The Verdalske Fortifications
The Verdalske Fortifications are a historic military defense site located in the upper part of Inndalen in Verdal. The site consists of northern and southern mountain galleries, as well as a blockhouse situated further down the valley near Vaterholmen Camp.
The mountain galleries are currently closed indefinitely pending safety and restoration work, while the Blockhouse remains open to visitors.
Border Fortress and Weapons Technology
History of the Fortifications
After the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, tensions remained between the two neighboring countries. As part of Norway’s new defense strategy, the Verdalske and Stjørdalske Fortifications were established to protect Central Norway from a possible attack from the east. The fortifications were constructed between 1908 and 1913, located in Verdal Municipality, along the Inna River.
The main role of the Verdalske Fortifications was to delay an invading enemy during the first phase of an attack, thereby buying time for the mobilization of larger military forces.
The Southern Gallery covered the road and open terrain facing east and was equipped with a rapid-fire Schneider-Canet 7.5 cm fortress gun and two Hotchkiss machine guns.
The Northern Gallery was initially outfitted with four machine guns, and in 1913, it was reinforced with two 8.4 cm cannons.
Practical information
-
Northern and Southern Galleries: Temporarily closed for maintenance and rock stabilization.
The Blockhouse: Open throughout the summer season, from May to September.
-
Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge.
Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities require separate tickets and pricing. -
Guided tours of the Southern Gallery can be arranged by appointment with the Friends Association:
Facebook – De Verdalske Befestninger -
De Verdalske befestninger. Jamtlandsvegen, 7660 Vuku
Conduct at the Fortress
The Verdalske Fortifications are a national cultural heritage site, and we kindly ask all visitors to respect the surroundings, including buildings, ruins, monuments, and landscaped areas.
- Please dispose of waste in the bins provided.
- Grilling and open fires are prohibited year-round, including disposable grills.
- Drone use is not permitted on or above the fortress grounds.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Ball games are not allowed within the fortress area.
- The consumption of alcohol brought from outside is prohibited.
Norway’s fortresses are historic defense sites and vibrant cultural arenas, visited by millions of people every year. They are important attractions in local communities across the country—serving as destinations, heritage sites, and centers for economic activity.
They are also meeting grounds where history connects with the present, and where civil society engages with the Armed Forces.
As the property manager, our mission is to support development that breathes life into these historic sites while preserving their legacy.
We do this by keeping the fortresses open and accessible to the public, while also leasing buildings and outdoor areas to businesses that offer enriching experiences.
We are responsible for the maintenance of buildings and fortress walls, as well as the management of surrounding outdoor areas.
