What to do and see in Central Norway, Central Norway: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Horse rides in beautiful forest and mountain terrain on trustworthy Icelandic ponies - throughout the year. Meals available (groups only). Great opportunities for other trips, as well as fishing. Stugudal, Tydal.

Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum was established in 1893, inspired by the world exhibitons and Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The collection consist of national and international decorative arts and design. This includes Japanese Craft, Scandinavian design classics and contemporary Norwegian design and Crafts. Here you can find the worlds largest collection of Hannah Ryggens textiles and interiors designed for the museum by Henry van de Velde and Finn Juhl.

The museum presents the history of Jews in Trondheim, their daily life, religious ceremonies and culture.

Made by Trondheim artist Kjell Erik Killi Olsen for Sao Paulo's biennial anniversary in Brazil in 1989. Comprises 72 sculptures, all of which are more than 3 metres hight. Presented as a gift to Trondheim municipality by the artist in 2007. This wonderful piece of art may be seen in the premises of the bank Sparebank1 Midt-Norge in Sondre gate during the bank's opening hours. Free admission.

‘Bergstadens Ziir’ – better known as Roros Church – was built during the copperwork’s golden age ‘in God’s honour and as an adornment to the town. The church, which was completed in 1784, does justice to its name with its majestic location high above the timber buildings. The Directorate for Cultural Heritage regards the church as one of the ten most profiled churches in Norway. It is one of the country’s largest churches with seating for 1,600 people. The church has been newly opened after 2 years of extensive renovation and has now been restored to its former glory.

Kystriksveien is the Coastal Road of Northern Norway, a 650 km long road from Steinkjer to Bodø. Travel slow along Kystriksveien and make sure to include a visit to the many islands. Cycling, biking and kayaking are popular activities that you might want to explore. Visit our Kystriksveien Info-Center in Steinkjer. We know this road and can provide you with the right maps, brochures and books.

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.