Orkanger: Cultural History, Museum Railway and Hiking Trails

Orkanger brings together several distinct themes: the history of the Thamshavn Line, the historic Nerøra district, and trails along the river and fjord. If you’re looking for a hotel in Orkanger, these places and activities can help you tailor your trip to your interests. Cultural history, walks and hikes, and the Gammelosen bathing area offer different ways to shape your stay.

Cultural History in Nerøra and Orkanger

Nerøra is a historic district in the northern part of the small town of Orkanger. Fishermen and waterfront residents have lived there since the 17th century. With the onset of industrialization in the mid-19th century, the area developed into a center for industry, trade, crafts, and fishing. A historically cohesive wooden streetscape and its street layout have been preserved to this day; the district extends toward the fjord. Nerøra’s history can therefore be explored both through its former role as a place of work and trade and through its preserved buildings.

The Tham Pavilion also tells a story connecting Orkanger with an event outside Norway. It was prefabricated at Strandheim Brug in Orkanger and erected at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. In September 2017, the pavilion returned to Orkanger and was officially reopened there. In Nerviksparken, the artwork “Industriarbeiderne” also commemorates local industrial history and the workers. It was created by Kjell Arne Blomli and unveiled in June 2025.

The digital cultural trail in Orkanger has eleven stops, with posters and QR codes linking to videos. These include stops at Orkanger Church, Orkanger railway station, and Nerøra. Each video lasts about three minutes and provides historical information about its location. The cultural trail thus draws attention to several stops, rather than just one district.

The Thamshavn Line and the Connection to Løkken

The Thamshavn Line was Norway’s first electric railway and the world’s first successful railway to operate on alternating current. Today, it is a museum railway running from Orkanger to Løkken. A train ride can be combined with a visit to the mines or museums in Løkken Verk. During the summer season, the Thamshavn Line runs on Saturdays and Sundays at set times, making return trips between Bårdshaug station and Løkken. Check the dates for the relevant year and the timetable before your trip.

Trails, Fjord and Bathing Area

Orklaparken is a ten-kilometer trail. It starts on the fjord side north of Orkanger and follows the salmon river Orkla to the Forve Bridge near Fannrem. As a hiking experience, it passes through wetlands and agricultural landscapes and is accessible to everyone. The watercourses and fjord along the trail are home to a diverse range of birdlife. In summer, numerous flowers, shrubs, and insects can be observed where the wetlands meet the agricultural landscape. Orklaparken also has permanent barbecue facilities and seating where visitors can eat food they have brought with them.

The Gammelosen recreation and bathing area near Orkanger offers four white-sand beaches and a 2.1-kilometer walking trail. Gammelosen is a saltwater area between Orklandbadet and the Orkdalsfjord. Orklandbadet is in Idrettsparken in Orkanger and has a large swimming pool, a wave pool, water slides, and a separate children’s pool with a play area.

There are four possible starting points for a hike at Raudhåmmårn, also known as Rødkammen; the hike can also be done as a loop. From Joplassen to Raudhåmmårn, it is one kilometer with an elevation gain of 170 meters. The trail leads to a viewpoint at 260 meters above sea level. The trail lengths mentioned differ considerably: the route from Joplassen is one kilometer, the Gammelosen walking trail is 2.1 kilometers, and Orklaparken is ten kilometers long.

Discover more destinations: Fannrem, Hoston.

Return to the main travel overview: Orkdal.