Kystpilegrimsleia

A spectacular journey along the coast with fjords, islands and reefs - a saga from Viking to pilgrimage.

Kystpilegrimsleia means the Coastal Pilgrimage Route. It is a beautiful and spectacular journey along the coast of Norway. The journey starts in Egersund city in the south, and goes along the west coast to the national sanctuary of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim city in the north.

The core of Kystpilegrimsleia are 25 so-called key places, which are places of particular cultural and historic value. They are spread throughout the route, see list below or check out the digital map.

Most travelers combine travelling along Kystpilegrimsleia using boat, bus and hiking. You can also use a bicycle or kayak for parts of the route.

Kystpilegrimsleia is accessible and open year-round. People live, travel, and work along the entire stretch. However, be aware that some services and activities may be closed during the fall, winter, and spring. Contact the regional centers for more information (details further down the page).

How to travel along the route

Kystpilegrimsleia is a historical route both by sea and by land. This was the most commonly used pilgrimage route during the Middle Ages. It differs from "ordinary" pilgrimage hiking routes in that you must combine different modes of travel. You cannot walk the entire route, but there are many hiking opportunities along the way. Key places and certain walking sections are well-marked. If traveling with your own boat, the sea can carry you from one key location to another. Without your own boat, you can travel by public transport, kayak, bicycle, car, or a combination of these. In some places along the route, you can also see and try traditional boats that are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.

Use the travel app Entur.no to plan public transportation along the route.

Short or long?

You decide how long the trip should last. Most people travel for a few days at a time, while some take the entire journey from Egersund to Trondheim in one stretch. If you choose to visit all 25 key places, you should plan to spend 3–4 weeks. A simple lifestyle or a bit of luxury, together with others or alone? Local culinary experiences on fine tablecloths or from a packed lunch? Sleeping in a sleeping bag, at a hostel, or in a suite at a hotel? Almost anything is possible along Kystpilegrimsleia.

Planning and guidance

Here at pilegrimsleden.no, you will find a digital map of the route with key locations, boat and bus stops, accommodations, dining, and attractions. The website also includes trip suggestions and information about the various key places.

There are four regional pilgrim centers along the Kystpilegrimsleia. Their role is to inform and promote travelling within their respective regions. They are also ready to help you with information about their area and can be contacted year-round.

Regional pilgrim centres

Faster to travel by sea in the Middle Ages

Most likely, our pilgrimage was based on cities along the coastline. It was faster to get on a boat than to travel on land. In the Middle Ages, natural ports were utilized along the shore, and at the most important ports were mounted moorings that the ship could moor. Most seafaring pilgrims did not own ships, nor could they afford to pay for them, so it was common to work as a crew onboard.

As well as Nidaros cathedral in the end, there were also other pilgrim destinations along the coast, such as the island of Selja where the relics of Saint Sunniva was kept.

Viking king Olav Haraldsson

The Viking king Olav Haraldsson, later Saint Olav, was himself an experienced seafarer - not least after traveling with the Viking for many years. Along the entire coast we find phenomena that people have explained through the saintly king's deeds and actions. For example, Olav is said to have opened the sound for boats to pass througt at sea in Tysnesøy in Sunnhordland and the Korssundet at Eivindvik in Sogn. In the mountain Hornelen in Bremanger in Sogn Olav put a troll in stone - which today stands in the mountainside and you see from the sailing trail.

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I buy the pilgrim passport?

You can buy the pilgrim passport at the Pilgrim Center ar Avaldsnes, and at several places along Kystpilegrimsleia, check our overview here. Alternatively you can buy the pilgrim passport online.

Are there guidebooks for Kystpilegrimsleia?

How long does it take to travel the entire Kystpilegrimsleia?

The route has 25 key places from Egersund to Trondheim, to which you can travel and pilgrimage. If you want to visit all the key locations, you should plan to use approx. 20 days or more.

What is the average distance of traveling per day?

Along Kystpilegrimsleia you may travel by public boat transport or bus from key place to key place. The daily stages will then vary with the local conditions for public transport.

When hiking, pilgrims usually walk about 20 km each day.

If a paddle or rudder, it is normal to manage approx. 25 km per day. Here, weather, wind, current and waves will be very crucial for progress.

Traditional sail / motor boats are often "slow moving" vessels, which will take longer than public transport. Traditional sailboats / motorboats are seldom accessible, and are most often set up in connection with joint / package tours. They are advertised with registration and have a limited number of seats.

Is it safe to travel Kystpilegrimsleia alone?

It is safe to travel alone along the coast, and it is assumed that the traveler takes into account the weather and climate along the route..

Can I order luggage transport?

The only option for shipping luggage is with scheduled and public transport.

How is the level of accommodation?

The level of accommodation varies from simple self-catering cottages, to pilgrim hostels or hotels.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

We recommend that you reserve a place at the pilgrim hostels in advance. The accommodations along Kystpilegrimsleia are usually small hostels with few beds. For that reason, it is advisable to secure a bed a few days before arriving.

Are the churches open?

There are many beautiful churches along the way, but unfortunately not all churches are open. If you meet a closed door, check if there is information available which might say something about pilgrim offerings. Many congregations open the church outside opening hours for pilgrims by request. Information about open churches: www.kirkesok.no

Which footwear should I choose?

We recommend hiking boots with good cushioning and durability. Some pilgrims choose mountain boots, others prefer Gore-Tex, and some choose technical running shoes or sandals. In the west coast we recommend shoes that can withstand water.

Is the Kystpilegrimsleia well marked?

The coastal pilgrimage trail is not a continuous marked hiking trail from Egersund to Trondheim. The key places are well marked, and some hiking trails are well marked. We recommend that you bring with you a map for safety reasons, and that you are oriented about local public transport. Contact the local pilgrim center for help.

I've packed too much and the bag is too heavy to carry, what do I do?

You could concider sending excess content by mail.

How is the weather?

The weather forecast can be found at www.yr.no.

Is there an overview of Harbours along Kystpilegrimsleia?

If you want to travel by own boat, there are a large number of registered harbours for small boats and larger vessels along Kystpilegrimsleia. Here you will find an overview of Norwegian registered harbours: www.harbourguide.com

Can I do a pilgrimage with my dog?

It is quite possible to do a pilgrimage with your dog, but there are some things to keep in mind. It is strongly recommended to keep your dog on a leash at all times as you go through a lot of pasture where you can meet animals. By law, dogs should be on a leash from April to August, in some places it is extended.

In some areas the dog must also be able to climb stairs that have been set up to help cross fences. If not, the dog must be lifted over. For accommodation with a dog in the room this must be agreed with the owners.

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