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 offers simple accommodation.

From Veldre church the pilgrim path continues on the idyllic Prestvegen (The priest trail/road) road between Veldre church and Ringsaker church. Here you will pass Norway's oldest pine - Tokstadfurua and Prøysenstua; the Norwegian poet and songwriter Alf Prøysen's childhood home. The next stop is Ringsaker Church, which is a medieval church. The stone church located at Mjøsa is dedicated to St. Olav.

Accommodation in Ringsaker:

• Pilgrim stuggua, with self-catering

If you want more comfort, we recommend pre-booking accommodation at Sveinhaug Gård. This distinctive guest house is located close to Gudbrandsdalsleden.

From Ringsaker church you continue north with nice views towards lake Mjøsa past the old Mjøskastellet and the rock carvings at Stein. The pilgrim path follows trails and old roadways along lake Mjøsa in the direction of the village of Moelv. If you need supplies, it can be worthwhile to provide it in Moelv. On Smestadsletta just north of Moelv lies the Tolvsteinringen (the Twelve Stone Ring) consisting of 12 boulders placed in a circle with a cross-section of 25 meters. The ring was built in the early Iron Age 2000-2500 years ago. After some ascent, the day ends in beautiful and peaceful surroundings at Johannesgården in Brøttum.

Accommodation in Johannesgården:

• Johannesgården

The next day the pilgrim path goes down towards Mjøsa again, and on a gravel road in hilly terrain past the farm yard and forest. Below a large stone on the right, there is a ridge and here it is always open and running water. This water was believed to sacred in the Middle Ages, and springs like this one were often dedicated to a saint and this one was dedicated to St. Olav.

Now you are on the last stretch towards Lillehammer. After a while, it goes uphill until you reach Riksvei 213 and walk on the pedestrian and bicycle road until you reach Lillehammer after six kilometres.