Drive it Yourself: The Coastal Road Day 2 – Namsos to Brønnøysund
This is part two of Norway’s coastal road.
Namsos is a historic timber trading town. The city was founded officially in 1845 and played a prominent role in the 19th century timber export trade of Norway. The city suffered two devastating fires at the end of the 19th century and was heavily bombed during World War II, but still retains a lovely charm and some interesting historic sites.
Latitude: 64.2 degrees north
Population: 15,000
Namsos Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Namsos
Rock City is Norway’s national resource centre for pop and rock music and one of Namsos’ most distinctive attractions. The museum and cultural centre celebrates the region’s deep connection to Norwegian music history, particularly the famous “Trønderrock” movement. Interactive exhibitions, recording studios and memorabilia tell the story of artists who shaped modern Norwegian music culture. Concerts, events and exhibitions are held throughout the year, making it a lively cultural hub in the city centre.
The Namsdal Museum is an open-air museum with 24 buildings collected from around the region, including a schoolhouse and a blacksmithery. In the summer months you’ll find guides and shops here.
The Norwegian Sawmill Museum explores the forestry and timber industries that shaped Namsos throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibits explain how logging, river transport and sawmills helped transform the town into an important industrial centre. Historic machinery, photographs and artefacts provide insight into daily working life and regional development. The museum also highlights the relationship between the forests, river and coastal trade routes.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Klompen is a popular hilltop viewpoint overlooking Namsos, the Namsen fjord and surrounding forests. A relatively short walk leads visitors to panoramic views across the town and coastline. The viewpoint is especially beautiful during sunset or under winter snow conditions. Locals often visit for hiking, skiing and outdoor exercise throughout the year.
Leka, Norway’s geological national monument, makes a memorable day trip from Namsos. The island is famous for its striking red and yellow rock formations that create an almost otherworldly landscape. Visitors can hike coastal trails, explore Viking burial sites and enjoy dramatic sea views. The island’s unique geology and peaceful atmosphere make it one of Trøndelag’s most unusual destinations.
The Namsen River is one of Norway’s most famous salmon rivers and plays a central role in the identity of Namsos and the surrounding region. Visitors can walk along the riverbanks, watch anglers during fishing season or join guided salmon fishing experiences. The river is also surrounded by forests and scenic viewpoints that showcase the natural beauty of Trøndelag. During summer evenings, the calm water and northern light create especially peaceful scenery.
Flatanger is known internationally for climbing, coastal scenery and outdoor recreation. The region offers dramatic cliffs, sea kayaking, fishing and hiking opportunities surrounded by fjords and islands. Flatanger is also home to one of Europe’s most famous sport climbing caves, attracting climbers from around the world. The combination of rugged coastline and quiet fishing communities creates a distinctly Norwegian coastal atmosphere.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Namsos
The Coastal Road is the longest of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads, and covers the length from Trondheim to Bodø.
No self-guided walks are currently available for Namsos
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Namsos
Namsos developed during the 19th century as an important centre for forestry, sawmills and coastal trade in central Norway. The vast forests of Namdalen provided timber that could easily be transported along the Namsen River to the coast and exported internationally. This created rapid economic growth and helped establish Namsos as one of the region’s key industrial towns. Fishing and maritime trade also played important roles in the development of local communities.
The town experienced major destruction during World War II due to heavy bombing in 1940. Much of Namsos was rebuilt after the war, meaning modern architecture dominates much of the city centre today. Wartime history remains an important part of local identity, with museums and memorials preserving stories from this difficult period.
In more recent decades, Namsos became widely known for its contribution to Norwegian music culture, particularly through the Trønderrock scene. Musicians and artists from the region helped shape modern Norwegian rock music, giving the town a cultural identity that extends far beyond its size.
Modern life in Namsos combines regional industry, outdoor living and strong cultural traditions. Forestry, aquaculture and fishing remain important parts of the local economy, while music and tourism continue to grow in significance. Residents enjoy easy access to rivers, forests and fjords, making outdoor recreation central to daily life throughout the year.
The town has a relaxed and community-oriented atmosphere shaped by both rural traditions and modern regional development. Festivals, concerts and cultural events linked to Rock City and local music heritage help create a lively cultural scene. During summer, fishing tourism and coastal travel bring additional visitors to the area.
Despite its relatively small size, Namsos functions as an important regional centre for the Namdalen district. Education, healthcare and transport services support surrounding communities across Trøndelag. The balance between nature, culture and local industry gives the town a distinctly northern Norwegian character.
Fly: Namsos Airport offers regional flights connecting with Trondheim and other Norwegian destinations. Flights are usually operated by Widerøe.
Drive: Namsos can be reached by car via the E6 and regional highways through Trøndelag. Scenic drives through forests, rivers and coastal landscapes make the journey especially enjoyable.
Train: There is no direct railway station in Namsos. The nearest train connections are usually combined with buses from Grong or Steinkjer along the Nordland Line.
Ferry: Regional ferries connect nearby islands and coastal communities throughout Trøndelag. Coastal routes are often combined with road travel for scenic journeys through the region.
Namsos is compact and easy to explore on foot, particularly around the waterfront and city centre. Local buses connect nearby neighbourhoods and surrounding communities throughout Namdalen. Rental cars are useful for exploring the wider region, coastal islands and fishing areas. Cycling, hiking and boating are also popular ways to experience the area during summer.
Cafes & Bakeries
Hamstad Bakericafe – traditional bakery in Namsos with delicious fresh bred and coffee.
Kafe Midtpunktet – A cosy local café serving coffee, cakes and traditional Norwegian lunch dishes in the centre of town. Popular with both locals and travellers
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Mintage Sushi – Nordic-Asian fusion restaurant with sushi and warm Asian dishes.
Onkel Oskar – English-style pub with tasty food and relaxed setting.
High End & Unique Eats
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Namsos Camping – Affordable accommodation offering cabins, camping and easy access to outdoor activities along the river and surrounding forests.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Rock City is the main hotel in the area.
Click here to view rates & book
Namsen Hotell – Comfortable guesthouse-style accommodation with river views and relaxed atmosphere suitable for anglers and travellers.
High End & Unique Properties
Sunrise: 9:45am
Sunset: 3:01pm
Average Temperature: -1.5C (29F)
Sunrise: 8:12am
Sunset: 4:45pm
Average Temperature: -2.1C (28F)
Sunrise: 6:34am
Sunset: 6:13pm
Average Temperature: -0.1C (32F)
Sunrise: 5:42am
Sunset: 8:47pm
Average Temperature: 4C (39F)
Sunrise: 3:57am
Sunset: 10:26pm
Average Temperature: 7.9C (46F)
Sunrise: 2:35am
Sunset: 11:54pm
Average Temperature: 11.5C (53F)
Sunrise: 3:20am
Sunset: 11:16pm
Average Temperature: 15C (59F)
Sunrise: 5:01am
Sunset: 9:33pm
Average Temperature: 14.2C (58F)
Sunrise: 6:35am
Sunset: 7:41pm
Average Temperature: 10.3C (50.5F)
Sunrise: 8:04am
Sunset: 5:54pm
Average Temperature: 4.9C (41F)
Sunrise: 8:44am
Sunset: 3:11pm
Average Temperature: 1.5C (35F)
Sunrise: 10:07am
Sunset: 2:10pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
This is part two of Norway’s coastal road.
Drive it Yourself: Trondheim to Namsos on the E6 Welcome to my guide for the drive between Trondheim and Namsos. This drive primarily takes place