Lade is located in the eastern part of Trondheim, bordering the Trondheimsfjord, an important waterway dating to the Viking Age.

Historically the Lade farm in Trondheim (Lade Storgård i Trondheim) is the seat of the Jarls of Lade (Ladejarler) who rule Trøndelag and Hålogaland.

The Jarls of Lade are a dynasty of Norwegian rulers, influential from the 9th century to the 11th century.