Orkanger, the administrative center of Orkland Municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway, is a dynamic town situated at the mouth of the Orkla River where it meets the Orkdalsfjorden, an arm of the Trondheimsfjord. Approximately 42 km southwest of Trondheim, Orkanger serves as the commercial and industrial hub of the Orkdalen valley, blending historical significance, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty. With a population of 8,204 (2018) across 6.26 square kilometers, it has a population density of 1,311 inhabitants per square kilometer, forming a significant urban area alongside the neighboring village of Fannrem. Designated a town in 2014, Orkanger is known for its industrial heritage, cultural landmarks like the Norway Building, and access to outdoor activities.
Orkanger’s history is rooted in its strategic location at the
Orkdalsfjorden, historically called Orkedalsøren (or Øra locally),
derived from the Orkla River and angr (bay or fjord). The area was
initially two coastal settlements, Nærviksøra and Hovsøra, which merged
in the 17th century under the name Orkedalsøren. By 1654, the port
became a key export point for copper and pyrite from the Løkken Gruve, a
mine near Løkken Verk operational until 1987.
The modern town
emerged from the division of the large Orkdal Municipality on July 1,
1920, creating Orkanger Municipality (population 1,715, area 6.64 km²),
encompassing the port of Thamshavn and the village of Orkdalsøra.
Orkanger Municipality existed until 1963, when it merged back into
Orkdal Municipality, with Orkanger as the administrative seat. In 2020,
Orkdal merged with other municipalities to form Orkland Municipality.
The town gained official town status in 2014, a symbolic designation
reflecting its urban character.
Orkanger’s industrial growth was
driven by the Thamshavn Line railway (1908–1974), which transported ore
from Løkken Verk to the Thamshavn port, and a steamship service (SS
Orkla) to Trondheim until 1949. A chipboard factory operated from 1959
to 1976, and today, the port supports the offshore oil industry and
container shipping.
Orkanger’s cultural identity reflects its industrial and maritime
past, with influences from the Orkla River and the broader Orkdalen
valley. The Orkanger Church (Orkanger Kirke), a wooden structure built
in 1892 and designed by architect Christian Thams, is a central
landmark, known for its historical and architectural significance. In
nearby Fannrem, the Orkdal Church (1893) adds to the region’s religious
heritage.
The Norway Building (Thamspaviljongen), a standout
cultural attraction, was crafted in 1893 at Strandheim Brug in Orkanger
for the Chicago World’s Fair, modeled after Norway’s iconic stave
churches. Commissioned by the Norwegian government and led by Christian
Thams, it was returned to Orkanger in 2017 after local efforts and is
now part of Bårdshaug Herregård, open to the public as a testament to
Norwegian craftsmanship.
The Orkla Industrial Museum at Løkken
Verk, 15 miles south, preserves the region’s mining history, showcasing
artifacts from the Løkken Gruve. Cultural events are modest but include
local festivals and markets, often centered around Bårdshaug Herregård,
which blends international and national romantic architectural styles.
The local newspaper, Sør-Trøndelag, is published in Orkanger, keeping
the community connected.
Orkanger’s compact size belies its range of attractions, blending
history, recreation, and natural beauty:
Norway Building: A stave
church-inspired pavilion at Bårdshaug Herregård, a must-visit for its
historical significance and unique design.
Orkanger Church: A 1892
wooden church in the town center, offering a glimpse into local
heritage.
Gammelosen: A recreational area by the Orkla River’s mouth,
ideal for hiking, swimming, and relaxation, nestled between industrial
and residential zones.
Orklandbadet: A modern water park with a wave
pool and flume, popular with families (rated 4.0/5 on Tripadvisor).
Orkland Bowling: A family-friendly center with eight bowling lanes,
billiards, shuffleboard, and dining options.
Bårdshaug Herregård: A
historic manor with a restaurant (Restaurant Ministeren) and cultural
exhibits, showcasing Christian Thams’ legacy.
Geitastrand Church: A
half-mile from the town center, this church adds to the area’s
historical charm.
Thamshavn Port: Just north of Orkanger, this port
is Trøndelag’s largest container terminal, also serving the offshore oil
industry with a spoolbase.
Nearby, the Øysand Naturhus observation
deck, a 40-minute drive toward Trondheim, offers birdwatching, while
Øysand’s sandy beach is perfect for picnics and water sports like
kitesurfing.
Orkanger’s location in the Orkdalen valley, with the Orkla River and
Orkdalsfjorden, provides diverse outdoor opportunities:
Hiking:
Gammelosen offers scenic trails by the river, while nearby hills and
woods, accessible from accommodations like Chalet Orkanger, provide more
challenging routes. The Knyken Ski Center, 6 miles away, offers trails
in summer and skiing in winter.
Skiing: Knyken Ski Center is a local
favorite for cross-country and alpine skiing, with Vassfjellet (near
Trondheim) and Oppdal (south) offering additional slopes.
Fishing:
The Orkla River is renowned for salmon fishing, a tradition dating back
centuries, with guided tours available.
Water Sports: Orkdalsfjorden
and Øysand beach support kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing,
especially on windy days.
Cycling: The E39 and Fylkesvei 65 roads
offer scenic cycling routes, with quieter paths along the Orkla toward
Svorkmo.
Birdwatching: The Øysand Naturhus is a prime spot for
observing migratory birds.
Winter activities include cross-country
skiing and snowshoeing, with the region’s proximity to larger resorts
like Åre, Sweden (a longer trip), appealing to downhill skiers.
Orkanger’s dining scene emphasizes local ingredients, reflecting
Trøndelag’s culinary heritage:
Salmon: Fresh from the Orkla
River, served grilled or smoked at restaurants like Restaurant
Ministeren at Bårdshaug Herregård, which sources from nearby Schjølberg
Søndre farm (linked to Michelin-starred Credo in Trondheim).
Reindeer
and Game: Traditional dishes available at local eateries, often paired
with lingonberries.
Klippfisk: Dried and salted cod, a Norwegian
staple, found in regional menus.
Flatbread and Local Cheeses: Common
at markets or restaurants like O75 Restaurant, Bar & Lounge.
Popular dining spots include:
Restaurant Ministeren: Offers locally
sourced meals in a historic setting at Bårdshaug Herregård.
Moon
Restaurant Orkanger: Known for diverse menus, including sushi.
Solruns Heimlaga: Specializes in homemade Norwegian dishes.
Damphuset: A casual spot for drinks and meals.
Sabrura Orkanger:
Offers sushi near the town center.
Naboen Restaurant: A 2.4-mile
drive, rated 4.3/5 for its affordable fare.
For a unique experience,
visitors can explore local farms like Schjølberg Søndre for fresh
produce.
Orkanger is well-connected and visitor-friendly:
Transportation: The E39 highway links Orkanger to Trondheim (40 minutes)
and other coastal cities. The Fylkesvei 65 runs south along the Orkla to
Svorkmo. Buses (e.g., AtB routes 310 and 4101) connect Orkanger to
Trondheim and Fannrem, with stops like Orkanger Torg (1-minute walk from
the center) and Orkanger Skysstasjon. Værnes Airport (TRD), 60 miles
away, is the nearest major airport, with bus connections via Trondheim.
The Thamshavn Line railway closed in 1974, but a 22-km heritage section
from Bårdshaug to Løkken Verk operates for tourists.
Car Rentals:
Available at Værnes Airport or in Orkanger’s town center, offering
flexibility for exploring nearby attractions.
Accommodation: Options
include:
Bårdshaug Herregård: A historic hotel with modern amenities,
praised for its breakfast and early coffee service (rated highly on
Booking.com).
Chalet Orkanger Convenience and Serenity: A renovated
villa with mountain views, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony, ideal for
families.
Norpark Romutleie: Air-conditioned rooms with private
bathrooms, suitable for budget travelers.
Vertshuset Fannarheimr: A
cozy B&B in Fannrem with included breakfast.
Strandheimen Guesthouse:
In Øysand, 3.1 miles away, offering fjord views.
Amenities:
Orkanger’s commercial center includes shopping at Orkanger Torg, grocery
stores, and the Orkdal Sjukehus (hospital), a major employer. The port
of Thamshavn, part of Trondheim Port Authority, is a key industrial hub.
rkanger balances its industrial role with a vibrant community:
Industry: The port handles containers, break bulk, and offshore oil
industry cargo, with quays like Langvrua and Krankaia equipped with
multi-purpose cranes. Major industries include metallurgy, food
processing, timber, and chemicals.
Education: Schools like Orkanger
Skole serve the community, with the Norwegian University of Science and
Technology (NTNU) 41 km away in Trondheim.
Sports and Recreation:
Orkland Bowling and Orklandbadet cater to families, while the Orkdal IL
sports club supports local athletics.
Community Life: Orkanger’s
small size fosters a close-knit feel, though its proximity to Trondheim
(a student city) adds access to urban amenities. Expats note a quieter
lifestyle compared to larger cities, with ample outdoor opportunities.
Orkanger aligns with Norway’s sustainability goals, with the port using modern equipment to reduce emissions and local farms like Schjølberg Søndre promoting organic produce. The community’s effort to repatriate the Norway Building reflects a strong sense of heritage. While some describe Orkanger as “in the middle of nowhere,” its 40-minute drive to Trondheim offers a balance of solitude and connectivity, appealing to those like the Reddit user seeking outdoor sports and a peaceful life with a dog.
Orkanger is a gateway to Trøndelag’s history, industry, and nature. The Norway Building and Bårdshaug Herregård offer cultural depth, while Gammelosen, Orklandbadet, and Knyken Ski Center cater to families and adventurers. Its proximity to Trondheim, affordable accommodations (cheapest June–August), and outdoor activities like fishing and skiing make it ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a quieter Norwegian experience. The town’s industrial vibrancy, from the Thamshavn port to historic mining sites, adds a unique dimension.