Industry · municipality
The Hotel Industry in Verdal: Current Status and Future Prospects
A detailed analysis of companies, economic data, and development trends in Verdal, Trøndelag, Norway
Executive Summary
The hotel industry in Verdal is an important part of the local economy, with 6 companies and 138 employees in 2026. Sales have grown by 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, reaching NOK 88.1 million. The most significant companies are Stiklestad Hotell As (99 employees) and Verdal Hotell As (31 employees). The industry shows a stable trend with increasing sales and employees after 2020, although some companies (such as Skallstuggu Fjellstue) experience negative EBITDA. Verdal is the sole location for activity, with all companies registered in the municipality. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find natural addresses in Verdal for the hotel industry.
Economic Overview
Sales and employee development (2016–2026):
| Year | Sales (NOK) | Year-over-Year Growth | Employees | Year-over-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 36.5M | - | 125 | - |
| 2025 | 88.1M | +8.3% | 135 | +0.7% |
Sales have grown by 138% from 2016 to 2025, with a strong increase after 2020. The employee count has varied but has increased by 11.2% since 2020. In 2025, the industry had total sales of NOK 88.1 million and 135 employees. The EBITDA margin for the industry is 5%, with variations between companies.
Companies in the Industry
Registered companies in Verdal (2026):
- Stiklestad Hotell As (Stiklestad alle 350) – 99 employees, AS, founded 2006, EBITDA NOK 3.0M.
- Verdal Hotell As (Jernbanegata 13) – 31 employees, AS, founded 2013, EBITDA NOK 352,0K.
- Thon Hotel Verdal (Jernbanegata 11) – 17 employees, AS, founded 2020, EBITDA NOK 1.7M.
- Sandvika Fjellstue As (Åbovegen 5, Vuku) – 0 employees, AS, founded 2009, EBITDA NOK 578,0K.
- Skallstuggu Fjellstue As (Tore Hunds gate 21) – 0 employees, AS, founded 2017, EBITDA NOK -152,0K (two companies).
Organizational form: All companies are AS, with a total of 147 employees and NOK 16.4M equity in the industry.
Business Geography
Activity distributed across locations in Verdal (2026):
| Location | Number of companies | Employees | Sales (NOK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdal | 5 | 138 | 87.6M |
| Vuku | 1 | 0 | 44.0K |
All companies in the industry are registered in Verdal, with a single company activity in Vuku (Sandvika Fjellstue). Verdal is the main location for the hotel industry, with 5 companies and 138 employees.
Business Dynamics
Bankruptcies and financial challenges:
No companies in the industry are registered as bankrupt, but two companies (Skallstuggu Fjellstue) have negative EBITDA (-13%). This may indicate economic challenges for small companies. Sandvika Fjellstue has a high EBITDA margin (25%) with low sales (NOK 44,0K), which may be due to specialization in mountain lodges. Verdal Hotell As has the lowest EBITDA margin (2%) with low sales (NOK 16.6M) and 31 employees.
Outlook for Entrepreneurs
The hotel industry in Verdal shows positive growth in sales and employees after 2020, with total sales of NOK 88.1M in 2025. This indicates growing tourism and a need for hotel and accommodation facilities. Entrepreneurs should, however, be aware of competition from existing companies, especially Stiklestad Hotell As and Thon Hotel Verdal. Economic challenges for small companies (such as Skallstuggu Fjellstue) highlight the need for effective cost management and differentiation. Verdal is an attractive place for entrepreneurs focusing on quality and unique offerings.
Outlook for Accommodation (Parent Category)
Accommodation (NACE 59) in Verdal:
- Total companies: 17 (hotels are part of this category).
- Sales in 2025: NOK 90.3M (hotels: NOK 88.1M, camping and cabins: NOK 2.2M).
- Employees in 2025: 143 (hotels: 135, camping and cabins: 8).
Peer companies in accommodation (non-hotel):
| Name | Industry | Sales (NOK) | EBITDA (NOK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stiklestad Camping As | Camping | 1.3M | 343,0K |
| Soria Moria Kultur & Turisme As | Camping | 892,0K | 49,0K |
| Auskin Kreative Senter M.h. Sand | Camping | 0 | 0 |
The accommodation category has higher sales (NOK 90.3M vs. NOK 88.1M for hotels) and more companies (17 vs. 6). Camping and cabins are important competitors, with lower EBITDA than hotels.
Other companies in overnatting (not in hotel)
| Company | Industry | Address | Sales | Employees | EBITDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiklestad Camping As | camping | Stiklestad, 7650 Verdal | NOK 1.3M | 0 | NOK 343.0K |
| Soria Moria Kultur & Turisme As | camping | Soria Moria parken|Fætta 94, 7652 Verdal | NOK 892.0K | 8 | NOK 49.0K |
| Auskin Kreative Senter M.h. Sand | camping | Vukuvegen 971, 7660 | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Dnt Nord Trøndelag Bellingstua | camping | 0, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Dnt Nord Trøndelag Skjækerdalshytta | camping | 0, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Dnt Nord Trøndelag Veresstua | camping | 0, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Helgådalshonning T K Varslot | short stay cabins | Helgådalsvegen 291, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Stekkstad Holding As | camping | Vukuvegen 261, 7656 Verdal | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Trønderservicefordeg As | camping | Steinsåkran 75B, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Ådalsvollen Retreat Johannessen | camping | Jamtlandsvegen 3551, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
| Ådalsvollen Retreat Johannessen | camping | Jamtlandsvegen 3551, 7660 Vuku | NOK 0 | 0 | NOK 0 |
Conclusion
The hotel industry in Verdal shows stable growth in sales and employees, with NOK 88.1M in sales and 135 employees in 2025. Stiklestad Hotell As and Thon Hotel Verdal are the most significant companies. The industry has potential for further growth, but entrepreneurs must be aware of competition and economic challenges for small companies. The accommodation category (including camping and cabins) is larger and has higher sales, which may provide opportunities for diversification. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find natural addresses in Verdal for the hotel industry.