Thanks so much for your reply! It definitely boosted my confidence a bit. Thanks for the advice on checking for alternative routes—probably the most practical input I've received! I'm not too concerned about accommodation issues, as I'm prepared to camp out when it's more convenient or accommodation isn't available.
Did you have any trouble with weather or wildlife on your journey?
My trip is coming up faster than I realized—it'll be a great adventure after a bitter winter
Always happy to help Noelle! I walked from late May returning home beginning of July. The weather was unseasonably hot early on & rainfall lower than average. In the whole 4-ish weeks on the trail, I only had 2 mornings of light showers. This was unheard of...I was expecting rain 50% of the time!
Re: camping. My long distance walking motto is 'travel light, comfy at night' so can't give much advice on this front. However I do know Norway is far more lenient than most countries when it comes to free/wild camping...very few rules/restrictions. I only met 5 other pilgrims in total; 2 (a young couple) were camping & they had no problems...except for how much weight they were carrying! Also when I walked, various community groups were starting to build shelters along the route to assist trail users. These were mostly 3-sided with a platform for sleeping. As this was 2016, I'd expect there may be more now.
As you probably know, the route, even though it links all the way to Trondheim, was not designed as a through-walk but more a sectional/day walk set-up. It's because of this, most of the trail issues occur ie unnecessary (& exhausting!) faffing about, lack of facilities, etc.
I used Alison Raju's guidebook 'The Pilgrim Road to Trondheim' published by Museums-Forlaget...the only current English guidebook at the time. The maps were very good...much better than most Cicerone guides. I did note that occasionally Alison got her Lefts & Rights muddled up so vigilance is required however it is generally well way-marked through-out.
As for wildlife...mozzies & flies were the biggest issue. I'm Australian so if I complain about flies...you know they have to be bad!
Apart from those pesky little blighters, I only saw a few deer & squirrels.
On general terms; be prepared for lots of hills & Norway is expensive...the supermarket will be your best friend for eating.
I'm heading off to tackle the Via Francigena from March. You'll probably be underway by the time I return home (early July). Feel free to ask me anything & keep in touch...I'd love to know how you get on.
God Reise (good journey)