Valldalsleden

Valldalsleden starts by the fjords and ends in the Dovre mountains. There, the trail connects to the Gudbrandsdalsleden pilgrim path which leads to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

Valldalsleden 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 his ships pulled ashore in Valldal, and from there he crossed the mountain to Lesja and Dovre.
 

Who is Valldalsleden suitable for?

The Valldalsleden trail is great, but also demanding, and is only recommended for those who are used to hiking in high mountains. You'll walk into rocky high mountain terrain, and go for several days without mobile coverage. You have to be prepared that it can start to snow up here even in the middle of summer. You must also expect to carry a large amount of food and equipment, and be comfortable using a map and compass and/or other orienteering equipment.

Don't walk too early in the summer

Although the main season for pilgrimage in Norway in general is 1st June - 1st September, the season is much shorter on the Valldalsleden trail because it goes through high mountains. Often the trail is not passable until well into July. Both rock and snow avalanches can occur even in the summer from the mountain peaks above. 

The daily hiking stages here are much shorter than on other trails due to the large amount of rock and gravel as well as the steep terrain. It is not recommended to cross the mountain before the snow has melted, because the markings may be hidden under the snow, and you will encounter problems due to snow and meltwater. 

There is no telephone coverage on parts of the route. It is recommended to bring full mountain equipment including bivy bag/wind bag and sleeping bag with sleeping pad as well as sturdy mountain boots. You can find advice on what to pack here: Summer hiking gear list - DNT. It is recommended to bring a topographical map and compass. You can buy a map here: Turkart Tafjordfjella & Reinheimen 1:50 000 - Calazo.no

A legendary path

Valldalsleden starts at the pier in Valldal. The village is known for its 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 passing through the center of Valldal, the trail 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 accommodation at Juvet Landscape Hotel or at Gudbrandsjuvet Camping.