Steinsdalen: River Landscape and Milling History

In Steinsdalen, a long river course, traces of milling history and a hike to a mountain lake shape the experiences you can discover. The Steinsdalselva is 33 kilometres long: it first flows west and then northwest to the head of the approximately 3-kilometre-long Osen fjord. When choosing a holiday rental for your stay, the river landscape, cultural history or time outdoors may influence which experiences you focus on.

River and Milling History

The last mill in Osen was located at Kveinnfossen, on the Skipelva river in Steinsdalen. Local milling history also includes Stein Mølle at the Kvennfossen mill on the Skipelva: it was built in 1929 and decommissioned in 1960. These dates give this chapter a specific timeframe, while the names Kveinnfossen, Skipelva and Steinsdalen connect it to the landscape.

A ski hut is also among the sports facilities in Steinsdalen. Along a 12-kilometre stretch of the Steinsdalselva where salmon are found, there are shelters and toilets. These details add local facilities to the picture of the valley without reducing the river to its historical significance. As the condition of such facilities can change, it is best to check them before your visit.

On the Way to Rosskardtjønna

The hike to Rosskardtjønna starts at the Rosskardelva by Langmoen, Stein, in Steinsdalen. The route first follows an old cart track, which later became a tractor or forestry road. A trail then leads to the lake, with a few marshy sections along the way. This makes it easy to understand the route: the former track is followed by a stretch where marshy terrain is part of the experience. If you choose Rosskardtjønna as your destination, you’ll have both the starting point and the character of each section in mind.

The river landscape and the hike offer different points of focus: one centres on the course of the Steinsdalselva and its milling history, the other on the route from the Rosskardelva to the lake. These highlights can help you plan your days according to your interests, without assuming a particular duration for the hike.

More to Discover in the Wider Osen Destination

Steinsdalen is part of the wider Osen destination. Osen is on the coast of Trøndelag; the destination offers opportunities for coastal walks, trips into the forest and mountains, and fishing in the fjord. These regional themes complement the specific experiences in Steinsdalen with other nature and activity highlights.

In the wider Osen destination, the rock art site at Strand offers its own connection to cultural history: this accessible prehistoric monument comprises eight figures, including a naturalistic depiction of a 2.9-metre-long minke whale. Osen Bygdatun is also in Osen, in the heart of Vingsand. Visits are possible in summer to learn about the history of coastal farmers; dinner and coffee are also available. Check the relevant dates and opening hours before your visit.

Svesøya is also part of the wider Osen destination. The 160-Daa island lies at the outer end of Svesfjorden in the northern part of Osen and has been highlighted as an area of ornithological conservation value. Along with the coastal, forest and fjord themes, it shows a different side of the destination from the river landscape and milling history you can expect in Steinsdalen.

Osen can be reached via the Fv715 coastal road, by express boat from Trondheim, or via Trondheim Airport Værnes followed by a drive. Check timetables and service information before travelling.

For the wider travel overview: Osen.