Record Number of Pilgrims in 2024
More and more Norwegians want to go on a pilgrimage. At the same time, more and more international pilgrims are choosing to walk in Norway.
Photo: Helmet
The main season for pilgrimage in Norway lasts from June 1 to September 1, and there was a record number of hikers during the 2024 season.
The most popular of the nine Norwegian pilgrim paths, the Gudbrandsdalsleden path from Oslo to Trondheim, takes over 30 days if you walk the entire route. The pilgrim center in Oslo saw a significant increase of walkers in 2024. Accommodation providers along the path reported an increase of about 15%.
The same escalation is seen at hotels and hostels along St. Olavsleden, Norways second most popular pilgrim path. This path starts in Sweden and and passes through the historic town of Stiklestad before leading to Trondheim. Restaurants along the trails are also experiencing a noticeable increase in guests.
Pleasant Climate
What might be causing this growth? According to Hans Morten Løvrød, head of the National Pilgrimage Center, the heatwaves in Europe over the past few summers are part of the reason.
"Those who would have previously walked the camino to Santiago de Compostela in southern Europe are now looking for an alternative with a more pleasant climate," says Løvrød.
"Satisfied walkers return home and share stories of wonderful experiences in Norway, including nature, culture, and people. Norwegian hospitality, along with our trust-based and perhaps somewhat naive society, makes a deep impression on many visitors."
Peace and Quiet
Many who have walked pilgrim routes in Spain or France seek similar experiences elsewhere in Europe. In Norway, they find trails with less foot traffic and fewer crowds, as well as more untouched nature. This makes it easier to find the peace that many pilgrims seek. Since the Norwegian pilgrimage route is divided into 9 different paths with a total of 3500 kilometers of trails and roads, one can walk long distances without meeting anyone.
However, walking entirely alone is not for everyone. Some find it both more rewarding and comfortable to share the experience with others. In 2023, only 27% chose to walk alone. 37% walked in pairs, while 36% walked in groups, either on organized walks or by their own initiative.
New Adventures
Most foreign walkers in Norway come from Germany or the Netherlands. Visiting pilgrims often say that nature is their main motivation for walking in Norway; they want to see the Norwegian mountains and fjords. Many are also interested in Norwegian culture and the history from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.
The National Pilgrimage Center is also expecting an increase of pilgrims in the years to come. The center has recorded a 30 % increase in visits to pilegrimsleden.no in the past months, and most people visit the website to use the planner, where they can set up a plan for their next pilgrimage.