Valldalsleden

Valldalsleden starts by the fjords and ends in the Dovre mountain, connecting to Gudbrandsdalsleden that leads to Trondheim.

Valldalsledn is the route the Viking king Olav Haraldsson, later known as St. Olav, chose when he escaped the country in the winter of 1028-1029. He had the ships pulled ashore in Valldal and from there he crossed the mountain to Lesja and Dovre.

Who is Valldalsleden suitable for?

Valldalsleden is beautiful but also challenging, and is only recommended for experienced hikers who have walked long distances in high mountains before. You will enter rocky high mountain terrain and spend several days without mobile coverage. You will have to to carry a significant amount of food and equipment, and be prepared for potential snowfalls, even in high summer. You must also be comfortable using maps and compasses and/or other navigation tools.

The main season for pilgrimage in Norway is from 1st June to 1st September. Sometimes the snow can last for longer than 1st June in the mountains. You should not cross if there is still snow, as the trail markings may be hidden, and you could encounter problems due to snow and meltwater.

Seamonsters and steep gorges

Valldalsleden starts at the pier in Valldal. The village is known for it's strawberries, so if you are in Valldal during the strawberry season you should try them! It was at Valldal that the Viking king Olav Haraldsson, later St. Olav, and his men went ashore in the winter of 1028 - 1029 according to Snorre Sturlason's royal sagas. The legend says he encountered a seamonster on his way into the fjord, which he threw up into the steep mountain wall in Syltefjellet, and the mark still stands there.

Shortly after the Valldalsleden pass through the center of Valldal, it goes up a steep hill - Korsbrekka. Here Olav stopped, according to the saga, before going further up the valley. The trail eventually passes the stone quarry at Døving, where there used to be a small chapel, and on to Gudbrandsjuvet and Alstad. Here Olav stopped in his time, and therefore it's a good place to make a stop for pilgrims. Gudbrandsjuvet is worth a visit, and there is available accommodation in Juvet Landscape Hotel or at Gudbrandsjuvet Camping.