The pilgrim path in Oppdal
©David Tett, Pilegrimsleden

The pilgrim path in Oppdal

The pilgrim trail - St. Olavs Way which takes you all the way to Trondheim, is a network of authentic, historic trails through beautiful nature, cultural landscapes, and historic places. In Oppdal you can experience this 70-kilometer long trail that runs directly through the mountain village.

During the Middle Ages, Nidaros Cathedral was the world’s northernmost pilgrimage site for Christians. At that time, most pilgrims were motivated by religion, although many were probably adventurous or had other motivations for setting off. Today, there are many different motivations for going on a pilgrimage. Most people who walk the pilgrimage route are tempted by fascinating landscapes, pristine nature and good hiking trails. Encounters with history and other people are also a strong motivation.

Besides these strong experiences that characterise the “outer” walk, the pilgrim path offers an “inner” walk. Going on a pilgrimage does something to you, regardless of your faith and religious background, and the time to think and contemplate means that many undergo a mental change on their journey.

Since efforts to mark the pilgrim route began in 1997, more than 5,000 km of paths through Denmark, Sweden and Norway have been marked with the pilgrim logo. The logo along the pilgrim route is easy to recognise. It combines the landmark symbol with a form of the St. Olav’s cross.

In Oppdal, the pilgrim path offers many highlights – the historic mountain lodge Kongsvold Fjeldstue, the old King’s road Vårstigen, the distinctive pilgrim hostel Ryphusan and not least St. Michael’s Chapel. A visit to the Vang burial site and the venerable building Raulåna beside Oppdal Church are also worthwhile.