Selbu: Pilgrim Trail, Knitting Tradition and Nature

Selbu Bygdemuseum is located in the old vicarage next to Selbu Church. From here, you can see two defining aspects of Selbu: its long pilgrimage tradition and local crafts. Hiking trails, opportunities by the water and various cultural sites also offer different ways to shape your stay.

Church, the Romboleden and knitting traditions

Selbu Church is one of the largest long churches in Trøndelag and originally dates from 1150. It is known for its acoustics and is located on the Romboleden. Norway’s oldest pilgrimage trail leads from Tydal via Selbu to Trondheim. Its Norwegian section passes through Neadalen to Selbu and then along Lake Selbusjøen. The Romboleden is inadequately marked and is best suited to pilgrims familiar with using a map and compass. Check the latest route information before setting out.

At Selbu Bygdemuseum, exhibitions tell the story of local life, work and crafts, as well as traditions and history in Selbu. Selbu Husflidscentral at the museum organises guided tours and museum visits. On request, it offers courses in the Selbu knitting technique, talks and workshops in collaboration with Selbu Spinneri; check booking details in advance. Before travelling, also check visiting opportunities, as access may be seasonal.

The knitting tradition has a specific historical origin: from 1856–1857, knitting with two threads in different colours began in Selbu. This technique laid the foundation for the Selbu knitting tradition, which quickly became an important source of income for the village. The Morsarvin sculpture in front of Selbu Sparebank honours this tradition. The Kalvåa bygdetun also presents older craft traditions and summer mountain-farm life; the Kjeldstad mill is part of Selbu Municipality’s museum offerings. In Vikvarvet, the Taterutstillingen is a permanent exhibition in a preserved building from the period of the former camp, around 1939 to 1960.

Hiking trails and nature in the national park

Skarvan og Roltdalen National Park includes areas in Selbu and combines nature experiences with historical depth. It can be explored on foot or on skis via well-marked trails and from numerous tourist huts. In Selbu, Vekta and Hoemskjølen are starting points for visits to the park. There are car parks, information boards and marked trails; some facilities at the trailheads may still be under construction.

Outside these starting points, Selbu’s hiking and cycling routes also offer a range of options. The maintained and marked hiking trails include the “Ti på topp” and “17 i Selbu” route programmes; their structure may change from year to year. Cycling routes pass through varied terrain and have different levels of difficulty. Many are signposted, and maps and overview boards at several locations help with navigation. When planning, you can choose between marked hikes, a ski trip and a bike ride, each with its own type of terrain.

Selbustien, Årsøya and activities by the water

Selbustien is 8 km long and is located in Mebonden, in the heart of Selbu. There are opportunities for swimming and fishing along the route. Several places to start and park are available, including Putten, the Sentralbaneanlegget, Årsøya, Vikaengene and Vikastøa; the access roads branch off from Vikvarvvegen. As parking arrangements may change, check the route before your visit.

Årsøya has a family-friendly activity park and a free nature meeting place with a wood-fired pizza oven. The paved pump track offers 620 square metres of space for cycling and riding scooters; there is also an 18-basket disc golf course. Facilities there also include an accessible fishing pier and a toilet with a baby-changing area. The toilet is open daily, year-round. Before your visit, check the latest information on the availability and condition of the facilities.

Selbu offers opportunities for freshwater fishing in more than 300 bodies of water, including the Nea River and Lake Selbusjøen. Permits and access conditions may vary. There are paddling routes on Lake Selbusjøen for experienced and inexperienced paddlers; possible starting points include Putten and Selbu Camping. Equipment and conditions for launching may change, so check in advance. Whether you are interested in pilgrimage trails, cultural history, cycling or time by the water, Selbu offers specific themes to help you plan your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Selbu, Mebonden, Selbustrand, Ørland, Snillfjord, Frøya, Holtålen, Rissa.

Back to the main travel overview: Sor-Trondelag.