Steinsdalen – River, Mill History and Trails

You can get to know Steinsdalen through its river landscape, mill history and the hike to Rosskardtjønna. If you are planning a stay, these places and topics offer concrete points of reference for your time in the valley. The Steinsdalselva River shapes the geographical setting, while the route to the lake follows its own course over varying types of terrain.

The Steinsdalselva River and the Landscape

The Steinsdalselva River is 33 kilometres long. It flows through Steinsdalen first westward and then northwestward to the head of the Osen Fjord, which is about three kilometres long. This provides distinct geographical points of reference: the valley, the river and the fjord. Shelters and toilets are available along a 12-kilometre salmon-bearing stretch of the Steinsdalselva. If these facilities are important for your plans, check their current condition before your visit.

Mill History on the Skipelva River

A specific link to industrial history is Stein Mølle at the Kvennfossen mill on the Skipelva River. It was built in 1929 and shut down in 1960. These dates place the mill’s history in a specific location and also make clear that it is a historic structure, not a present-day operation. For travellers interested in the valley’s cultural history, this site complements the landscape around the Steinsdalselva River with a local story from the era of the mills.

Hike to Rosskardtjønna

The hike starts at the Rosskardelva River near Langmoen, Stein, in Steinsdalen. The route initially follows an old cart road, which later became a tractor or forestry road. It then continues along a trail with some marshy sections to Rosskardtjønna. This change in terrain is useful to know when planning: the route is not entirely a road, but also includes a trail with marshy stretches. There is also a ski hut among the sports facilities in Steinsdalen.

More Cultural History in Osen

Osen also offers distinct cultural points of interest to help with your trip planning. The rock art site at Strand is an established Stone Age cultural heritage site with eight figures. These include a naturalistic depiction of a 2.9-metre-long pilot whale; the site is open to visitors. These images offer a different way of exploring the past than the mill history on the Skipelva River.

In the centre of Osen stands Osen Church, a wooden long church built in 1877 and inaugurated on 4 July 1878. Outside the church, a memorial commemorates 22 fishermen who lost their lives during the Storversdagen storm in January 1859. The church’s construction history and the memorial represent different chapters of local history.

Osen Bygdatun is located in the heart of Vingsand. In summer, you can learn about the history of coastal farmers there; dinner and coffee are also available. Check the visitor dates and current arrangements in advance. This allows you to take this seasonal opportunity in Osen into account when planning your trip, without confusing it with the local hiking and river topics in Steinsdalen.

For the wider travel overview: Osen.