Frosta: Pilgrim Routes, Thing History and Churches

You can get to know Frosta through its pilgrim routes, the history of the Frostating assembly and its historic churches. If you are looking for a hotel in Frosta, you can consider when planning your trip whether you are most interested in cultural sites, cycling or hiking. The following places and activities can help you plan a stay in the municipality and the wider destination.

Churches and Thing history

In the municipality of Frosta, Logtun Church is located near Tinghaugen at Logtun. The Frostating assembly was held there every year on the eve of St Botolph’s Day. The assembly met every summer from around 940 until after the Reformation, on the eve of St Botolph’s Day, 16 June. 485 delegates from the districts of Trøndelag gathered to create laws and regulations and, on that basis, administer and pass judgment.

The present building of Logtun Church was probably built around 1500. The altar retable also has a specific historical connection: it was carved in 1652 and painted in 1655. Another church to visit is Frosta Church, a wooden cruciform church dating from 1866. It has the Norwegian “listeført” protection status for buildings dating from after 1850.

On Tinghaugen stands a standing stone surrounded by twelve smaller stones. They mark the districts in Trøndelag that sent delegates to the Frostating assembly. The assembly site is considered the oldest in the country. The combination of the meeting place, churches and traditional legal functions brings the region’s history to life at several named sites.

Rock carvings and hiking trails

At Evenhus, six rock surfaces with carvings from the Early Bronze Age are located in a small wood. Around 100 figures have been discovered there in total, including more than 40 motifs, mostly depicting boats. The rock carvings are easy to reach from the car park in front of the Solvang community hall. The car park is also a good starting point for the outer section of the Frostastien.

The Frostastien is a 22-kilometre developed hiking trail through the cultural landscape around Neset at the southern end of Frosta. It runs north along the coast to Fånes. Information boards along the trail cover local history, archaeological finds, cultural heritage sites, biodiversity and wildlife. As the route may change, check for current information before setting out.

The outer section of the St. Olav’s Way also runs through Frosta: from Fånes via the Frostastien and Småland, then through the centre of Frosta to Tinghaugen and Logtun Church. When planning your route, you can therefore include both the pilgrim route and the cultural sites mentioned above.

Cycling loops and outdoor activities

The three Matfatet Frosta cycling loops start and finish in the centre at Frostasenteret. Parking is available in front of Rema 1000 or at Frostasenteret. In the Frosta destination, the Sykkeltur i Matfatet Frosta route mostly crosses easy terrain between eateries, shops and farms; detours to beaches or historic sights are possible. The offerings of individual businesses may vary by season.

Sentrumsparken is near the start and finish of the cycling loops. Children can spend time and play there after a bike ride. There is also an activity trail for children in the forest between Småland and Breivika, along with a spacious shelter with room for children and adults. These specific places offer extra options if you would like to combine a bike ride with time outdoors.

Tautra: Nature and monastic culture

Tautra lies near Frosta and is connected to the mainland at Frosta by a 2.3-kilometre causeway. The ruins of Tautra Abbey are open to the public; group tours can be booked through Visit Frosta. The island of Tautra in the Trondheimsfjord is also home to Tautra Mariakloster, a Catholic convent of the Cistercian order, more specifically the Trappist order.

Tautra is considered one of the most important and best places in Norway for birdwatching. Since 2000, 269 different bird species have been observed there; this cumulative figure may continue to rise. Tautra and the surrounding marine area were granted Ramsar status in 1985, after the area was protected the previous year.

When visiting, note the seasonal restriction in Tautra’s nature and bird protection area: all traffic is prohibited there from 1 April to 15 July because birds are nesting. Check local information before travelling so you can take this protected area into account when planning your visit.

Food from Frosta

Locally produced food is also part of the range offered by producers in Frosta. This includes vegetables, baked goods, bacon and other meat, honey, breakfast cereals, juice and beer. If you are looking for a particular product, check with the relevant supplier for current availability.

For the broader travel overview: Frosta.