Namsos: City History, Art and Trails Along the Namsen

At the mouth of the Namsen, city history, art and opportunities to get active come together in Namsos. The city centre tells the story of post-war reconstruction, while museums offer insights into regional history and contemporary Norwegian art. Families can also choose from marked hiking trails, a ride along old railway tracks and activities connected with exhibitions.

Discover the City’s History and Culture

One of the city’s landmark buildings is Namsos samfunnshus, which is of considerable architectural and cultural-historical value and is a central feature of the city rebuilt after the Second World War. Under one roof, it combines municipal offices with a community centre, cinema and café. The city centre follows a grid plan by Brente Steders Regulering (BSR). The street network has been preserved, and the buildings are largely authentic. Anyone interested in urban development will find a tangible connection to the history of post-war reconstruction here.

Namdalsmuseet comprises 24 buildings and more than 13,000 objects and photographs, and is located close to the centre of Namsos. Its collections range from old farming culture to forestry and overseas history, as well as the history of hospitals. Different aspects of the region’s past are represented side by side. Kunstmuseet NordTrøndelag presents contemporary Norwegian art through a varied exhibition programme. In connection with exhibitions, the museum offers workshops and guided tours for children and adults; tailored activities can be arranged on request.

Music history and public art are also part of the cultural offering. At Trønderrockmuseet, you can learn more about the development of Trønderrock, its artists, and national and local social history. Verdensrommet was moved there from a garage and rebuilt just as it had been before. Festplassen is home to a well-known bronze statue of Åge Aleksandersen, created by Errol Fyrileiv.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

For a walk with several distinctive sections, try Brurunden: this universally designed, waymarked circular trail follows Spillumsstranda and the old railway line. It crosses the listed Gamle Namsbru and Namsosbru bridges, passes through two tunnels and crosses a railway bridge. Brurunden is considered family-friendly and is frequently used by Namsos residents. Its various structures and route along the former railway line give the circuit a character of its own.

Another hiking destination is the city mountain, Klompen. The marked trail starts at Rock City Opplevelsessenter and is indicated by red DNT T-markers. The steepest sections have handrails and, in places, cast steps. In Bymarka, you’ll find a network of well-marked trails with several starting points and numerous hiking destinations close to the centre of Namsos. This range offers different options for an active day, with trails that vary in character.

Another way to explore the area along old railway tracks is to take a railbike ride on the Namsosbanen. The trip starts in the centre of Namsos and covers 13 km towards Skage in Overhalla. If you’d rather combine culture and activity, you can choose your own focus for your stay from museum visits, the trails described above and this ride. In Spillum, just south of Namsos, Norsk Sagbruksmuseum Spillum Dampsag & Høvleri preserves a historic sawmill. A dedicated tour follows the production line from the log to the finished product.

More destinations: Bangsund, Fosslandsosen.

Go to the main travel overview: Namsos.