Preparations and packing lists

The pilgrim season - when can you go?

The main season for pilgrimage in Norway is from June 1st to September 1st. Across the mountains the season is somewhat shorter due to snow and snow melting. Hiking outside the main season is possible, but the weather can be more unstable and many of the pilgrim accommodations are closed. Check the trip planner and contact the regional pilgrim centres to check the conditions along the path and which accommodations are open.

Safety in the mountains

The pilgrim paths to Trondheim go through villages, agricultural landscapes, valleys and forests. Some of the paths also pass through demanding mountain terrain. If you are going to cross mountains, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the safety principles for travel in the Norwegian mountains. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Norwegian Tourist Association's Mountain Code before embarking on your pilgrimage.

Take your time

Time pressure is not a good feeling, so make sure to plan enough time for your pilgrimage. You should make sure to include time for a resting day per week. Then you'll have time to absorb the impressions, and your body gets time to relax and recover.

A pilgrimage lasting for several weeks can be demanding. You will meet many nice and helpful people along the way, but you have to rely on yourself and your own judgment in order to complete the pilgrimage.

Get fit

If you are going to embark on a pilgrimage, you usually walk about twenty kilometres a day, several days in a row. A good advice is to go for long walks well in advance of the pilgrimage. Then you'll get familiar with the shoes you are going to wear, the weight of your backpack and you get in better shape. Stretching out regularly is also important to increase mobility and prevent strain injuries.

Plan as you go

When you are on your pilgrimage, call the accommodation a day or two in advance to book accommodation.

If you do not take part in an organized pilgrimage, you should bring three meals with you in the bag. The distances vary between grocery stores and it is better to be safe than sorry. In many accommodations you are served breakfast and dinner, but this varies from place to place. Not all accommodations can be paid by credit card. It is therefore recommended to bring with you around 3000 NOK in smaller notes.

Some accommodations offer laundry, in other places you do it yourself. Bring detergent in portioned bags and a nylon cord for drying clothes. Crumpled newspaper can help draw moisture from wet boots.

The best footwear

The pilgrim paths through Norway are mostly on footpaths, asphalt and dirt roads and do not require heavy footwear such as traditional mountain boots with rigid soles. But your hiking shoes or boots must be wide enough, not just long enough - you need to be able to spread your toes, and there must be room for your feet to swell a little.

The shoes must provide good support, have good flex in the forefoot so they do not tilt, and cushioning that facilitates walking on the road. Ankle high shoes are better in wet terrain. If you have boots without cushioning, the use of soles in cushioning material can be helpful. If possible you can alternate between shoes, boots and sandals.

Good padding of the feet prevents rashes and moist problems. One or two pairs of thin wool socks is a proven piece of advice. If possible, wash your socks daily. Two thinner socks per foot dry faster than one thick. Simple gaiters keep pebbles, debris and moisture out of the boots. In areas with a lot of asphalt, it is recommended to change to lighter footwear with good cushioning. Examine the surface before the hike so you are well prepared.

For rainy days

A rain poncho covers both you and your backpack, but can be impractical when it is windy. Alternatively, a rain jacket in breathable material (for example Goretex or triplepoint) with a thin mesh lining will keep you dry while being comfortable against the skin and insulating well. You will then need a rain cover for the bag as well. It is also practical with rainproof pants that can be taken on and off without removing your shoes.

Clothing

Your clothing should preferably cover a temperature range from zero to thirty degrees Celsius. With underwear, pants, shirt, wool sweater and rainproof jacket and pants, particularly made for hiking, you can handle this. Artificial fiber fabric dries within hours and can therefore be washed daily.

Microfiber trousers ⁄ shorts and shirts weigh less than cotton and also dry quickly. A light wool sweater is important to bring. A cotton scarf makes it easy to regulate the temperature in the neck region. After a long day you can be frozen, and wool underwear (thin pants + sweater) is good to have in your back pack.

Have a look at our suggested packing lists, whether you plan to sleep indoors or outdoors on your pilgrimage.

Which backpack should you use?

Back packs, 50-80 litres, with stiffened back, padded carrying belt, and chest strap are available in many versions. The back pack must have the correct length relative to your back so that the weight is evenly distributed between the shoulders and hips. Simple bags without too many pockets and straps often weigh less. If you are able to pack up to 10 kg, a padded carrier belt becomes less important. Feel free to use packing bags to sort the equipment in the back pack, and rain cover to keep the back pack dry.

Other equipment to bring

Some of the basic accommodations do not include bed linen or wool blankets. It is recommended to bring a light sleeping bag of 0.5–1 kg with a zipper on the side. In some accommodations you will need sleeping mats. This is also good to have if you want to take a rest outdoors along the way.

We recommend a walking stick - or two - which is helpful during the pilgrimage. With a backpack you have a poor balance, and the rod provides extra support. In steep areas it acts as a relief on the knees and your back. You can make one yourself, or buy a telescopic one. With rubber knob on the tip, it will be less sound.

Shampoos and other liquid detergents contain fillers. Choose concentrated products to save weight. Microfiber type travel towels are lightweight and dry quickly. Foot care is especially important, both preventive and for problems with blisters or muscle pain. A small headlamp is helpful.

Have a great pilgrimage!