Steinkjermartnan (Steinkjer Market Festival)Steinkjermartnan

Steinkjermartnan is a traditional summer market festival held annually in Steinkjer, typically in early August (week 32). It fills the town center with hundreds of vendors, food stalls, folk musicians, and a fairground, creating a genuine folk celebration. With 50-70,000 visitors each year, it is one of central Norway's largest open-air folk festivals, showcasing local crafts, foods and community spirit. 1 2

This market evolved from old Scandinavian trading fairs, when farmers and traders gathered in Steinkjer in August. It maintains a distinct Trøndelag flavor: local farmers and artisans convene to sell produce, handicrafts and traditional foods. The festival is a showcase of regional identity and hospitality, featuring traditional music, the annual ‘martnassang’ (fair song) and community gatherings.