Orkdal

Orkdal is a former municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. It was established as Orkdal rural municipality on January 1, 1838, and later merged with the town of Orkanger in 1960 to form the larger municipality of Orkdal. On January 1, 2020, Orkdal ceased to be a municipality itself and became part of the new, larger Orkdal municipality, which also includes the former municipalities of Agdenes, Meldal, and Snillfjord.

The municipality was situated along the Orkdal Fjord, an arm of the Trondheimsfjord. The main administrative center was the town of Orkanger, which grew into an important industrial and port town. The valley of Orkdal, which gave the municipality its name, is a fertile agricultural region. Historically, the area was known for its mining activities, particularly copper extraction, though agriculture and fishing also played significant roles in its economy.

The landscape of Orkdal is characterized by its river, the Orkla, which flows through the valley and empties into the fjord at Orkanger. The region offered opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and hiking. The cultural heritage of Orkdal is linked to its rural traditions and its industrial past.