Snåsa between cultural history and nature

Snåsa offers several starting points for planning your trip: the architectural history of Snåsa Church, insights into South Sámi culture and nature experiences at Bergsåsen. If you’re looking for hotels in Snåsa, these themes can help you tailor your trip to your interests. The trails and sights offer practical ways to explore local history, culture and landscape.

Church history and South Sámi culture

The oldest part of Snåsa Church was built in the first half of the 13th century. Today, this section forms the chancel and sacristy. The newer section was completed in 1869, based on plans by Trondheim architect Bergstrøm, and added to the older building. The church thus brings together two clearly distinct construction phases.

The Sentrumsrunden trail passes Snåsa Church and runs through the present-day and old town centres. The easy circular route is 3.2 kilometres long and can be started in the centre of Snåsa or in Viosen. The loop combines local history with a specific walking route, so you don’t need to plan visits to individual historical sites separately.

Saemien Sijte shares knowledge about South Sámi culture and history, past and present. This also gives a visit to Snåsa a cultural perspective beyond its architectural history. Those interested in the history and present-day culture of the South Sámi will find a distinct focus for their trip here.

Orchids and trails at Bergsåsen

The Bergsåsen Nature Reserve in central Snåsa is known for its large and varied orchid flora, with 16 species. These include the lady’s slipper, Snåsa’s municipal flower, and the rare fly orchid. A signposted nature trail leads through the protected area, with information boards sharing facts about nature. The plant diversity and the boards offer different points of interest: botanical highlights on the one hand, and information about nature along the trail on the other.

Trimtrappa is also part of the Bergsåsen nature trail. It has 330 steps, and at the top there is a shelter with barbecue facilities. These details give you a clear picture of this additional nature and leisure activity. The nature trail and the staircase offer different experiences at Bergsåsen: information about nature along the way and steps leading up to the shelter.

Other places in the wider Snåsa destination

Within the wider Snåsa destination, Viosen lies at the end of Snåsavatnet and is known as Snåsa’s “old town”. Bygdemuseet–Vonheim is located there, near the centre of Snåsa. It contains objects relating to Snåsa’s culture and history. Another place with historical significance is the 17 May Stone on Lysthusberget, near Vinje School in Snåsa. It is considered Norway’s oldest stone of its kind. A gravel path leads from Vinje School to the stone, with information boards along the way.

Finsåsmarka is also part of the wider Snåsa destination. The area covers 2,400 decares and lies on a hill south of Snåsavatnet. Nature and cultural trails pass several cultural heritage sites and cross different types of natural terrain. The two trails described have different route formats: Trail 1 is a 3.2-kilometre loop, while Trail 2 is 1.8 kilometres each way. This distinction is useful when planning: the first distance describes a loop, while the second is a one-way distance.

Snåsa is also a gateway to Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park, which extends beyond Snåsa. Large parts of the park consist of low mountains and gentle terrain, and many marked trails are suitable for family hikes. The wider destination also has seven marked and four unmarked cycling routes. As available routes may change, check the local map when planning. Cycling options range from rides to a fishing lake or mountain farms to circuits through the rural surroundings.

Snåsavatnet is considered an excellent fishing lake. Species found there include trout, Arctic char, eel, three-spined stickleback and burbot. Fishing permits are required.

For the overview of the wider destination: Snåsa.