The St. Olav Ways to Trondheim
Pilegrimsleden in Norway, also known as St. Olav Ways, takes you through beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage sites, and historical areas. All the trails lead to the burial place of St. Olav at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
You can choose to walk along one of the eight land-based trails or travel by land and sea along the coastal route, Kystpilegrimsleia. It is also possible to cycle or ride horses along certain sections.
The main season for pilgrimage in Norway is from 1st June to 1st September. Some of the routes are also accessible, with open accommodation, in spring and autumn.
Pilegrimsleden in Norway is part of a European network of trails rooted in the medieval pilgrimage tradition.
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. Pilegrimsleden is the collective term of the routes 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 pilgrim routes have historical names, such as Borgleden, which gets its name from the medieval name of the town Sarpsborg, and Tunsbergleden, named after the Old Norse name of the town Tønsberg, Túnsberg.
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 trail, 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 develop Pilegrimsleden – St. Olav Ways 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.
