on the 9th floor, the Astrum Skybar is the hotel’s crown jewel. It has a massive terrace. Even in the winter, people bundle up and head out there with a drink just to see the 360-degree view of the city and the Trondheimsfjord. The menu up there leans toward Nordic-French-Asian fusion. It sounds like a lot is going on, and it is, but the ceviche and the local lamb dishes usually hit the mark. It’s pricey—welcome to Norway—but the view is the "tax" you pay for the experience.
🔗 Read more: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
Why Business Travelers Basically Live Here
The "Congress" part of the name isn't just for show. With a capacity for about 8,000 people across various configurations, this place is a beast for events. The main hall is 3,000 square meters. That is staggering for a city the size of Trondheim.
I’ve seen tech conferences here where the logistics are seamless. They have this integrated AV tech that actually works, which is a rarity in older European hotels. If you’re here for a summit, you aren't cramped in a basement. The meeting rooms have actual windows. Natural light is a big deal in Norway, especially in November when the day lasts about four hours.
The Room Reality Check
Rooms here are standard Scandinavian modern. That means clean lines, wooden floors (usually), and no unnecessary clutter.
- Standard Rooms: They’re functional. Not huge, but the windows are often floor-to-ceiling.
- Superior/Deluxe: If you can swing the upgrade, do it for the fjord view. Waking up to the mist rolling off the water is worth the extra 300 NOK.
- The Beds: Clarion uses high-quality mattresses, but heads up: like most of Scandinavia, they use two twin duvets on a double bed rather than one giant one. It prevents "cover theft" and is arguably the greatest contribution to marriage stability in history.
One thing to note: the "open" bathroom concept is a thing in some rooms. The sink might be in the living area, or the glass door to the shower might be a bit more "revealing" than some friends or coworkers might prefer. Check your room type if you’re traveling with someone you aren’t that close with.
💡 You might also like: 10 day forecast myrtle beach south carolina: Why Winter Beach Trips Hit Different
Sustainability Isn’t Just a Marketing Buzzword
In North America, "green hotels" usually just means they don't wash your towels every day. In Trondheim, the Clarion Hotel & Congress takes it further. The building is BREEAM-certified. They use seawater for cooling. They have a massive focus on reducing food waste—something you’ll notice at the buffet where they encourage "smaller plates, more trips" to keep leftovers down. They also phased out most single-use plastics years ago. If you care about your carbon footprint, this is one of the more responsible places to stay in the region.
The "Hidden" Perks and Local Secrets
Most guests miss the fact that staying here gives you easy access to the coastal path. You can walk for kilometers right along the water, past the cruise terminal and toward the suburb of Lade. It’s the best jogging route in the city, hands down.
Also, skip the hotel gym for a day and go to Pirbadet next door. It’s Norway’s largest indoor water park. As a hotel guest, you usually get a discounted rate. Floating in an outdoor heated pool while looking at the snowy mountains across the fjord is a core memory kind of experience.
Common Misconceptions About the Hotel
- "It's too far from everything."
Actually, it's a 10-minute walk to the Solsiden district, which is where all the best bars and restaurants are located in converted old shipyards. It’s the "cool" part of town. - "It's only for business people."
During the summer and weekends, the suits disappear and it becomes a huge family hub. The proximity to Pirbadet and Rockheim makes it a magnet for parents with kids. - "The parking is impossible."
There is a massive underground garage (city-run) right beneath the hotel. It’s expensive, but you will never struggle to find a spot.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
If you’re booking, try to time it with a festival. Trondheim hosts the St. Olav Festival in late summer and the Trondheim Calling music fest in winter. This hotel becomes the unofficial headquarters for performers and speakers.
Pro Tip: Join the Strawberry (formerly Nordic Choice) loyalty program before you book. Even if you never stay at another one of their hotels, you usually get a 5-10% discount immediately and a free coffee voucher.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book a "Fjord View" specifically. Don't leave it to chance at check-in; the city-side rooms are fine, but the water-side rooms are spectacular.
- Reserve a table at Astrum Skybar at least two weeks in advance if you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday. It fills up with locals, not just guests.
- Walk to Solsiden for dinner at least once. Crossing the Verftsbrua (the "Flower Bridge") at night when the lights are reflecting in the water is a highlight of any Trondheim trip.
- Check the Rockheim schedule. The museum next door is interactive and brilliant even if you don't know Norwegian music. It’s a great way to kill two hours before your train or flight.
- Use the Airport Bus (Værnesekspressen). It stops literally right outside the hotel doors. Don't waste 1200 NOK on a taxi when the bus is fast, clean, and cheap.
The Clarion Hotel & Congress Trondheim represents the "new" Norway: bold, sustainable, slightly expensive, but undeniably high-quality. Whether you love the architecture or think it’s a bit much, you can’t argue with the view from the 9th floor with a cold drink in your hand.