How to start your pilgrimage in Oslo

In the old town of Oslo, next to the St. Halvard's Cathedral, there is a stone with the inscription «643 km to Nidaros». This is the beginning of the pilgrim path from Oslo to Trondheim, also known as Gudbrandsdalsleden.

A stone with the pilgrim mark next to an old stone wall. Photo

Gudbrandsdalsleden is and has always been the most popular pilgrim path through Norway. It starts in the capital, Oslo, and leads to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Are you ready for your pilgrimage on Gudbrandsdalsleden? Great, let's help you find your starting point in Oslo.

How to find the starting point
On the day you start your walk, go to St. Halvards plass. It will take you about half an hour to walk there from Oslo Central Station, and if you take public transport, St. Halvards plass is also the name of the nearest bus and tram stop. Here, between Oslo ladegård and the Bishops office, you will see a stone wall with a pilgrim symbol, and a gate. Through the gate you will enter the ruins of St. Hallvard's Cathedral and see a stone with the pilgrim symbol and the text "643 km to Nidaros". This is your starting point!

Saint Hallvard holding tree arrows above his head. Fresco painting by Alf Rolfsen

Section of fresco painting, Alf Rolfsen

Oslo's patron saint

Saint Hallvard's Cathedral is now in ruins, but in the Middle Ages it was Norway's second largest church after the Nidaros Cathedral. Saint Hallvard was related to Saint Olav. He became a saint after being killed in 1043, and is still the patron saint of Oslo.

Get a stamp in your pilgrim passport

When you start your walk from the pilgrim stone, we recommend you go through the ruins of the cathedral, and out on the other side. Then you are in St. Halvards gate (St. Halvards street), and just to your left is a yellow building, Oslo bispegård (The Bishops office).

We recommend that you visit the Bishops office to get a stamp in your pilgrim passport. Many think this stamp is the most beautiful one between Oslo and Trondheim, the motif is the old bishop's seal. The office was built on the ruins of St. Olav's monastery, and there is also a chapel on the ground.

When you walk on, you follow St. Halvards gate and walk up towards Galgeberg, the town's old court which was located at the entrance to the medieval town.