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Nordic Pilgrim

Dovre - Trondheim
- 11 days, group tour with guide -

OVERVIEW

After the death of King Olav in 1030 and his canonization, countless pilgrims travelled to the holy city of Nidaros to pray, give thanks, and seek forgiveness. After the Reformation, the pilgrimage routes fell into disrepair. In the 1980s, restoration began on these historic paths, the most important of which is the Olav Path, or Gudbrandsdalsleden, stretching from Oslo to Trondheim in Norway. Today, modern pilgrims follow this route for many reasons – to escape the hectic pace of daily life, to reflect, to seek physical or spiritual challenge, or simply to enjoy nature. Whatever the motivation, this journey becomes much more than just a mountain hike or tourist trail.

During this trip we hike part of the medieval pilgrim path through a sparsely populated area. This means that we walk mostly through rugged norwegian nature, far away from civilization, on roads that have been there for at least a thousand years. In a small group (8-12 persons plus guide) we hike the last approximately 170 kilometers of the Olav Path, from the Dovre Plateau (Dovrefjell) to Trondheim – on forest paths, gravel roads, asphalt and grass. Although the route rises and falls, you will not have to climb or walk along steep precipices anywhere. In Trondheim we receive our well-earned Olav Letter.

 

01. 24 July: Travel day – Overnight in Dovre

By train or bus we arrive in the village of Dovre, in the heart of Norway. From the station it is a ca. 3 kilometer hike to the first accommodation, situated on the Gudbrandsdalslågen river, where we share our first dinner together.

 

02. 25 July: Dovre – Fokstugu (ca. 18 km)

Today starts our ascent of Dovrefjell. On the open plateau, the wind and weather shape the landscape. We follow the old King’s Road to today’s highest point, Allmannrøysa (1,210 m). For centuries, travellers placed a stone here, but as the road is now protected, adding stones is no longer allowed. From the cairn, a gentle 6 kilometre descent leads you to Fokstugu Fjellstue.

03. 26 July: Fokstugu – Hjerkinn (ca. 25 km)

A fairly long and tough walk today. We cross the E6 highway and follow the river Foksåa through the quiet Foksådal valley. The path first takes us above the tree line, then continues through birch forests. We enjoy panoramic views of Dovrefjell and the famous Fokstumyra Nature Reserve, Norway’s most important bird sanctuary. 

 

04. 27 July: Hjerkinn – Berkåk - Stamnan (ca. 15 km)

From Hjerkinn, past the beautiful Eystein church, we walk in 30 minutes to the train station of Hjerkinn. From there we take the train the village of Berkåk. From Berkåk we follow the main road until we are back at the pilgrim trail again, running paralel to the Orkla river, which we follow to our accommodation: a still active farm and cozy pilgrim inn.

 

05. 28 July: Stamnan – Hol (ca. 23 km)

We walk through forest terrain to reach Rennebu. After a short stretch along road 700, the trail climbs into the hills again and passes several traditional trønderlån – typical long farmhouses from the Trøndelag region. Lunch at the local 'pilgrim cafetaria'.

 

06. 29 July: Hol – Løkken Verk (ca. 20 km)

This scenic stage winds through quiet woodland, pastureland and along stretches of the Orkla River, combining natural beauty with local cultural heritage. The path is well-marked and moderately easy.

07. 30 July: Løkken Verk – Snøton – Skaun (ca. 20 km)

We start with a short transfer to the start of the trail. After passing Lake Solsjøen and Korslia Farm, we reach a cosy pilgrim shelter known as "the living room" – a perfect rest stop. The route continues through quiet peatland, once used only in summer by pilgrims. 

 

08. 31 July: Skaun – Øysand (ca. 23 km)

The milestone in Skaun reminds you that only 38 km remain to Nidaros Cathedral. You first pass the historic farm of Husaby before walking through farmland toward the river Gaula and Øysand. We end the day at a spot overlooking the Gaulosen fjord. 

09. 1 August: Øysand – Lian (approx. 18 km)

This hike goes inland again, before crossing the Gaula river. The path continues through forests and nature reserves, where the Trondheim locals go for a hike or jog during the weekends. 

 

10. 2 August: Lian - Trondheim (approx. 8 km)

This final day is a short one, through the suburbs and parks of Trondheim. This gives us more time to enjoy Trondheim during the Olav festival. Our pilgrimage ends at the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Norway. You can the rest of the day enjoying the annual Olav Festival in the city. We end the trip with a shared dinner in a local restaurant. 

 

11. 3 August: Travel day

 You can also choose to book one or more extra days in Trondheim.  

Your guide

Henriëtte van der Noord (1961) spent many years as a special education teacher, but her true passion lies in walking, exploring, and guiding others. She is a seasoned pilgrim, certified tour and city guide who brings both experience and heart to every journey.

After hiking much of S:t Olavsleden in 2018, Henriëtte felt called to follow her own path, turning her love for the outdoors and history into a life guiding others. She is skilled at leading groups, sharing stories of Norwegian culture and history, and creating memorable experiences in nature. Dutch by birth, Henriëtte speaks English, German, and Norwegian, allowing her to connect with travelers from all over the world.

Guide Henriette

Summary

  • Guided Group Tour, 8-12 people + 1 guide

  • ​24 July – 3 August 2027 (11 days)

  • Along Norway's most famous pilgrim path: Gudbrandsdalsleden (or: Olav Path)

  • Start at the foot of the Dovrefjell mountain range

  • Cross the mountains, follow rivers, explore forests

  • Follow the fjord towards Trondheim and the Nidaros Cathedral, where the Olav Festival takes place

  • € 2.095 per person (shared room)

  • € 2.295 per person (single room on the 4 nights where this is possible)

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