Welcome to Trøndelag - Norway's Tuscany

It's been said that the Golden Road takes eight minutes longer than driving around the main road … or a day, a week, a whole summer, a lifetime. In other words, a perfect escape for anyone on two wheels.

Here's a taste of what you can experience:

When you land at Trondheim airport, Værnes pick up your luggage and head straight for the northbound train at Værnes station.

– Rather than starting your cycling holiday at the airport, we recommend starting the Golden Road in Røra or Sparbu. We’ll meet you there with bikes, saddlebags, pump and a map, and offer to transport your luggage to your overnight accommodation, says Anne Haga at Visit Innherred.

Food for history buffs

Follow the road north and make sure to look up to catch sight of the first attraction, Mære church, a medieval church dating back to the 1100s.

 – There’s a lot to satisfy history enthusiasts in this region, explains Haga, who recommends continuing the route around Borgenfjorden.

– Don’t forget to take a detour via Gangstad farm and cheese factory. Their cheese is fantastic, but give that ice cream a taste as well! It’s important to top up your energy levels, and I recommend the rich liquorice ice cream!

Homemade food and lace curtains

Hit the pedals again, and follow the trail to Verdal Østre and Gulburet, a farm shop and cafe serving food and drink from its own bakery and brewery.

– This is a charming, intimate cafe suitable for a light lunch. They have invited the Glasslåven art centre into the yard, so this is a lovely place to stop en route, says Haga.

Straumen, the administrative centre of Inderøy, is only three kilometers away. You'll find several places to stay: Saga, Husfrua Gårdshotell  and Jægtvolden Fjordhotell.

– It’s worth booking in advance as some of these hotels only have a few rooms, which fill up quickly. If you’re planning a weekend trip, remember that summer is a popular time for weddings, she points out.

Inderøy also offers private, self-catering accommodation, under the collective name of Fuglekassen. If you started your trip at Sparbu, you’ve now cycled about 20 kilometres.
 

Trøndelags top national dish

While you’re in Inderøy, make sure you try genuine Inderøy soup.

– Many places have their own summer menus but Inderøy soup can be ordered with your accommodation in advance, says Anne Haga.

Restaurant Øyna comes highly recommended. As well as good food, you’ll enjoy a marvellous view.

– It sits on a plateau overlooking Inderøy and is perfect for relaxing and lowering your heart rate, as you rest your eyes on the fjord and surrounding scenery.
 

Breakfast followed by cultural nourishment

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, start the new day by rolling down to Straumen to visit the Nils Aas workshop and the Muustrøparken sculpture park.

– Nils Aas grew up in Straumen. Even though he was one of Norway’s most important sculptors, he didn’t want a museum named after him. So the workshop is more of an arena for activities and temporary exhibitions as well as a place for children to experiment with materials, Haga explains.

Back to start

The route continues along the main road to Berg Gård, which has a farm shop where you can enjoy a light meal. If you’re touring with a group, you can also arrange an aquavit tasting.

The route continues along highway 755 back to Straumen, after which the final leg goes along Borgenfjorden and up to Røra, finishing at Sparbu station.

– You might like to pop inside Røra Bakery – makers of crispbread – while you’re here. Have a taste of ‘skjenning’, which is normally eaten with Inderøy soup. It’s a special crispbread that has a sweet side and should be eaten with the sweet side against the tongue, Haga explains.

Sparbu station is where you say goodbye to your bike and reunite with your luggage, hopping on the train back to the airport.

– I can promise you two lovely, peaceful days of adventure and enjoyable encounters along the Golden Road. You’ll be taken good care of here, Haga assures us.

– And if you’d prefer to lengthen your stay, just continue on the cycle route north to Steinkjer or south to Stiklestad National Culture Centre and further along the pilgrim’s way to Munkeby in Levanger. Wherever you want to go, we're happy to assist you with your holiday plans, explains Anne Haga of Visit Innherred.

We'll get you there – fly to Trondheim

With Fly and Bike, you can reserve your bike at the same time as you order your flight.  Read more about Fly and Bike and cycling experiences in Norway.