Trondheim is Norway's third-largest city, located on the Trondheim Fjord in central Norway with a population of around 217,000. The city combines medieval history — anchored by the Nidaros Cathedral — with a vibrant university culture from NTNU. For pet owners, Trondheim offers dedicated hundeparker at Kanonhaugen (Lade) and Saupstad where dogs can run off-leash, while the surrounding Bymarka forest provides over 200 kilometers of marked trails for hiking with dogs. The Nidelva river winds through the city center, creating pleasant waterside walks past the iconic colorful wharfhouses. The city has year-round leash regulations in urban areas, but the forests and trails beyond the city limits offer exceptional freedom during the off-season. Public transport via AtB allows leashed dogs on buses and trams.
Veterinary Clinics
Evidensia Trondheim Dyresykehus
Trondheim (fully equipped animal hospital)
Evidensia Trøndelag Dyreklinikk
Charlottenlund, Trondheim
Ranheim Dyreklinikk
Ranheim, east Trondheim
Pet-Friendly Parks
Lade Hundepark (Kanonhaugen)
Off-leash OKA large, fenced off-leash dog park on a hilltop at Lade with a secondary smaller area typically used by small dogs. Features metal water bowls and waste disposal containers. The park has a strong, welcoming community of experienced dog owners. Can be muddy or icy in winter. Excellent views from the elevated position.
Saupstad Hundepark
Off-leash OKA fenced off-leash dog park in the Saupstad neighborhood, providing an enclosed area where dogs can exercise freely. Less crowded than Lade, offering a quieter alternative for dogs who prefer calmer environments. Well-maintained with waste disposal facilities.
Bymarka
Off-leash OKTrondheim's vast recreational forest with over 200 kilometers of marked trails through pine and birch woodland, lakes, and hillsides. A paradise for hiking with dogs. Dogs must be leashed during the April 1 to August 20 bandtvang period. Outside bandtvang, well-behaved dogs can walk off-leash on trails away from wildlife areas.
Bymarka, Trondheim
Nidelva Riverside Walk
Leash requiredA scenic walking path along the Nidelva river through Trondheim's city center, passing the colorful Bakklandet wharfhouses, Nidaros Cathedral, and Kristiansten Fortress. Dogs must be leashed but the flat, paved path is ideal for daily walks. Benches and green areas along the route offer rest stops.
Local Pet Regulations
Båndtvang (Mandatory Leash Period)
All dogs must be kept on a leash between April 1 and August 20 throughout Norway. Trondheim municipality enforces this strictly to protect wildlife during the breeding season. Dogs must be leashed or kept in a fenced area during this period. Fines of 3,000 to 10,000 NOK apply for violations.
Source: Norwegian Hunting Act
Year-Round Urban Leash Rules
In Trondheim, dogs must be leashed year-round in urban areas including residential neighborhoods, shopping areas, parks, cemeteries, schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities. Off-leash exercise is only permitted in designated hundeparker.
Dog Waste Cleanup
Dog owners must clean up after their dogs with a waste bag and dispose of it in a bin in all public areas. Trondheim provides waste bag dispensers throughout the city. Fines apply for non-compliance.
Public Transport (AtB)
Dogs travel free on AtB buses and trams in Trondheim. Dogs must be leashed and kept on the floor. Small pets in carriers are also permitted. Avoid peak commuting hours with larger dogs for the comfort of other passengers.
Microchipping and Registration
All dogs in Norway must be microchipped and registered with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). Dogs must wear a collar with the owner's contact information. This applies to all dogs regardless of age or breed.
For nationwide regulations, see our Norway pet care guide.
Best Neighborhoods for Pets
Bakklandet
A charming historic neighborhood on the east bank of the Nidelva with colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés. The area is compact and walkable, connecting to the old town bridge and Kristiansten Fortress trails. Several cafés welcome dogs, and the riverside walk is a daily favorite for pet owners.
Lade
A coastal residential area east of the city center with direct access to the Lade Hundepark and waterfront walking paths along the Trondheim Fjord. The Ladestien coastal trail offers a scenic route with views of the fjord and the Munkholmen island. Excellent for daily dog walks combining park and coast.
Byåsen
A hillside residential district on the western edge of Trondheim with direct access to Bymarka forest. Ideal for dog owners who want to step from their door onto forest trails. Quieter than the city center with a mix of housing and green spaces. The Skistua area offers year-round trail access.