Historical Footprints Through Central Norway
Adventures, delicious local food, and cozy accommodations await you on the journey from Stiklestad to Trondheim.
Photo: Helmet
See the map and overview of all the pilgrim routes in Norway in our planner.
On this journey, you’ll get close to the story of Saint Olav, who, according to Snorre’s saga, fell in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030.
If you travel to the village Stiklestad at the end of July, you can begin your trip by watching the spectacular outdour play about Saint Olav, "Spelet om Heilag Olav". You can connect with your inner Viking by visiting the Viking house Stiklestadir, where it’s also possible to stay overnight in the guest loft.
As you begin your walk along St. Olavsleden towards Nidaros Cathedral, where Olav was buried and later canonized, you’ll have time to reflect on history and the meaning of a pilgrimage in today’s world.
Delicious Local Food
After the first stage, you can relax at the idyllic Munkeby Pilgrim Hostel in Levanger. It is close to Munkeby Mariakloster, a modern monastery which produces the award-winning Munkeby cheese.
You’re likely to enjoy many great food experiences during your hike. Trøndelag county has earned the title of European Region of Gastronomy and is widely known for its excellent local food and drinks. When you arrive in Trondheim, you can enjoy dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Fjord or Forest
At Munkeby, the trail splits in two, and you have to make a choise of what way you want to walk for the last 5-7 days of the pilgrimage. The "inner trail" takes you through deep forests and then lead you all the way to Trondheim. Read about the stages of the inner trail and see map here.
The "outer trail" is a bit shorter and leads you through populated areas along the Trondheimsfjord toward Tautra. On some days during summer it's possible to take a boat from Tautra to Trondheim (June 12–August 17, 2026, Fridays and Mondays). On days when the boat is not running, you can travel to Trondheim by public transport.
Read about the stages of the outer trail and see map here.
When you arrive in Trondheim, the Nidaros Cathedral, built over Olav the Holy’s grave, is a magnificent sight. Perhaps you’ve also found some answers along the way.
Facts
- Booking: You don’t need to register anywhere to go on a pilgrimage in Norway, but you should reserve accommodation in advance.
- The Olav Letter: This trip qualifies you for the Olav Letter upon your arrival in Trondheim.
- Suitable for: Everyone. The inner trail follow forest trails and gravel roads, some of the accommodation is quite basic, and there are few grocery stores. On the outer trail you walk in populated areas, partly on asphalt.
- Duration:
The inner trail is about 120 kilometers long and takes about 7 days to walk.
The outer trail is about 100 kilometers long (70 before reaching the boat) and takes about 5 days to walk.
For a shorter trip, you can take the local train on some sections. - Starting point: The village Stiklestad in Verdal municipality.
- Ending point: Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
- Public transport
Train:
Trondheim S – Verdal (approx. 1h 40min. Due to work on the railway tracks, buses will replace trains on sections of the route in 2026),
Bodø – Verdal (approx. 8h 20min).
Flight:
Fly to Trondheim Airport and then take a train to Verdal (approx. 1h). From Verdal Station to Stiklestad is 5 km along a nice walking path. You can also take a taxi.
Bus:
AtB bus company operates routes to Verdal, with some departures to Stiklestad. - Parking: At Verdal Station, you can park a car for up to 14 days. In Trondheim, parking is subject to fees. See banenor.no for more information.
- Best time to visit: June – August
Questions? Contact Pilgrim Center Stiklestad.
See other recommended trips or start planning your walk using the planner in our digital map.
See stages and maps of the inner and outer trail here:
Experiences near the trail
The Olsok Days at Stiklestad
Catch the Saint Olav play, concerts, and exhibitions during the Olsok Days, a festival at the end of July at Stiklestad National Culture Center.
Visit monasteries
At Munkeby in Levanger and Tautra in Frosta, you can visit monastery ruins, but also the active monasteries Munkeby Mariakloster and Tautra Mariakloster. The latter is at the end of the outer trail. Being present during prayer is a unique experience.
Relax at Troset
If you choose to walk the inner trail, it will lead you right into the farmyard of Troset Farm In Markabygda, Levanger. Here you can stay overnight in the grill cabin or the grandmother's house, but also find peace at their clinic, which offers acupuncture and courses in mindfulness and qigong.
Panoramic view over the fjord
If you walk the outer trail, the peak Skardshåmmåren is located right by the trail at Skatval. A small but steep detour is rewarded with a beautiful view over the Trondheimsfjord. Definitely worth it if the weather is nice!
Enjoy the view of the river
When you finally arrive in Trondheim, you get to enjoy the view of the Nidelven river along the famous Bakklandet borough, Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop's palace.
Great flavors along the way
Stiklestad National Cultural Center
At the starting point Stiklestad, you'll find restaurant Skalden, which serves both traditional and modern dishes with quality ingredients from the area. Generous portions and a good start to the journey.
Munkeby Herberge
In the heart of nature's sweet spot lies the farm Munkeby Søndre, where you can stay overnight and eat classic Trøndelag dishes such as elk roast and "sodd" (broth with meatballs), and the local delicacy Munkeby cheese.
Michelin City Trondheim
Several Michelin stars have been sprinkled over Trondheim in recent years. Among others, the restaurants Fagn and Speilsalen at Britannia hotel have received the prestigious award. It's wise to reserve a table well in advance!
Tips
Most accommodations offer breakfast and dinner, but local grocery stores are still the most important food source when you hike.