Straumen: Sculptures, River and Cultural Trail

Art by the river in Straumen

When choosing a hotel destination, you can assess Straumen based on two specific cultural interests: art in Muustrøparken and the history of the shoreline along the Vangshylla–Straumen Cultural Trail. In Muustrøparken in the centre of Straumen, you can see eleven sculptures by sculptor Nils Aas. The park is on the Granaelva and has an amphitheatre with a stage. The sculptures, stage and riverside setting offer different points of interest for a culture-focused stay.

The Vangshylla–Straumen Cultural Trail offers another perspective on cultural history. The path runs along the shore, where the first settlement on Utøy was established. The local themes are therefore clearly distinct: Muustrøparken focuses on the art of Nils Aas, while the cultural trail focuses on the shoreline and its connection to the first settlement. If you are weighing art and history for your trip, these differences can help you choose a destination.

Art and architecture in the wider destination of Inderøy

The wider destination of Inderøy offers another place to explore the work of Nils Aas: the Nils Aas Kunstverksted in Straumen houses an art collection arranged by Aas himself. The Kunstverksted also has a workshop where visitors can work with various materials. Alongside the sculptures in the park, the collection and the hands-on activities in the workshop offer distinct ways to engage with Nils Aas’s work.

Hustad Church offers a different cultural and historical perspective. It dates from the mid-12th century and is located in the cultural landscape of Inderøy. The church is surrounded by Kjerkeplanken, a log-built fence that is rare in Norway. The focus here is on both the church’s long history and the fence’s distinctive construction.

Landscape and local flavours in the wider destination of Inderøy

Sundsand offers a different focus on landscape and activities. This recreational area has a shallow sandy beach, walking trails, a playground and three sand volleyball courts. These features provide a different emphasis from the art and shoreline history in Straumen: here, the named attractions are the beach, trails and recreational facilities. This also lets you plan your trip around whether you are more interested in local culture or outdoor activities.

Regional produce may also be of interest in the wider destination of Inderøy. At Berg Gård, Inderøy Brenneri offers bookable aquavit tastings with a guided tour. The distillery makes barrel-aged aquavit using caraway it grows itself and regional ingredients. Inderøy Gårdsbryggeri produces craft beer, mead and apple juice from regional ingredients, and uses its own malt and hops. Visitor activities include beer tastings for groups and pub evenings at Bryggeriloftet.

At Gangstad Gårdsysteri in Sandvollan, visitors can sample and buy award-winning cheeses and farm ice cream at the farm shop, which is open year-round. Check the opening details before your visit. In summer, coffee and farm ice cream are also available in the farmyard; in July, a farm platter is served there too.

Discover more destinations: Inderøy, Vangshylla, Kjerknesvågen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Inderøy.