In Norwegian
Search

How to start your pilgrimage in Oslo

In the old town of Oslo, next to the ruins of St. Halvard's Cathedral, there is a stone with the inscription «643 km to Nidaros». This is the beginning of the pilgrim path from Oslo to Trondheim, also known as Gudbrandsdalsleden.

A stone with the pilgrim mark next to an old stone wall. Photo

Gudbrandsdalsleden is and has always been the most popular pilgrim path through Norway. It starts in the capital, Oslo, and leads to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Are you ready for your pilgrimage on Gudbrandsdalsleden? Great, let's help you find your starting point in Oslo.

On the day you start your walk, go to St. Halvards plass. It will take you about half an hour to walk there from Oslo Central Station, or you can take a bus or tram to the stop called "St. Halvards plass" or "Middelalderparken". Here, between Oslo ladegård and the Bishops office, you will see a stone wall with a pilgrim symbol, and a gate. Through the gate you will enter the ruins of St. Hallvard's Cathedral and see a stone with the pilgrim symbol and the text "643 km to Nidaros". This is your starting point!

Saint Hallvard holding tree arrows above his head. Fresco painting by Alf Rolfsen

Section of fresco painting, Alf Rolfsen

Oslo's patron saint

Saint Hallvard's Cathedral is now in ruins, but in the Middle Ages it was Norway's second largest church after the Nidaros Cathedral. Saint Hallvard was related to Saint Olav. He became a saint after being killed in 1043, and is still the patron saint of Oslo.

Get a stamp in your pilgrim passport

When you start your walk from the pilgrim stone, we recommend you go through the ruins of the cathedral, and out on the other side. Then you are in St. Halvards gate (St. Halvards street), and just to your left is a yellow building, Oslo bispegård. Inside you'll find The Bishops office and Pilgrim center Oslo. Here you can get advice about the pilgrimage you are about to embark on, and you can get a stamp in your pilgrim passport. The office was built on the ruins of St. Olav's monastery, and there is also a chapel on the ground.

When you walk on, you follow St. Halvards gate and walk up towards Galgeberg. There the trail will divide in an eastern route and a western route. Here you can read more about the two options on Gudbrandsdalsleden.

Read more