A Ride Through Norway’s Scenic Heartlands: From Høylandet to Orkanger
Today was a long but rewarding day on the road, with nearly 300 kilometers behind us. We set off early from Flåt Camping in Høylandet, eager to tackle the winding roads that awaited us. For the first part of the journey, we chose the scenic backroads, hugging the shores of lakes and fjords, where the roads snake through the Norwegian landscape like a ribbon laid out by nature itself. The crisp morning air, combined with the mirror-like reflections on the water, made the ride a true pleasure. Eventually, we merged onto the E6, Norway’s main highway, but even here, the surrounding views didn’t disappoint.
Design Bridge in Levanger
By lunchtime, we were ready for a break and pulled over in Levanger, a charming town known for its proximity to the Trondheimsfjord and its historic wooden buildings. We found a small park by the modern Snekkarberget Bridge, a beautiful example of Norwegian design blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. The only problem was the overgrown foliage around the benches, but we came prepared! With a few quick snips, we cleared enough space to sit down and enjoy our lunch—some leftover bread, cheese, and orange juice from breakfast.
As we relaxed in the park, I made a quick call to the BMW dealer in Trondheim to check if they could repair my front shock absorber. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in stock, and the part would take at least five days to arrive. It’s one of those rare components that’s too expensive to keep on hand, apparently. So, once again, we decided to push on and hope for the best, choosing to drive a little more cautiously over the bumps and rough patches.
Snekkarberget bru in Levanger
From Levanger, the road continued to delight, meandering along lakes and forested hills. This area of Trøndelag County is known for its rich agricultural history, and you can see it in the landscape—large farms dotted the countryside, with traditional red barns standing proudly against the green backdrop. These roads, especially outside of the high tourist season, feel like a hidden gem, allowing you to fully absorb the essence of Norway without the crowds.
Camping in Orkanger
By mid-afternoon, we finally made it to Orkanger. A small town with a deep-rooted industrial history tied to the nearby Orkla River, which also lends its name to the local camping spot: Orkla Camping. The river has been central to the town’s development, with industries ranging from mining to timber being important to its economy. While Orkanger may not be the biggest stop on the map, it has its charm, blending modern amenities with a touch of old-world Norway. The town’s layout is simple but functional, with cozy cafés, a few restaurants, and supermarkets catering to the locals and the travelers passing through.
Before reaching the campsite, we had to take a detour due to a bridge being under maintenance—a situation that’s apparently been dragging on for over a year now, according to one of the locals we met. Once we arrived at Orkla Camping, we found a nice spot beside the river and set up camp. The river path nearby is popular with walkers, making for a peaceful, social atmosphere at the campground.
Diner time
For dinner, we opted for a comforting, home-style meal—boiled potatoes, cauliflower, and a mega-sized burger from the local supermarket. Afterward, we treated ourselves to a freshly brewed cup of coffee (caffeine included this time!) and savored the taste while watching the last bit of daylight fade over the river.
As the evening settled in, we took a stroll through Orkanger’s quiet streets. The town, though small, has a pleasant feel to it. There’s a Norwegian wooden church known as The Norway Building, which actually has an interesting history. It was originally built in the United States in the early 1900s as part of a world’s fair exhibition, but was later transported back to Norway. We even found a hidden geocache behind a heat pump next to the church—a nice bonus for any fellow adventurers out there!
After the walk, we wrapped up the day with one last cup of coffee and shared a can of beer—a relaxed way to close out this day’s ride.
The Norway Building
The Norway Building
View from our camp
park near Snekkarberget bru in Levanger
Orkla river
Orkla river
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