The St.Olav Path, Dovre to Trondheim

Your pilgrimage begins with a short and easy walk from the train station to Budsjord — a peaceful spot at the edge of the Dovrefjell mountains. It’s a gentle introduction to the journey ahead, giving you time to settle in, breathe the mountain air, and enjoy your first evening in Norway’s vast and quiet outdoors.

Today you set out into the highlands, gradually climbing onto the Dovrefjell plateau. The trail follows the historic King’s Road, once used by travelers and pilgrims for centuries. At 1210 meters, you reach Allmannrøysa, a once-sacred cairn marking a milestone for past pilgrims. From here, it’s a long descent across wide-open terrain to Fokstugu Fjellstue — a traditional mountain lodge where you’ll spend the night surrounded by wilderness.

A longer day that rewards you with variety. The trail follows the river Foksåa through a quiet valley, then dips into birch forests and open clearings with sweeping views of Dovrefjell. You'll pass near Fokstumyra, one of Norway’s best-known bird reserves, and walk along the calm shores of Lake Avsjøen. The final stretch brings you to Hjerkinn, home to the striking Eysteinkyrkja — a modern church inspired by the nearby peak of Snøhetta and dedicated to Saint Olav.

A shorter but rewarding stage. After one last visit to Eysteinkyrkja, you follow the King’s Road up over Hjerkinnhø, reaching the highest point of your entire route — 1288 meters. The view from the top stretches across Snøhetta and the surrounding mountains. Your destination is Kongsvold Fjeldstue, one of Norway’s oldest inns, where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome and a special pilgrim dinner in its historic dining room.

Time to rest your legs with a train ride to Oppdal — a mountain town that blends natural beauty with a lively local atmosphere. You’ll have time to explore the town center, relax in a café, or visit the church just outside town. It’s a great chance to reset and prepare for the next stretch of your walk.

Leave the modern comforts of Oppdal behind and step into quieter surroundings. The trail leads through cultivated farmland and light forest, with the mountains always framing the horizon. You’ll walk on a mix of gravel roads and soft grass paths, passing traditional cabins and open views across the valley. It’s a full walking day, but not a difficult one — a pleasant rhythm sets in as you move deeper into the heart of Trøndelag.

Follow the Orkla River as it winds through pine-covered slopes and wide valley views. The path descends gradually to the river crossing at Skjepphaugen, where you can choose your route: a more challenging climb offering fantastic views, or a relaxed walk along the riverbank. Either way, you end the day near Stamnan, a quiet settlement where nature and tradition meet.

Today you continue through forest trails toward the village of Rennebu, home to one of Norway’s oldest stave churches (not on the route, but nearby). After a brief stretch on the national road, you climb again through farmlands scattered with trønderlån — traditional long farmhouses typical of the region. The landscape is open, rural, and deeply connected to local heritage. Your overnight stop in Hol offers a peaceful end to a day rich in local character.

Today’s route follows the Orkla River through the heart of Trøndelag, passing through the village of Meldal and on toward Løkken Verk — a former mining town with a rich industrial past. The walk is mostly on easy gravel roads, with a few steeper climbs as you near Malmplassen, where remnants of old smelting furnaces still stand. This is a day of gentle contrasts: peaceful rural paths mixed with stories of Norway’s early industrial heritage.

After several long days, this short stage offers a welcome breather. You’ll pass through Malmplassen again, where a historic milestone reminds you: only 61 kilometers left to Nidaros Cathedral. The shorter distance gives you time to rest, explore the area, or simply enjoy the slow rhythm of the day as you settle into your accommodation in Gumdalen.

A varied day awaits, starting with a peaceful stretch past Lake Solsjøen and Korslia Farm. Midway, you’ll find a charming hiker’s shelter designed like a cozy living room — a great spot for a break. From there, the trail leads through quiet peatlands, once used by summer pilgrims (winter pilgrims had to walk the snowy upper route). Eventually, the landscape changes again as you move into woodlands and follow forest tracks to Skaun.

The milestone in Skaun tells you: 38 kilometers to go. The path continues through meadows and quiet farmland toward the Gaula River. Along the way, you’ll pass through Husaby, a site of great historical importance — once home to Viking leaders and early Christian nobles. The pace is steady and the scenery lush, as you approach the coastal plains near Øysand.

This journey is ideal if you enjoy long walks, a slower pace, and the idea of spending days immersed in nature and history. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but you should feel comfortable walking 15–25 km a day on varied terrain, sometimes with climbs. The route includes luggage transfer and detailed maps to make things easier — but it’s still a real adventure. If you’re open to changing weather, simple accommodations, and a bit of quiet time with yourself, this could be exactly the experience you’re looking for.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.

By Train to Dovre (Start Point):
The easiest and most scenic way to reach Dovre is by train. There are regular departures from Oslo and Trondheim, operated by SJ Norge (formerly Vy). The journey from Oslo to Dovre takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, while from Trondheim it's about 3.5 hours. The train ride passes through beautiful Norwegian countryside and is a comfortable and sustainable way to begin your journey. From the Dovre station, it’s a short walk to your first accommodation in Budsjord.

By Air to Oslo or Trondheim:
If you're flying into Norway, the nearest major airports are Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) and Trondheim Værnes (TRD). Both airports are well connected with domestic and international flights. From there, you can continue to Dovre by train.

 
Leaving from Trondheim:
Your walk ends in Trondheim, a lively city with excellent transport links. Trondheim Værnes Airport is located about 30 minutes from the city center and offers regular flights to Oslo and several European cities. The airport is easily reachable by airport express bus, train, or taxi.

Alternatively, you can take the train from Trondheim back to Oslo (approx. 7 hours) if you wish to extend your trip or fly out from there. We recommend booking train tickets in advance, especially in the summer season.