Regional Spotlight: Midtre Gauldal
Photo: Kjerstin Digre Kosberg
Norway is famous for its huge forests, mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers. You probably already knew this, but did you know that just an hour outside of Trondheim, you have full access to all this? Midtre Gauldal is a gem of preserved nature and Norwegian history.
Gauldalsporten at Prestteigen in Støren, is a great starting point for adventures in Midtre Gauldal. Here you can do your provisions shopping, get something to eat, or grab a coffee. The perfect hangout spot while you explore countless possibilities, and get ready for your next adventure.
How to get to Gauldalsporten
Just 5 ‘Scandinavian miles’ (or 50 km) south of Trondheim, you will find Prestteigen. Prestteigen is the spot where the rivers Sokna and Gaula meet, and it’s located right next to the E6. This makes it an easy location to get to by multiple forms of transport:
Bus: From Trondheim city centre you can take bus number 340 to Støren Rådhus, and from there it is only a ten-minute walk to get to Prestteigen.
Train: You can take both the R70 and the F6 trains from Trondheim Central Station to Støren.
Car: By car it’s about 45 minutes, and since it’s right next to the E6, it's an easy drive. If you are going with a group and really want to experience as much as possible, renting a car for the weekend might be a good idea.
What is Gauldalsporten?
Gauldalsporten is the new meeting place at Prestteigen in Støren, and the former Gaula Natursenter. In addition to being a physical location, Gauldalsporten is also a website, serving as an informational hub on the going-ons, food & drink, activities, experiences, and offerings in the area.
Midtre Gauldal is well known for their cured meats, local brews, and traditional dishes. Have you for instance tried Elk-soup? Learn more about local food & produce in Midtre Gauldal at: mettigauldaln.no
At Prestteigen you will find everything you need to set out on - and continue - your adventures; bakeries, cafés, shoe stores, sports stores (where you can buy outdoor equipment and gear), convenience stores, a gas station, and tons of local knowledge. For more information check out: Hvaskjerimidtregauldal.no and Gauldalsporten.no.
Midtre Gauldal Kommune
Activities
Fishing in one of Norway's best salmon rivers
The salmon season lasts from June 1 to August 31. The Gaula river is a very attractive river for salmon fishing, and last year there were 50,000 “laksedøgn'' in Gaula. A “laksedøgn'' is a 24-hour period of salmon fishing. Gaula river has a salmon leading stretch of 110 km and is considered to be one of the best rivers for fishing Atlantic salmon in both Norway and the world.
If you are planning on checking it out, a stop by Prestteigen and Gauldalsporten is recommended. There are fishing opportunities all along the river, so don’t worry about a shortage of fishing spots!
Elveguiden has all the information you need to know on fishing in Gaula, like maps, water flows, regulations, and more. You can also purchase the Gaula Card (fishing license) on their website.
Hiking
Forollhogna National Park streaches across municipalities Tynset, Tolga and Os in Inlandet county, and municipalities Holtålen, Midtre Gauldal and Rennebu in Trøndelag county. This mountain area is surrounded by valleys, and is still being used for pasture and shieling-operations. The area is known for its vast number of wild reindeers, and optimal conditions for plants and wildlife. Forollhogna National Park contains no tourist huts, nor marked paths, which makes it a perfect location for exploration and becoming one with nature. The 1332 metre-tall mountain, Forollhogna, makes up the central and highest part of Forollhogna National park. The mountain is located west of Forollsjøen.
The mountains of the national park are also known as ‘The Kind Mountains’ - meaning you don’t need to be an expert to go hiking there.
Storbekkøya Museumsseter
Experience the old way of Norwegian living at Storbekkøya Museumsseter. ‘Seter’ is the Norwegian version of a shieling. Storbekkøya Museumsseter serves ‘seterkost’ (traditional Norwegian food) during weekends all summer and is a stop on the pilgrimage route towards Nidaros (Trondheim).
Bicycling
Bring or rent a bicycle and ride along the beautiful shieling valleys among the grazing sheep and cattle.
Paddling and Kayaking
Midtre Gauldal offers some of Norway’s most impressive rivers, in addition to other bodies of water. This makes it an excellent location for paddling and kayaking - with routes fit for both the experienced, and the first timer.
Støren Church
Visit an old Norwegian wooden church, in the shape of an octagon!
Visit the producers
Learn about local produce and food culture by visiting the farms and production facilities in Midtre Gauldal. More information at: gauldalsporten.no/mat-og-drikke/.
Kjerstin Digre Kosberg
Cool places to stay
Gammeltunet
Gammeltunet is a preserved old farmstead in Midtre Gauldal, and it has received status as a national cultural site by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. A fun and different place to spend the night, and a nice break from the camping life. For more information check out: gammeltunet.no or get in touch with them at [email protected]
The Hut in the Tree
Spend the night in Trøndelag’s first tree-top-cabin, in Soknedal, Midtre Gauldal. The cabin itself is built into pine trees and the cabin's foundation is 7 metres above the ground (22,9 feet)! The cabin hosts a total of 7 beds. For more information check out: hyttaitreet.no or get in touch with them at [email protected]
Huts, but not in the trees
There are multiple options for renting cabins in Midtre Gauldal. Rent a cabin deep in the Norwegian woods, or by the perfect fishing spot. For more information check out: inatur.no
Camping
And of course; the nature in Midtre Gauldal makes for optimal camping conditions. Bring a tent for the rainy days, and sleep under the stars in your hammock when the rain calms down.
Pictures from Midtre Gauldal
How to Explore the Region
First time tourist or long time resident? These resources will help you see more.