The first stage from Trondheim
Board the train at the city's train station. Or, if you're travelling directly from the airport, hop on the Nordland line at Værnes.
If you are travelling during spring or early summer, the vibrant colours of blooming plants and flowers in the agricultural landscape will pop outside your train window, as the train takes you northwards along the Fættenfjord.
"Pay attention! If you are seated on the left side of the train, you can spot two concrete blocks on the other side of the fjord. They were the anchorage of the battleship Tirpitz, the world's most famous warship, which was hidden in the fjord during World War II," says Benny, adding that there is also a war memorial in the area.
Verdal station: Historic Stiklestad
One and a half hours after leaving Trondheim, the train makes a stop at Verdal.
"From the train station in Verdal, you can walk to Stiklestad National Culture Centre, which is located around four kilometres from the train station. When a historic place awaits, it's worth the walk in my opinion, but you can also take a taxi," Benny explains.
Stiklestad was the location of the famous battle of 1030, where the Viking King Olav Haraldsson (later canonized as a saint), fell. The battle is considered the most important event that led to the consolidation of Norway as a kingdom, and Christianity's breakthrough in Norway.
You can also visit the Stiklestad Pilgrim Center. From here, you can walk on the St. Olav Ways, which stretch all the way from Selånger in Sweden to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
Steinkjer station: The Golden Road
While in the area, why not cycle the idyllic Golden Road, where you can explore both beautiful nature, sample delicious food, and discover arts and crafts in beautiful Inderøy? To get there, switch trains at Steinkjer train station, and take the local Trønderbanen branch line to the train station at Røra. From Røra, it's possible to pre-order transport to Inderøy.
If you want to start cycling from the Røra train station, Visit Innherred hires out both electric and regular bikes, and can arrange to meet you right at the train station. Bringing luggage? No problem, it can be transported to your accommodation. Speaking of accommodation, you can spend the night at the unique, award-winning Øyna Kulturlandskapshotell, which also offers 3-course and 5-course meals made with local produce. It's one of the best restaurants in the area!
Lassemoen station: Namsskogan Wildlife Park
After your golden detour, let's continue on the Nordland line!
If you're travelling with children, you have to make a stop at Lassemoen and visit the Namsskogan Wildlife Park! Here, you'll find lots of Nordic animals, including wolverines, lynxes, wolves, and bears. You can even sleep right by the wolves (of course, safely), in the park's exclusive lavvos (cabins based on traditional Sami tents), located in the bear and wolverine enclosures!
It's possible to pre-order transport from the train station to the wildlife park.