Lian - Nidaros Cathedral

It is recommended to take the tram from St. Olavs Gate(street) to Lian tram station. On the way, you will get a fantastic view of the city on the world's northernmost tram line: Gråkallbanen.

From Lian tram station, the Gudbrandsdalsleden passes close by, and you can choose two different routes to the trail. The path down via the Lianvannet pond is recommended, but it is easiest to find the trail if you go uphill to Lian. (See map) You can then follow the marked St. Olavs Way to Nidaros Cathedral.

The route further passes the hiking areas by Kyvannet (toilet available at Kyvannet), and then through the town towards Sverresborg Trøndelag folk museum. A visit in the museum and café Borgstua is highly recommended. Stroll along the buildings in the museum and let centuries of Norwegian history and everyday life unfold around you. Then take a break in the café before the trail takes you further down towards Feginsbrekka in the "Steinberget" hill.

Feginsbrekka is the first place the pilgrims can see the destination of their journey. This vantage point towards Nidaros Cathedral has marked the beginning of the end for thousands of pilgrims before you. Feginsbrekka is Old Norse for "joy hill", and the name refers to the joy that former pilgrims must have felt when finally seeing their destination. Today, buildings block the view from the historic Feginsbrekka, but "Usikten"(the view) which is close by offers the same panoramic view.

Down the hill, Gudbrandsdalsleden passes Ilen Kirke, a characteristic stone church built in 1889. The route continue along the river Nidelven, under the Elgeseter bridge, and stop at "Hadrians plass". This square is named after Pope Hadrian IV (1154-59), better known as Cardinal Breakespare. He is the only Englishman who has sat with the papacy to date, and the one who created the Archbishopric of Nidaros in 1153. On Hadrian's Square you will find the fountain of Olavskilden.

Continue up the stairs to the final destination: Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine and St. Olav's burial church. The cathedral is the only one of its kind in Norway, and is the largest medieval church in the Nordic countries. Since then, it has survived several fires, and been through many restorations and extensions. Formally, the cathedral was not completed until 2001. Spend some time here and feel the atmosphere.

A nice end to the day can be to visit Nidaros Pilgrimsgård by the Nidelven. Tired pilgrims are always welcome with them.