Things To Do
in Stjørdalshalsen

Stjørdalshalsen (commonly called Stjørdal) is the administrative centre of Stjørdal municipality in Trøndelag county, sitting near the mouth of the Stjørdalselva river and just a few kilometres from Trondheim Airport Værnes. It blends a small-town Norwegian feel with convenient transport links (rail and E6) that make it a gateway to the Trondheim region and the Trøndelag coast. The surrounding landscape is a mix of river valleys, agricultural plains and nearby low mountains, offering easy access to hiking, salmon fishing and scenic drives.

Local life revolves around the town centre, farmsteads and cultural sites such as Værnes Church and nearby Hegra Fortress, while Trondheim’s urban attractions are a short train or drive away.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

Arrive at Trondheim Airport Værnes and take the short drive to Stjørdalshalsen’s cozy accommodations. Settle in and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee at a charming local café. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center and get a first glimpse of the historic wooden architecture.

afternoon
:

Head to the tourist office to pick up maps and insider tips for the week ahead. Explore the pedestrian-friendly streets around Sundet and browse unique craft shops and galleries. Pause for a light lunch at a waterfront bistro overlooking the river.

evening
:

Savor traditional Norwegian fare at a family-run restaurant near the harbor. Walk along the Værnesfjord shoreline to admire the pink hues of the midnight sun. End the night with a locally brewed craft beer at a cozy pub.

day 2
Historic Walking Tour
morning
:

Join a guided walking tour of Stjørdalshalsen’s historic landmarks, including the old War Memorial and Stjørdal Church. Listen to stories of local heroes and wartime resilience. Capture photos of weathered stone and timber buildings reflecting centuries of history.

afternoon
:

Visit the Heimdal Rail Station Museum to learn about the region’s railway heritage and industrial growth. Wander through exhibits filled with vintage locomotives and historic photographs. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café specializing in reindeer stew.

evening
:

Attend an intimate storytelling session at a local heritage center featuring ghost tales and folklore. Sample a traditional cardamom bun and hot chocolate as you listen. End the evening immersed in the region’s rich oral traditions.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🍺Beer (pub)$8-12
🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km)$10-20
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$90-160

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to Trondheim Airport Værnes and good transport links
  • Great outdoor opportunities: hiking, fishing and winter sports
  • Authentic small-town Norwegian atmosphere with local food traditions
  • Close to Trondheim for cultural attractions without the crowds
  • Limited nightlife and fine-dining options compared with larger cities
  • Weather can be unpredictable with frequent rain and winter ice
  • Some attractions and services are seasonal or have limited hours
  • Public transport is good but a car is useful for exploring rural areas
  • "Hei" - Hi / Hello
  • "Takk" - Thank you
  • "Unnskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Hvor er ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Kan du hjelpe meg?" - Can you help me?
  • "Snakker du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Stjørdalshalsen

Visit one of these nice places.

Hegra Fortress

Historic stone fortress with dramatic low-mountain scenery and sweeping views across the valley — excellent for golden-hour and panoramic shots.

Stjørdalselva riverbanks

Riverside parks and bridges provide seasonal photography opportunities including anglers in spring/summer and icy patterns in winter.

Værnes Church

An ancient stone church set amid open fields — photogenic architecture and atmospheric churchyard scenes.

Trondheimsfjord viewpoints

Coastal roads and lookout points near the fjord offer wide seascapes, fishing boats and dramatic skies, especially at dawn and dusk.

Rural farmland and mountain ridges

Patchwork fields, red farmhouses and low hills create classic Trøndelag pastoral images, great for seasonal colours and northern lights photography in winter.

Culinary Guide

Food in Stjørdalshalsen

Stjørdal’s cuisine reflects Trøndelag traditions: fresh seafood from the Trondheimsfjord, locally raised lamb and beef, dairy products including brunost (brown cheese), and seasonal berries and forest mushrooms. Many small restaurants emphasize simple, high-quality ingredients and farm-to-table cooking. Proximity to Trondheim means you can also find modern bistros and international options within a short drive or train ride. Local bakeries and cafés are great for quick, affordable meals and sampling Norwegian pastries.

Stjørdalshalsen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gravet/roast salmon

Fresh Atlantic salmon cured or roasted and served with dill, mustard sauce and potatoes — widely available at local restaurants and cafés.

Must-Try!

Fårikål (seasonal)

Norway’s national dish of lamb and cabbage stew, especially popular in autumn — you’ll find good versions at traditional eateries in the region.

Brunost and waffles

Thick slices of sweet brown cheese served on waffles or crispbread — a must-try at cafés and breakfast buffets.

Arctic char or cod

Locally-sourced fish prepared simply (pan-fried, baked or as fillet) at many restaurants; freshness is the highlight.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Stjørdal weekly market / seasonal food stalls

Small local markets and occasional food stalls in the town centre offer seasonal produce, baked goods and homemade jams; check municipal listings for market days.

Farm shops and roadside stands

Around the municipality you’ll find farm stands selling berries, honey and cheese during the summer and autumn — great for picnic supplies.

Climate Guide

Weather

Stjørdalshalsen has a temperate coastal climate influenced by the North Atlantic: relatively mild winters compared with inland areas, cool summers, and frequent precipitation year-round. Average summer highs are around 12–22°C, while winter averages hover from -5 to 0°C depending on snow events; coastal winds can make conditions feel colder. Weather changes can be rapid, so layering and waterproof outerwear are advisable.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and tours — punctuality is valued in Norwegian culture.

Respect for nature

Follow the Right to Roam (Allemannsretten): you may access uncultivated land but must respect private property, leave no trace, and avoid disturbing wildlife or livestock.

Modesty and space

Norwegians appreciate modesty and personal space; keep greetings low-key and avoid loud behavior in public spaces.

Shoes off indoors

It’s common to remove shoes when visiting private homes — wait for the host’s cue.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stjørdal is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Typical precautions include watching out for icy sidewalks and roads in winter, driving carefully for moose or wildlife at dawn/dusk, and heeding local weather warnings for storms or flooding. Emergency numbers: 112 (police), 113 (medical). Keep valuables secure and use common-sense safety practices.

Tipping in Stjørdalshalsen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Norway; service charges are generally included in prices. It’s polite to round up or leave 5–10% for exceptional service in restaurants or for tour guides, but not expected.

Payment Methods

Norway is highly cashless: credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted even for small purchases. Carry a card enabled for contactless or chip-and-pin; some remote vendors may prefer cash or smartphone payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours (midnight sun effect of extended daylight) and mild temperatures (typically 12–22°C) make summer ideal for hiking, cycling and fjord outings. Expect mosquitoes in some wet lowland spots — bring repellent. Many local attractions and small businesses operate extended hours and festivals happen in the region.

Autumn

Crisp air, colourful foliage and good mushroom and berry picking; temperatures cool (0–10°C) and rain becomes more frequent, so waterproof layers are essential. Salmon fishing season peaks early in autumn.

Winter

Cold with snow and ice (typical lows -5 to -15°C depending on conditions) — great for cross-country skiing and winter landscapes but be prepared for short daylight hours and slippery roads. Northern lights can occasionally be visible when skies are clear and solar activity is high.

Spring

Thawing rivers and budding landscapes bring migratory birds and rising water levels; temperatures gradually rise (0–12°C) but weather can be changeable, from snow to sunny days.

Nightlife Guide

Stjørdalshalsen at Night

Stjørdalshalsen has a relaxed, small-town nightlife focused on a handful of pubs, bars and seasonal live-music events; hotel bars near Værnes Airport and local pubs offer the primary evening options. For a livelier scene with more restaurants, clubs and concerts, take a short train or drive to Trondheim, which is the regional hub for nightlife.

Hiking in Stjørdalshalsen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hegra Fortress trails

Short to moderate hikes around the fortress offer historical interest and panoramic views across the valley — suitable for families and photographers.

Forradal (Forra valley)

A scenic valley with walking paths, river views and relatively gentle terrain for day hikes and nature watching.

Skatval ridge routes

Low mountain ridges and forested areas near Skatval provide varied trails with farm and fjord vistas; good for spring through autumn.

Coastal paths along the Trondheimsfjord

Accessible coastal walks with opportunities to spot seabirds, explore shoreline habitats and enjoy sunset views over the fjord.

Airports

How to reach Stjørdalshalsen by plane.

Trondheim Airport Værnes (TRD)

Primary airport serving Stjørdal and Trondheim located just east of Stjørdalshalsen — offers domestic and international flights plus excellent road and rail connections (approx. 5–10 minutes to town by car or short train/bus).

Ørland Airport (OLA)

A smaller regional airport on the Fosen peninsula (roughly 100–130 km away) with limited connections; reachable by car or regional transport if travelling to Fosen or nearby islands.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town centre of Stjørdalshalsen is compact and very walkable with pedestrian streets, parks and services within easy walking distance. To reach surrounding natural sites, fjord viewpoints or dispersed rural attractions, a bike or car is more practical.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Norwegian families

The majority of residents are Norwegian families living in town and surrounding countryside, contributing to a family-oriented community atmosphere.

Commuters and airport staff

Due to proximity to Trondheim Airport Værnes, many residents work in aviation, logistics and services connected to travel and transport.

Students and young adults

Younger people often commute to Trondheim for higher education and leisure, creating a mix of local youth and commuters.

Immigrant communities

Like much of Norway, Stjørdal includes immigrants and foreign-born residents who work in local industry, services and agriculture, adding cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cross-country skiing

Widely practised in winter with groomed trails and community clubs; a traditional and popular pastime in Trøndelag.

Football (soccer)

Local football clubs for youth and amateurs are active, reflecting soccer’s popularity across Norway.

Ice hockey and handball

Indoor sports with local teams and regional competitions; popular choices for spectators and participants during winter months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Stjørdal is generally light outside peak commuting hours; the E6 highway and Rv connections provide efficient driving routes, though congestion can occur near the airport and during rush hour. Public transport includes frequent regional trains on the Nordland Line stopping at Stjørdal Station and bus services to nearby communities and Trondheim. Winter road conditions can be challenging, so winter tires and cautious driving are essential.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Stjørdalshalsen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly common — cafés and modern restaurants offer salads, vegetarian mains and good side dishes. Farm-to-table places may accommodate requests if you give notice.

Vegan

Vegan choices are available but more limited than in larger cities; bring snacks if you have strict requirements and check restaurant menus online or call ahead.

Gluten-free

Many bakeries and restaurants can offer gluten-free options; gluten-free labeling is common in eateries and supermarkets, but always inform staff about severe allergies.

Allergies

Staff in Norway are generally familiar with food allergies. Use Norwegian allergy phrases or show a translated note if necessary, and consult supermarket labeling for packaged foods.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Stjørdal has local healthcare facilities including a municipal health centre and general practitioners; more specialized care and a regional hospital (St. Olavs Hospital) are accessible in Trondheim. In emergencies dial 113 for medical assistance. EU/EEA travellers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable; travel insurance is recommended for non-EU visitors for repatriation or private care.

Discover Norway

Read more in our Norway 2025 Travel Guide.

Norway Travel Guide