Gudbrandsdalsleden

Summary: Gudbrandsdalsleden is the most popular, longest, and primary historic pilgrim path ("St. Olav Ways") in Norway, stretching approximately 640–643 kilometers (around 400 miles) from Oslo to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. It is often referred to as the Norwegian equivalent to the Camino de Santiago.

The path leads through a series of remarkable laqndscapes, including typical Norwegian farmland, deep and dark forests, open country and on steep ascents and descents along the Gudbrandsdalen valley. The most demanding part of the walk is when it crosses the desolate and highly exposed Dovrefjell mountain plateau, where the route reaches its high point at Allmannrøysa. Take note, the steep sections are often complicated with roots and rocks, and as the location is Scandinavian you can expect sudden weather changes, especially on the open wild lands and on the mountain sections.

All in all, the walk is exhilirating as you tread in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, while passing spectacular natural sites like Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa and historic sites like Lillehammer, Ringebu Stave Church, Sygard Grytting, the historic Dale-Gudbrands Farm and parts of the old Kongeveien (King's Road).