An authentic adventure… The Pilgrims` Way

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The Pilgrims’ Way
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Dear Emma!
An authentic adventure…
Recommended Trips • Package Tours
European cultural routes
The Pilgrims’ Way
The Pilgrims’ Way from Oslo to Nidaros is 640 km long. When
Olav Haraldsson died at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, he was
made the patron saint of Norway. Soon after, signs and miracles
were experienced close to Olav’s remains. He became a figure
of reverence, and pilgrims travelled from all over Europe to
visit Nidaros Cathedral. In medieval times, St. Olav’s grave in
Nidaros (Trondheim) was the main pilgrimage destination in the
Nordic region. The route leads through built-up areas, cultural
landscapes, narrow valleys, peaceful forests and open mountain
terrain, and features sites of historical interest as well as a rich
cultural heritage.
All recommended trips and package tours are set in peaceful
surroundings, and invite to an outer as well as inner adventure
abundant in natural beauty and cultural history.
Trip 3, 4 and 5 are also offered as package tours for groups of
minimum 8 people. The packages include accommodation, evening
meal, packed lunch and luggage transfer. Guide available if
required.
For further information and booking, please contact Norske
Bygdeopplevelser:
[email protected]
www.norske-bygdeopplevelser.no
The pilgrim centres in Oslo and at Granavollen, Hamar, DaleGudbrand’s Farm, Dovrefjell and Nidaros can provide information
on routes not included in this brochure. Contact details provided at
the back.
Tur/Hike/Wanderung
With Oslo’s old town as starting point, this gentle, hour-long walk will lead you past
the remains of medieval Oslo and the churches of significance to pilgrims at the time.
The first points of interest are the ruins of monumental buildings from medieval Oslo. An
artificial lake has been created in the park, with a waterline exactly as it was in the 1300s.
Further along the route you will find the ruins of St. Mary’s Church, the royal residence built
by King Håkon V Magnusson, St. Clement’s Church, a cruciform church and St. Hallvard’s
Cathedral. The remains of St. Olav’s Priory are evidence of Oslo’s strong St. Olav heritage.
We leave the old town behind and continue towards the old workers’ quarter Kampen with
Kampen Church. Along the way are the botanical garden, natural history museums and the
Munch Museum. Grünerløkka is ideal for a coffee or a tea before you cross Akerselva and
follow the Lovers’ Lane to Telthusbakken’s charming wooden buildings. The trip ends at Aker
Church comprising one of the oldest crucifixes in Eastern Norway. St. Mary’s Chapel features
an image of the Midgard Serpent - an indication of how
pagan mythology and perception of reality have been
adopted into a new Christian world-view. In the church
yard is the grave of Hans Nielsen Hauge.
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Oslo - from the Medieval Park to
Old Aker Church
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Trip 1:
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Trip 2:
Romerike - a walk through the cultural landscape of the Iron Age
and medieval times – from Kløfta to Jessheim
The Romerike route offers a varied cultural landscape rich in historical monuments. Points of interest include
Northern Europe’s largest Iron Age burial mound, several St. Olav churches, historical place names and a spring
associated with St. Olav. This is a full-day trip, and walkers can take the train from Oslo to Kløfta, start at Oslo
Airport Gardermoen or walk the full stretch from Oslo to Jessheim. The pilgrimage routes in Akershus are also
ideal for bicycle rides.
From Kløfta station, the route leads east towards Ullensaker Church. The first church at this spot was built in the 1200s and
was dedicated to St. Olav and John the Baptist. From Ullern to Hovin, the route follows one of the oldest known trails between
Oslo and Nidaros. At Børke farm, fantastic grave finds have been made from the centuries following the Birth of Christ.
The name Hovin dates back to pagan times, and indicates an old centre of power and rituals. This is the heart of Iron Age
Romerike - home to the Raumene tribe. When Christianity was introduced, Hovin got its first church. The current cruciform
church was inaugurated in 1695, and is built in timber.
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As you continue on from Hovin, you will reach Raknehaugen - one of the most spectacular Iron Age heritage sites in Northern
Europe. Soil, sand and 75 000 logs have been used to build the burial mound, and it probably took 6 months and 500 men to
complete the work. From there, a typical U-shaped trail leads up to Haug farm. This was the main route across Romerike for
almost 2000 years. To extend the trip, it is possible to start in Oslo and include an overnight stay in the traditional storehouse
at Arteid Vestre.
Trip 3:
Hadeland - from Bønsnes at Ringerike, across Granavollen
to Mjøsa and Domkirkeodden at Hamar
Ankomst: Oslo Airport Gardermoen – bus transfer
to Sundvollen Hotel
Starting point is Bønsnes at Ringerike where St. Olav spent his
childhood years. The route leads via Granavollen and Hadeland,
and on to Gjøvik. You will then travel with Skibladner, Norway’s
oldest paddle steamer, to Hamar and the cathedral ruins at
Domkirkeodden. The old, historical trails lead through gentle
terrain, thriving villages and a lush cultural landscape with
an abundance of heritage. A visit to the pilgrim centres at
Granavollen and Hamar is included. The trip ends at Hamar, or
alternatively at Lillehammer which is the starting point for
Trip 2.
Day 1: Arrival, Sundvollen Hotel
Day 2: Svensrud - Bønsnes Church – Klækken, 22 km
Overnight stay: Klækken Hotel
Transfer to Svensrud (7 km) and a walk along pleasant country
lanes, paths and old medieval tracks. The route leads past
Bønsnes Church (12th century). According to legend, St. Olav
spent his childhood in the area and was also the one to ensure
that a church was built. Bus transfer available for the last 6 km.
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Package tour
Day 3:
Klækken – Randsvangen, 14 km
Overnight stay: Randsvangen Hotel
Package tour
Haug is a medieval church built on a site of pagan significance. Includes a visit to the Kistefos Museum with its industrial
exhibition, gallery and sculpture park, as well as the handicraft production at Hadeland Glassworks in Jevnaker (1762) - one
of Norway’s most popular attractions.
Day 4:
Randsvangen - Sløvika – Granavollen, 25.5 km
Overnight stay: Sanner Hotel
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Take in the charm of Gjøvik, the white town by Mjøsa. This old market town can
offer everything from small speciality shops to large high-street chains. Explore the
delightful pedestrian precinct with its open-air restaurants, chocolate factory and
shops of every size. The town has its very own glassworks featuring some of Norway’s
best glass-blowers. Gjøvik Olympiske Fjellhall, a fantastic cavern built for the 1994
Winter Olympics, is well worth a visit, and Gjøvik Farm, set in a beautiful park in the
heart of town, is ideal for large and small events - all year round.
Please visit www.turistinnlandet.no and www.gjovik.kommune.no.
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In pre-Christian times, Granavollen was the centre of old Hada County, and the area where the Sister Churches (12th
century) are located was probably home to a pagan temple. A 13th century Stone House is rural Norway’s only non-religious
medieval stone building. The rectory garden close by is open to visitors. Further
information is available at Granavollen Pilgrim Centre, and guided tours can be
arranged.The walk then follows Bergenske Hovedveg / Kongevegen, which is the old
main route from Oslo to Bergen, and continues through a beautiful, rolling cultural
landscape to the St. Petri Church (12th century). Hadeland Folk Museum exhibits a
replica of the Dynnastein, a runestone dating back to the mid-1100s. Bus transfer
from Brandbu to Gjøvik.
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Day 5:
Granavollen – Brandbu, 9.5 km
Overnight stay: Gjøvik Hostel Hovdetoppen
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A gentle walk with spectacular views over Randsfjorden and a beautiful, rolling cultural landscape. Transport can be
arranged for the first section if a 25 km walk is too far.
Day 6:
Boat trip with Skibladner from Gjøvik to Hamar
Overnight stay: Hamar Hostel
Boat trip from Gjøvik to Hamar with the charming Skibladner - the world’s oldest paddle steamer still in
operation! Ticket discounts are available to pilgrims. Hamar has been an important communications centre
ever since the Middle Ages. The town is set in beautiful surroundings close to Mjøsa, and is also the seat of the
Diocese of Hamar. Visit the Skibladner Quay to enjoy the glockenspiel of Mjøsa. Other recommended attractions
are the Kirsten Flagstad Museum and Domkirkeodden with Storhamarlåven designed by architect Sverre Fehn
and the protective glass structure covering the cathedral ruins. The Viking Ship Arena, built for the 1994 Winter
Olympics, is also within easy reach, and this landmark is a popular arena for major international as well as
national sporting and cultural events.
Package tour
Package tour booking:
[email protected]
www.norske-bygdeopplevelser.no.
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Day 7: Breakfast and departure by train
to Oslo Airport Gardermoen
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Please visit: www.hamarregionen.no and www.hamar.kommune.no
Trip 4:
Hedmarken - From Hamar to Lillehammer
Hamar – the Episcopal See
Start or end the walk with a Pilgrims’ Mass in Hamar Cathedral and a visit to Domkirkeodden (see
trip 3) and Hamar Pilgrim Centre.
Day 2:
Hamar – Veldre, 23.5 km
A walk from Hamar past the fortress at Furuberget and a typical, medieval U-shaped trail. From
Furnes Church, the route continues to Brumunddal and on to Konfirmantsalen at Veldre Rectory.
Day 3: Veldre - Ringsaker Church, 13 km
The walk leads past Tokstadfurua and Alf Prøysen’s childhood home, and then on to Ringsaker
Church dating back to the Middle Ages. This medieval church enjoys a beautiful location with views
over Mjøsa.
Day 4: Ringsaker Church – Johannesgården, 20 km
Petroglyphs and remains of the old Mjøskastellet fortress can be found at Ring. The route then
continues along Mjøsa’s riverbank, past Moelv and on to Tolvsteinsringen which, with its 25 metres
in diameter and 12 stones, is one of the country’s largest stone circles. Other smaller-sized stone
circles can also be found in the area.
Day 5: Johannesgården - Lillehammer, 12 km
The walk towards Lillehammer leads past a St. Olav’s spring. According to legend, the spring was
discovered by St. Olav’s horse.
The Pilgrims’ Way, St. Olav, died aged 35, Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, mysterious grave, healing, sacred springs,
Nidaros, Rome, Santiago and Jerusalem, European cultural heritage, 790 km and 6 routes to the same destination,
Norway’s eternal king, national coat of arms, an outer and inner adventure, shared values – medieval St. Olav
heritage at present and of its time. A journey in itself – or within yourself..
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Day 1:
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A walk through peaceful countryside with spectacular views over Mjøsa. The route leads past cultural heritage sites such as the
village fortress at Furuberget, Tokstadfurua – the oldest pine tree in the country, the Prøysen Cottage in Ringsaker, a medieval
church, the petroglyphs at Ring, Tolvsteinsringen stone circle and the St. Olav spring by Bergseng. Mainly gravel roads leading
through beautiful woodland and a stunning cultural landscape. Walk both to and from, or return by train or Skibladner –
Norway’s oldest paddle steamer. A Pilgrims’ Mass is held at Hamar Cathedral every Wednesday evening. The service is
followed by a guided walk to “Hamardomen” at Domkirkeodden/Hamarkaupangen.
STAD
Arrival: RO
Oslo Airport Gardermoen – express bus or train to Lillehammer
Day 1:
Individual arrival, Lillehammer
Overnight stay: Lillehammer Hostel
Lillehammer can offer a wide range of activities for both young and old.
- please visit www.lillehammer.com
MAIH
Lillehammer, the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, is a charming town. During
your stay, we recommend a visit to the open air museum Maihaugen, Sigrid
Undset’s home Bjerkebæk, Lillehammer Art Museum, the Olympic Park and the
award-winning Storgata with its famous wooden buildings.
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Follow the Pilgrims’ Way through Gudbrandsdalen, and you can enjoy a first-hand
experience of a unique cultural landscape, history and cultural heritage. The
route is varied, slightly hilly and includes historical trails such as Tjodvegen in
Øyer and Kongevegen. From its spectacular vantage points, you will get a different
and very distinctive impression of Gudbrandsdalen. This trip will also take you to
the pilgrim centre at Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm where your can enjoy a bite to eat,
stay the night, get information on the area/recommended trips and take part in
guided walks. The vibrant cultural landscape, the history and the hospitality will
leave you with lifelong memories.
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Trip 5:
Package tour
Gudbrandsdalen - from Lillehammer to
Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm and Vinstra
Package tour
Day 2:
Lillehammer – Skåden Farm, 25 km
Overnight stay: Skåden Farm
A walk along the idyllic Gamleveien towards Storhove - an important
cult-centre in pagan times. From Sundgarden, an old ferry landing by
Lågen, the route leads through hilly terrain with a slight uphill climb
to Skåden Farm. Along the way is Vedem farm where King Håkon
Håkonsson had a guildhall built in the 1200s. If required, transport can
be arranged to shorten the hike.
Day 3:
Skåden Farm – Glomstad, 15 km
Overnight stay: Glomstad Guesthouse
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The day starts with an idyllic, and somewhat steep, descend to Mageli
where you join Kongevegen leading across Rolla bridge (1824). You
are then transferred from Krekke Camping to Fåvang, where the
walk continues by river Tromsa’s “Høie Bro” – a spectacular bridge
spanning a 28-metre deep ravine. On your way to Ringebu Church, you
will see the village fortification at Elstadkleiva. Guided tour of Ringebu
Stave Church (13th century) and the rectory. The route continues along
Kongevegen to Ringebu centre. Transfer to Venabu Mountain Lodge.
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Day 4:
Glomstad – Ringebu, 16 km
Overnight stay: Venabu Mountain Lodge
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Skåe Farm first appears on records in 1333. In earlier times, the area
was Øyer’s cultural centre, featuring a pagan temple and later an old
church which was in use until the Black Death in 1349. From Skåe, the
Pilgrims’ Way follows an old main route used during the Middle Ages,
and leads past Kjørkehaugen with remains of an old, medieval stone
church.
Package tour
Day 5:
Ringebu Mountain
Overnight stay: Venabu Mountain Lodge
The day is spent in the mountains where you can relax at the traditional Venabu Mountain
Lodge, hike to the top of the Muen peak (1428 m altitude), enjoy kayaking on mountain
lakes by Venabu or try one of the bicycle rides available in the area. Slide show and
informal talk about Rondane in the evening.
Day 6:
Ringebu - Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm, 13 km
Overnight stay: Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm
Transfer to Kjønås where the route leads across flat and lush farmland to the dramatic
Bersveinhølen canyon, a bridge crossing in medieval times. The walk continues through
easy terrain to the pilgrim centre at Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm, renowned for the meeting
between St. Olav and the Gudbrandsdalen chieftain in 1021.
Day 7:
Hundorp – Vinstra, 19 km
Overnight stay: Hollandsk Gjestehus
The day starts with a walk along Kongevegen to Sør-Fron Church (1792). Along the way
is the farm Sygard Grytting, featuring the only secular medieval inn between Oslo and
Trondheim. Grytting is used by pilgrims and was mentioned by King Håkon V Magnusson
in 1311. Uphill climb from Grytting to Skar with breathtaking views over Gudbrandsdalen.
The walk continues towards Vinstra, and leads past Hågå - a Peer Gynt farm dating back
to the 1300s.
Breakfast and departure from Vinstra by train or bus
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[email protected]
www.norske-bygdeopplevelser.no.
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Package tour booking:
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Day 8:
Package tour
Dovrefjell - from Toftemo to Kongsvold
This Dovrefjell route runs through some of Norway’s most beautiful
mountain terrain and is the oldest communication link between Oslo and
Trondheim. In the 1100s, King Øystein Magnusson had lodges built at
Dovrefjell to provide shelter for those crossing the mountain. Their exact
locations are not known, but today several traditional mountain lodges
dating back centuries can be found in the area.
Up towards Fokstugu, the route follows the old “Kongevegen” which was
made drivable in 1704. From Fokstugu, a nature and cultural trail leads
to Hjerkinn Mountain Lodge. The area’s pilgrimage tradition is linked to a
number of historical events, cultural heritage sites and St. Olav legends.
Walkers will also get an insight into Doverfjell’s cultural heritage and
hunting traditions. The trip leads through gentle and varied mountain
terrain, and is a walk through Norwegian history sprinkled with spectacular
wildlife experiences. Make the most of the outdoors, and enjoy
the tranquillity and the wonderful high-quality hotels and
mountain lodges where focus is on local history and culture,
hospitality and good food. Take part in a guided musk-ox safari.
Dovrefjell Pilgrim Centre shares premises with the Norwegian
Wild Reindeer Centre at Hjerkinn, and offers quiet areas,
accommodation, details on the Otta - Skaun stretch in SørTrøndelag, recommended trips and guided walks.
Please be aware that parts of the Budsjord - Fokstugu
stretch lead through a high-mountain terrain exposed to
harsh weather conditions. Remember proper clothing and
provisions!
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Trip 6:
Day 1:
Arrival Toftemo Turiststasjon at Dovre –
overnight stay
Day 2: Toftemo - Fokstugu - Furuhaugli, 18 km
Package tour
Transfer to Budsjord, a listed farm with buildings dating back
to the 1400s. Guided tour and light snack. The walk continues
with a climb up Hardbakken, a descent to Fokstugu and then
on to Furuhaugli where cabin accommodation is provided.
Day 3:
Furuhaugli – Hjerkinn, 15 km
Overnight stay: Hjerkinn Mountain Lodge
Gentle high-mountain terrain. The route leads past old
hunting grounds and Vesle Hjerkinn where one of the
medieval lodges was located.
Day 4:
Hjerkinn – Kongsvold, 15 km
Overnight stay: Kongsvold Mountain Lodge
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A climb from Hjerkinn to the highest point along the route
(1288 m a.s.l.) with breathtaking views towards Snøhetta and
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Rondane. Easy descent to Kongsvoll Mountain Lodge.
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Day 6:
Departure
For self-drive visitors:
Parking at Toftemo
Return transport:
Train to Dombås and taxi back to
Toftemo
For visitors using bus:
Bus or train back
Package tour booking:
[email protected]
www.norske-bygdeopplevelser.no.
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Guided musk-ox safari. The local guide
knows where to look, and you will
experience the musk-ox in its natural
habitat. Bring binoculars!
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Day 5:
Musk-ox safari
Overnight stay: Kongsvold
Mountain Lodge
Trip 7:
Trondheim - from Skaun to Nidaros Cathedral.
Follow in the footsteps of the norwegian royal couple Haakon and Mette Marit! Get to know Trondheim’s surroundings by
walking the Pilgrims’ Way. Along the route you will find a number of cultural heritage sites such as Skaun Church, Husaby - with
a history linked to the Sagas of the Norse Kings - and the medieval fort Sverresborg. In this beautiful cultural landscape the
terrain is relatively gentle, and is a mix of marshland, forest trails, gravel tracks and tarmac
roads. This walk can also be completed as short day-trips, and is suitable for children from
around 8-10 years old.
Day 1:
Skaun Church - Sundet Farm, 17 km
Overnight stay: Sundet Farm
The trip starts by the beautiful Skaun Church built in medieval times. We recommend a detour
to the old church site at Husaby where Einar Tambarskjelve had his farm and Sigrid Undset’s
fictional character Kristin Lavransdatter lived with her Erlend. The walk continues past Skaun
Rural Museum which enjoys a beautiful location with spectacular views. You will then follow
old tracks towards Djupdalsvollen, a 17th/18th century settlement site. Kleivan Pilgrim
Hostel welcomes walkers, and offers both accommodation and meals. On the river banks of
Gaula, John Wanvik is waiting with his rowing boat and will take you across to Sundet Farm accommodation and meals available.
Day 2:
Sundet Farm – Nidaros Cathedral, 21 km
From Sundet Farm, a short climb will take you to an area with magnificent views of a lush
and beautiful cultural landscape. The Pilgrims’ Way continues along the old route across
Kastberga, and leads past Iron Age burial mounds, Lianjordene with their spectacular views
and Sverresborg - a medieval fort from King Sverre’s reign and currently an open air museum.
A detour to the vantage point Utsikten on your way to Nidaros Cathedral is recommended.
Kastberga - Lian: 7 km
Lian to Nidaros Cathedral: 8 km
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Kleivan Pilgrim Hostel - Sundet Farm: 8 km Sundet Farm – Kastberga: 4 km
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- St. Olav pilgrimage routes to Trondheim
Please contact the pilgrim centres for
information on alternative routes, guided walks
and pilgrimage related events:
Oslo Pilgrim Centre
www.pilegrim.info
Granavollen Pilgrim Centre
www.historiskehadeland.no
Hamar Pilgrim Centre
www.domkirkeodden.no
Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm Pilgrim Centre
www.gudbrandsdalsmusea.no
Dovrefjell Pilgrim Centre
www.pilegrimssenter-dovrefjell.no
For further information, route planner, maps, attractions,
accommodation etc., please visit:
www.pilegrim.info - www.pilegrimssenter.info
Nidaros Pilgrim Centre
www.pilegrimsgarden.no
An authentic adventure… a source of contemplation and inspiration
Design & layout: www. innovatoren.no Tekst: Pilotprosjekt Pilegrimsleden/Regionale Pilegrimssenter
Foto: Jørgen Skaug , Knut Bry-Tinagent, Beate Tønnesen © Oplandske Dampskibsselskap,
Jørn Øversveen, CreativeCommons/Helge Høifødt - Roger Jensen, Tærud as, Eiler Prydz, Tove Nypan
The Pilgrims’ Way