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 to September. Outside this period, be sure to check the weather forecast (snow can arrive in October), and if the accomodations are open.

After taking the train to Berkåk station, follow the pilgrim signs towards Stamnan. This part of the Gudbrandsdalsleden goes along roads with car traffic, but also goes through woods and fields. You also pass several St. Olav memories along the way. If you want to walk further than to Stamnan this day, you can walk to Voll (total 15 km from Berkåk) or to Ry herberge (total 22 km from Berkåk). See 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 along paved roads and old traditional farms, before arriving at Hol.

Accommodation:

• Ry herberge
• Segard Hoel
• Ner-Grefstad gård

This is a long and copious stage, with several cultural monuments, churches and places of residence close to the path, and two good climbs before you arrive to Gumdalen. The Meldal Rural Museum and the Old Mine in the Løkken Verk is all about the 1600s history, and well worth a visit if you are interested in history.

Accommodation in Gumdalen:

• Gumdal farm

The pilgrim path towards Skaun goes largely through pine forests and over green pastures. In the middle of the stage you have to go through marshy ground for a period, where you might get wet on your feet. Eventually you will again walk on solid ground and end the day in Skaun.

Accommodation at Skaun:

• Skaun parish house
• Aunan gård

The stage of today will be in the historical landscape of Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. Sigrid Undset is a Norwegian Nobel Prize winning author; known for her trilogy of Kristin Lavransdatter. In her books - set in mediaval times - pilgrimage is an important element. Make sure to enjoy the view of Skaun before you follow the trail down towards the river delta where the river Gaula meets the Trondheim fjord.

Accommodation on Øysand:

• Strandheimen pilgrim accommodation
• Øysand camping
• Sundet farm

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 Kongesteinen and sights such as Granåsen Ski Center and Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum. 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), complete 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