Olavshallen Concert Hall Trondheim: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
Olavshallen Concert Hall is Trondheim’s cultural centerpiece, celebrated for its rich program, architectural excellence, and central location. Since its inauguration in 1989, the hall has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, offering a diverse range of performances and events set amidst the city’s historic landscape. Whether you are a music enthusiast, history buff, or traveler seeking an immersive cultural experience, Olavshallen provides the perfect starting point for exploring Trondheim’s heritage and vibrant arts scene. This guide details everything you need to know, from visiting hours and ticket policies to accessibility, programming, and nearby attractions.
For the latest event schedules and visitor information, consult the official Olavshallen website and trusted platforms like Concert Archives and Concerty.
Location and Access
Olavshallen is located at Kjøpmannsgata 48, 7011 Trondheim, Norway—just steps from the city’s main attractions and transportation hubs. Visitors can easily reach the hall on foot from Trondheim Torg or Sentralstasjonen (central train station). Public transport, including buses and trams, stops nearby. For those arriving by car, parking is available in adjacent garages, though spaces may be limited during major events.
The main entrance is on Kjøpmannsgata, and an additional entrance and ticket office (billettluka) are accessible from Krambugata (Olavshallen Practical Info). The venue is fully accessible, featuring step-free access, elevators, and services for guests with mobility needs.
Visiting Hours
- Event Days: Doors open one hour before performances; the ticket office opens at the same time and closes shortly after the event begins.
- Non-Event Days: General public access is limited; always check the official Olavshallen website for the latest opening hours and visitor policies.
Tickets and Booking
Purchasing Tickets
- Online: Tickets are available via the official Olavshallen website and Eventim.no.
- On-site: The ticket office at the Krambugata entrance is open one hour before each performance.
- Trondheim Torg: Tickets may also be purchased at the Trondheim Torg shopping center information desk.
Electronic payments are preferred, though cash is accepted (change over NOK 50 is issued as a gift card).
Ticket Policies
- Refunds: Tickets are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation, following Norwegian consumer law (Lovdata.no, §22m).
- Exchanges: Exchanges are possible for different dates of the same event or seat changes within the same performance, subject to a new ticket fee. Contact [email protected] for details.
- Group Bookings: Discounts apply for groups of 10 or more; orders over 20 tickets can be invoiced for a NOK 150 fee.
- Gift Cards: Purchase online or at the ticket office; valid for all events at Olavshallen.
- Companion Tickets: Free companion tickets are available for guests requiring assistance; both the guest and companion need valid tickets, and a companion certificate is required (Olavshallen Ticket Info).
- Children and Age Restrictions: Most events are open to all ages unless otherwise specified. For age-restricted events, minors under 18 must be accompanied by a sober guardian over 25, with a signed guardian form (vergeskjema). One guardian may accompany up to two minors.
- Student Discounts: Student pricing is determined by the event organizer, not Olavshallen directly.
Programming and Cultural Highlights
Annual Events and Resident Ensembles
Olavshallen hosts over 300 events annually, with an audience of around 180,000 (Visit Norway). Its stages accommodate:
- Classical concerts and opera (resident Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera)
- Pop, rock, jazz, and world music
- Dance, ballet, and theater
- Children’s and family shows
- Stand-up comedy and spoken word
- Community festivals and ceremonies
Signature events include the Trondheim Jazz Festival and festive holiday concerts. The main hall (Store Sal) seats over 1,200, while the smaller Lille Sal offers an intimate setting for up to 350 guests.
Notable Performers and Special Programs
Olavshallen’s calendar features both local and international talent, such as:
- Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera (CT Systems LinkedIn)
- Brit Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute, Live Nation)
- The Bellamy Brothers (Bandsintown)
- Ragnhild Hemsing, Halvdan Sivertsen, Mnozil Brass, and more (JamBase)
The hall also serves as a venue for conferences, lectures, and community gatherings.
Historical and Architectural Significance
Named after King Olav II (St. Olav), the patron saint of Trondheim, Olavshallen is a modern tribute to the city’s medieval legacy. The building’s Scandinavian design combines clean lines and natural materials with advanced acoustic engineering, ensuring world-class sound for every performance. The hall’s history is intertwined with the city’s cultural growth, serving as a bridge between Trondheim’s past and its contemporary artistic ambitions (Wikipedia; Tripomatic).
Accessibility and Visitor Services
- Step-Free Access: All public areas are accessible via ramps and elevators.
- Reserved Seating: Available for wheelchair users and companions.
- Accessible Restrooms: Located throughout the venue.
- Hearing Loops: Installed in main performance spaces.
- Assistance: Staff are available to help with any accessibility needs.
For questions or support, contact customer service at [email protected] or call +47 73 80 76 60.
Amenities and On-Site Facilities
- Olavstorget Food Court: Offers diverse dining options before and after events.
- Cloakroom: Staffed and located near the Krambugata entrance.
- Lost Property: Inquiries via [email protected].
- Merchandise: Available at select events.
Nearby Trondheim Historical Sites
Combine your Olavshallen visit with explorations of Trondheim’s historical icons:
- Nidaros Cathedral: Norway’s national sanctuary, just a short walk away.
- Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro): The storied “Portal of Happiness.”
- Bakklandet: Historic district with colorful wooden houses and cafes.
For more information, see our guide to Top Historical Sites to Visit in Trondheim.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Arrive Early: Doors open one hour before performances.
- Tickets: Both mobile and printed tickets are accepted.
- Dress Code: Smart casual is typical; formal attire is not required.
- Photography: Check event-specific guidelines.
- Language: Most performances are in Norwegian; classical and international acts are accessible to broader audiences.
- Newsletter: Subscribe on the official website for event updates and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I buy Olavshallen tickets?
A: Online via the official website, Eventim.no, at the Olavshallen ticket office, or Trondheim Torg information desk.
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Doors and ticket office open one hour before events. For non-event visits, check online for specific hours.
Q: Is Olavshallen wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. The venue provides step-free access, accessible restrooms, reserved seating, and hearing loops.
Q: Are children allowed?
A: Most events are open to all ages. For age-restricted events, minors must be accompanied by a sober guardian with a signed form.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?
A: Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled.
Enhance Your Visit
- Virtual Tour: Explore Olavshallen Virtual Tour for a preview.
- Follow Olavshallen: Stay updated via social media and the newsletter.
- Download the Audiala App: Receive real-time event alerts and personalized recommendations.
Summary and Recommendations
Olavshallen Concert Hall stands as a beacon of Trondheim’s cultural vitality and historical continuity. With its welcoming spaces, diverse programming, and central location among the city’s top attractions, it offers a complete experience for every visitor. Secure your tickets through official channels, plan your visit to coincide with special events, and take advantage of the hall’s excellent amenities and accessibility features. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore nearby Trondheim historical sites, and remember to subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates.
For more details and planning resources, visit the Olavshallen official website and see our guides to Trondheim historical sites and Norwegian music festivals.
Official Sources and Further Information
- Olavshallen Concert Hall in Trondheim: Visiting Hours, Tickets, History, and Cultural Highlights, 2025, Olavshallen Official (https://www.olavshallen.no/kontakt/olavshallen)
- Olavshallen Concert Hall Trondheim: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Cultural Highlights, 2025, Concert Archives (https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/olavshallen)
- Olavshallen Concert Hall in Trondheim: Programming, Visiting Hours, Tickets & Visitor Guide, 2025, Live Nation (https://www.livenation.no/olavshallen-tickets-vdp151069)
- Visitor Experience: Practical Information, 2025, Olavshallen Practical Info (https://www.olavshallen.no/praktisk-info/billettinfo)
