# Midtre Gauldal Municipality

Midtre Gauldal is a municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. It is part of the Gauldalen region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Støren. Other villages in the municipality include Singsås, Soknedal, Enodden, and Rognes.
The 1,860-square-kilometre (720 sq mi) municipality is the 44th largest by area out of the 357 municipalities in Norway. Midtre Gauldal Municipality is the 160th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 6,140. The municipality's population density is 3.3 inhabitants per square kilometre (8.5/sq mi) and its population has decreased by 3.5% over the previous 10-year period.

## General information

Midtre Gauldal was established as a new municipality on 1 January 1964 after the merger of four neighboring municipalities: Budal Municipality (population: 529), Singsås Municipality (population: 1,554), Soknedal Municipality (population: 1,916), and Støren Municipality (population: 2,296). On 1 January 2018, the municipality switched from the old Sør-Trøndelag county to the new Trøndelag county.

### Name

The name Midtre Gauldal was created in 1964. The first element is the Norwegian word midtre meaning "middle" and the last part is Gauldal which is the name of the valley through which the river Gaula flows. Therefore, the meaning of the name is "the middle part of Gauldalen".

### Coat of arms

The coat of arms was granted on 17 December 1982. The official blazon is "Vert, three crosses in pall conjoined argent" (Norwegian: I grønt tre sølv kors samlet i form av et gaffelkors). This means the arms have a green field (background) and the charge is a design made up of three crosses, joined in the middle, which makes a Y-shaped figure. The charge has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The crossed-Y design has several meanings. First, it symbolizes the landscape which is based on the meeting of the main Gauldal and Soknedal valleys at the village of Støren. Furthermore, the municipality has a major Y-shaped road-and-railway junction. Finally, the Budal Church, dating from 1745 is one of the oldest and one of the few remaining Y-shaped churches in the country. The arms were designed by Halvor Aune. The municipal flag has the same design as the coat of arms.

### Churches

The Church of Norway has four parishes (sokn) within Midtre Gauldal Municipality. It is part of the Gauldal prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nidaros.
Churches in Midtre Gauldal :
| Parish (sokn) | Church name | Location of the church | Year built |
| Budal | Budal Church | Budal | 1754 |
| Singsås | Singsås Church | Singsås | 1884 |
| Soknedal | Soknedal Church | Soknedal | 1933 |
| Støren | Støren Church | Støren | 1817 |

## Geography

The municipality is bordered by Orkland Municipality to the west, Rennebu Municipality to the southwest, Melhus Municipality and Selbu Municipality to the north, Holtålen Municipality to the east, and Os Municipality and Tynset Municipality (in Innlandet county) to the southeast.
The lake Samsjøen is located in the northern part of the municipality. The Gauldalen valley follows the Gaula River through the municipality. The 1,332-metre (4,370 ft) tall mountain Forollhogna lies on the southern border of the municipality inside Forollhogna National Park, and it is the highest point in the municipality.

### Climate

Kotsøy village in Midtre Gauldal is situated in the Gaula river valley close to Gaula river, surrounded by steep hills covered with spruce forest. The climate is boreal, but with fairly mild winters for this climate type, and not far from humid continental climate. The record high 34.3 °C (93.7 °F) was recorded 25 July 2019. The record low −31.1 °C (−24.0 °F) was recorded February 2010, and the January record low is also from 2010.
Climate data for Kotsøy 1991-2020 (127 m, extremes 2007-2024) :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 13.8 (56.8) | 11.9 (53.4) | 14 (57) | 22.6 (72.7) | 29.9 (85.8) | 32.7 (90.9) | 34.3 (93.7) | 29.2 (84.6) | 25.4 (77.7) | 21.7 (71.1) | 13.7 (56.7) | 10.4 (50.7) | 34.3 (93.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −4.1 (24.6) | −4.1 (24.6) | −0.9 (30.4) | 3.3 (37.9) | 8.1 (46.6) | 11.9 (53.4) | 14.7 (58.5) | 13.7 (56.7) | 9.4 (48.9) | 3.7 (38.7) | −1 (30) | −4.2 (24.4) | 4.2 (39.6) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −30.9 (−23.6) | −31.1 (−24.0) | −25.6 (−14.1) | −15.7 (3.7) | −4.3 (24.3) | 0.2 (32.4) | 2.3 (36.1) | 2 (36) | −3 (27) | −15.1 (4.8) | −23.1 (−9.6) | −27.2 (−17.0) | −31.1 (−24.0) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 64 (2.5) | 57 (2.2) | 73 (2.9) | 53 (2.1) | 59 (2.3) | 97 (3.8) | 88 (3.5) | 106 (4.2) | 83 (3.3) | 79 (3.1) | 55 (2.2) | 70 (2.8) | 884 (34.9) |
| Source: Norwegian Meteorological Institute ||||||||||||||

## Government

Midtre Gauldal Municipality is responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, welfare and other social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads and utilities. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of directly elected representatives. The mayor is indirectly elected by a vote of the municipal council. The municipality is under the jurisdiction of the Trøndelag District Court and the Frostating Court of Appeal.

### Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Midtre Gauldal is made up of 33 representatives that are elected to four-year terms. The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 2023–2027 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 6 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 1 |
| | Pensioners' Party (Pensjonistpartiet) | 1 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 5 |
| | Municipal List for Midtre Gauldal (Bygdelista for Midtre Gauldal) | 7 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 23 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 2019–2023 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 7 |
| | Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 1 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 1 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 10 |
| | Municipal List for Midtre Gauldal (Bygdelista for Midtre Gauldal) | 4 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 25 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 2015–2019 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 13 |
| | Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 2 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 2 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 9 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| | Municipal List for Midtre Gauldal (Bygdelista for Midtre Gauldal) | 3 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 33 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 2011–2015 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 13 |
| | Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 3 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 2 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 5 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| | Local List for Midtre Gauldal (Bygdelista for Midtre Gauldal) | 6 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 33 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 2007–2011 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 13 |
| | Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 3 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 2 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 7 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| | Local people's list (Bygdefolkets liste) | 4 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 33 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 2003–2007 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 12 |
| | Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) | 2 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 2 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 7 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| | Local people's list (Bygdefolkets liste) | 5 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 33 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1999–2003 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 12 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 8 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| | Local people's list (Bygdefolkets liste) | 4 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 33 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1995–1999 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 14 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 3 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 14 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1991–1995 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 11 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 14 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 3 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1987–1991 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 16 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 5 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 9 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1983–1987 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 17 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 5 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 8 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1979–1983 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 15 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 4 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 10 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 3 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1975–1979 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 15 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 3 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 5 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 12 |
| | Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 1 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1971–1975 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 17 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 11 |
| | Socialist People's Party (Sosialistisk Folkeparti) | 1 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 2 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1967–1971 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 16 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 3 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 11 |
| | Socialist People's Party (Sosialistisk Folkeparti) | 2 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 3 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |
Midtre Gauldal kommunestyre 1964–1967 :
| Party name (in Norwegian) | Party name (in Norwegian) | Number of representatives |
| | Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) | 19 |
| | Conservative Party (Høyre) | 2 |
| | Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti) | 4 |
| | Centre Party (Senterpartiet) | 9 |
| | Liberal Party (Venstre) | 3 |
| Total number of members: | Total number of members: | 37 |

### Mayors

The mayor (Norwegian: ordfører) of Midtre Gauldal is the political leader of the municipality and the chairperson of the municipal council. Here is a list of people who have held this position:
* 1964–1967: Jacob Hindbjørgen (Ap)
* 1968–1975: Ola Birger Vagnild (Sp)
* 1976–1983: Oddbjørn Snøfugl (Sp)
* 1984–1987: Anders Storrøsæter (Sp)
* 1988–1995: Fredrik Busklein (Sp)
* 1995–2003: Kolbjørn Tangvik (Ap)
* 2003–2015: Erling Lenvik (Ap)
* 2015–2023: Sivert Moen (Sp)
* 2023-present: Trude Solem Heggdal (Ap)

## Media

The newspaper Gauldalsposten is published in Midtre Gauldal.

## Transportation

European route E6 crosses the municipality from north to south. The Dovrebanen and Rørosbanen railway lines also cross the municipality. Some of the stations on those lines include Støren Station and Singsås Station.

## Notable people

* Vincents Stoltenberg Bull (1882 in Støren – 1935), an engineer and businessperson
* Oddbjørn Snøfugl (born 1941), a Norwegian politician who lives in Støren
* Karl Erik Zachariassen (1942–2009), an entomologist who lived in Soknedal
* Helge Anshushaug (born 1948 in Soknedal), a retired sport shooter who competed at the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics