Namsos: Art, views and trails on Jøa

Namsos lies where the Namsen River flows into the fjord. In the city, contemporary art, views over Namsos from the Klompen Pavilion and seasonal activities are among the different ideas for a trip. On Jøa, there is also a small open-air museum about rural history and a hike described as a connected route. You can choose whether to focus your stay on the city, culture, activity or experiences on Jøa.

Klompen and the cycling loop

Bjørmunslumpen, usually called Klompen, is the city mountain of Namsos. Several trails lead from the centre to the summit; they usually take 20 to 30 minutes. At the top, the Klompen Pavilion offers a viewpoint overlooking the city. The approximate walking time makes the climb a manageable activity in its own right, with the city view as its specific goal.

For a cycling loop, the 2025 Visit Namdalen travel guide lists the Namsos–Namsos route via Vemundvik as 26 kilometres long. It offers a different measure for planning than the walk up Klompen: an approximate walking time is given for the mountain, while the cycling loop is described by its distance. When deciding whether a summit visit or cycling should shape your day, you can compare these two details directly.

Art at the cultural centre and outdoors

The Kunstmuseet NordTrøndelag is located in the cultural centre in Namsos. It presents Norwegian contemporary art in a varied exhibition programme, with content that changes over time. The museum also offers an open workshop with activities for adults and children; this programme may also change. If a particular exhibition or the workshop is important to your visit, check the current offerings in advance.

As of 18 December 2025, the Land-art museum Hestøya on Lund was a new outdoor art attraction still in development and described as open to everyone. At that time, artworks by eight international artists had been installed on Hestøya. The art theme thus ranges from Norwegian contemporary art at the cultural centre to international land art outdoors.

History and hiking on Jøa

The small Fosnes Bygdemuseum near Dun on Jøa is an open-air museum about rural history. For those interested in hiking, Jøatrappa and Eventyrstien together form a hike that climbs both sides of Dunafjellet and is described as a connected experience. Jøa therefore offers a cultural history visit and a combined hike as distinct options.

Local food

Toddum Gårdsbutikk sells local food from across Namdalen. Opening arrangements may change, so check them before visiting. Fresh Norwegian mozzarella is made at Toddum Gårdsysteri. If you would like to include the product in your travel plans, check its availability before your trip. Both details offer different points of interest for anyone interested in regional food as well as art and scenery.

Seasonality and express boat connections

An express boat that operates year-round connects Namsos, Rørvik and Gutvik. Bicycles are carried, but cars are not. If you plan to travel on this connection, check the current departures and take the difference into account when choosing your mode of transport.

Stolpejakten is a free, accessible orienteering and activity concept in Namsos. It takes place during the summer season from 1 June. This creates a clear difference in timing when comparing travel options: Stolpejakten is seasonal, while the express boat runs year-round. Plan according to your intended travel dates.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a hotel in Namsos, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: art at the cultural centre, the city views from Klompen or a seasonal activity in Namsos. The history and connected hike on Jøa offer a different focus. This way, you can choose where to stay based on the experiences that matter to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Namsos, Bangsund, Fosslandsosen, Steinkjer, Vikna, Nærøy, Namsskogan, Stjørdal.

To the broader travel overview: Nord-Trondelag.