Levanger – Stjørdal (the inner trail)

Arrival: Take the train to Levanger (from Trondheim Central Station or Trondheim Værnes Airport), many departures every day. The first day hike is short, so arrival in the afternoon is suitable.

The walk begins through the town of Levanger, where the entire town centre is protected by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage due to its unique wooden buildings from the early 20th century. Stop by Levanger Church in the town centre and take the path towards the Munkeby Hostel (in the direction of Stiklestad). The pilgrimage path leads through the cultural landscape and along the Levanger river to the Munkeby Monastery ruins. Munkeby Hostel offers local food and beer, and they can arrange for guests to attend a prayer service at the Mariakloster Abbey (10 min. walk

The pilgrimage path continues through a beautiful cultural landscape and magical forest. A steep hill leads up to Tomtvatnet lake, with a nice rest stop along the way. The trail continues upwards to the farms of Reistadbustaden, Tomtvasslia and Hegglivollen, where there is a marvellous view of the Frolfjell mountain range. Reistadbustaden has an open farm during the school summer holiday. The trail then leads into the woods, with a great view of beautiful Markabygda. This includes the Troset Gård farm and the Markabygda parish house, which has self-catering overnight accommodations. A visit to Markabygda Church can be arranged with the hosts at the Markabygda parish house. There are plans to complete a chapel at Troset Gård in the summer of 2023.

The pilgrimage path will take you through the cultural landscape of Markabygda. The trail follows a gravel road through the forest terrain. This road runs along the beautiful Bulandsvatnet lake, where there is a nice rest area and a place to fill water bottles. You will then arrive at Ausetvatnet, a large lake, which has a nice rest area. Here, you can also purchase a fishing license. Borås Gård has spacious accommodations in its “stabbur” a traditional storehouse and offers both meals and self-catering options.

The pilgrimage walk starts through the villages of Skjelstadmarka. Continue past the Okkelberg chapel, several rest areas, and arrive at Monaplassen, which has a “gapahuk” lean-to and public toilets. The road then continues through wooded terrain at Koksåsen. Near the end of the day, the trail will arrive at Værnes Church, built in 1100. This is Norway’s oldest preserved stone building. You can borrow a key to this medieval church at the vicarage café near the church.

Today’s journey ends at Ersgard, a family farm with buildings from the 18th century. Ersgard offers a farm hotel with both rooms and apartments, as well as houses for self-catering guests and simple pilgrim accommodations in the old forge. Guests can also rent a salmon fishing license and receive information about this, and they can also learn about the farm’s extensive and unique history. For instance, one of the farm’s emissaries participated in the work on the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814.

Accommodation in Stjørdal/Værnes:

• Stabbur i Stjørdal
• Ersgard
• Øfsti Mellom

Once in Stjørdal, there are now 55 km left along the St. Olavsleden to Nidaros Cathedral. Maybe that will your next trip?

It is about 4 km from Ersgard to Hell station, where you can take the train back to Trondheim. On the route along Stjørdalelva river from Ersgard to Hell, you will also pass the lovely Lånke Church.

The walk continues from Trondheim Central Station along the quays up the Nidelva river to Nidaros Cathedral and the “nought kilometre stone”, indicating that you have reached your pilgrimage goal. If there is time, you can make a short visit to the Nidaros Pilegrimsgård for registration, where you can receive a certificate and enjoy a delicious pilgrim meal to celebrate your completed pilgrimage.