Tydal: Sylan, Pilgrim Route and Local Culture

At the foot of the Sylan massif, Tydal is a mountain settlement on the border between Trøndelag and Sweden. County Road 705 runs through Tydal between Røros and Stjørdal, providing a geographical reference point for your trip. The landscape, trails and cultural sites offer different focal points for a stay: the Sylan mountains define the regional setting, while museums, a church and a pilgrim route offer insights into the history of the area.

Mountain Landscape and Waterfall

Most of the Sylan mountain area lies within Tydal municipality. At the same time, the area extends into Meråker, Selbu, Røros and Sweden, so it is larger than the municipality. Across the wider Sylan area, a well-developed and marked trail network leads through the terrain. Another regional feature is Skarvan og Roltdalen National Park, which protects largely untouched mountain and forest areas, along with their biological diversity and cultural heritage sites. A particular focus of the protected area is millstone production.

Henfallet is a 90-metre-high waterfall and is considered the tallest waterfall in Trøndelag. Alongside the vast mountain landscape, it is a specific natural landmark distinguished by its height. Those interested in the trails in Sylan can find their bearings across the wider area, while Henfallet is clearly described by its stated height.

Routes Through Tydal

The Norwegian section of the Romboleden begins at Skarddøra on the border in Tydal. From there, it passes through Stugudalen, Tydalen and Neadalen towards Selbu. The pilgrim route through Tydal follows a different described course: from Kirkvollen pilgrims-gård, it goes via Ås sentrum and Åsgrinda along an old road over Varhusbakken, then descends to Brekka Bygdetun and Tydal museum. The Romboleden is described by its starting point at the border and its direction, while the pilgrim route is distinguished by the sequence of named places.

Church, Museum and Local History

Tydal kirke is a listed wooden church dating from 1696 and is considered a so-called wayside church. Every summer, it opens so visitors can see its wall paintings. Check current visiting dates before your trip.

Kistafoss Power Station is a power station museum. Its exhibition in the machine hall includes the control room, machinery, objects and tools from its operating period, as well as an authentic kitchen interior from the time when electricity was introduced in Tydal. Thus, in addition to the technical equipment, the exhibition also offers a glimpse of the kitchen interiors of the time. Visits to Kistafoss Power Station and Tydal museum can be arranged by calling 917 55 677; confirm the number before your trip.

Brekka Bygdetun is the venue for the historical open-air play “Karolinernes hærtog i Tydal”. The grounds of Brekka – Barnas Bygdetun are home to various animals and activities for children. Coffee and accompanying refreshments are also available there. The pilgrim route also leads to Brekka Bygdetun and Tydal museum, so this section can be combined with visits to these named cultural sites.

Fishing and Specialties

There is an accessible fishing spot at Aune on the Nea River. Facilities include a shelter, an accessible toilet, a ten-metre-long fishing pier with a railing, a fishing path along the river, benches and a fire pit. Check local conditions before using the facilities.

Tydal’s local specialties include products made from wild sheep, moose, trout and char, prepared according to traditional recipes. If you are looking for a particular product, it is best to check availability directly with the producer.

Discover more destinations: Østby, Tydal, Frøya, Ørland, Midtre Gauldal, Meldal, Trondheim, Rissa.

For the broader travel overview: Sor-Trondelag.