Visit Stiklestad – the cradle of the nation
Whether you know exactly what happened or only have a vague memory of learning about it at school, most Norwegians have heard about the 'Battle of Stiklestad'.
To refresh your memory: On 29 July 1030, King Olaf II Haraldsson of Norway was killed by an army of farmers in Stiklestad. Afterwards, several miracles took place at the location where the king died and Olaf was declared a saint and designated 'the holy'. More importantly: The battle represents a turning point in Norwegian history, when the Old Norse chieftain society was replaced by what would eventually became the Kingdom of Norway.
Not surprisingly, this is the most popular attraction in the municipality of Verdal. You can visit Stiklestad National Cultural Center and learn all about Olaf and his significance for Norway. Every summer, thousands of people flock here to enjoy the outdoor theatre performance 'The Saint Olav Drama', but throughout the year, you can visit reconstructed buildings from the Middle Ages and experience how people lived and worked at that time.
You can also visit Stiklestad Church, which was built in the late 1100s. According to tradition, the altar is located exactly where Saint Olaf fell almost a thousand years ago.
Golf and pilgrimage in historic surroundings
One of the country’s best 18-hole golf courses is surrounded by burial mounds and menhir standing stones. Stiklestad Golf Club has an international-standard forest and park course that is beautifully located with views of Trondheimsfjord and much of the Innherred district.
Those looking for a more spiritual recreational experience can follow in the footsteps of Saint Olaf. St. Olavsleden is a pilgrimage path between Stiklestad and Trondheim and follows the route that the king travelled in the summer of 1030 to convert Norway to Christianity and reclaim the throne. The route takes you through beautiful nature and is a great way to experience both history and local culture.
The municipality also has a number of other great hikes and nature experiences to enjoy, including Karl Johans Vei, a well-preserved route between Sweden and Norway that was completed in 1835, and the Værdalske Fortifications, built in the early 1900s to protect against attacks from the east.
Vømmøl Festival – distinctively Trøndersk
If you'd like to experience a bit more recent, yet distinctively Trøndersk culture, don't miss the annual Vømmøl Festival. The name originates from the lyrics written by Hans Rotmo of Verdal and depicts the life and problems of people in rural Norway – in a humorous, lively and graphic way, to say the least. These lyrics come to life during the Vømmøl Festival, when more than a thousand people march through the streets of Verdal. And, as can only be expected, you also get to experience fantastic Vømmøll music!
Shopping in the centre of Verdal
If you’re in the centre of Verdal and would like to shop, head to the AMFI Verdal. Here you'll find around 30 shops in a pleasant and inviting ambiance. The shopping centre has a great selection of clothing, sports and interior design shops, as well as everything else you might need. The city centre itself is also worth exploring – you may just find a great bargain at one of the niche shops.
Verdal cinema and cultural centre
Verdal cinema is located in the city centre in the same building as the library. There are two theatres with comfortable seats and daily screenings of the latest films. While in Verdal, you might also want to check whether the Touring Theatre of Trøndelag is staging any performances. The Touring Theatre, which produces and teaches about performing arts throughout Trøndelag County, is based in Verdal and aims to be generous, involved and inclusive.
