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Guide / Trondheim
World-class seafood and downtown ridge walks in Trondheim
World Champion Chef and Bocuse d’Or silver medalist Christoper Davidsen guides us through Trondheim, the old Viking capital of Norway, and home to ”the world’s best seafood”.
CHRISTOPHER DAVIDSEN
16 Mar 2023

Who are you?

— I come from Stavanger, which is located on the west coast of Norway. I was raised in the countryside with my family, who farmed vegetables including Jerusalem artichoke, potatoes, and brussels sprouts. My childhood was filled with fresh fish and vegetables! 

A few weeks ago, you visited chef Tommy Myllymäki at his restaurant AIRA in Sweden and next week, you’ll welcome him to the Trondheim restaurant where you work, Speilsalen.

— Yes, I am really excited — we want our guests both in Stockholm and in Trondheim to experience the best from both of us and, at the same time, we want to learn from each other, so that we also improve. 

For someone who hasn’t been to Trondheim, how’d you describe it?

— Trondheim is the old Viking capital of Norway. It is a city with a lot of history and a lot of beautiful things to see, filled with gastronomy with a lot of good restaurants to experience.

My favourite thing that makes me proud of Trondheim: 

— It’s in the heart of the Midt Norge (’Middle Norway’) region. We are surrounded by water. My absolute favourite thing to do is go fishing for wild salmon. We have beautiful rivers around here filled with salmon and I also believe we have the world’s best seafood. I feel very privileged to be able to work with produce from our coastline. 

My favourite weekend routine: 

— In the winter, I love snowboarding at Vassfjellet, just outside of town. I also like to take a trip to Pirbadet which is an indoor pool in Trondheim, or you will find me spending time at home with my family, maybe relaxing and watching some football. 

Vassfjellet.

My favourite cultural spot:

— Between working and being with my family, I don’t have much time to get out and about. But when I do, I like to explore the concert venues in town and I always make time for the festivals in the summer, especially Pstereo; a big music festival with international names which has been going strong for many years.

My favourite place for dining out:

— I have a special place in my heart for Bula Neobistro by head chef Renée Fagerhøi — punchy, original cooking, always imaginative.

My favourite place for a creative or business meeting:

Britannia Hotel is the home to our restaurant but also five other food and beverage outlets, plus a modern conference facility. You will see many business deals done over lunch in our restaurant on a Friday or Saturday, and during the week, there is a lot happening in the hotel. It’s been a game changer for Trondheim since we re-opened in 2019.

Britannia Hotel.

My favourite breakfast place:

— You have to try breakfast in Palmehaven during your stay in Trondheim. It was awarded best hotel breakfast in Norway last year, and rightly so!

My favourite excursion:

— One of the best salmon rivers in the area, if not the world, is the Gaula. There is nothing better than spending a long summer night fishing there with friends, cooking our catch afterwards, with a roaring fire and a couple of beers.

Fishing on the Nansen. Photography: Wil Lee Wright

My favourite hotel for a staycation:

— As mentioned, Britannia Hotel has it all, including a luxury, exclusive spa.

My favourite place for fashion:

Høyer is my go-to shop to buy nice clothes for special occasions, but there are many great shops in Trondheim these days.

My favourite local entrepreneur or creative I want to promote:

— I am very interested in street art and murals. Ståle Gerhardsen is an artist in Trondheim who creates beautiful murals. Try walking down to Dora, the area with old World War II bunkers and see what you can find.

Mural by Ståle Gerhardsen in Trondhheim. Photography: Wil Lee Wright

My favourite space for great design: 

Illums Bolighus has high-end designer products, including lots of nice cooking books and stuff for the kitchen. 

My favourite route for a run or walk: 

— I mostly run on my treadmill in the basement! Which is a crime really, considering how beautiful the paths and nature are here. Ladestien, which runs along the headland to the east of town, is an excellent choice.  

Ladestien.

My favourite example of tech innovation: 

— I mentioned that Trondheim is surrounded by water and it is part of the city’s history. It’s also the city’s future and NTNU, the city’s big technology university, is one of the best at marine research in the world, amongst other things. 

My favourite local media:

— The local newspaper Adresseavisen, known locally as ’Adressa’, has been in circulation for hundreds of years and is still going strong.

My favourite thing at home: 

— Would it be wrong to say my wine cabinet?! Apart from my wonderful and supportive family. My wife really has supported me through all the challenges of my career so far, and I’m very appreciative of that. And the wine.