Pilgrimsleden: Walking the St. Olav's way
Sometimes, the best travel experiences start purely by chance. While wandering past the old stone cathedral in downtown Stavanger, I happened to spot a small, bronze pilgrim’s cross on a wooden pole.
It turns out this tiny marker is part of the Kystpilegrimsleia—the Coastal Pilgrim Route—which traces the shoreline all the way from Norway’s southwest coast up to Trondheim. Back in the Middle Ages, pilgrims made this journey mostly by sea, negotiating the wild coastline by boat. Realizing how deeply these centuries-old paths are woven into the land was all the inspiration I needed: I packed my boots and headed inland to tackle a part of the Gudbrandsdalsleden trail.
A Bit of History: Who Was St. Olav?
The story behind these trails goes back nearly a thousand years to King Olav Haraldsson, who fell at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Following his death, he was canonized as a saint, and his final resting place in Nidaros (what we now call Trondheim) quickly became the premier pilgrimage destination in Northern Europe.
For centuries, travelers crossed the continent to walk here. Today, those same paths are seeing a quiet, beautiful revival—giving modern hikers a perfect excuse to unplug, slow down, and feel Norway’s history under their boots.
My personal highlights along the way
Utstein Monastery (Stavanger Region): Set along the coastal route just north of Stavanger, Utstein (Utstein kloster) is Norway’s only surviving medieval monastery. Tucked into a quiet, wind-whipped landscape, it gives you a real, immediate feel for what monastic life was like in the 1200s.
Ringebu Stave Church & Rectory (Gudbrandsdalen): Built around 1220, this striking dark-timber church is a classic inland landmark and a masterclass in medieval wooden construction.
"To me, this spot captures what makes traveling in Norway so special: beautiful nature tied to culture and history. Taking a quiet break in the garden at the old vicarage (prestegård) is a real treat."
The Dovrefjell High Plateau: This is the big mountain pass you cross before dropping down toward Trondheim—a vast, open, sub-arctic expanse.
"I always loved the wast expanse of Dovrefjell, even when the weather turns. It can get windy up on the plateau, but hiking in moss and lychen while looking out at snøhetta mountain has its own special calm. And as an extra you have a chance of spotting wild muskoxen."
The Finish Line: Nidaros Cathedral
Whether you follow the coast or cut through the central valleys, every path ultimately leads to Trondheim and the towering Nidaros Cathedral.
Stepping out of the elements and into the cool, quiet hall of the cathedral after days on the trail is an incredible feeling. The muted grey soapstone, soaring Gothic arches, and brilliant blue light streaming through the stained glass bring a sense of real calm. It’s a fitting end to a trip that is just as much about the quiet miles behind you as the destination ahead.
At Robinson Scandinavia, we build journeys that let you experience these historic routes at your own speed. The trails are open—come discover Norway the quiet, cool way.
Plan your trip with us
At Robinson Scandinavia, we believe a great cultural tour is a composition of different factors:
The "Slow Travel" Philosophy: We deliberately pace our itineraries to allow for reflection. Culture cannot be rushed; it must be felt.
Authentic Connections: We select hotels like Thorbjørnrud and Ramme because they have a story to tell that aligns with the art we are viewing.
The "Farm-to-Table" Kitchen: We prioritize local food culture. Understanding a landscape also means tasting it, from estate gardens to coastal harvests.
Expert Curation: We bridge the gap between the 'must-sees' (like The Scream) and the 'hidden gems' (like the Hvitsten forests) to provide a 360-degree view of the Norwegian spirit.
