GOLDEN
LANDSCAPE
Some animals hunt prey and others graze.
Mountains, fjords, rivers and unobstructed views. Some seek great photos and others a tasty meal. Both will be rewarded with
a successful chase.
Foto: Svein Wik
A bird with a huge wingspan flies down towards the surface at a tremendous speed and grabs its meal with razor-sharp claws. Four excited faces confirm the moment was captured on camera and in their memories.
An hour before the fish become eagle food, an alarm clock rings 10 minutes before the rooster crows. That’s a necessity for Ole Martin. He wants his guests to experience an unrivalled closeness to wild animals and experience the way of nature up close and personal. To achieve this, you must obey nature. If you are up early enough, the eagles offer a virtual guarantee: Ole Martin always find eagles.
Ole Martin Dahle, or the “Eagle man from Flatanger”, is one Trønder who is just as famous abroad as at home in Trøndelag – at least among nature photographers.
Visits from Tokyo and Milan are treated in the same manner as visits from Trondheim and are almost as common.
Most people’s goal is to take great photos of the majestic white-tailed sea eagles that nest in the area.But the Eagle man will gladly guide you to a host of other birds and animals, such as the black grouse, moose and squirrel.
If you are in Flatanger and spot a man in a boat with goatee beard and a seagull on his head, it’s almost certainly the Eagle man. After all, eagles are not the only ones he has a close relationship with. “Charlie is my companion on virtually every tour,” says Ole Martin, showing us a photo of the herring gull Charlie, whose specialty is to sample food from Ole Martin’s cup. As soon as he enters the water, Charlie hovers in and settles on his hat – to the great amusement of avid photographers.
Photos: Wenche A.l. Dahle, and Søderholm&Steen
ENTERING THE CAVE
Eagles are not the only ones hanging high in Flatanger. The Hanshelleren cave’s giant overhang protects the wall from the weather and allows rock climbing virtually
year-round.
“The climbing route in the Hanshelleren cave is regarded as one of the toughest in the world,” says Magnus Midtbø, one of the world’s best climbers. Hanshelleren was relatively unknown until recently and many were surprised to learn that this spectacular
cave was in Trøndelag. Many are now adding this natural gem to their travel routes.
You will find another spectacular cave formation at Halvikhula in Osen (pictured). Although this cave is the largest in Northern Europe, it remains largely
unknown to all but the locals.
Foto: Bernartwood
WILD AND TAME
Trøndelag is home to nine protected areas; seven national parks and two nature reserves. From Børgefjell National Park in the north to Femundsmarka in the
south, you will discover large natural areas filled with silence, great fishing, wildlife and rich flora. While encounters with reindeer and moose are relatively common, these areas are also home to animals few people get to experience, such as Arctic foxes and brown bears.
If you want a close-up experience with Norwegian animals, the Namsskogan Family Park is a destination worth noting. Experience Norway’s big four predators: brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine, as well as a wealth of other species large and small. You can join the daily guided tour at feeding time. The goats at the Children’s Farm always prove popular with the youngest visitors.
“Falling asleep to the sound of wolves snoring and waking up to wolves howling is an exotic experience”, says the park’s manager, Joe Halvard Braseth. He is referring to the “Predator Camp”, where you can stay in a wooden hut just outside the wolf enclosure.
In recent years, more hiking trails throughout Trøndelag have been marked so visitors can also find their way. The most popular routes include the Trollheimen Triangle and Storsylen in Tydal, which both offer hikers and nature enthusiasts landscapes alternating between the steep and dramatic and the flat and calm.
However, the most accessible walking route is the Gudbrandsdalen Path, a pilgrim route from Oslo to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Thousands of pilgrims walk this route every year; some motivated by spiritual reasons and others by the chance to experience nature and sensory impressions along the way. Some people even walk all the way from the Christian pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela in Spain to
Trondheim.
Foto: Jarle Hagen
BIG FISH AND EAGLE ROBBERY
Leka was voted as Norway’s geological national monument. The island consists of distinctive yellow and red coloured serpentine rock that is otherwise only found on the American north coast. The theory is that the two areas were connected before the tectonic plates cracked and drifted apart.
Leka attracts deep-sea fishermen from near and far, like the islands of Hitra and Frøya further south on the coast of Trøndelag. Many come to Leka to fish for halibut, where the record catch was 1.9 m long and weighed 230 kg. Several halibut caught here were so big that tractors were needed to get them ashore.
Cycling, hiking, Solsemhula (a 40m-deep cave with Stone Age paintings) and the legends of Lekamøya and the “eagle robbery” also attract people to Leka.
Foto: Lilly Husbands
The latter relates to a two-and-a-half-yearold girl who was taken by an eagle and left
in an eagle’s nest in the mountains. The incident took place nearly 80 years ago, and
its authenticity is still the subject of debate among ornithologists and islanders.
SALMON ADVENTURES
Word of the wonderful rivers of Trøndelag first reached England about 150 years ago.
English lords with lots of money and few geographic restrictions travelled to Trøndelag to fish in rivers such as the Namsen, Gaula and Orkla. Some returned several times, paying good money to hire the best rowers. The number of lords who came to participate in this salmon fishing adventure grew in line with the favourable stories.
To this day salmon fishing remains an extremely popular activity, and several rivers in Trøndelag are still considered among the best in Norway. Increasingly more tourists are visiting Trøndelag to paddle canoes and kayaks, particularly in Femundsmarka south of
Røros, which has many continuous rivers and lakes. The river Nea, which flows into the Selbusjøen lake, is particularly popular among trout fishermen. You can combine a trip to the Nea with fishing in one or more of the 300 lakes in the Selbu area. This is a land of pure happiness for fishermen, but wilder rivers, including the Driva near Oppdal, have a reputation for extreme sports like rafting and canyoning.
FREEDOM ON TWO WHEELS
The temperature, wind and the smells will gain your attention as you glide through the countryside on two wheels. Exploring by bike gives you a completely different sensory impression than travelling by car, bus or train. With pedal power, you can stop whenever
you wish to take in the beautiful view, a meadow full of spring flowers or wild berries. You will find plenty of marked cycling paths in the region, everything from city routes in Trondheim to paths through beautiful cultural landscapes in Inderøy or Fosen.
«Å sovne til ulvesnork og våkne til ulvehyl er en ganske eksotisk opplevelse»
Foto: Jarle Hagen
NAMDALEN
FISHING OUTDOOR AND TOGETHERNESS
Namdalen stretches from coastal landscapes to Norwegian highlands with rivers teeming with fish, picturesque mountain lakes and hunting terrain with an ecstasy guarantee.
Long renowned as one of the country’s best rivers for salmon fishing, the river Namsen meanders through the mighty forests and mountains of Namdalen. English lords visited Namdalen as early as the 19th century to experience salmon fishing in the Namsen. Suitable for novices and experienced anglers alike, the Namsen attracts visitors from near and far.
The idyllic fishing village of Sør-Gjæslingan south-west of Rørvik is a listed holiday paradise. You can enjoy peace and tranquillity here while spending the night in a charming rorbu (fishermen’s cottage) or the historic manor house. Explore life as it was at the time when the seasonal Lofoten fishery provided the main source of income for people along the coast of Namdalen.
In the far north-west of Trøndelag, the saga island of Leka breaks the surface of the sea with its characteristic yellow-red serpentine mountains. Leka is Norway’s national geological monument, and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts young and old. You can bike and hike in an adapted but exciting terrain. But Leka’s main drawcard is the great fishing, especially halibut. Some of the largest halibut in Norway has been caught on rods in the waters off Leka. Giant halibut are not caught every day, but the opportunity always exists, including for you.
Namdalen’s three national parks – Lierne, Børgefjell and Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella – offer wonderful nature-based experiences all year-round. You will discover good opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities in the national parks as well as
other areas. The district is known for events such as the Flyktningerennet cross-country ski race, the Li-martnan market and the open-air theatre production Pe-Torsa, as well as its local food specialties.
The Namsen is surrounded by large, deep forests and the river is a historically important as a transport route for floating timber down to the sawmills in Namsos, where it was processed and shipped to markets in Norway and overseas. Visit the Norwegian Sawmill Museum (Sagbruksmuseum) at Spillum near Namsos. You can see the well-preserved historic sawmill firsthand and hear what it was like to be employed at one of Norway’s most dangerous workplaces. You can also visit the Namdal Museum, Art Museum Nord-Trøndelag and Rock City. The latter provides an insight into the famous history of Trønder rock music.
Foto: Bernartwood
TRAVEL TIPS
Go on a bear safari in Lierne National Park. Join us at the bear camp, spot traces of bears or have a close-up experience. Create memorable adventures with a horseback riding trip including an overnight stay in the national park.
Join the Eagleman Ole Martin Dahle on a trip out to sea in Flatanger and experience close-up contact with the white-tailed sea eagle.
Visit Nord-Trøndelag’s largest alpine ski resort, Grong Ski Centre. With the mountain Geitfjellet as the main arena, an outstanding winter experience is assured, also for cross-country ski enthusiasts. The area is also ideal for mountain hiking in the summer
and autumn.
Fish for salmon in the Namsen – the “Queen of Rivers”. Several companies along the river offer packages comprising accommodation, delicious culinary experiences and access to exclusive salmon beats.
Go island hopping on the Namdal coast, the fairytale coast of wild and wonderful Folla,
the realm of a thousand islands. Call at Namsos, Jøa, Sør-Gjæslingan, Nordøyan, Rørvik and Leka. Catch the scheduled passenger boat, spend the night in an authentic rorbu (fishermen’s cottage) and enjoy the atmosphere. Combine island hopping with cycling
and hiking.
The ‘Ale dorado’ of Skorovatn. The Skjenkestova inn is one of Norway’s most distinctive pubs, serving over 500 different beers from all over the world. Combine your visit with a hike on a marked trail in the scenic Skorovas Mountains.
Visit a branch of Museum Midt: The Namdal Museum, the Norwegian Sawmill Museum at Spillum, the Art Museum Nord-Trøndelag in Namsos or Norveg – the Centre of Coastal Culture and Industry in Rørvik.
At Rock City experience centre in Namsos offers an insight into the history and significance of Trønder rock. Try to write your own song, test your lyrics and tones in the studio and immerse yourself in the history of Trønder rock.
Read more at: www.visitnamdalen.com
Foto: Steinar Johansen
Foto: Tore Johansen
NAMSSKOGAN
A FOREST OF DREAMS
Mention Børgefjell and many a grouse hunter becomes dreamy eyed. The same goes for beer enthusiasts when you mention Skjenkestova in Skorovas. Namsskogan is an area for dreamers. Some have dreams here, while others live them.
NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCES
You could be excused for thinking that Namsskogan was designed by an intelligent being with a sense for nature-based experiences. As soon as you get a few metres away from the E6, Norway’s main highway, you will discover infinite amounts of valleys, rivers and mountain plateaus filled with fish, wild animals, berries and fresh air.
The local mountain board, Namsskogan Fjellstyre, has 17 cabins for rent and administer large areas for hunting and fishing. The mountain board also has many rowboats
for rent, some near roads and others up at mountain lakes.
The Namsen, the “Queen of Rivers” in Trøndelag, runs more than 70 km throughout the entire municipality. Although there are no salmon in this part of the river, it’s famous for trout fishing and fish of 1-3 kg are not uncommon.
SKJENKESTOVA IN SKOROVAS
Skjenkestova, a beer paradise in the middle of the forest, ranks as one of Norway’s most distinctive pubs. In the Mention Børgefjell and many a grouse hunter becomes dreamy eyed. The same goes for beer enthusiasts when you mention Skjenkestova in Skorovas. Namsskogan is an area for dreamers.
Some have dreams here, while others live them. tiny village of Skorovas, beer enthusiast Inge Staldvik has created a pub serving more than 500 varieties of beer, 160 aquavits and 70 types of whiskey. This popular pub attracts drinkers from all over the world.
With a permanent population of less than 40, many though Inge would be up against it when he decided to open a pub. However, interest continues to grow by the year, and the guest book shows visitors from 10 countries in Europe as well as one in Africa. Rooms are available nearby for those keen to stay the night.
NAMSSKOGAN WILDLIFE PARK
Namsskogan Wildlife Park is situated at Trones in the south of the municipality. The park attracts more than 50,000 visitors per year, making it one of Trøndelag’s leading tourist attractions.
The park is home to more than 150 animals, including the four big predators – brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. Visitors can also climb one of Europe’s highest climbing towers, glide across the lake on the zip-line, drive bumper boats or see the family show
featuring the rock witch Rebella Hex.
Foto: Kristian F. Nesser
GOOD TO KNOW
Namsskogan municipality is in Namdal in Nord- Trøndelag County. The population is approx. 920 and the municipality’s 1417 km. is full of lakes, rivers and valleys.
From north to south are the villages of Namsskogan, Brekkvasselv, Trones and Skorovas. The first three are on the E6 highway, while Skorovas is east of the E6 with the
turnoff south of Trones.
Hunting licences, maps and other info are available at Inatur.no. For fishing licences, you can choose between the Namsskogan card and the Børgefjell card.
You can fish in a choice of 800 lakes and 35 rivers.
Use the district’s flexible transport service (Tilbringertjeneste). If you catch the train to Lassemoen station, if you book 24 hours in advance (tel. 07417) you can take a taxi to
Trones or Skorovas and pay the same as the bus fare.
Rebella Hex Hex is a magical rock theatre at Namsskogan Wildlife Park every July, which is perfect for children (from six and up).
Inge offers his guests a choice of 500 beers, 160 aquavits and 70 whiskies.
You will discover more than 150 animals at Namsskogan Wildlife Park
Foto Inge Staldvik og Ølskilt: Erlend Angelo
Foto bjørn: Kristin Smedtad
RYPETOPPEN ADVENTUREPARK
- TEST YOUR BOUNDARIES!
Welcome to Rypetoppen Adventure Park in Meråker.
Norway’s only climbing park combining rocks and trees. Free admission to the park. You will find a map and prices for climbing and
canoe hire on our website.
Perfect for families, friends, companies and teams with a
common goal – let’s have fun together!
100 platforms in the trees
20 zip-lines (up to 230 m!)
25 m above the ground
12 km of wire
17 exciting trails!
WILD NORWAY
- A SELECTION OF NORWAYS BEST NATURE - BASED ADVENTURES
Dog sledding
Arctic Training & Expeditions
Wilderness living & Survival
Guided hikes and ski treks
Kayaking
Climbing
Musk ox, bear and whale watching safaris
Northern Lights chases
Photography tours
Family adventures
Corporate tours
And much more...
Life changing moments.
THE BEST DAY OF SUMMER!
You will find one of Norway’s biggest experience parks right by
the E6 – midway between Trondheim and Mo i Rana!
Relax and enjoy the animals! Try exciting and thrilling activities! Be charmed by magical Rebella Hex! Stay overnight among predators!
Open from 3 June
NATURE - BASED EXPERIENCES IN TRØNDELAG
HIKING
TRONDHJEMS TURISTFORENING
Hike from cabin to cabin in the Triangle and Sylan.
PILGRIMSLEDEN
Historical walks through natural and cultural landscapes.
VISIT BJØRGEFJELL
Hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing.
NORGES GEOGRAFISKE MIDTPUNKT
Enjoy nature’s silence in the middle of Norway.
SAFARIS
OPPDAL SAFARI
Musk ox and moose safaris, guided hikes.
NORWAY NATURE
White-tailed eagle and moose safaris.
MAUSUNDGLØTT
White-tailed eagle and seal safaris.
NAMSSKOGAN WILDLIFE PARK
See the four big predators: bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine.
RIDING
DYRHAUG RIDESENTER
Mountain riding on Iceland horses in Sylan.
PATRUSLI GÅRD
Riding tours in the forest and mountains.
BULIA, LANGKLOPP AND TROLLHEIM IN NERSKOGEN
Riding tours in wonderful mountain landscapes.
WESTUMS TURRIDNING
Mountain tours in beautiful Lierne.
CLIMBING
CLIMB FLATANGER
Climbing for amateurs and professionals. www.climbflatanger.com
FOLLA AKTIV
Guided adventures from sea to mountain.
RYPETOPPEN ADVENTUREPARK
Fun climbing activities for the whole family.www.rypetoppen.no
MUNKSTIGEN KLATRESTI
Via Ferrata – great nature-based experiences. www.munkstigen.no
CYCLING
VISIT INNHERRED
Ride in beautiful culture landscapes in Innherred.
DESTINASJON RØROS
Ride in UNESCO listed Røros.
VISIT OPPDAL
Ride on roads or paths in beautiful nature.www.oppdal.com
KYSTNORGE
Take your bike and go island hopping. www.kystnorge.com
FISHING
LAKSEFISKE
Gaula, Namsen, Orkla, and Stjørdalselva rivers.
HAVFISKE
Ideal conditions along the entire coast of Trøndelag.
INNLANDSFISKE
Enjoy the best of nature while fishing in Trøndelag´s lakes and mountain lakes.
FJORDFISKE
See if the fish are biting in Norway’s third longest fjord.
