Hiking in Verdal
Hiking in Verdal offer a wonderful blend of rich history and beautiful scenery. From peaceful strolls along the Verdalselva river and visits to an old mining community, to spotting remnants of historic defence structures – every step reveals a new story. It’s these tales from the past that bring each walk to life and make the experience all the more exciting.
Kristin and Trude on Karl Johans Veg in Verdal. Photo: Explorative AS
Bergugleberget – 2,8 km round trip
Just one kilometre off the Fv72, heading towards Tromsdalen, you’ll find Bergugleberget – a delightful short walk with a touch of history. At the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views over Verdal. Along the way, information boards share the story of Swedish General Armfelt’s 1718 campaign through Verdal, as he attempted to capture Trondheim and Trøndelag. Bergugleberget served as a strategic cannon site in the defence of Verdal, once home to six cannons – three of which can still be seen today. This is an easy and enjoyable walk, suitable for everyone.
Tour description on Ut.no (in Norwegian with zoomable map – see translation below)
About the Hike
Location: Nord-Trøndelag
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.0 km (out-and-back)
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 106 metres total
Season: April – October
Route type: Out-and-back (same trail both ways)
Kjentmannsmerke no. 36.
Follow the well-marked trail uphill through the forest towards the old cannon positions at the top.
The trail is accessible with a pram.
In autumn 1907, plans were drawn up for the fortifications that would become “De Værdalske Befestninger”. Initially, plans were made for fortress galleries east of Vaterholmen and a defensive front (fortress) at “Skogrøverknappen”, close to Bergugleberget.
There are excellent views in all directions from the top.
Getting There
By car:
Drive FV72 Jamtlandsvegen to Levring, then turn off towards Tromsdal. Continue for 1.3 km until you cross the river Trongdøla. Parking is on the left just after the bridge.
Gamle Kongeveg - 14 km round trip
The old royal road between Husby in Verdal and Sparbu in Steinkjer likely dates back to the early Iron Age and forms part of the historic Allemannsvegen through the Innherred region. It’s a walk steeped in heritage – and for those keen on a bit more adventure, it can easily be combined with a hike up to Marsteinsvola for even more spectacular views.
Tour description on Ut.no (in Norwegian with zoomable map – see translation below)
About the Hike
Location: Nord-Trøndelag, Trøndelag region
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.8 km (one way, A–B)
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 215 metres total
Season: May – November
Route type: Point-to-point (A–B)
In the Footsteps of the Peasant Army
The old King’s Road between Husby in Verdal and Vådal in Sparbu is the oldest thoroughfare in the area, probably dating back to the early Iron Age, and forms part of the ancient public road through Innherred. It is almost certain that this was one of the routes used by the peasant army as they gathered to march on Stiklestad in July 1030.
You can walk the Old King’s Road starting from the car parks at Husby, Vådal, or Lundsaunet. It may be practical to have a car at each end or to walk the route as a return trip. You can also choose to walk only part of the trail and then continue on one of the many other paths and tractor tracks in the area. For example, you can combine this walk with a hike up Marsteinsvola.
The path is clearly visible, signposted, and recently refurbished. There are some wet sections on rainy days, but generally, it can be walked in hiking shoes. The trail is in excellent condition and is well used.
This hike is described as a one-way route!
Getting There
Lundsaunet:
Follow the E6 to Røra. Just north of Røra station, follow the sign for “oldtidsveg” (ancient road) eastwards. Continue for about 2 km to the car park with an information board on the right.
Husby:
Drive the E6 to the Trones exit north of Verdal. Cross the bridge over the E6, turn left immediately after the bridge, then right through the 30 km/h zone, and continue straight ahead until you see the sign for “Volhaugen” on the left. Follow this road to the car park.
Vådal:
Follow the E6 to Røra, and continue a few more kilometres to the top of a hill. Just after a sharp bend, turn right at the sign for Vådal. Keep right at the first junction and continue straight ahead. At the next junction, keep right through the farmyard and continue on the gravel road to the car park by the notice board.
Malså Gruver- 3,8 km round trip
This is a short but lovely walk into an old mining area, where traces of 19th-century activity can still be seen today. Several information boards along the way share stories from the past. Malså Mines was the largest and longest-operating mining site in Verdal. From here, it’s just a few kilometres over to Ogndalen in Steinkjer – perfect for those wanting to explore a bit more of the region
Tour description on Ut.no (in Norwegian with zoomable map – see translation below)
About the Hike
Location: Nord-Trøndelag
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.7 km (out-and-back)
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 85 metres total
Season: April – October
Route type: Out-and-back (same trail both ways)
Kjentmannsmerke no. 5.
Follow the old mine road to the end. Malsådalens Venner and Helgådal IL have done a great job with both the car park and the mine area, providing good picnic spots, a fine lean-to shelter, and clear waymarking throughout the mining area.
Getting There
By car:
Drive Rv 757 to Vollen. Follow the signs to Malså kobberverk. There is a toll road into Malsådalen to the end of the road.
Hallemsmarka burial ground - 4.6 km round trip
Explore the history of Hallemsmarka!
Take a trip through one of the largest Iron Age burial sites in Nord-Trøndelag, with around 80 ancient burial mounds scattered across the landscape. Start your journey at the Stiklestad National Cultural Centre and follow the trail, where information boards guide you through the fascinating stories of the past. After the trip, why not unwind with a bite to eat at Restaurant Skalden?
Hallemsmarka is set in a landscape dominated by towering burial mounds, offering an exceptional collection of ancient relics from both the early and late Iron Age, spanning from 500 BC to 1030 AD. This burial site is the largest in Verdal and one of the largest in Nord-Trøndelag. A total of 80 burial mounds have been recorded, with several of them being particularly large.
Hegstadmarka burial ground - 4.5 km round trip
Take a trip to Hegstadmarka and discover the impressive burial mounds from the Iron Age!
Located east of Stiklestad, the burial site offers stunning views over Verdalen from the hilltop. The journey begins at the Stiklestad National Cultural Centre, where you’ll follow a marked trail that leads you to both small and large burial mounds. This area boasts one of the largest collections of large mounds in Norway, with several information boards along the way to tell you more. After your trip, why not relax and take a break at Restaurant Skalden?
Høgfjellstøtta - 14.4 round trip
Difficulty: Moderate – Distance: 14.4 km round trip
Your journey begins at the information board at Kråksjøkrysset, where you’ll follow Karl Johan’s Road all the way to Høgfjellstøtta. This historic path, dating back to 1835, leads you through beautiful landscapes, with Høgfjellstøtta located just 1.5 km from the Swedish border.
The trail is well-marked and usually dry underfoot, making it suitable for both prams and bicycles. Many people enjoy the trip by bike as well.
Høgfjellstøtta is part of the Kjentmannsmerket in Verdal, offering an accessible and scenic route for all to enjoy.
Hermannssnasa – 2o km round trip
Standing proudly at 1,035 metres above sea level, Hermannsnasa in Verdal is a popular hiking destination in Innherred – both in summer and winter. This is a true mountain adventure, so be sure to bring a map, compass, extra layers, and sturdy hiking boots. The terrain can be wet underfoot and the route includes river crossings, making preparation essential for a safe and enjoyable trip
Trip description on Ut.no (in Norwegian with zoomable map – see translation below)
About the Hike
Location: Nord-Trøndelag
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 20.6 km (out-and-back)
Duration: Not specified
Elevation gain: 969 metres total
Season: May – September
Route type: Out-and-back (same trail both ways)
Hermannsnasa – 1035 m.a.s.l.
Hermannsnasa, at 1035 metres above sea level, is a popular hiking destination in Innherred, both summer and winter. This distinctive, flat-topped mountain – reminiscent of Hårteigen on the Hardangervidda plateau – rises much higher and is more prominent than the surrounding peaks. From the summit, you have fantastic views as far as Sylane to the south, Skjækerfjella to the north, and the many peaks of Sweden’s Skäckerfjäll to the east.
Follow Karl Johans Klev, as this section of the old road is called (completed in 1835), up the slopes. When the road levels out, take the clear path to the right towards Havervollen (450 m.a.s.l.). There are some wet sections with marsh between rocky outcrops and solid ground. Once you reach the meadow, continue across it, past the cabin and over the stream at the upper end. Follow the stream valley for a while before turning left and ascending into open terrain above the treeline.
Here you’ll see “Snasa” (as the mountain is known locally) rising ahead of you to the south. From here, it’s mostly a straight walk towards the summit. It can be wise to head over the 558-metre contour, pass just west of the north-eastern Tverråsjøen, and aim between Hermannsnasa and Tverrvola for the driest terrain across this relatively flat section. If you visit around late July or early August, you might find cloudberries along this stretch.
The Tverrå stream is easy to cross, and from here the ascent to the summit begins. Midway up, you cross the route used by the Caroleans in autumn 1718 on their march from Guddingsvika by Lake Feren to Melbyvollen. At the top of the long ascent, the terrain flattens briefly before the mountain rises steeply ahead. The best route to the summit is to follow the ridge southwards until you see the waymarked path to the summit on the south-eastern side.
A clear path has developed here, as Hermannsnasa is the first peak in the “Meråker Mountain Challenge” race, held in recent years. At the top, it is relatively flat and there is plenty of space. Several small tarns on the summit invite a refreshing dip on warm days. The highest point is in the middle of the elongated summit. Now it’s time to enjoy the views in all directions and take a well-deserved break before heading down.
Accommodation: For those travelling from afar, self-service accommodation is available at Bellingstua (Nord-Trøndelag Tourist Association), located by Fv. 72 further east after passing Sandvika.
Alternative Routes
– Start from Stormoen by Fv. 72, follow the road (toll road) to Risvatnet and continue north of Tverrvola up to the summit.
– Turn off Fv. 72 at Garnes towards Fåravollen and continue to the end of the road at “Kavelbruin”. Follow the path towards Melbyvollen and along the Snasaelva river towards the summit.
– From Sulåmo by Lake Feren: easiest with boat/canoe to Guddingsvika. Follow the ridge towards Litlsnasa and onwards to the summit. This is the shortest option, 7 km from Guddingsvika.
– Drive from Levanger towards Okkenhaug, continue to Vulusjøen and to the innermost part of Heståsdalen. Follow the old path northeast to the bridge over Salthammersvae, past Salthammersvollen to Glonkbu, where you can cross the Glonka river on a suspension bridge. Continue up towards Glonkvola/Per Gubb and over Fersvola to the summit.
Getting There
By car:
Drive FV 72 Jamtlandsvegen towards Sul. About 1.2 km after the Vaterholmen bridge, there is parking at the mouth of Kleivdalen, by the suspension bridge leading to the fortifications. There is a large information board at the car park.
The riverside promenade- 3,9 km one way
This lovely trip begins at the birdwatching tower at Tronestangen and follows the Verdalselva river. Along the path, you’ll find plenty of picnic spots – many with facilities for barbecuing – making it ideal for a relaxing day out. The trail is of excellent quality and is suitable for everyone, whether you’re walking with or without a pram, or out cycling. Benches are dotted along the way, perfect for a rest while you take in the peaceful river views. You can also start the trip from Verdal town centre if you prefer
Trip description on Ut.no (in Norwegian with zoomable map – see translation below)
About the Hike
Location: Nord-Trøndelag, Trøndelag region
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.9 km (out-and-back)
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 24 metres total
Season: All year
Route type: Out-and-back (same trail both ways)
The walk starts at the birdwatching tower at Tronestangen. This is a protected area (bird sanctuary), so dogs must be kept on a lead.
Follow the path straight ahead, and whenever the trail splits, keep to the right so that you always follow the river.
There are many picnic spots along the trail, with opportunities for barbecuing. The path is of a very high standard and suitable for everyone – walkers with or without prams, and cyclists. There are also plenty of benches along the route, so you can take a break and enjoy the view over the Verdalselva river.
The end of the trail is close to the YX petrol station, but it is possible to continue a bit further into the centre of Verdal or towards Stiklestad. On summer days, it’s lovely to take a break at the YX station and enjoy a cold ice cream before returning to your starting point.
This route is described as a walk, but it is just as suitable for cycling. If you don’t have a bike but would like to hire one, Visit Innherred in Steinkjer offers bike rental, including delivery and pick-up service.
Getting There
By car:
Turn off at the sign for Trones from the E6 at Verdal – Sjøbygdvegen. After 180 metres, turn left onto Åkerhusvegen (F169) (also signposted Trones). Turn right onto Tronesvegen and shortly after, turn left down towards the water (Kåra). There is parking by the water, right next to the birdwatching tower.
Pilgrimage trail from Selånger to Trondheim
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, starting from Selånger near Sundsvall in Sweden, and journey through Stiklestad and Levanger on your way to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. This trip takes you through beautiful cultural landscapes and offers countless historical landmarks along the way. If you’d like, we’re happy to help arrange accommodation for your journey.
The Norwegian section of the St. Olav Path stretches 187 km, winding through forests, valleys, and the fertile farmlands of Trøndelag. The route passes through the municipalities of Verdal, Levanger, Stjørdal, Frosta, Malvik, and Trondheim.
From Stiklestad, you can choose between the the inner trail or the outer trail, depending on the kind of experience you’re after.
Resources for your planning: https://www.pilegrimsleden.no/en/trails/st-olavsleden
https://stolavsleden.com/
Stiklestad Pilegrim Center
We also provide planning assistance: post@visitinnherred.com | Tel: +47 74 40 17 16
Trip description on Ut.no (in Norwegian with zoomable map – see translation below)
About the Hike
Location: Nord-Trøndelag, Trøndelag region
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 750.9 km (one way, A–B)
Duration: Not specified
Elevation gain: 8,246 metres total
Season: May – September
Route type: Point-to-point (A–B)
St. Olavsleden
Selånger – Stiklestad – Trondheim
St. Olavsleden starts in Selånger, just outside Sundsvall, and ends at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The route follows the path taken by King Olav Haraldsson when he returned from Novgorod in Russia in the summer of 1030 to Christianise Norway and reclaim the Norwegian throne. The 564 km long pilgrimage route runs from coast to coast – through two countries – in the footsteps of St. Olav.
The Norwegian section of St. Olavsleden is 187 km long. It passes through forests, valleys, and fertile Trøndelag farmland, crossing the municipalities of Verdal, Levanger, Stjørdal, Frosta, Malvik, and Trondheim.
Sweden
For maps and stage descriptions on the Swedish side, see www.stolavsleden.com.
Stiklestad
53 km from the border between Sweden and Norway lies Stiklestad. Here, King Olav the Holy was killed in a great battle on 29 July 1030. This event had a significant impact on the development of the Norwegian nation. Today, there is a church on the site where the king died, as well as the Stiklestad National Cultural Centre and Stiklestad Hotel.
At Munkeby in Levanger, the trail splits into an inner and an outer route:
Inner Route
The inner route of St. Olavsleden passes through deep Trøndelag forests, offering a peaceful and natural hiking experience. Walkers on the inner route will mostly follow forest paths and gravel roads. Shops are few and far between, so pilgrims must either carry food or buy meals at the simple hostels along the way. It is recommended to book food and accommodation in advance.
Outer Route
The outer route passes through villages and settlements along the Trondheimsfjord, with many historical sites along the way. The route is mostly on asphalt, and it is easy to find grocery stores. Accommodation ranges from simple hostels to larger hotels. Those choosing the outer route must travel by boat from Frosta/Tautra – either to Steinvikholmen or directly to Trondheim.
Trondheim
The destination for all St. Olav Ways in Scandinavia is Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. This was true in the Middle Ages – and remains so today. The mighty cathedral is built near the site where St. Olav was buried in 1030. One year after his death, the king was canonised by the church. Nidaros Cathedral was built as a pilgrimage church for the many thousands who wished to visit the saint’s shrine.
FACTS ABOUT ST. OLAVSLEDEN
The trail is waymarked according to the national standard for hiking trails.
The route follows in the footsteps of St. Olav.
Runs from coast to coast.
Passes through two countries.
Along the trail, there are lean-tos and accommodation options.
For more information, visit pilegrimsleden.no.
Getting There
By car:
Great starting points are Stiklestad, Verdal, Levanger, Stjørdal, or Trondheim. Åre in Sweden is also a good starting point.
By public transport:
All the mentioned starting points have train and bus connections. See en-tur.no for more information.
Guided tours in Verdal
Innherred offers many wonderful hiking opportunities, but not all routes are suitable for everyone. Through the ‘Godt tilgjengelig’ project, Bedriftsidretten, in collaboration with FFO Trøndelag, the Norwegian Handicap Association, Trøndelag County Municipality, and volunteers, has made ten accessible routes in the Innherred region. Look for the symbol with the accessibility sign – this marks the routes with good accessibility.
On these routes, you’ll find detailed information about the trail, both on signage and digitally. You can learn about the gradient, terrain, parking options, accessible toilets, signage, resting spots, and more. Click on the trails below to find out more
Symbol – godt tilrettelagte turer
Trimtrapper in Verdal Municipality
More about Elvepromenaden fitness stairs
The riverside promenade along Verdalselva, stretching from the town centre to Trones, is a beautiful, high-quality trail. Along the way, you’ll find a fitness staircase with 120 steps, and at the top, a stunning view of Verdalselva awaits.
This area is a popular spot for outdoor activities, offering several resting spots along the route.
You will find the stairs along this Riverside promenade route (see p0st about this route on earlier on this page where you will find a translation as this lin is in Norwegian):
https://ut.no/turforslag/1110427/trones-elvepromenaden-i-verdal
More about Vukutrappa fitness stairs
Vuku Trappa, with its 256 steps in a steep climb, begins behind Vuku Primary School. At the top of the first staircase, you’ll find a shelter, marking your arrival at Åkerjale, which features a 1 km hiking trail, a shelter with a grill, and a toboggan hill. Both shelters are equipped with power outlets, and parts of the trail and staircase are illuminated.
There’s plenty to explore in the area:
Hiking Trails: Choose from four marked trails:
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Åkerjalerunden (1 km)
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Vukurunden via Ekerdalen (4 km)
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Vukurunden (5 km)
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Stor Vukurunden (6.5 km)
History: Discover information signs about six historical crofts along Vukurunden:
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Bredingsvollan, Skrampenget, Jale, Bredingsberget, Småttå, and Vukubrannan
Disc Golf: An 18-hole disc golf course is being built along Vukurunden and is expected to be completed by late summer or autumn 2024.
Parking: Available at Vuku Primary School.
https://ut.no/turforslag/1112179258/vuku-trimtrapper-i-verdal
More about Vinne fitness stairs
The Fitness Staircase in Vinne Activity Park – a Challenge with a View!
Climb the 96 steps in Vinne Activity Park and be rewarded with stunning views, a barbecue area, and space to relax and play. It’s a great spot for the whole family – combining exercise and enjoyment in one vibrant outdoor space!
More about Forbregd Lein trim stair
Fitness Staircase in Forbregd-Lein – in the old ski jump slope
There are 159 steps in the Forbregd-Lein fitness staircase.
You can park at Forbregd-Lein Kindergarten after 4:30 PM on weekdays, and all day during weekends. It is not possible to drive directly to the staircase due to restricted access, pedestrian zones, and the residential area.
Enjoy!
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