Hamar - Lillehammer

The pilgrimage can begin from the centre of Hamar and follow the path along lake Mjøsa to the ruins of the Hamar Cathedral, also known as Hamardomen. Here in one of the country's largest medieval museums, during the summer season you can join one or more of the museum's guided tours. In addition to beautiful Gregorian singing in the Hamardomen, the guided tour of the medieval plant and herb garden is recommended. Close by is the Hamar Pilgrim Centre, where everyone is welcome for more information on pilgrimage on the Gudbrandsdalsleden.

From Hamardomen, you can follow the pilgrim path into the Furuberget Nature Reserve. The area is known for, among other things, several rare plant species and remains after a rural castle, which today is visible with remnants of rock and earth ramparts. Along the path further towards Brumunddal you alternately walk on asphalt and dirt roads through a hilly agricultural landscape and forest. Remember to use appropriate shoes for the ground. You pass Furnes Church, a stone church from 1708, and a typical medieval cave wall at Nordre Jevanol. Brumunddal town centre is a pleasant place to stop at one of the many cafés before eventually having to embark on the climb up towards Veldre. The rewards are beautiful views of Lake Mjøsa and the surrounding region.

Accommodation in Veldre:

• Veldre Prestegård (vicarage, offering simple accommodation).

From Veldre church the pilgrim path continues on the idyllic Prestvegen (The priest trail/road) between Veldre church and Ringsaker church. Along the trail you will pass Norway's oldest pine (Tokstadfurua) and Prøysenstua; the Norwegian poet and songwriter Alf Prøysen's childhood home. Next stop and 12 kilometres from Veldre, is Ringsaker Church. This medieval church, beautifully situated by Lake Mjøsa, is dedicated to St. Olav.

From Ringsaker church, you will pass Mjøskastellet and the rock carvings at Stein farm. The pilgrim path follows trails and old roadways along lake Mjøsa towards Moelv village, where you can stop for supplies. At Smestadsletta north of Moelv, lies Tolvsteinringen (the Twelve Stone Ring) consisting of 12 boulders placed in a circle with a cross-section of 25 meters, built in the early Iron Age 2000-2500 years ago. Follow county road 16 a few kilometres, then turn right onto Ringsvegen to the next accommodation; Ringli.

Accommodation:

• Ringli

Today's stage continues on asphalt a few kilometres before you reach a path around Persvetjernet (pond) and further onto a gravel road towards Brøttum center. You will pass Brøttum church and a grocery store, before the route climbs for a few kilometres following a cultural path with a scenic view, until you see the sign for Johannesgården.

Accommodation:

• Johannesgården

The next day the path leads you downhill towards Mjøsa, on a gravel road throufh a hilly countryside and forest. Below a large stone on the right, there is a ridge with running water. This spring was believed to be sacred in the Middle Ages, and spring was dedicated to St. Olav.

Now you are on the last stretch towards Lillehammer. After a walk uphill, you´ll reach national road 213. Follow the pedestrian and bicycle path for six kilometres towards Lillehammer city centre.