Your first pilgrimage? Here is what you need to know.

The simple answer is: everyone! However, you should be in decent shape and comfortable with being in the wilderness.

No, the trails are open to everyone and are mostly part of existing paths and roads. However, most people who go on a pilgrimage use a pilgrim's passport to document their journey by collecting stamps along the way. You can purchase the passport at regional pilgrim centers, selected locations along the trail, or pre-order it at northernpilgrimshop.com. Read more about the pilgrim's passport.

You decide how far you want to walk, and many choose a shorter distance for their first pilgrimage. To recieve the Olav Letter, you have to at least walk the last hundred kilometers to Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral. You can achieve that by walking either from Berkåk to Trondheim on Gudbrandsdalsleden, from Stiklestad to Trondheim on St. Olavsleden, or from Tynset to Trondheim on Østerdalsleden. Gudbrandsdalsleden is the most popular trail, it is 643 kilometers and takes approximately 32 days to complete from start to finish.

It varies. But primarily, you will be walking on trails in nature. The trails can pass through forests and over mountains, but you may also walk on gravel roads and asphalt for parts of the trip.

The main season for pilgrimage in Norway is from June 1st to September 1st. On the paths that cross the mountains the season is shorter, due to snow and snowmelt. Walking outside of the season is possible, but it's not recommended since the weather can be more unpredictable, and many of the accommodation options may be closed.

Experienced pilgrims typically walk an average of 20 kilometers per day, at a pace of 3-4 kilometers per hour, keeping the pace quite comfortable. If you are walking with children, it may be wise to plan for shorter distances.

If you are traveling with a group, it is always wise to book accommodation in advance. Especially during the peak season in July. It is recommended to plan your trip considering where you will take longer breaks and, most importantly, where you will stay overnight.

The pilgrim paths are open to everyone. In the Middle Ages, most pilgrims were religiously motivated. Today, there are many different reasons to walk the pilgrim paths. Some people come for the grand nature, others seek peace and tranquility, some are primarily interested in the history and the people they can meet along the way. For many, it is a combination.

You are welcome to talk, laugh, and sing while walking as a pilgrim! However, please respect that others may be seeking silence and prefer to walk in peace. If you are walking with children, it is considerate to take a brief pause as others pass by.

There are no rules on what to wear on a pilgrimage in Norway, but you should concider both the weather, the season and the kinds of roads you will be walking on when you pack. Here you'll find some good advice about shoes and clothes for your trip.

It is free to walk on the pilgrim paths, but the prices of accommodation and meals along the way will vary. You can choose to sleep and eat at luxurious places, or find cheaper accommodation in hostels or campsites. Several places along the path have discounts for pilgrims. You can buy a pilgrim pass for NOK 50 in advance, and fill it with stamps that you recieve at the places you visit along the trail. Order the pass at northernpilgrimshop.com or buy it at a regional pilgrimage centre.

Yes, you can bring a dog. There is a general leash requirement from April to August in Norway - and be aware that the trails go through pastures with other animals. Ask the accommodation in advance if you wish to have a dog in the room (many have dedicated dog rooms available).

Yes, now and then joint walks are organized as package tours on the various trails. Go to our list of recommended walks and choose Organized trips, or contact one of the regional pilgrim centers to find out more.

Many, but not all. Along the trail there is everything from hotels to hostels and simple cabins with different rooms. You can see the different accommodation options in our map, where they are marked with a bed symbol.

Yes, you may put up a tent anywhere in the Norwegian countryside, forests or mountains, as long as you stay at least 150 metres away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. If you want to camp for more than two nights in the same place, you must ask the landowner's permission, except in the mountains or in very remote areas.

That being said, there are many nice and affordable accommodations along the pilgrim paths in Norway.