The present Pilgrim Way gives you an idea of what medieval pilgrims would encounter on their way to Nidaros. The path follows the ancient, documented trails when these can be used. All along the way, the names of places and historic monuments are links to Saint Olav's life and work. Signposting the way for today's pilgrims, the path is marked with posts carrying the Pilgrim Way logo. These have been erected in places where the path changes direction, and at sights and attractions along the way. Signposts indicating medieval monuments and pilgrim traditions have been furnished with explanatory texts.

Of all countries, why Norway?
- Do you like to find calm, peace of mind and recreation in nature?
- Do you enjoy the great outdoors?
- Do you enjoy spectacular surroundings?
- Are you interested in history and culture?
- Would you like to explore the spiritual dimensions?

  Norway can offer you all this and more!

Is the pilgrim path strenuous?
It depends on where you want to walk. Some of the mountainous stretches, especially over the Dovre plateu, can be somewhat physically demanding, but you do not need to be a mountain climber to enjoy this majestic and spectacular stretch of the pilgrim way. People in their 70s have walked here without problems. The major part of the path winds its way through terrain without many steep hills and mountains. But you need to be an experienced walker to set out on longer distances of the pilgrim way on your own. If you are an amateur walker, you can always sign up for a guided walk.

Do you need to be in good shape?
If you decide to walk the path for several days, you will perhaps enjoy the experience better if you are used to taking regular, or like so many of us, irregular exercise. If you are fit and your stamina is good, you will perhaps derive even more enjoyment from your trip. But of course you choose your own pace, there are no world records to be set and no race; the experience is yours to enjoy at whatever tempo and distance you choose.

How far should you walk?
Few pilgrims set off to walk the entire 600 kilometres (360 miles) from Oslo to Trondheim, but some do. You will need approximately one month to do that, and you might want to choose a shorter part of the path. Norway's Princess Märtha Louise and her husband Ari Behn walked 57 kilometers (35 miles) on a three-day pilgrimage (from Svorkmo to Trondheim) prior to their wedding in May 2002. The couple has written a richly illustrated book with impressions from their walk.

One of the more popular routes is the stretch from Hjerkinn to Trondheim (approximately 200 kilometres or 120 miles). This walk will lead you over the Dovre mountains that gave Edward Grieg inspiration for his 'Hall of the Mountain King'. The walk will take you eight days. On the eighth day you will reach Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral, your destination. (Cont.)

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