Berkåk - Trondheim

To Berkåk you can arrive with both bus and train, from north and south.

• Train station name: Berkåk stasjon.
• Bus stop: Berkåk stasjon or Berkåk sentrum.
• For bus times, see www.entur.no.
• For train times, see www.vy.no  

In Berkåk there are several grocery stores. Along the way you also pass grocery stores in Voll, Meldal, Løkken Verk, Skaun and Buvika.

Recommended period: June 1st to September 30th. Outside this period, be sure to check the weather forecast (snow can arrive in October), and if the accomodations are open.

From Berkåk station, the way to find Pilegrimsleden is well marked, with signs and several information boards along the way. Follow the markings to the Berkåk center, and from there along Kosbergveien to a path that takes you to Eggan and Sliper farm. The stage continues from there through forests and fields, and you pass several great heritage places connected to Olav. You can see clear formations in the mountain that, according to legend, come from St. Olav’s horse when he rode through the village.

If you wish to walk further than Stamnan on this day, you can continue to Voll (a total of 15 km from Berkåk), or to Ry hostel (a total of 22 km from Berkåk). See the description under day 2.

Accommodation at Stamnan:

• Meslo farm
• Nørgar Voll

This stage begins with a climb, before entering a nice agricultural landscape and the Rennebu Church and Gammelbua Pilgrim Information. At the church you’ll find the pilgrim milestone marked with the 100-kilometer to Nidaros. This is the last point you can start on the path if you want to qualify for the Olav Letter. 8 km after Rennebu church you can stop at Ry herberge. They have a café for pilgrims, as well as accomodation. The path continues past old traditional farms before arriving at Segard Hoel.

Accommodation:

• Ry herberge
• Segard Hoel

This is a long and eventful stage, with several cultural monuments, churches, and old remains of farms close to the path, and two good climbs before you arrive. Meldal Village Museum and the Old Mine at Løkken Verk tell exciting 17th-century history, and there is generally a lot of history to explore on this stage if you have the desire and interest. Both Meldal and Løkken Verk are small towns with grocery stores, and you have several accommodation options to choose from along the way.

Accommodations:

• Ner-Grefstad farm
• Skogheim pilegrim hostel
• Bergmannshuset
• Gumdal farm
• Svorkmo skytterhus

The pilgrim path to Skaun largely goes through pine forests and over green pastures, on clear and good trails, and the beautiful lake Solsjøen offers idyllic scenery. Midway through the stage, you will have to walk through an area with marshy ground, where you might get a bit wet on your feet. Eventually, you will again come onto trails and roads with firm ground, which will take you to Skaun. Here you will find the magnificent Skaun Church, a beautiful stone church from around 1180 - probably built by the same stonemasons who worked on the octagon in Nidaros Cathedral.

Accommodation at Skaun:

• Skaun parish house
• Aunan gård

The stage of today will be in the historical landscape of author Sigrid Undset. Undset is a Norwegian Nobel Prize winning author; known for her trilogy of Kristin Lavransdatter. In her books - set in medieval times - pilgrimage is an important element. Kristin is set to live on the historic farm of Husaby, right above Skaun. Make sure to enjoy the view of Skaun behind you, before you follow the trail through the forest and down towards the river delta where the river Gaula meets the Trondheim fjord. The pilgrimage destination is getting closer! 

Accommodation on Øysand:

• Strandheimen pilgrim accommodation
• Øysand camping
• Stabburet on Leinstrand

The final stage goes through lush cultural and agricultural landscapes, through the popular Bymarka and down the boroughs of Byåsen and Sverresborg. You’ll pass an old homestead site, the famous King's stone and sights such as Granåsen Ski Center and Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum (with a café). Many great places to see before you reach the end and pilgrimage destination; the Nidaros Cathedral.

In the pilgrim reception at Nidaros Pilgrimsgård, you can receive the "Olavbrevet" (the letter of Olav), get your final stamps in your pilgrim passport, be registered in the pilgrim statistics and get an access badge to Nidaros Cathedral. You can also spend the night here in the Hotell & Guest House.

Accommodation in Trondheim:

• Nidaros Pilgrim Center