The 10 Best Things to Do in Stjordal, Norway

The oldest building in Stjordal is also the most stately one. In the whole of Norway there is hardly another building of the same age that still is in use. When the foundation stone was laid, the Norwegian Viking Era was still in full bloom. More than 400 years were to pass before Martin Luther started his Reformation. The French Revolution was almost 700 years into the future. The Church of Vaernes bears witness to old greatness in the Stjordal valley. The mighty chalk-white walls testify to an affluent society and to people with power and go-ahead spirit. In a cultural and historical perspective the church is a treasure. It was nearly started at the same time as the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, which is the greatest Christian building in Norway. The Church of Vaernes is a time machine. Under the high roofs the centuries have written their autographs. Pictures of gods and devil´s masks fight ruthlessly about the hegemony in the human soul. The dramaturgy of the Middle Age comes alive in the life- or death battle that unfolds before our eyes on the church walls. If you lift your eyes even further, towards the roof-truss, you can see the last millennium face to face. Nowhere else in the country you will have such an opportunity to admire the art of carpentry as it was displayed nearly 900 years ago. This is one of the reasons why the Church of Vaernes is a familiar name in antiquarian circles on the whole continent. The wooden ceiling is the original from the 12th century, and the only one still in existence. It has a span of more than 11 meters and has been the inspiration for reconstructions of roofs in other medieval buildings in Norway (the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim and Hakonshallen in Bergen). The Church of Vaernes is a cultural treasure, perhaps because the majestic church building gives us a close contact with the mysticism and sentiment of the past. Many people come here to contemplate about the mysteries of life – great and small. The thoughts wander among the beams under the roof, casting curious glances at the “Vaernes Chair”, made in 1685 as the private pew for the squire of Vaernes (General Schultz and his wife). This chair shows us a mastery in wood carving that amazes everyone with its perfectionism and richness in details. Fine wall paintings, stone figures and runic inscriptions are also found in the church. The church is situated 2 km southeast of Stjordal, close to Stjordal museum Vaernes. Guided tours 2011: June 21st to August 14th 11 – 16. Sunday 12 – 16. Monday closed. Starts in the museum. Guided tours are available for groups on request all year round. Please contact Stjordal museum Vaernes.

Stjordal Public Library is located in the middle of the city centre. Here, you may read and borrow books, audio books, music, movies and games. You may also print and copy. We offer free use of computers and internet. The library is often host to various Exhibitions, Concerts, meetings and other events. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10-16 Tuesday and Thursday 10-19 Saturday 10-14 Sunday closed Reading room open Monday - Friday at 09.00 Summer: June - August Monday - Friday 10-16

An Open Air Museum offering a variety of exhibits with the Old Vaernes Vicarage as a focal point. This restored wooden building from 1820 provide an good presentation of old building methods. Inside Exhibitions show furniture form different periods of the last 300 years. In the Museum Barn it is possible to study local artefacts, temporary exhibits and handicraft. The 200 year old Vicarage Garden is well worth a visit. We also give information about Rock Carvings and other sights in Stjordal. Open cafe in the summerseason.

Fosslia Sport Hall is located just beside Stokkan High School. This is an indoor facility and is used for most sports, like handball, basketball, volleyballm gymnastics etc. The facility also includes meeting rooms, toilets, kitchen, café, weight room and stands for around 400 people. Fosslia Sport Hall is also used for the annual Christmas Fair. Exit to Fosslia Sport Hall from Ringveien. Good parking facilites.

Overlands Minde Sports Arena is located in Stjordal city centre, right between the schools Stokkan and Ole Vig, and the public swimming pool. This is the main facility for outdoor sports in Stjordal and is home to Stjordals-Blink Football. The sports arena is surrounded by a pine forest Sandskogan, where you can find nice and accessible paths. You can walk or cycle from Stjordal city centre to overlands Minde in just a few minutes. Facilities: - Full sized running track - Two long jump pits - Mattresses for high jump and pole jump - Discus/hammer throw net - Football pitches (11-a-side nature grass, 11-a-side artificial turf, two 7-a-side nature grass) - Main stand - Kiosk (open only on events) For more information and booking, contact Stjordal city council. NB! Because of building work to complete the new sports hall right next to overlands Minde, there will be limited parking. We recommend parking east of Ole Vig Secondary School. Exit from E14 onto Ringveien. Follow signs towards Resveet and take a left at the first traffic light controlled intersection.

Eikra Gard offers riding experiences on our own, safe Icelandic Horses. Per November 2010 we have 17 horses. Regardless of age or experience, we have trips that fit you. All trips must be pre-ordered. Our customers often start their experience in the stables before the ride itself. We have clothes and shoes of good quality, suitable for riding. This equipment is included in the price. Around the farm we have varied terrain from light forest roads and paths to open mountain around 500m high. We arrange simple but tasteful meals during the ride. How to find us: We are located roughly 5km from Hell. Follow the signs towards Sorte from Fv. 26 between Hell and Hegra, on the south side of the Stjordals River. Go up the hill and keep going straight forward through the next three intersections towards Straete. The farm is on the righthand side. Big wooden sign Ekira Gard in the driveway. During summer we keep our horses on the Swedish side of Storlien (Storvallen). We welcome you to Eikra Gard all year round!