St. Olav Coastal Path Bergen to Selje

Your adventure begins in Bergen, nestled between seven mountains and known as the gateway to the fjords. This charming port city, founded over 950 years ago, was once part of the Hanseatic League and remains one of Norway’s most historically rich destinations. Upon arrival, stroll through the iconic waterfront neighborhood of Bryggen, with its brightly painted wooden houses — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and take in the buzz of the Fish Market, where fresh seafood and local flavors await. As the sun sets over the harbor, you'll already feel the pull of Norway’s coastal magic

Today is yours to explore all that Bergen has to offer. Hiking enthusiasts can take the cable car or climb the Sherpa Steps to the summit of Mount Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s peaks, where panoramic views stretch from fjords to sea. Culture lovers can visit the Mariakirken (St. Mary’s Church), the oldest surviving building in the city, or wander the atmospheric alleyways of Bryggen, where artisans and galleries bring new life to ancient wooden structures. Museums, art galleries, and cozy cafés invite you to discover Bergen at your own pace.

A ferry takes you out of Bergen into the fjords, toward Sollibotn, where the walking truly begins. A short hike brings you to Gulatinget, one of the oldest and most important historical sites in Norway. For over 400 years, this was the seat of the Gulating — a regional parliament where Vikings gathered to settle disputes and shape early Norwegian law. Surrounded by grassy meadows and granite monuments, the site feels like an open-air cathedral of Nordic history. Nearby lies Eivindvik, a quiet village where you’ll spend the night, close to the sea and steeped in the spirit of the past.

Today you continue to the region of Hyllestad, where Viking history takes a practical turn. Your destination is Leirvik, home to the fascinating Millstone Park. Here, you’ll walk among the ruins of ancient stone quarries that once produced millstones traded throughout Europe. Through engaging exhibits and immersive storytelling, you'll learn about the daily lives of the craftspeople who worked here for centuries — and how their labor shaped both local and international history. The park is not just a museum, but a vivid link between landscape, tradition, and time. The tickets can be included (optional).

This morning, a scenic ferry takes you west to Florø, the westernmost town on mainland Norway. Spread across a mosaic of islands and skerries, Florø is surrounded by pristine waters and a dramatic coastline. The journey itself offers breathtaking views of fjords, cliffs, and vast skies. Once ashore, take time to soak in the town’s relaxed atmosphere — where fishing boats still glide through the harbor and nature feels close at hand.

A boat carries you even further off the beaten path, to Kinn, a rugged and remote island with a timeless aura. With no shops, restaurants, or cars, Kinn offers a rare kind of silence and simplicity. You'll stay in a traditional private house, with a basket of fresh, local ingredients delivered to your door so you can cook and eat as the islanders once did — slowly, mindfully, and with care. This is not just accommodation — it’s an experience of Norwegian island life at its most authentic. 

A full day on Kinn allows you to connect deeply with its rich spiritual and natural heritage. Join a guided tour of the island, including a visit to Kinn Church, a Romanesque stone church built around 1150, standing proudly amid open meadows and sea views. This church, associated with Saint Sunniva, has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. Walk a stretch of the Way of St. Sunniva, a serene path leading through hills and along the shore, and take part in a pilgrim’s mass if you wish — a moving, contemplative experience in a place that feels suspended in time.

You return to the mainland and head south to Kalvåg, one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages. With colorful wooden houses hugging a sheltered bay, Kalvåg radiates charm and tranquility. Here, life moves at a gentle pace, and every corner tells a story — from the old boathouses now turned into art galleries, to the harbor where fishermen still mend their nets. It’s a perfect place to slow down, breathe, and savor the beauty of small-town coastal Norway. 

Board another panoramic ferry bound for Selje, a peaceful village nestled at the edge of the Atlantic. The approach is nothing short of spectacular, with windswept cliffs and shimmering waters all around. Selje is the final stop of your pilgrimage, and it holds a quiet, spiritual energy that prepares you for what comes next: a visit to one of Norway’s holiest islands. 

Today you’ll journey by boat to Selja, a small, uninhabited island rich in history and legend. According to tradition, Saint Sunniva, Norway’s first female saint, fled here from Ireland and lived in a cave until her death. The ruins of a Benedictine monastery still stand, along with the sacred St. Sunniva’s Cave, which has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Surrounded by wildflowers, seabirds, and the soft lapping of waves, Selja is a place of deep silence and reflection.

A high-speed ferry brings you back to Bergen, where you can spend your final afternoon revisiting favorite spots or discovering new corners of the city. Wander through hidden alleys, shop for local crafts, or simply sit by the harbor and reflect on the journey you've taken — through nature, history, and yourself.

You return home with salt in your hair, light in your eyes, and the quiet strength of the North still walking beside you — a journey etched in memory, and perhaps the first step of many more to come, 

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.

Ferries are the primary mode of transport along the Coastal Pilgrim Route, with opportunities to hike at each stop. You have the freedom to choose how far and how often you walk, making the journey flexible, accessible, and a perfect introduction to the pilgrim experience.

By Air:
Bergen is served by Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), located about 20 km from the city center. The airport has direct international flights from several European cities, as well as frequent domestic flights from Oslo and other Norwegian cities. To reach the city center, you can take the airport bus (Flybussen), the light rail (Bybanen), or a taxi. The light rail is the most affordable option and takes about 45 minutes.

By Train:
You can also reach Bergen by train via the Bergen Railway, one of the most scenic train routes in Europe. The journey from Oslo to Bergen takes about 6.5 to 7 hours, offering stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and fjords. Trains are operated by Vy (Norwegian Railways) and run several times a day.

Leaving Bergen:
To leave Bergen, you can take the same transport options in reverse — flights from Bergen Airport or trains to Oslo and other destinations in Norway. We recommend booking train tickets in advance, especially in high season.