Located at one end of Snåsavatnet lake, Snåsa is a peaceful village just off the main route that links southern and northern Norway. It’s one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered Southern Sami language and is the birthplace of the renowned Norwegian psychic, Joralf Gjerstad.
Things to do in Snåsa
A short stroll west of Snåsa's town centre is Snåsa Church, a stone-built landmark originally constructed in a Romanesque style in the early 13th century. It was remodelled in 1869 to create the Neo-Gothic church seen today and has the capacity to seat around 500 people during weekly sermons. A highlight of the interior is the Baroque altarpiece that was crafted in 1677.
Not far from the Snåsa Church is the Gjerstadhuset, a museum that occupies the childhood home of the “Snåsa Man” Joralf Gjerstad. Learn about his psychic and faith healing abilities as you wander through the rooms, which have been recreated as they would have appeared during his youth. Personal belongings and family photographs are on display, together with exhibits detailing Gjerstad’s multiple awards.
If you’re interested in the region’s indigenous history, pay a visit to the Saemien Sijte - South Sami Museum and Cultural Centre, which explores the lifestyle and importance of oral storytelling to the Sami people. Sit in a traditional “gamma” hut and test your lassoing skills before shopping for traditional Sami handicrafts and books in the museum store.
Getting there
Snåsa is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Trondheim and just over two hours from Trondheim Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Snåsa railway station while the centre of town is compact enough to explore on foot. Having your own vehicle is best for getting around the surrounding region.