Trondhjem Postal Road
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We’re now passing the Trondhjem Postal Road—an old name for the historic route that once connected Bergen and Trondheim. It came into use in the early 1700s, when the government took over responsibility for the postal service. Throughout the 18th century, roads were expanded and improved so that couriers could walk, ride, or drive along the route. As traffic increased, roadbuilding standards became stricter. In 1794, Norway’s chief road engineer, Christopher Johannes Hammer, introduced official guidelines for the construction of royal and postal roads. The postal route ran inland, parallel to the coast, from Bergen to the Sognefjord, with boats ferrying mail across the fjords. In Møre og Romsdal, it entered through Hornindal in Volda, passed through Stranda, then on to Ørskog and Vestnes, where the mail was shipped by boat to Molde. From there, it continued over the mountains to Gjemnes, by boat again to Tingvoll, and inland via Surnadal and Rindal toward Trøndelag. Today, parts of this historic route are a popular tourist attraction, with well-marked trails and many cultural landmarks, including old bridges, inns, and waystations that offer a glimpse into Norway’s rich postal history and trading traditions.