Ørland Church and Austråttborgen

Ørland is worth a visit. Here you can experience the most well preserved medieval church, Ørland Church, as well as Austråttborgen (estate) from the late Middle Ages. Ørland also offers a stunning coastal landscape with large protected areas for sea birds and bogland.

It is possible to take a ferry from Trondheim to Brekstad, and then there is another 1.5 km walk to Ørland Church and about 4 km to Austråttborgen. The path takes you through beautiful nature. At Brekstad it is also possible to rent a bike, and there are well marked trails, to both Austråttborgen and other places at Ørland.

Ørland Church

Ørland Church (1250-1300) is the only intact medieval church in Fosen. The church is located in what used to be an old center of power, where its likely that old pagan gods also were worshipped.Ørland Church has a rich history, and was, among other things, the burial church for Autrått's nobel owners. It is likely that Fru Inger and her daughter Lucie is buried under the alter.

Choir windows, stained glass windows and the altar piece are made by Gabriel Kielland in 1921. He also made the rose window that can be seen in Nidaros Cathedral.

Austråttborgen

Austråttborgen in Ørland dates back as far as 800 years. This manor has been a seat for chiefs and nobility throughout its history. People like Finn Arnesson (ally of Olav Haraldsson), Åsulv Erikson, and Mrs. Inger Ottesdatter (an initiator of the reformation in Norway) are among the people who have resided here. Much is lost over the years but a lot has also been preserved for people of our time to explore.

Austråttborgen started as a private church around year 1200, but was later adapted to a private residence, most likely during Mrs. Inger's time early in the 16th century. The manor was extended in the 17th century by Ove Bjelke to the huge renaissance estate that we see today.