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Wenche77 CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Steinvikholm Castle

Museum

16th-century island fortress near Trondheim, constructed by Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson. Visitors reach it by boat to see ruins, coastal scenery and displays about its role in Norway's Reformation.

Steinvikholm Castle TrondheimRørvikBrekstadOrkangerStjørdalshalsenStørenDomkirkenDovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National ParkSteinvikholm Castle

Steinvikholm Castle essentials

Country: Norway
Driest months: Mar-May
Pay in: Krone (kr)
Language: Norwegian
Emergency: 112

Steinvikholm Castle at a Glance

About Steinvikholm Castle

Steinvikholm Castle is a 16th century island fortress built by Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson between about 1528 and 1532, located on a rocky islet off the coast of Trøndelag in Norway.

Constructed as an episcopal seat and defensive stronghold, it became a final refuge for the Catholic archbishop during the Reformation in Norway and later fell into disuse after the archbishop’s exile.

The stone castle survives as ruins and has been partially conserved; it is used today for cultural events and as a historic site illustrating the late medieval ecclesiastical power structure in Norway.

The fortress sits on a small island in the Trondheimsfjord near Stjørdal in Trøndelag and is reached from the nearby shore.

  • Access and events: Access to the ruins is by boat or short causeway and the site hosts seasonal cultural events, notably outdoor opera performances in summer.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Steinvikholm Castle

Summer months provide the most reliable access by boat and on-site services.

Summer
June-August · 10-20°C
Best time for boat crossings and open visitor facilities; local festivals sometimes take place on the island.
Late Spring/Early Autumn
May, September · 6-15°C
Quieter, cooler and still suitable for walking the castle grounds.

Weather & Climate near Steinvikholm Castle

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (941 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -5° - 1° -7° 80 mm overcast 95% 4.8 m/s 0.0 low 5.4h
February Poor -5° - 2° -6° 69 mm overcast 95% 4.3 m/s 0.0 low 8.4h
March Poor -2° - 4° -4° 58 mm overcast 93% 4.1 m/s 0.2 low 11.5h
April Poor 0° - 7° 0° 49 mm overcast 86% 3.9 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.7h
May Acceptable 5° - 13° 7° 55 mm overcast 80% 3.9 m/s 0.9 moderate 17.8h
June Good 8° - 16° 12° 74 mm overcast 81% 3.6 m/s 1.1 high 19.8h
July Good 10° - 18° 14° 87 mm overcast 83% 3.3 m/s 1.1 high 18.8h
August Good 10° - 17° 13° 85 mm overcast 86% 3.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.9h
September Acceptable 6° - 13° 8° 109 mm overcast 88% 3.8 m/s 0.3 low 12.8h
October Poor 3° - 9° 3° 100 mm overcast 92% 4.0 m/s 0.1 low 9.6h
November Poor -2° - 4° -3° 78 mm overcast 95% 4.3 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
December Poor -4° - 2° -6° 97 mm overcast 96% 4.3 m/s 0.0 low 4.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Steinvikholm Castle

The castle is located near Stjørdal; access is by boat during the summer season from local harbours. Check local tourism offices in Stjørdal or municipal websites for seasonal boat services and guided tours.

Tips for Visiting Steinvikholm Castle

  • Check the seasonal boat timetable if aiming to reach the island; crossings are often limited to summer months.
  • Guided visits that explain Olav Engelbrektsson's role in Norwegian history are worth joining to understand the Reformation context.