Visit the castles, hilltop lookouts and national parks set amid the beautiful landscapes of Nord-Trøndelag, which surround this quiet riverside town.
Stjørdal is a popular travel hub for central Norway. The town sits perched on the eastern banks of Trondheim Fjord and at the border of the Nord-Trøndelag and Sør-Trøndelag counties. Stjørdal presents the chance to enjoy superb salmon fishing, explore centuries-old structures and marvel at the northern lights. It’s also a gateway to jaw-dropping national parks.
The Stjørdal River stretches inland from the town’s shoreline all the way to the Sweden. From June to August this is one of the country’s finest salmon fishing destinations. Climb to the bell tower of the 11th-century Værnes Church for superb river views. The nearby Stjørdal Museum Værnes has exhibitions about regional folk customs.
A 15-minute drive north of town is Steinvikholm Castle, an island fortress and one of Norway’s oldest medieval buildings. In August it hosts a midnight opera performance that celebrates the life of 16th-century archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson. Admire rock art at Leirfall and explore the halls, towers and tunnels of Hegra Fortress. Forbordsfjellet is a wonderful vantage point for observing the northern lights, which appear from around September to May.
Catch a bus to the Viking port city of Trondheim. Tour ancient landmarks such as the Archbishop’s Palace, Nidaros Cathedral and Old Town Bridge. Delve into Norwegian music traditions at the Ringve Music Museum and Rockheim museum of rock and roll. Drink in the views from Kristiansten Fortress, set atop Brubakken Hill.
Within a 3-hour drive from Stjordal it’s possible to reach the mountain wilderness of pristine national parks. Hike amid lush valleys, pick berries and camp overnight in Børgefjell National Park. Spot bears, lynx and wolves in Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park. Join a musk ox safari in Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National Park.
Trondheim Airport is a 10-minute bus ride from Stjørdal. It receives flights from Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm in addition to several domestic towns and cities. Continue your adventure by renting a car and driving the breathtaking Kystriksveien coastal road, which starts at Steinkjer and meanders north to Bødo.
