In short:
- Steinvikholm is a castle on an islet in Åsenfjorden, built in the 1520s.
- Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson built it as his last refuge.
- By RIB you see the castle from the sea, as it was meant to be seen.
In the middle of Åsenfjorden, between Frosta and Skatval, lies a small islet with a big history. Steinvikholm Castle was Norway's last stronghold for an independent church and an independent kingdom, and it is one of the highlights of our RIB tours.
The archbishop's castle
Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson built Steinvikholm in the 1520s, while the Reformation and the Danish crown threatened both the church and Norway's independence. The castle was his fortress and refuge.
1537: the castle surrenders
In the spring of 1537 the archbishop fled the country. The garrison at Steinvikholm held out for a while, but surrendered to the Danes the same year. The castle burned in 1542 and was later taken by the Swedes during the Northern Seven Years' War.
Steinvikholm today
The Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments (Fortidsminneforeningen) has owned and looked after Steinvikholm since 1894. In summer the castle is open to visitors, and since 1993 there has been a tradition of open-air opera about Olav Engelbrektsson on the islet, with music by Henning Sommerro and libretto by Edvard Hoem.
From the sea
Steinvikholm was built to control the fjord, and it is from the sea that you best understand its location. On RIB tour on the Trondheimsfjord we head into Åsenfjorden, slow down by the islet and tell the story of the archbishop, the siege and life at the castle.
Combine with Frosta
Frosta lies right across the fjord. Continue to Tinghaugen and Tautra, or end the day with dinner in a boathouse.
See Steinvikholm from the sea by RIB.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Steinvikholm?
On an islet in Åsenfjorden in Stjørdal municipality, near Skatval, with Frosta just across the fjord.
Who built Steinvikholm?
Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson, in the 1520s.
Can you visit Steinvikholm?
The castle is open to visitors in summer. Check opening hours with Fortidsminneforeningen. By RIB you see the castle from the sea.