Trøndelag is the green heart of the country where the roads lead through fertile valleys and massive fjords. You find yourself in a landscape of rolling hills and wild coastlines that offer a sense of peace. The region is a world of farm shops and quiet harbors where the pace of life is steady. It is a place of deep roots and a rich connection to the land.
A road trip here takes you along the coast where the road skips between islands like Leka. You can follow the Golden Road through Inderøy to taste the best local food in the country. The roads are easy and lead you to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim or the historic fishing village of Sør Gjæslingan. It is a region of balance and beauty.
The scenery shifts from the wide fields of the interior to the rocks of the outer islands. You can explore the mountains near Oppdal or stay by the water in a traditional fishing hut. Every turn gives a new view of the fjord or a quiet spot to watch the sunset. Trøndelag is a region of harmony.
Trøndelag highlights
- Nidaros Cathedral Visit the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world in the heart of Trondheim. It is a sacred site and a masterpiece of stone masonry.
- Golden Road Take a scenic detour through Inderøy for the best local food and farm shops. You can taste award-winning cheeses and craft beers.
- Bakklandet in Trondheim Walk across the Old Town Bridge to see the colorful timber houses along the river. This historic district is filled with cozy cafes.
- Røros Mining Museum Explore the historic mining plains shared with the interior. The stone church and wooden streets are legendary.
- Frosta Peninsula Discover the "Kitchen Garden of the North" with its fertile fields and ancient history. You can see the site of the first regional parliament.
- Leka Island Explore the unique red and yellow mountains that were once part of the ocean floor. The geology here is unlike anywhere else in the world.
- Stiklestad Heritage Stand on the battlefield where King Olav fell in 1030 and Norway became Christian. The open-air museum brings the Viking age to life.
- Namdalen Coast Follow the rugged shoreline past fishing villages and through a landscape of a thousand islands. It is a paradise for sea kayaking.
- Sør Gjæslingan Take a boat to this abandoned fishing station out in the ocean. The old wooden buildings offer a haunting look at life on the coast.
- Tyholt Tower Get a 360-degree view of Trondheim and the fjord from the rotating restaurant at the top. It is the best way to see the city layout.
The local Four
History of Trøndelag
Trøndelag is the sacred heart of the country where the history of kings and saints began. In 1030 the Battle of Stiklestad marked the fall of King Olav, who was later declared a saint and became the patron of Norway. His death turned the nation toward Christianity and made Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim the most important pilgrimage site in Northern Europe. For centuries pilgrims walked hundreds of miles to reach the golden shrine of the king.
The region was the political center of the Viking age where the powerful Earls of Lade ruled the north. They were master politicians who navigated the shifting alliances of the northern tribes. Meanwhile the fertile lands of the Trondheimsfjord made the region the breadbasket of the north providing the grain and meat that fueled the growth of the nation. The history here is one of abundance and spiritual power.
In later years the copper mines of Røros and the shipyards of the fjord brought industrial wealth to the region. The city of Trondheim grew with its wide streets and colorful timber warehouses along the river Nidelva. It has always been a place where education and trade met tradition. Trøndelag history is the foundation upon which the modern Norwegian identity was built.