Stiklestad - Trondheim

Start at Stiklestad, where the Viking king Olav Haraldsson was killed in 1030, to Trondheim, where he was saintly ordained in 1031. The St. Olavsleden goes through Trøndelag villages and deep, quiet forests. On the pilgrimage you will be able to visit monasteries, medieval churches and old homesteads. You can get accommodation in stables, church rooms and in traditional family farms.

• Take the train to Verdal station and then follow the path in the opposite direction 4 km along Fylkesvei 757 (Stiklestad allé) to Stiklestad cultural centre (Leksdalsvegen 1).
• Also possible to start from Verdal station where St. Olavsleden passes close by.
• Food: There are grocery stores and pharmacies in the centre of Verdal. Remember to shop what you need for the next 3 days.

You start the pilgrimage by walking south along Stiklestad allé, through the centre of Verdal and along the Verdalselva (the Verdal river). The first kilometers are on asphalt, the rest of the day's pilgrimage follows dirt roads and forest trails. Halfway on today's stage is Halle church site with a fantastic view of the Verdalen and the Trondheim fjord. Here stood a church until 1815. After wandering through forest and fertile agricultural land, today's stage ends at Munkeby. Here are the ruins of an old 11th century monastery and a new Cistercian monastery was inaugurated in 2009.

Accommodation in Munkeby:

• Munkeby hostel

On the second day the pilgrimage continues through mythical forests. A slight rise leads up to Tomtvatnet. The path continues upwards to the small summer farms of Reistadbustaden and Tomtvasslia with great views of the Frolfjellene (Frol mountains). Reistadbustaden is open during the school holidays. The path re-enters the forest, but at Vinkjerran, the view opens to beautiful Markabygda.

Accommodation in Markabygda:

• Troset, accommodation for pilgrims
• Markabygda churchhouse

The third day you walk along the road through agricultural landscape in Markabygda. Then the path follows the dirt road through forest terrain. The path runs along the large beautiful lakes of Bulandsvatnet and Ausetvatnet.

Accommodation in Borås:

• Borås farm

Day four begins with a walk through the villages in Skjelstadmarka. Then the road goes into the woods at Koksåsen. Towards the end of the day, the St. Olavsleden comes to Værnes church built in the 1100. This is Norway's oldest preserved stone building. The day-end ends at Ersgard - a family farm with buildings from the 18th century.

Accommodation at Værnes (Stjørdal):

• Ersgard
• Øfsti Mellom
• Stabbur in Stjørdal

The next day the path continues through the village of Lånke. Then you ascend towards Gjevingåsen and enter the forest. Enjoy nature while walking on forest path and dirt roads. Along the St. Olavsleden you can see the mighty Storfossen in the river Homla. Today's stage takes you through forests and marshes in Mostadmarka in Nyhus. Here St.Olavsleden meet up with Romboleden coming from the east; from Selbu, Tydal and Sweden.

Accommodation in Nyhus:

• Folden farm
• Stabbur at Verket

At the start of the last stage, the path passes Fjølstadtrøa, an old homestead place that today is a museum. Then the path will take you to a viewpoint at the Saksvikskorsen. This is the first place the pilgrims can see Trondheim. In the Middle Ages there was a big cross here. Today there is a new cross and a bell tower, and the forest has been cleared so that you again can enjoy the view of Trondheim. Then the path goes down to Vikhammer and your last night on St. Olavsleden.

Accommodation in Vikhammer:

• Vikhammer Søndre
• Vikhammer motel and camping

On the last day, you walk on nice footpaths passing Ranheim church and then follow the beautiful path, by locals known as Ladestien, along the fjord into Trondheim. Here, St. Olavsleden passes Lade Church from 1190 and Kristiansten Fortress, built in 1684, before finally reaching Nidaros Cathedral.

Accommodation in Trondheim:

• Nidaros Pilgrimage Center

June, July, August and September

Arrival:

• Flight: Trondheim, Airport Værnes
• Train: From Trondheim / Værnes to Verdal station
• Taxi: From Verdal station
• Where to stay: Book accommodation well in advance at either the Stiklestad Hotel (Pilgrimage Discount) or the Viking House "Stiklestadir".

Departure:

• Public transport: Bus or train (www.nsb.no) / (AtB)
• Flight: Trondheim Airport Værnes