Things To Do
in Malvik

Malvik is a small coastal municipality and community located on the south side of the Trondheimsfjord, a short drive east of Trondheim. Its landscape mixes sheltered fjord shoreline, modest beaches and gently forested hills, making it popular with commuters and outdoor lovers alike. Villages such as Hommelvik and Vikhammer offer harborfront charm, wooden houses and local services while larger urban amenities are just a short train or car ride away in Trondheim.

The pace is relaxed, with easy access to hiking, cycling and sea-based activities throughout the year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Malvik
morning
:

Arrive at Trondheim Airport and take a scenic drive to Malvik, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling Norwegian pastries and fresh coffee. Take your time to settle into your accommodation and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.

afternoon
:

Explore the charming village of Malvik, visiting the local shops and galleries to appreciate the unique crafts and art. Stroll along the banks of the Trondheimsfjord, taking in the calming views of the water and surrounding hills. Don’t forget to capture some memorable photos.

evening
:

Dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring traditional Norwegian cuisine, such as reindeer stew or fresh fish. Engage with locals and gain insights into the culture and traditions of the region. End your night with a peaceful walk under the midnight sun, reflecting on your first day.

day 2
Hiking Adventure
morning
:

After an early breakfast, set out for a hike in the scenic Bymarka Nature Reserve. Prepare your gear and enjoy the invigorating air as you make your way through lush forests and past shimmering lakes. Experience the thrill of discovering hidden trails while marveling at the diverse flora and fauna.

afternoon
:

Establish a picnic spot at a stunning viewpoint to take in the panoramic vistas of the Trondheimsfjord and surrounding mountains. Share stories and enjoy fresh Norwegian picnic treats, surrounded by nature's tranquility. Spend some time relaxing before continuing your hike.

evening
:

Return to Malvik in the evening, feeling accomplished from your hiking adventure. Dine at a local pizzeria to enjoy a hearty meal with a modern twist on Norwegian flavors. Wind down by visiting a local pub for some socializing and live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) at a bar$7-11
🚌Single public transport ticket$3-5
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$100-160

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastal and forest scenery with easy access to outdoor activities
  • Close to Trondheim for cultural attractions while retaining a quiet, local feel
  • Good public transport connections and a safe environment
  • Limited nightlife and dining options within Malvik itself
  • Weather can be changeable; short daylight hours in winter
  • Prices are relatively high compared with many other countries
  • "Hei" - Hi / Hello
  • "Takk" - Thank you
  • "Unnskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Hvor er ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Kan du hjelpe meg?" - Can you help me?
  • "Jeg snakker litt norsk" - I speak a little Norwegian

Places to Visit in Malvik

Visit one of these nice places.

Hommelvik Harbor

Picturesque wooden houses, piers and fishing boats with fjord reflections — great for golden-hour shots and intimate coastal scenes.

Vikhammerstranda (Vikhammer beach)

Sandy shoreline and shallow water with views across the Trondheimsfjord; good for sunrise, beachscapes and people photography in summer.

Fjord viewpoints along the coastal path

Several informal lookout points between villages give sweeping views of the Trondheimsfjord and distant islands — ideal for wide-angle and panoramic photography.

Local woodland trails

Forested tracks and small lakes provide atmospheric shots in autumn and winter, with mossy groundcover and seasonal light filtering through trees.

Commuter train lines and stations

Photogenic passing trains framed by coastal and rural landscapes — useful for capturing everyday local life and motion.

Culinary Guide

Food in Malvik

Malvik’s food scene reflects coastal Trøndelag traditions with fresh seafood, locally raised meats, dairy products and a Nordic emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Small cafés and family-run restaurants serve hearty, simple dishes while nearby Trondheim expands your options for gourmet dining. Expect fresh fish, open-faced sandwiches and robust baked goods.

Malvik Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fiskesuppe (Norwegian fish soup)

A creamy, aromatic soup with local white fish, shellfish and root vegetables — commonly found at seaside cafés and local restaurants in Hommelvik.

Must-Try!

Brunost and open-faced sandwiches (smørbrød)

Traditional toppings on rye or farmhouse bread — brunost (brown cheese), cured salmon or lamb. Easy to find at bakeries and cafés.

Grilled local salmon

Fresh fjord salmon grilled simply and served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables; often on menus at harbor-side eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local bakeries and weekend stalls

Hommelvik hosts small bakeries and occasional market stalls selling pastries, breads and locally produced cheeses; look for cinnamon buns (skillingsboller) and sandwich fare.

Climate Guide

Weather

Malvik has a coastal, temperate climate influenced by the Gulf Stream: cool summers, relatively mild winters for the latitude and precipitation spread through the year. Expect changeable weather—layers and a rain jacket are recommended year-round. Snow is common in winter but tends to be less persistent on the immediate coast compared with higher inland terrain.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Being on time is important for appointments, tours and social plans; Norwegians value punctuality.

Personal space and modesty

People value quietness, personal space and modest conversation in public; avoid loud behavior and respect privacy.

Shoes and homes

It's common to remove shoes when entering private homes; follow your host’s lead.

Queuing and fairness

Forming orderly queues and waiting your turn is normal and expected in public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Malvik is generally safe with low violent crime. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables, be cautious on icy roads/paths in winter, and respect water safety rules when swimming or kayaking. In emergencies dial 112 for police, 110 for fire and 113 for medical emergency. Keep warm clothing and emergency kit in your vehicle during winter drives.

Tipping in Malvik

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory in Norway. Service charges are usually included in prices; rounding up small amounts for good service or leaving a 5–10% tip in restaurants is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Norway is highly cashless — debit and credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, including small cafés and taxis. Mobile payment apps and contactless payments are common; carry a small amount of cash only if you prefer.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours and mild temperatures (10–20°C / 50–68°F) make it ideal for hiking, kayaking and swimming at sheltered beaches. Expect many locals outdoors and some occasional rain; pack a light rain jacket and layers.

Autumn

Crisp air and colourful foliage on inland paths; good for photography and mushroom/berry foraging. Weather can turn quickly, with cooler temperatures and more frequent wind and rain.

Winter

Cold but relatively mild coastal winters compared with inland Norway; snow and icy conditions are possible — bring warm layers, waterproof boots and be prepared for short daylight hours. Cross-country skiing is common on prepared trails when snow arrives.

Spring

Melting snow, budding trees and migrating birds make for lively nature scenes; trails can be muddy so waterproof footwear is recommended and temperatures can still be chilly early in the season.

Nightlife Guide

Malvik at Night

Malvik’s nightlife is low-key: a handful of pubs, cafés and seasonal events around Hommelvik and Vikhammer provide a relaxed evening. For a broader selection of bars, clubs and cultural events drive or take the train to Trondheim (about 15–25 minutes), where student life and a larger urban scene create livelier nights.

Hiking in Malvik

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal path (Hommelvik to Vikhammer)

Easy, scenic walks along the shoreline with frequent fjord viewpoints, suitable for families and photographers.

Local forest trails around Hundhammeren

Moderate woodland tracks offering shorter loop hikes, birdwatching and seasonal mushroom/berry picking.

Bymarka and Jonsvatnet (nearby Trondheim)

Larger network of trails and lakes a short drive away—excellent for longer day hikes, mountain biking and trail running.

Vassfjellet area (short drive)

Higher-elevation hiking and skiing options within easy driving distance for panoramic views and more challenging routes.

Airports

How to reach Malvik by plane.

Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD)

Main regional airport about 35–45 km east of Malvik (roughly 30–45 minutes by car or train). Provides domestic flights across Norway and international connections; regular trains and buses connect to Trondheim and Malvik-area stations.

Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL)

Norway’s largest airport, about 6–7 hours by car or a 1-hour flight to Trondheim; useful if travelling internationally with more flight options via Oslo.

Getting Around

Walkability

Villages like Hommelvik and Vikhammer are compact and easily walkable; pleasant sidewalks and coastal paths make short local trips simple. For exploring the wider municipality or reaching trailheads and rural beaches, a bike or car is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Norwegian families

Many residents are families who commute to Trondheim for work, valuing the quieter, coastal lifestyle and good schools.

Commuters and professionals

People working in Trondheim who prefer living in a smaller community with easy rail or road access to the city.

Outdoor enthusiasts

Residents and visitors attracted by hiking, fishing and water sports who use Malvik as a base for regional activities.

Small immigrant communities

Like many Norwegian municipalities, Malvik has growing international and immigrant families contributing to local diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most widely played and watched sport with local clubs and youth teams active in the community.

Cross-country skiing

A traditional and popular winter sport on groomed trails when snow conditions permit; families and clubs participate.

Kayaking and rowing

Water sports are popular in summer due to easy access to sheltered fjord waters.

Handball

Played widely across Norway, with local youth programmes and school teams.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light compared with larger urban areas, though morning and evening commutes toward Trondheim can cause congestion on local roads and the E6 corridor. Public transportation includes regional trains and a network of buses; timetables are reliable but less frequent late at night or on weekends, so plan ahead.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Malvik.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and restaurants; expect salads, egg-and-cheese open sandwiches and vegetable-forward mains, but always ask staff — menus may still be meat/fish oriented.

Vegan

Vegan choices are available but limited in smaller eateries; larger cafés and Trondheim restaurants offer more deliberate vegan dishes. Carry snacks if you have limited options.

Gluten-free

Many bakeries and restaurants can provide gluten-free bread or substitutions on request, but cross-contamination is possible. Ask when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Norway provides high-quality healthcare; routine care is through local doctors' offices (fastlege) and clinics. For hospital services, St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim is the regional specialist center (reachable by car/train). In emergencies call 113. EU/EEA visitors should carry an EHIC/GHIC; non-EU visitors should have travel insurance covering medical costs.

Discover Norway

Read more in our Norway 2025 Travel Guide.

Norway Travel Guide