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Pilegrimsleden is the collective name of the pilgrim paths in Norway. The paths go through beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage sites and historical areas, and they all lead towards Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. 

You can choose to walk along one of the eight land-based trails or travel by land and sea along the coastal route, Kystpilegrimsleia. It is also possible to cycle or ride horses along certain sections. 
The main season for pilgrimage in Norway is from 1st June to 1st September. Some of the routes are also accessible, with open accommodation, in spring and autumn.

A Medieval Tradition Reborn

Pilegrimsleden - The St. Olav Ways to Trondheim in Norway is part of a European network of routes with roots in the medieval pilgrimage tradition. In the Middle Ages, Nidaros Cathedral - the burial church of St. Olav - was an important pilgrimage destination in Europe. When the lutheran reformation reached Norway in 1537, pilgrimages were banned. It was not until the 20th century that people began to come to Trondheim again as pilgrims, and in the 1990s public authorities took the initiative to systematically restore and prepare the old roads towards Trondheim for new use. In 1997, the route from Oslo to Trondheim officially opened, as the first. 

Management and Organization

Pilegrimsleden in Norway, also known as St. Olav ways to Trondheim, is managed by the National Pilgrim Center in cooperation with the 12 regional pilgrim centers. The National Pilgrim Center is organized as a department within the Nidaros Cathedral Restoration Workshop, which operates under the Ministry of Culture and Equality.

Learn more about the nine different pilgrim paths in Norway. 

Here you can find high-resolution images from Pilegrimsleden. Please remember to credit the photographer. If you would like access to other images on the website, please send a request to the National Pilgrim Center.