10 days (June-September) – During this walking tour you will walk from Oppdal through a beautiful cultural landscape along the river...
Gudbrandsdalsleden (Olav Path)
During this pilgrimage you walk the last part of the Gudbrandsdalsleden – the pilgrim route that starts in Oslo – towards Trondheim. Depending on the route you choose, you start in Opdall (10 days) or in Dovre (14 or 16 days). You walk over the barren Dovrefjell plateau, through beautiful cultural landscapes and along the river Orkla, through forests and bogs to the city of Trondheim where the imposing Nidaros Cathedral is located. The shrine of Olav the Saint once stood in this church.
During the Middle Ages, the tomb of Olav Haraldsson was – since his canonization in 1031 – the most important place of pilgrimage in Scandinavia. Pilgrims from all directions made their way on foot to Nidaros – the former name of Trondheim – to pray, give thanks and do penance, but after the Reformation the pilgrimages came to an end. Over the centuries, the visible traces of the pilgrims disappeared. The houses where they spent the night fell into disrepair and the paths overgrew with bushes and trees.
In the early 1990s Norway made a start in restoring these ancient routes and today modern pilgrims walk along these roads for a myriad of reasons: to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to reflect on one's own existence, in search of physical and mental challenges or just to enjoy nature. Whatever the motive, in the end the trip is so much more than an ordinary mountain hike or a tourist trip. It is above all a very personal experience.
The average distance of the Olav Path is 20 kilometres per day and that requires a solid walking experience. The walks lead over the plateau and further on forest paths, gravel roads, asphalt or grass paths. Although the route rises and falls, you will not have to climb or walk along steep precipices anywhere. You have ample time and opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscape every day.
Nordic Pilgrim offers self-guided hiking trips along the last 250 kilometres of the Gudbrandsdalsleden. We can provide information, booking of accommodation, meals and (luggage) transfer. If you have special requests or dietary needs, please let us know. We like to deliver customized solutions. We can also assist with booking extra nights and give advice how to get there and away.
Nordic Pilgrim
Offers information
Arranges accommodation
Arranges meals at most places
Arranges luggage transport if needed/if available along most of the trail
Fixes your digital maps
Can follow you during your journey with an app on your mobile phone
Possible stages
Mix and match your trip
