Lillehammer - Dovre
- 11 days, self-guided -
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.
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.
The pilgrim trail between Lillehammer and Dovre forms one of the most varied and historically rich sections of the Gudbrandsdalsleden in Norway. Following the wide Gudbrandsdal valley northward, the route passes traditional farms, medieval churches, quiet birch forests and gentle riverside paths. Along the way, walkers discover cultural landmarks such as Ringebu Stave Church and historic farm settlements that have welcomed travelers for centuries. The landscape gradually becomes wilder as you approach Dovre, where the fertile valley gives way to open highland terrain and views of the mountains ahead. Note: this one of the toughest sections of the trail.
01. Travel day – Overnight in Lillehammer
Stay in a hotel in the city center.
02. Lillehammer – Øyer (ca. 18 km)
The pilgrim trail from the Olympic town of Lillehammer follows a mix of forest paths, rural roads, and some short stretches near traffic as it climbs gradually out of Lillehammer. While not difficult, the walk includes several hills and can be muddy in places after rain.
03. Øyer – Tretten (ca. 19 km)
The hike along the pilgrim trail between Øyer and Tretten is a varied stage that follows a mix of forest paths, gravel farm roads, and stretches through open agricultural landscape. The trail climbs gently out of Øyer before crossing quiet woodland areas, with occasional views back over the Lågen River and the valley.
04. Tretten – Fåvang (ca. 19 km)
Leaving Tretten, the trail first descends, then climbs gently via asphalt roads through farmland and patches of woodland, offering views across the valley and nearby mountains. The terrain is mostly moderate, though some sections can be uneven, especially the first part through the forest. The E6 is, however, never far away.
05. Fåvang – Ringebu (ca. 13 km)
This shorter section through the heart of Gudbrandsdalen passes lush forests, riversides, and open farmland, with stunning cliff views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The stage culminates at Ringebu Stave Church, a historic wooden church dating back to the 13th century.
06. Ringebu – Sør-Fron (ca. 18 km)
Along the way, walkers traverse gentle farmland and forested paths, enjoying expansive valley views. A must-visit is the Dale-Gudbrand Pilgrim Center, where pilgrims can rest, learn about the history of the route, and experience Norwegian cultural heritage. From there, it is an easy walk to Sør-Fron.
07. Sør-Fron – Kvam (ca. 23 km)
A fairly tough hike that includes a mix of quiet country roads, forest paths, and suburban areas. Hikers pass working farms and small villages, and must tackle some steep ascents over occasionally muddy trails.
08. Kvam – Otta (ca. 22 km)
The hike from Kvam to Otta is a more challenging stage of the Olav Path, featuring three significant climbs along the way. The trail winds through the Gudbrandsdalen valley, alternating between quiet country roads, forested paths, and riverside sections, with expansive views of farmland, villages, and surrounding mountains.
09. Otta – Nord-Sel (ca. 17 km)
The first 4 km run parallel to the E6. After Sel, you get your first view of the mountains above the tree line. You follow the valley and the river, which has small, hidden beaches ideal for a picnic.
10. Nord-Sel – Dovre (ca. 26 km)
After a short hike through the village, you reach a fairly rough forest path with quite a bit of climbing and some sliding, high above the river. Later, the paths widen, but there is still some climbing and descending.
11. Travel day
There are trains and buses going from Dovre to Trondheim or to Oslo.
Summary
-
Self-guided hike along the Olav Path, from Lillehammer to Dovre (Norway)
-
Ca. 165 km
-
Available from June to September
-
11 days, with an average of 19 kilometers per day.
-
