Lian - Nidaros Cathedral

8 KM
3 hours
Enjoy the view of Trondheim from the tramline: Gråkallbanen, before walking through the forest and town from Lian to Nidaros Cathedral. A mini-pilgrimage that is suitable for families with children or friends who want a great day hiking on the Gudbrandsdalsleden.
Easy route

Gradering på turforslag

Alle turforslagene på pilegrimsleden.no er gradert etter en nasjonal standard for merking av vanskelighetsgrad, slik at du enklere kan finne en tur som passer for deg.

Grønn = Enkel

Dette er stort sett korte og enkle turer som passer for alle, uten krav til spesielle ferdigheter eller utstyr. I de tilfeller hvor det er tilrettelagt for rullestolbrukere eller barnevogn, merkes dette spesielt.

Blå = Middels

Dette er turer som passer for deg som har grunnleggende turferdigheter og er i normal fysisk form.

Rød = Krevende

Turer merket med rødt passer for erfarne turgåere, med god utholdenhet. Turene krever ofte gode tursko og annet turutstyr, samt kunnskap om kart og kompass.

Svart = Ekstra krevende

Dette er turer passer for erfarne fjellfolk, med god fysikk, styrke og utholdenhet. Godt turutstyr og gode kunnskaper om kart og kompass er nødvendig på slike turer.

Hvor krevende en tur er bestemmes blant annet av antall høydemeter (stigning) og lengde på turen. Selv om turen går i flatt terreng, kan den merkes med rødt dersom den er veldig lang. Og motsatt, selv om turen er kort, kan den merkes med svart dersom den går i bratt og krevende terreng.

Situated along Gudbrandsdalsleden
Foto: Svein Erik Knoff

Arrival to start location

It is recommended to take the tram from St. Olavs Gate(street) to Lian tram station. On the way, you will get a fantastic view of the city on the world's northernmost tram line: Gråkallbanen.

From Lian tram station, the Gudbrandsdalsleden passes close by, and you can choose two different routes to the trail. The path down via the Lianvannet pond is recommended, but it is easiest to find the trail if you go uphill to Lian. (See map) You can then follow the marked St. Olavs Way to Nidaros Cathedral.

Travel description

The route further passes the hiking areas by Kyvannet (toilet available at Kyvannet), and then through the town towards Sverresborg Trøndelag folk museum. A visit in the museum and café Borgstua is highly recommended. Stroll along the buildings in the museum and let centuries of Norwegian history and everyday life unfold around you. Then take a break in the café before the trail takes you further down towards Feginsbrekka in the "Steinberget" hill.

Feginsbrekka is the first place the pilgrims can see the destination of their journey. This vantage point towards Nidaros Cathedral has marked the beginning of the end for thousands of pilgrims before you. Feginsbrekka is Old Norse for "joy hill", and the name refers to the joy that former pilgrims must have felt when finally seeing their destination. Today, buildings block the view from the historic Feginsbrekka, but "Usikten"(the view) which is close by offers the same panoramic view.

Down the hill, Gudbrandsdalsleden passes Ilen Kirke, a characteristic stone church built in 1889. The route continue along the river Nidelven, under the Elgeseter bridge, and stop at "Hadrians plass". This square is named after Pope Hadrian IV (1154-59), better known as Cardinal Breakespare. He is the only Englishman who has sat with the papacy to date, and the one who created the Archbishopric of Nidaros in 1153. On Hadrian's Square you will find the fountain of Olavskilden.

Continue up the stairs to the final destination: Nidaros Cathedral, Norway's national shrine and St. Olav's burial church. The cathedral is the only one of its kind in Norway, and is the largest medieval church in the Nordic countries. Since then, it has survived several fires, and been through many restorations and extensions. Formally, the cathedral was not completed until 2001. Spend some time here and feel the atmosphere.

A nice end to the day can be to visit Nidaros Pilgrimsgård by the Nidelven. Tired pilgrims are always welcome with them.

Recommended period:

Can be hiked all year round. But be prepared for a lot of snow in winter.

Arrival at the starting point and tickets:

  • Take the tram line: Gråkallbanen to Lian
  • Buy tickets here slik:
  • Route scedual her:
    • From St. Olavs gate to Lian

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