Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE PILGRIMS' WAY
Nidaros Cathedral was built on the site of the grave of St Olav, who was canonised and
declared a martyr after his death at the Battle of Stiklestad on 29 July 1030. The cult of St
Olav quickly grew in popularity and as many as 340 churches were dedicated to the saint
in Scandinavia, Britain, Russia, the Baltic states, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.
Pilgrims from all over Europe journeyed to his grave at Nidaros, making it the most popu-
lar pilgrimage site in northern Europe. Historically, both rich and poor journeyed from
Oslo for up to 25 days, while others braved longer sea voyages from Iceland, Greenland,
Orkney and the Faroe Islands. St Olav's grave became the northern compass point for
European pilgrims; the other spiritual compass points were Rome in the south, Jerusalem
in the east and Santiago de Compostela in the west.
As pilgrims travelled from village to village, their routes became arteries for the spread
of the cult of St Olav. The pilgrims' way, with wild mountains, forests and rivers to cross,
certainly gave plenty of opportunity to reflect upon the hardships of life's journey towards
eternity. Most pilgrims travelled on foot, while the better off journeyed on horseback.
Those without means relied on local hospitality; pilgrims were held in high esteem and
openly welcomed.
In 1997 the Pilgrims' Way - 926km in all, counting alternative sections - was inaugur-
ated, reviving the ancient pilgrimage route between Oslo and Trondheim. The rugged
route, mainly mountain tracks and gravelled roads, has been blazed (look for the logo: the
cross of St Olav intertwined with the quatrefoil knot indicating a tourist attraction, which
you see everywhere). It follows, wherever practicable, ancient documented trails. Along
the trail are signs indicating place names and monuments linked to the life and works of
St Olav, as well as ancient burial mounds and other historic monuments.
www.pilegrimsgarden.no
;
Kjøpmannsgata 1; per bed with/without breakfast Nkr400/350;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri) is the place to go to get your pilgrim pass stamped and receive the
Olavsletter, the certificate stating that you have walked at least 100km of the pilgrimage
route. They also offer simple accommodation for pilgrims.
For more information, check pilegrimsleden.no.
The Pilgrim Road to Nidaros-a Trekker's Guidebookby Alison Raju, published by
Cicerone Press, is an indispensable, well-written guide if, whether pilgrim or hiker, you're
thinking of taking on a stretch.
Kayaking
