Discover Meldal: Cultural History and Walking Routes

In Meldal, cultural history and walking routes offer two concrete starting points for planning a trip. The Meldal bygdemuseum showcases historic buildings and provides insights into local architecture and ways of life and work; Meldal prestegård is a distinguished historic estate with a garden. There is also the Pilegrimsleia through old Meldal and a hiking trail along the eastern side of the Orkla. If you are looking for a hotel in Meldal, these interests can help you choose Meldal as a destination for your stay.

The Meldal bygdemuseum

The Meldal bygdemuseum is located in Bergslia, on the hillside above Meldal town centre, and comprises 22 historic buildings worthy of preservation. These include a Trønderlån, a Husmannsplass from 1920, an Årestue, and seter houses. The different buildings offer visitors a vivid impression of local architecture.

The museum presents local architecture and living and working conditions from the 17th century to the First World War. This timeframe helps visitors see the buildings in context: it connects them with the conditions in which people lived and worked locally. The museum also has a cultural-history trail with app support. The museum is open to visitors year-round and is otherwise unattended.

Meldal prestegård: Estate and History

Meldal prestegård reveals another aspect of the area’s history. During the tenure of Provost Jacob von der Lippe Parelius, from 1793 to 1818, the estate was developed into a distinguished ensemble featuring a summerhouse, a Baroque garden, and avenues. The dates provide a clear contrast with the bygdemuseum’s broader perspective: here, the focus is on a particular phase of development, while the museum explores local architecture and ways of life and work over a longer period.

Meldal prestegård was protected in 1991. In front of the cellar is the Brurasteinen. A bride arriving on horseback would dismount there before preparing for the wedding ceremony in the bridal chamber. The stone preserves the memory of this wedding custom in the area’s history. The prestegård is on the Gudbrandsdalsleden. The Prestegårdsgarten is now maintained by volunteers in Meldal and is open to visitors to enter and explore.

Walking Routes

The Pilegrimsleia passes through old Meldal and is 25.5 kilometres long. From Meldal sentrum, there is also a hiking trail along the eastern side of the Orkla. The Pilegrimsleia can be identified by its route through old Meldal and its length; for the other trail, its location on the river’s eastern side and Meldal sentrum as a starting point provide orientation. The two options are therefore distinguished by the details that define each route.

Church History in the Same Location

Meldal Church also offers a historical comparison: it was completed in 1988 and built on the same site as the church dating from 1651. The two dates thus represent different church buildings in the same location, adding another historical perspective to Meldal’s story.

Discover more destinations: Storås, Løkken Verk, Drogsetmoen

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