The St.Olav Path, Dovre to Trondheim

Your journey begins in Dovre, easily reached by train or bus. From the station, a short and easy walk leads to your accommodation, depending on where you stay tonight. This gentle introduction allows you to settle in, breathe the mountain air and prepare for the days ahead.

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.

Leaving Oppdal behind, you enter quieter surroundings. The route follows gently rolling farmland and forest, with frequent views across the wide valley and mountains framing the horizon. Walking along typical grusveier (gravel farm roads) and grassy paths, you settle into a steady rhythm before reaching your overnight stop in Havdal.

Today you continue through the beautiful Orkla Valley, where the river winds through a cultural landscape of scattered farms and pine-covered hills. After crossing the river at Skjepphaugen, you can choose between a steeper path with wide views or an easier route along the riverbank. Both options lead to the quiet settlement of Stamnan.

Forest paths guide you toward Rennebu. After a short stretch along road 700, the trail climbs back into the hills, passing traditional trønderlån — long farmhouses typical of the Trøndelag region. The day offers a strong sense of local heritage and rural life.

A scenic and varied stage through woodland, pastureland and stretches along the Orkla River. The path is well marked and moderately easy, combining natural beauty with glimpses of local history as you approach the village of Meldal.

You walk through classic Trøndelag countryside, passing the historic mining town of Løkken Verk, once an important industrial centre. From here, the trail continues through rural landscapes before reaching your farm 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.

The final stage begins with a short climb, followed by forest trails that gradually lead into the city streets. And then, appearing on the horizon, stands the Nidaros Cathedral — the final destination and symbol of the pilgrimage. The emotion of reaching it makes this day truly special.

Even though the walk has come to an end, Trondheim is well worth experiencing. You can stroll along the harbour, visit the cathedral, or simply enjoy the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect ending to a journey that truly leaves its mark.

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.