Viosen - the old town of Snåsa

Viosen is a picturesque location nestled at the far end of Lake Snåsavatnet. Here, you'll discover a serene sandy beach, a charming summer café, quaint buildings, and a delightful birch-lined avenue that separates the beach from the road.

Known as the "old town" of Snåsa, Viosen holds the distinction of being one of only two inland port towns in Norway. Its origins trace back to the 19th century when Lake Snåsavatnet served as the primary transportation route to and from Snåsa. Viosen welcomed tourists as their first impression of the village during this time. Boat traffic played a pivotal role in the village's commerce, boasting a bustling town center that included a garage, post office, bank, boat services, dairy, boarding house, telephone exchange, warehouse, shoemaker, plumber, bicycle workshop, fish receiving station, deacon's residence, social security office, café, blacksmith, tailor, carpentry workshop, town hall, and residential buildings.

Steamship Era In 1871, steamship operations commenced on Lake Snåsavatnet. The wood-fired steamship "Diana" initiated regular services and continued to do so until the summer of 1885. On July 1, 1885, the steamship "Bonden" took over, remaining in service until October 30, 1926, which marked the opening of the Nordlandsbanen railway line between Sunnan and Snåsa. "Bonden" featured two classes, a splendid salon, and a separate section for transporting live animals. With the arrival of the railway, the town center gradually shifted from Viosen to the vicinity of the train station.

Adjacent to Viosen stands Vonheim, an exquisite house built in 1901, which previously served as a town hall and now functions as a village museum. It gained protection as a heritage site by the National Heritage Board in 2013.

Garveriet Kafe og Gjenbruk holds the distinction of being the oldest remaining industrial building in Snåsa. Originally constructed in 1881, it served as a tannery, lime distillery, and residence. Over the years, it also functioned as an icehouse, fish receiving station, factory, chainsaw workshop, café, photography studio, and photo shop. The building has undergone restoration and currently operates as a seasonal café and thrift store.

Viosen continues to be a central gathering point in the village, particularly during the summer months. It features a boat pier, a beach, a water trampoline, and serves as an excellent starting point for paddling enthusiasts. Nearby, a sports facility offers a running track, an artificial turf field, athletic amenities, and sand volleyball courts. Viosen is conveniently located within walking distance of Snåsa town center, complete with shops, as well as the Bergsåsen nature reserve, renowned for its diverse orchid flora.