Gudbrandsdalen July-Aug 2019

[Purky]

Although I am still a bit confused about the name of the pilgrims trail in Norway (is the correct nomenclature Olavsleden, Gudbrandsdalen or Gudbrandsdalsleden?), I am now committed to walking from Oslo to Trondheim in the summer of this year. Tickets are booked, guidebook is bought (a Dutch one, written by Ria Warmerdam, revised 2016 version) and relevant sites and KML file are located. Just a few more finishing touches concerning my gear, and then all systems are go.

I will be attempting to walk it in 19 days, because of budget, tight holiday planning and other time constraints. Since I know that I like long walking days and a bit of a challenge, I am cautiously optimistic about actually making it in that timeframe. I'll see how it will pan out, I can always adjust on the fly. I will bring a tent and some more camping gear for added comfort and practicality, because camping out a lot is the only way I can afford to spend almost three weeks in Norway. Hooray for their 'allemannsretten'!

Since the St:Olavsleden from Sundsvall to Trondheim kicked my butt last summer, I am spending more time planning and preparing. On the other hand, it is a good thing that I now have a better idea about what to expect, and I am very much looking forward to it. My wife won't be coming along this time, as we found out that we have different ideas and standards when it comes to walking a pilgrim path.

So it's on! A new camino to be enjoyed, definitely something to look forward to during this bleak and rainy winter we're having in Holland. Although the present weather here might be just right for training purposes: I now know that Norwegian weather is notoriously fickle...

 

[Kiwi-family]

How exciting. I'd love to hear feedback once you've walked. Even down to nitty-gritty details like what it cost you if that's not too rude. Enjoy!

 

[ranthr]

Welcome back to Norway!

 

[Iriebabel]

Ditto .. I hope you can share your experience as I have been to Norway several times mostly on the west coast by Bergen, but never walked this trail. Considering it in 2020. Ha det Bra

 

[hal_cpt]

How exciting -- I also live in The Netherlands and am planning to walk the same path at around the same time this summer - maybe we will bump into each other. (Also, it's a wonderful planning exercise - at least fantasising about escaping these grey and rainy days). Please keep us informed about how both the planning and walking go.

For similar reasons about budget and vacation time, I am thinking of splitting my walk into two, and doing part this year and part next. Because I'm not in great shape I would rather have at least 30 days to walk and that could get expensive.

All the best with the project!

 

[Purky]

How exciting -- I also live in The Netherlands and am planning to walk the same path at around the same time this summer - maybe we will bump into each other. (Also, it's a wonderful planning exercise - at least fantasising about escaping these grey and rainy days). Please keep us informed about how both the planning and walking go.

For similar reasons about budget and vacation time, I am thinking of splitting my walk into two, and doing part this year and part next. Because I'm not in great shape I would rather have at least 30 days to walk and that could get expensive.

All the best with the project!

It would be fantastic to meet in Norway; I'll keep an eye out for you! Splitting the Gudbrandsdalen path in two is probably a lot wiser than attempting to walk it in my time frame, but apart from time constraints and budget I have some other reasons for trying it.

Over time I have discovered that I like long walking days, so that helps, and I've had a couple of 'interesting' years that have left me with a lot of pent-up energy. I really feel like I need to bust a gut to find some release, and going all the way in 19 days might just do the trick. If I actually make it, that is. If I don't, there's always next summer.

I'm also considering writing a "Live from the camino" thread when the time comes, because I enjoy writing a little at the end of each day. It has also been some time since I've seen a day-by-day account of the St Olav´s Way to Trondheim on this forum, and I've had some requests for a little feedback already, so that would be two birds with one stone.

Enjoy your preparations and fantasising (as I'm doing), and who knows, down the road somewhere...