What is St. Olav Ways?
St. Olav Ways are a network of historical trails that will lead you through beautiful nature, cultural landscapes and historical sites. The nine different trails start in different parts of Norway, and they all lead to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
What does the name mean?
The medieval tradition of pilgrimage has once again become popular in recent times, among both religious people, history enthusiasts, and hikers. The St. Olav Ways are the collective term of the roads and paths that pilgrims follow to Nidaros Cathedral, St. Olav's burial place, in Trondheim city.
There are nine different paths trough Norway, and each one has its own name. Gudbrandsdalsleden, the most poular route that goes from the capital Oslo to Trondheim, got it's name from Gudbrandsdalen, a great valley it passes through.
Valldalsleden also got it's name from a local area, Valldal, which is the place where the trail starts. Other trails have names originating from the dioceses, as for example Borgleden which has its name from Borg diocese, and Tunsbergleden which has its name from Tunsberg diocese.
Historic roads and paths
The paths follow ancient trails across the country. They will lead you through forrests and villages, and give you spectacular views to mountains and waterfalls. Have a look at the different paths in our interactive map.
You can enjoy local food and sleep in old traditional houses along the path, and you'll get the chance to learn about the culture and history through information signs along the way and conversations with locals.
Why do a pilgrimage?
In the Middle Ages, most pilgrims were religiously motivated, although some were looking for adventure or had other additional motives. Today, there are many different reasons for embarking on a pilgrimage, wheter it is to spend time in nature or learn about local history. Some want to walk in solitude, others walk to spend time with their walking partner, or to meet locals and other pilgrims.
In addition to the experiences you get through a physical walk, the pilgrim path offers an inner journey. Many undergo a mental change during a pilgrimage, regardless of faith and religious background.
Walking in the footsteps of people who have walked this path in sorrow and joy, hope and despair, for hundreds of years, affects those who walk the same path. Reaching the goal, the mighty Nidaros Cathedral, after walking for days is an unforgettable experience that the pilgrims carry with them on the way home and on through their life.
A European Cultural Route
Since the work on marking the pilgrim trails began in 1994, more than 5000 km of trails through Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have been marked with the pilgrim logo. The logo is easy to recognize, it combines a Norwegian landmark symbol with a red cross. It's pattern protected and managed by National Pilgrim Centre who also coordinates and develops St. Olav Ways - The Pilgrim Paths to Trondheim.
All approved St. Olav Ways must have Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim as their goal and be linked to the history of St. Olav. The pilgrim routes through Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have the status as an official European Cultural Route, under the Council of Europe.
