Gudbrandsdalsleden east: Oslo - Eidsvoll - Hamar - Lillehammer

Gudbrandsdalsleden east is more than a hike - it is a journey through time! From medieval Oslo, by the ruins of St. Hallvard’s Cathedral, you follow in the footsteps of pilgrims through the vibrant city and out into lush cultural landscapes. The trail leads you over hills and fields, past ancient hollow roads and the largest burial mound in the Nordic countries, Raknehaugen.

Further north, the route opens toward Lake Mjøsa, with quiet forests, shimmering ponds, villages and small towns. In Stange Vestbygd, you walk through the “breadbasket of Lake Mjøsa,” where large farms and Stange Medieval Church stand as a token for the rich cultural heritage in the area. Here, you can enjoy both the taste of history and locally produced food.

In Hamar, you'll find the Hamar Cathedral ruins and the medieval town of Hamarkaupangen - one of Norway’s largest medieval museums. Here you can experience cathedral ruins, an organic herb garden, and living history - an absolute highlight of the journey. The Hamar Pilgrim Centre is located nearby.

The final part of the walk takes you through Ringsaker and Brøttum, with magnificent views over Mjøsa lake, before you finally reach Lillehammer. Along the way, you can stay overnight at farms, pilgrim hostels, or small (and large) hotels, and meet the welcoming hosts that are keeping the pilgrim tradition alive.

This is the journey for those who want to combine nature, culture, and tranquility—a walk that offers space for silence, reflection, and great experiences.

Practical Information

Train: Good connections to/from Eidsvoll, Tangen, Hamar, and Lillehammer (EnTur.no / Vy.no).
Flight: Oslo Airport Gardermoen is situated close to the trail
Pilgrim Passport: Available for NOK 50 at the pilgrim centres. Provides discounts at museums, selected hostels, eateries, and on the historic paddle steamer DS Skibladner.
Food and Supplies: There are no supermarkets between Eidsvoll and Tangen. SPAR Tangen is the last supermarket before Hamar and is closed on Sundays. Check the digital map for details on places to eat, shops, accommodation, and more.
Equipment: Bring a sleeping bag and basic gear, especially for the Stange commons. Depending on the length of each stage, an outdoor shelter (gapahuk) or tent may be a good option.

The walk is suitable for hikers seeking a moderately challenging route. The stretch can be divided into day hikes or longer stages and is easily accessible by train along the way.
Recommended season: May–September/October.

The journey begins by the ruins of St. Hallvard’s Cathedral in Minneparken, in the heart of medieval Oslo. Here you will also find the Oslo Pilgrim Centre, where you can get information and a stamp in your pilgrim passport.
The route then continues through Groruddalen, passing neighborhoods and suburbs, and up through the forest over Gjellerudåsen. After having followed the Ancient Road (Oldtidsveien), the landscape opens up at Hellerudsletta.

Accommodation:

• Østre Aker Pilgrim Hostel
• Aaraas Pilgrim Hostel
• Quality Hotel Olavsgaard

Follow the Ancient Road (Oldtidsveien) past the medieval churches of Skedsmo and Frogner. The day’s walk takes you through lush farmland and varied terrain. The destination is the impressive Ullensaker Church.

Accommodation:

• Ullereng Farm Pilgrim Hostel
• Myhrer Farm
• Fjellheim Farm
• Arteid Vestre

Dag 3: Ullensaker kirke – Elstad 23,9 km

From Ullensaker, the route passes through the Miklagard Golf Course and across fields toward Jessheim, where you will find shops, cafés, and a pharmacy. After Jessheim you follow ancient hollow roads and pass Raknehaugen, the largest man-made burial mound in the Nordic countries. Continuing past Oslo Airport and Nordbyvannet, you can truly experience the contrast between the busy air traffic and the quiet nature surrounding it. The stage ends at Elstad by Lake Hersjøen.

Accommodation:

• InnomHaug Pilgrim Hostel

This stage follows country roads and forest paths. From Elstad, you walk along Hersjøen Lake until you reach the river Risa, where there are multiple possibilities for fishing and swimming. You then pass through the village of Råholt, which offers shops and a chance to refill water at the beautiful Råholt Church, a traditional long church. Finally, you arrive at Eidsvoll Verk and the Eidsvoll Building, where the Norwegian Constitution was written in 1814. The walk continues onward toward the town of Eidsvoll.

Note: Eidsvoll is the last place where you can stock up on supplies before Tangen, which is two days walking away. In the forest between Eidsvoll and Tangen, there are no shops or places to eat.

Accommodation:

• Scandic Hotel Gardermoen
• Thon Hotel Oslo Airport
• Thon Hotel Gardermoen
• Risebru Pilgrim Hostel
• Best Western Leto Arena Hotel
• Eidsvoll Old Parsonage
• Haug Pilgrim Rest Area
• Shelter near the trail (100 m)
• Solvang Accommodation

From Eidsvoll, the trail follows farm roads, paths, and gravel roads past Holtdammen and along the River Holtåa. After having walked through the forest, you reach the idyllic lake Fløyta. Here you will find the Kveldsro pilgrim hostel on the western side of the lake (a detour is signposted from the main trail).

Accommodation:

• Kveldsro at Fløyta
• Lysjøhimet

The route then continues on forest roads and trails along the river Lysjøåa, passing Lysjøen lake. Here you can stay with basic cabin standard at Lysjøhimet. Farther on, you enter the Stange commons and reach the idyllic Granerudsjøen. Along the way you pass a reflection site, “The Forests Bloom,” and at the Pilgrim Hut (Pilegrimsbua) you will find a shelter, fire pit, power outlet, and swimming possibilities in Granerudsjøen. A couple of kilometers farther north lies Sannfredstun - the old schoolhouse in Spitalen, offering beds and an outdoor toilet.

Accommodation:

• Pilgrim Hut at Granerudsjøen
• Sannfredstun – the old schoolhouse in Spitalen

The trail goes through Romsetra, with old mountain pasture meadows, and continues along a path through quiet woodlands to Nilsberg, where you are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Mjøsa.

Accommodation:

• Millom (along the route)

From Nilsberg, you follow the road down toward the old Espa railway station and continue along Mjøsa lake. In Tangen, you will find an octagonal wooden church from 1861. In the town center there is also a SPAR supermarket - this is the last opportunity to buy supplies before Hamar. Note: The store is closed on Sundays. Accommodation is available both in the center of Tangen and a little north of the village.

Accommodation:

• Ingeborg Refling Hagen’s Cultural Centre, Fredheim (18 km; tenting is also allowed)
• Tangenodden Camping (17 km)

This day’s walk takes you through evergreen forest, farms, and grazing meadows before you reach the rich agricultural area of Stange Vestbygd. You pass the medieval Stange Church, mentioned in the sagas. Along the way you will pass Søndre Elton and Herkestad Farm - both offer produce and refreshments.

At Atlungstad Distillery, an industrial heritage site known for its aquavit production. Pilgrims with a pilgrim passport can enjoy potato soup at a special pilgrim price. They also have a small pilgrim corner in the reception area. Atlungstad Golf is located at the same site and offers both a kiosk and toilet facilities.

Accommodation:

• Gørdammen (9 km)
• Fokhol Farm (17 km)
• Herkestad Farm (18 km)
• Atlungstad Golf (22.5 km)
• Fjetre Farm (23 km)
• Sveen Farm (23 km)

The trail follows along Lake Mjøsa to Hamar, where you will find the Hamar Pilgrim Centre at Domkirkeodden. This is also the site of the ruins of Hamar Cathedral and the medieval museum. Pilgrims with a pilgrim passport receive free admission to a mini concert in the Hamar Cathedral ruins and a discounted entry fee to the museum.

Accommodation:

• Hamar Pilgrim Center (13 km)
• Hamar Hostel Vikingskipet (10 km)
• Seiersted Guesthouse (in the city center)
• Hedmarktoppen Camping and Cabin Rentals (19 km)
• Scandic Hamar (city center, offers pilgrim discounts)
• Thon Partner Hotel Victoria Hamar (city center, offers pilgrim discounts)

This stage goes from Hamar and Domkirkeodden and continues into Furuberget Nature Reserve. Along the way, you pass a reflection site, “The Guardians”, before reaching Furnes Church. The next small town is Brumunddal, with a charming town square in the center. Here you will find a tourist office, Brumunddal Bakery, Matfatet, and more. There are opportunities to buy supplies at Mølla and several other locations before the route continues uphill toward Veldre, offering beautiful views over Furnesfjorden.

Accommodation:

• Atelier Lefstorvet (8 km from Hamar)
• Wood Hotel, Brumunddal (17 km)
• Kvarstad Farm (pick-up/drop-off possible)
• Koss Farm in Veldre (20 km)

You follow the idyllic Prestvegen between Veldre and the medieval Ringsaker Church, passing cultural landmarks such as Tokstadfurua and Prøysenhuset. At Prøysenhuset, you’ll find Kafé Julie, a nice place to rest, or you can continue a few kilometers to the café Fru G, located just before the church.

After Ringsaker Church, the trail continues north along Lake Mjøsa toward Moelv. Deep in the forest, at Boligvika, you pass a reflection site, “Pilegrimsmerket,” which also has toilets and benches. On the way toward Ringen, you pass the Tolvsteinringen, an Iron Age burial monument. The final kilometers up to Ringen Rehabilitation Centre can be strenuous at the end of the day, so take a good rest before starting the last part of the stage. Once at the top, you can relax and enjoy the fantastic view.

Accommodation:

• Frich’s Motel and Restaurant, Rudshøgda (5 km)
• Pilgrim Cottage (Pilegrimsstuggua) (12 km)
• Ringen Rehabilitation Centre (20 km)
• Tjelde Hostel (24 km)

The trail follows paths and gravel roads along the ridges, offering beautiful views over Mjøsa lake and the surrounding area. This is a pleasant stretch to walk, passing both Kløvstadhøgda and Olasvehaugen before reaching Brøttum center, where there is a church and a Joker supermarket.

Accommodation:

• Olasvehaugen (13 km)
• Brøttum Camping (16 km)
• Brynn (21 km)

The final stage follows a cultural path and gravel road down toward Mjøsa. Along the way, you pass an Olavskilde, a holy spring used in the Middle Ages, before entering Lillehammer municipality. On the trail, you also pass Søre Ål Church, which offers a pleasant resting spot for pilgrims—a good place to take a break. The trail then continues into the town via Route 213, using a pedestrian and bicycle path for the last kilometers into the center.

Accommodation in Lillehammer:
Several hotels, guesthouses, and hostels are available in the town center.