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01. Travel day –  Overnight in Oslo

Stay in a hotel in the city center. 

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02. Oslo – Skjetten (approx. 22 km)

Today is mostly about getting out of Oslo. Along the way you unexpectedly pass through a beautiful stretch of forest, but the lion's share of the stage runs through the city and its suburbs. Not too demanding, although the forest path is quite challenging in places for a first day.​

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03. Skjetten – Frogner (approx. 18 km)

You start on a winding asphalt path that soon turns into an unpaved road. Through fields – where the grass can grow quite high – and a stretch of forest, you arrive at a path that mainly winds through Oslo's suburbs.

04. Frogner – Jessheim (approx. 20 km)

The first kilometres take you towards the imposing church of Ullensaker. Then follow paths through fields, along farmland and through patches of forest: gently up and down all the way. Just after Jessheim, your accommodation awaits, close to the largest burial mound in Northern Europe.

05. Jessheim – Dal (approx. 18 km)

Via the park in Jessheim – where locals walk their dogs or go for a jog – today's route mainly follows asphalt near Oslo Airport, with traffic passing by regularly. In short: not the most exciting stage. The reward comes at the end: near Mogreina, you briefly descend into a truly magnificent valley.

06. Dal – Eidsvoll (approx. 18 km)

The first few kilometres are not particularly interesting: along the pavement, through commuter neighbourhoods. Then you arrive at Eidsvoll Verk, a place steeped in history, where the Norwegian Constitution was signed in 1814. Following a river, fields and a mix of unpaved and asphalt roads, you finally reach the sleepy town of Eidsvoll, one of the ports of call of the world's oldest paddle steamer, the Skibladner.

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07. Eidsvoll – Espa (approx. 28 km or 25 km with transfer)

After a stretch of asphalt and an unpaved road, today you really dive into the Norwegian countryside. You wind through dense forests, where every now and then you may even lose phone signal. Forest paths and gravel alternate in what is perhaps the toughest section of this part of the trail. Note: some parts can be boggy.

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08. Espa – Tangen (approx. 22 km or 19 km with transfer)

The day starts with so-called "Norwegian flat": it looks level, but you're climbing constantly. Once again you head into dense forest, where you'll need to watch your footing carefully – the path is covered with huge, mossy stones. Nordic walking poles are no luxury here. The final stretch winds down a stubborn bit of asphalt towards an arm of Lake Mjøsa and the sleepy village of Tangen.

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09. Tangen – Ottestad (approx. 18 km)

You begin with a very long, winding unpaved road through the forests. Here and there you pass a cottage or hamlet, but mostly it's the trees that keep you company today. Then, suddenly, the landscape opens up: at the Feginsbrekka (the Hill of Joy), you look out over rolling fields and Lake Mjøsa. In the distance, Hamar beckons.

10. Ottestad – Hamar (approx. 11 km)

A short day, giving you time to explore Hamar. Over asphalt, across a golf course and along the water, you walk the final kilometres into the city. After the bridge, you'll spot the "Viking Ship" on your right: Hamar's Olympic ice skating rink, with its remarkable shape.​

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11. Hamar – Brumunddal (approx. 22 km)

You leave the city quickly: via small nature paths – at times it feels like you're walking through people's back gardens – and a stretch of forest. After that, you follow a mix of unpaved and paved paths, mainly through farmland. The last part takes you through the outskirts of Brumunddal. You can spot your accommodation from far away!

12. Brumunddal – Rudshøgda (approx. 20 km)

For the first part of the day, you follow the "priest's road", an ancient route between the churches of Ringsaker and Veldre. The name refers to the priest of Veldre, who lived by the Ringsaker church and had to walk this route between the two parishes until 1876. A mix of unpaved, paved and natural paths, passing a small open-air museum.

13. Rudshøgda – Brøttum (approx. 23 km)

After a visit to the beautiful Ringsaker church, you head towards the town of Moelv. The path follows the lakeshore, across a campsite and through lovely forests. Then comes a tough climb: a winding asphalt road that gains a lot of altitude in a short distance. A little further on, you dive back into the forest, and via an unpaved road with views over the valley, you reach tonight's accommodation.

→ Please note: it is possible to split the next hike

Brøttum - Brynn: approx. 8 km. And Brynn - Lillehammer, approx. 10 km.

14. Brøttum – Lillehammer (approx. 18 km)

This stage begins with a gravel road through rolling farmland towards the Brøttum church. Then follows a delightful little lane that winds through forest, past farms and across meadows – a nature area where many locals come to walk, especially at weekends. A few kilometres before Lillehammer, you pass an Olav bridge, which according to legend has healing powers.

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15. Lillehammer – Øyer (approx. 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.​

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16. Øyer – Tretten (approx. 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.

17. Tretten – Fåvang (approx. 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.

18. Fåvang – Ringebu (approx. 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.

19. Ringebu – Sør-Fron (approx. 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.

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20. Sør-Fron – Kvam (approx. 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.

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→ Please note: it is possible to split the next hike

Kvam - Varphaugen: approx. 13 km. Varphaugen - Otta, approx. 10 km. Highly recommended!

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21. Kvam – Otta (approx. 22 km)

The hike from Kvam to Otta is perhaps the most 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. You can split this day into two parts.

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22. Otta – Nord-Sel (approx. 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. 

23. Nord-Sel – Dovre (approx. 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. ​

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24. Dovre – Fokstugu (approx. 16 km)

Here starts your ascent of Dovrefjell. On the open plateau, the wind and weather shape the landscape. You 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 km descent leads you to Fokstugu Fjellstue.

25. Fokstugu – Hjerkinn (approx. 25 km)

You cross the E6 highway and follow the river Foksåa through the quiet Foksådal valley. The path first takes you above the tree line, then continues through birch forests. You will enjoy panoramic views of Dovrefjell and the famous Fokstumyra Nature Reserve, Norway’s most important bird sanctuary. Pretty tough, but beautiful hike!

26. Hjerkinn – Kongsvold (approx. 12 km)

A shorter stage allowing time to explore Hjerkinn and visit the Eystein church. You follow the King’s Road across Hjerkinnhø, reaching a viewpoint at 1,288 meters with sweeping views toward Snøhetta and the Rondane mountains. 

27. Travel day - Overnight in Oppdal

A travel and rest day. Take the train from Kongsvoll to Oppdal. Depending on the schedule, you may visit Oppdal Church or explore the town center. You can also choose to hike from Kongsvold to Ryphusan and from Ryphusan to Oppdal. Please note: we cannot book the accommodation in Ryphusan, as it is first come, first served.

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28. Oppdal – Havdal (approx. 27 km)

You leave Oppdal behind for a long hike and walk through gently rolling farmland and forest, surrounded by mountains. The route follows typical grusveier (gravel farm roads), interspersed with grass paths. There are frequent views across the wide valley. ​

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29. Havdal – Stamnan (approx. 16 km)

You continue through the beautiful Orkla Valley. The river winds through a cultural landscape of scattered farms and pine-covered hills. After crossing the river at Skjepphaugen, you can choose between a steep path with wide views or an easier route along the riverbank. 

30. Stamnan – Rennebu (approx. 14 km)

You 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.

31. Rennebu – Meldal (approx. 18 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.​

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32. Meldal – Gumdalen (approx. 19 km)

A peaceful stage through classic Trøndelag countryside. You pass the historic mining village of Løkken Verk before reaching your farm accommodation in Gumdalen.

33. Gumdalen – Skaun (approx. 21 km)

After passing Lake Solsjøen and Korslia Farm, you 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. 

34. Skaun – Øysand (approx. 18 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.

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→ Please note: it is possible to split the next hike

Øysand - Lian: approx. 18 kilometres. And Lian - Trondheim: approx. 8 kilometres. 

35. Øysand – Trondheim (approx. 26 km)

The final stage includes a short but steep climb before continuing through forest and then into Trondheim. Your pilgrimage ends at the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Norway.

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36. Travel day

Extra nights in Trondheim may be booked on request.

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Optional

• You can split up the route from Brøttum to Lillehammer into two hikes of approximately 10 and 8 kilometers, giving you more time to spend in Lillehammer. This adds another day to the itinerary.

• You can split the hike from Kvam to Otta into two shorter days. We recommend this, given the strenuous nature of this hike. This would split the hike into 13 kilometres and 10 kilometres.

• Instead of taking the train from Kongsvold to Oppdal, you can hike to Ryphusan via the historic and quite tough Vårstigen. The trail includes a steep climb to Tingsvaet with rewarding views, then continues through forest and into the Vinstra Valley. Please note: there is no running water at Ryphusan, the accommodation is first-come, first-served (we cannot book it for you), and bed linen is not provided (bring your own or we can arrange it). From Kongsvold to Ryphusan it is 22 km; from Ryphusan to Oppdal 28 km.

• Because this the day of hiking is quite long, you can split the distance from Øysand to Trondheim into two hikes of approx. 18 and and 8 kilometres. This adds another day to the itinerary.