Your first pilgrimage? This is what you need to know.
Here you'll find the answers to the most common questions about the pilgrim trails in Norway.
The simple answer is everyone. In the Middle Ages, most pilgrimages were religiously motivated. Today, some people come for the grand nature, some seek slow travel, and some are primarily interested in the history and the people they meet along the way.
If you plan a long walk you should be in good physical condition and comfortable with being in the wilderness.
You can go to Norway by plane, train, bus, car, or even by ship. We encourage you to choose sustainable options when possible.
The biggest airport in Norway is Oslo airport. From there you can reach the city center by train or bus. Oslo central station is in walking distance to the starting point of Gudbrandsdalsleden, the most popular pilgrim path in Norway. You can also reach Oslo by train from Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Trondheim Airport has direct flights to many big cities in Europe. You can take the train from Trondheim to the capital Oslo, to northern Norway, or Sweden.
Use the travel planner Entur to see public transport options within Norway.
There are nine different pilgrim paths in Norway, and you can choose witch path you want to follow, and how far you want to walk. It is common to walk about 20 kilometers each day.
Gudbrandsdalsleden is the most popular trail, it is 643 kilometers long. It takes approximately 32 days to complete the whole route, but many choose to walk just a part of it.
If you walk the last hundred kilometers to Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral, you can recieve the Olav Letter.
The main season for pilgrimage in Norway is in the summer between 1st June and 1st September.
Routes that go over the mountains have an even shorter season due to snow and snowmelt (for example, Dovre mountain on Gudbrandsdalsleden should not be crossed before mid June), and the accommodations may be closed, while some other routes are accessible and have open accommodations also in the spring and autumn. Find out more in the pages about each individual trail.
You can also check with the regional pilgrim center for the area you plan to walk in, they can tell you what time of year it is recommended to walk, and how the current conditions are. It's also important to check the weather forecast along the way.
No, the trails are free to use and open to everyone. They are mostly part of existing paths and roads. 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.
Most pilgrims bring a pilgrim passport to document their journey by collecting stamps at accommodations and churches along the way.
When planning, keep in mind that the weather will change on your trip, and so will the roads you are walking on. It may vary from trails and gravel roads to asphalt. Some trails even cross mountains. Here you'll find advice about preparations and what to pack. Also, read up on safety on the pilgrim paths in advance.
The most used trails are well marked with signs. Additionally, we recommend using our digital map. Click on the position marker to see where you are on the route in real time.
It is advisable to bring a GPS if you're walking through remote areas with poor coverage. You can find GPX tracks at the bottom of the pages about each individual trail.
If crossing mountains, you should bring a physical map where the pilgrim trail is marked, and a compass. You can find a list of maps that can be bought online at the bottom of the page about preparations.
There are also guidebooks about the Norwegian pilgrim paths. Be aware that information in older guidebooks may be outdated.
No, you can go by boat along Kystpilegrimsleia (the Coastal Pilgrim Route) from the city of Egersund to Trondheim. Also, on some routes, including St. Olavsleden, it is possible to cycle or ride on sections of the path.
Yes, now and then joint walks are organized as package tours on the various trails. Go to our list of Organized trips, or contact one of the regional pilgrim centers to find out more.
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. Cows can easily feel threatened by a dog and may try to chase it.
Ask the accommodation in advance if you wish to have a dog in the room (many have dedicated dog rooms available).
If you have questions about a spesific norwegian pilgrim path, try the FAQ-section about Gudbrandsdalsleden, St. Olavsleden, Borgleden, Romboleden or Kystpilegrimsleia – Or contact the closest regional pilgrim center.
