St Olav's Way

Step back 1000 years into the stunning Norwegian wilderness on St Olav's Way pilgrimage

Travel across central Norway on this remarkable section of St Olav’s Way, a long-distance pilgrimage route stretching roughly 200 kilometres from Dovre to Trondheim. This historic trail follows the path of medieval pilgrims journeying to honour Saint Olav, the former Viking king whose influence helped shape Norway’s early Christian history.

Referred to as the Gudbrandsdalsleden, the route cuts through the striking Dovre region, where open highlands, mountain terrain and rare wildlife define the experience. Walk through broad valleys, wooded landscapes and agricultural countryside, connecting remote mountain refuges with traditional villages, early stone churches and long-standing pilgrimage sites.

We offer two different itineraries for this pilgrimage.

The 10 day itinerary takes you from Oppdal to Trondheim. This allows you to experience the ancient Viking Culture and stunning landscapes this region has to offer.

Whereas the 14 day itinerary allows you to begin your journey at Budsjord Farm. Budsjord is a national heritage site that has welcomed pilgrims travelling St Olav’s Way for centuries. Nestled in a peaceful mountain valley, it offers a rare glimpse into Norway’s past. The traditional log cottages, complete with their iconic earth-covered roofs, feel as though they have been lifted straight from a storybook, embodying the rustic charm and authenticity of rural Norway.

Whichever itinerary you choose, prepare yourself to be transported back into Nordic landscapes of ancient history where you’ll experience a transformative journey that brings peace and tranquility with every step. This is not a pilgrimage that you undertake for camaraderie, this is a pilgrimage of quiet reflection and accomplishment.

St Olav’s Way trail marker on the Dovre Plateau. The the red & white Celtic-like design is clearly displayed.
Charming small church with pitched roof on Norway’s St Olav’s Way.
Hiker on the St Olav’s Way pilgrimage route in Norway.
Charming red Norwegian cabins adorned with antlers, set in scenic surroundings.
Delicious fresh salad and rare-cooked red meat served on a rectangular plate, St Olav's Way, Norway.
Interior of a small church on St Olav's Way with a beautiful ceiling and cross at the altar.
Historic Borgund Stave Church on St Olav’s Way pilgrimage route in Norway.
Guesthouse room with two beds joined, white towels, and a red blanket showing the St Olav’s Way emblem.
Elevated view overlooking a town on St Olav's Way with red and white houses surrounded by green fields.
Mountains covered in pine forests overlooking green pastures dotted with sheep, St Olav's Way, Norway.
Pilgrim displaying her completion certificate and stamped passport in front of Norway map.
Traditional turf-roofed hut and wooden picnic tables along St Olav’s Way.
Information Board on St Olav's Way, Norway.
Wooden signpost on St Olav's Way marking 'Kongevegen Gautstigen', the historic King’s Road section through Norway.
Wooden signpost on St Olav's Way points the way to 'Kongevegen', the historic King’s Road section through Norway.
Rocky trail with large stone waymarker beside the path, painted with red cross, symbol of St Olav's Way pilgrimage in Norway
Spires of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, resting place of St Olav
Log hut cabin on St Olav's Way, Norway
Exterior of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway
Hikers crossing a stream on a narrow plank bridge, St Olav's Way Norway
Intricate stonework on the exterior of the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway
Traditional houses and church alongside a river on St Olav's Way in Norway

View Our Walks

Saint Olav's Way

Stone waymarker with the red & white cross, symbol of St Olav's Way pilgrimage in Norway.
14 Days

Norway

St Olav’s Way – Dovre to Trondheim

Moderate to Challenging Self-Guided
  • Wild beauty of Nordic landscapes once roamed by Vikings
  • Lush forests, sparkling rivers, fjord valleys and mountains
  • Welcoming Norwegian villages and warm local hospitality
  • Trondheim’s impressive Nidaros Cathedral
from

$4,990.00

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Colourful houses on the riverbank in Trondheim, Norway
10 Days

Norway

St Olav’s Way – Oppdal to Trondheim

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Serenity of peaceful trails and open farmland
  • Welcoming Norwegian villages and warm hospitality
  • Charming Oppdal, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery
  • Moose, reindeer and a variety of birdlife
from

$3,590.00

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Hikers on St Olav's Way in Norway crossing an open, windswept barren landscape
14 Days

Norway

St Olav’s Way Group Trip – Dovre to Trondheim

Group Self Guided Moderate to Challenging
  • Wild beauty of Nordic landscapes once roamed by Vikings
  • Lush forests, sparkling rivers, fjord valleys and mountains
  • Welcoming Norwegian villages and warm local hospitality
  • Trondheim’s impressive Nidaros Cathedral
from

$4,987.00

view trip

Saint Olav's Way

The RAW Travel Difference

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LOCAL SUPPORT & LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

We have our own experienced team based in the region who help plan our trips. On all our trips you will enjoy the convenience of your bags being delivered directly to your accommodation each night so you can walk pack-free.

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AUTHENTIC AND PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

You will encounter a range of accommodations on your trek, from comfortable hotels and guesthouses to traditional lodges, farm stays and more simple pilgrim accommodation - each offering a glimpse into Norwegian culture and countryside life.

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Historical Landmarks

Norway’s churches and cathedrals are among the world’s most striking. On St Olav’s Way, history and landscape intertwine as you walk through fertile valleys, traditional farming communities and along wild rivers, passing ancient stave churches and cultural landmarks set against rolling hills and mountain views.

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Expert knowledge

RAW Travel is one of the few operators offering journeys in this region, with trusted local support available on the ground if required. Our team has personally trekked this route, giving us first-hand knowledge and insight to ensure a well-planned and supported experience

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Saint Olav's Way Route Map

Budsjord Farm

Budsjord is a unique farm with many well-preserved houses and buildings. Just as it was in the old days, it is the last stop before the tough hike across the Dovrefjell mountain range.

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Fokstugu

This traditional mountain lodge set on the Dovrefjell plateau is surrounded by vast wilderness and rich birdlife. It’s Norway’s oldest family-run lodge, welcoming travellers with warm hospitality, hearty local food and direct access to spectacular hiking.

Hjerkinn

Hjerkinn sits high on the Dovrefjell plateau, once a historic crossroads for pilgrims, traders and royalty travelling between Oslo and Trondheim. Today it’s a gateway to Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, known for sweeping mountain views and the chance to spot wild musk oxen.

Kongsvold

Kongsvold is a historic mountain lodge on the Dovrefjell, welcoming travelers since the 12th century. Once a pilgrim station on the route to Trondheim, it now offers cosy accommodation, hearty Norwegian cuisine and a base for exploring the surrounding national park.

Oppdal

This charming town is a key stop on St Olav’s Way. Set amid dramatic mountain scenery, forests, and rivers, it offers pilgrims a blend of natural beauty and small-town life.

 

Gjesteheim Havdal

This cosy guesthouse along St Olav’s Way offers comfortable rooms and a warm welcome for hikers.

Stamnan

This small village is surrounded by tranquil forests, rivers and farmland. The village exudes authentic rural charm, with traditional Norwegian homes and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Rennebu

This peaceful village is surrounded by rolling hills, forests and the Gaula River. The village is dotted with charming wooden houses and traditional farms, providing a glimpse of rural Norwegian life.

Meldal

Meldal is a scenic stop along St Olav’s Way. Nestled among gentle hills, rivers, and farmland, it offers pilgrims a peaceful retreat surrounded by classic Norwegian landscapes.

Løkken Verk

The village of Løkken Verk is known for its copper mining heritage, with old buildings and local museums giving a glimpse into its past.

Gumdalen

This serene valley is a scenic and tranquil stop along St Olav’s Way and surrounded by rolling hills, rivers and farmland.

Skaun

Charming Skaun is known for its lush countryside, rolling hills and traditional villages, offering visitors a taste of authentic rural life.

Oysand

This small coastal village is nestled along the shores of the Trondheimsfjord. It’s a peaceful spot, known for its scenic beaches, calm waters and open landscapes.

Trondheim

This vibrant city blends rich history with modern culture. It’s famous for the iconic Nidaros Cathedral, charming wooden wharves along the river, and lively cafés and restaurants.

St Olav's Way

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is St Olav's Way?

The full route from Oslo to Trondheim is approximately 640km. Our itinerary from Dovre to Trondheim covers approximately 215km, and the itinerary from Oppdal to Trondheim covers approximately 160km.

What's the history of St Olav's Way?

The full pilgrimage route leads to the city of Trondheim and the tomb of Saint Olav (King Olav II), who died in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. After his death, Olav was canonised and became Norway’s patron saint, with pilgrims travelling from across Scandinavia and Europe to visit his shrine at Nidaros Cathedral. During the Middle Ages, this route was one of Northern Europe’s most important pilgrimages, comparable in significance to the Camino de Santiago. Although pilgrimage declined after the Reformation, St Olav’s Way has been revived in recent decades and is now recognised as a cultural route.

How do I get to the start of St Olav's Way?

From Australia, fly to Oslo. Then train to Lillehammer and take a bus to Dovre, or alternatively take a train from Oslo to Dovre. To get to Oppdal, take a train from Oslo.

When is the best time to walk St Olav's Way?

St Olav’s Way is best experienced in summer (June, July, August), when Norway’s long days, mild temperatures, and lush landscapes make walking a joy. While other European pilgrim routes can be hot and crowded at this time of year, here you’ll find cool mountain air, peaceful trails, and space to truly immerse yourself in the journey. 

How does St Olav’s Way compare to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage?

St Olav’s Way is often seen as the Camino’s quieter northern counterpart, and it was once one of the four great medieval pilgrimages among Rome, Santiago, and Jerusalem. Just like Japan’s Kumano Kodo and Spain’s Camino de Santiago, Norway’s St Olav’s isn’t one route. There are seven different paths through Norway’s countryside (some begin in Sweden), all leading to the famous Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Where the Camino is rich in social connection, cafés and bustling pilgrim towns, St Olav’s Way offers solitude, wilderness and a chance to experience an ancient pilgrimage before it becomes widely known.

Can I get a pilgrim passport or certificate?

Like the Camino pilgrimage, the trail offers a pilgrim certificate to those who complete the journey. Walkers carry a pilgrim passport, or credential, and collect stamps at designated points along the route, usually churches, hostels, or local businesses. Pilgrims who walk at least the last 100km to Trondheim can receive an official Olav Letter at Nidaros Cathedral. 

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