Norway pilgrimages:

[AllanHG]

Does anyone have information on pilgrimages in Norway? I am hoping to walk St. Olav Way next summer and hoping to get more information on it. I have looked at pilegrimsleden.no but would love to hear from anyone who has done this pilgrimage (or any of the others in Norway).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bradypus]

Are you only interested in routes entirely within Norway? In May last year I walked the S:T Olavsleden which runs from the Baltic coast of Sweden to the Atlantic coast of Norway in Trondheim. A varied route but without any very major obstacles along the way. Still relatively new as a fully waymarked route but becoming more popular very quickly and support for pilgrims along the way is growing fast. A lot of useful information on the official website and there is also a very active and friendly Facebook group for those interested in the route.
http://www.stolavsleden.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikingstolavsleden/

 

[Annie Little]

Watching with interest

 

[dougfitz]

It is a few years since I walked the Gudbrandsdalen, and I anticipate that many things would have changed. The Norse site you have already referred to has a wealth of good information on it, including excellent mapping. Consider getting Alison Raju's guide, which was the only English language guide available when I walked, and that was a very out-of-day edition. It has been updated and re-published since. I don't know how it compares to the other English language guides now on the market, but someone else might have a view on them.

I also know that the staff at the various Pilgrim Centres in Norway are helpful. Email them for up-to-date information on practical matters as you firm up your planning.

Search this site as well. There are a few who have walked some or all of various routes, but it might help if you let us know what specific information you need.

 

[Kitsambler]

Even if the pilgrim infrastructure is improving, with these very new routes, you will probably need to be prepared to camp on several nights. So it might be helpful to research ultralight backpacking equipment.

 

[dougfitz]

Even if the pilgrim infrastructure is improving, with these very new routes, you will probably need to be prepared to camp on several nights. So it might be helpful to research ultralight backpacking equipment.

That wasn't necessary when I walked the Gudbrandsdalen route in 2012, but there was some care required selecting where to stop each day. It was particularly so trying to pass a large group of pilgrims organized by the Norse Church. As I caught up with them, it became clear I would need to find a place large enough so there were still room for others. Doing a very long day wasn't a palatable option for me at the time.

I have also planned stages for the St Olavsleden route that doesn't require camping for next year. If I can avoid carrying a tent, etc, I will.

That is not to say one shouldn't contemplate camping, just that there are sufficient accommodation options so that it isn't essential.

 

[Runa Gunnarsdottir]

Does anyone have information on pilgrimages in Norway? I am hoping to walk St. Olav Way next summer and hoping to get more information on it. I have looked at pilegrimsleden.no but would love to hear from anyone who has done this pilgrimage (or any of the others in Norway).

Thanks in advance!

Does anyone have information on pilgrimages in Norway? I am hoping to walk St. Olav Way next summer and hoping to get more information on it. I have looked at pilegrimsleden.no but would love to hear from anyone who has done this pilgrimage (or any of the others in Norway).

Thanks in advance!

Hi Allan. I walked the Olav´s way last June and July and had a wonderful time. I did it with a Camino friend from the Nederlands and we booked rooms ahead for two or three days and it worked fine. We had to buy some food for us on the way and it is better to read the guide books to find out when you can not go to a restaurant or not being able to buy meals at the hostels. Everyone were so helpful and the trail is beautiful but much up and down.
Hope this helps a little bit, but if you want more information please write me an email: torfhildurruna@gmail.com
Best regards
Runa in Iceland