Svorkmo - Trondheim

The journey begins in Svorkmo in Orkanger. It is recommended to travel by bus to the starting point. To find the trail from the bus stop, you have to follow the road: Orkdalsveien and cross the river Orkla. After crossing the bridge, turn left and follow the paved road for 700m until you reach Svorkmo Smeltehytte (smelting hut) and the milestone nearby. The Gudbrandsdalsleden passes here, and you can follow the marked St. Olavs Way from here to Trondheim (see map).

Arrival Svorkmo: Bus

Bus stop: Svorkmo Klinglivegen

From Svorkmo Smeltehytte, the trail follows a gravel road through cultural landscape to Solås. After passing Svorkmo Skytterhus, the trail turns into a slightly hilly hiking trail before continuing on a gravel road to Snøton. Here the landscape opens up. At Snøtonsætra, there is a great gapahuk (shelter) set up. Pilgrims and other guests are welcome to rest here before the trail moves into the forest.

The way further follows paths through the forest, over marshes and along old carriage roads towards Skaun. On the way, there are several rest areas and cultural monuments that should be visited. Today's goal is close when the landscape opens up, and the spire of the medieval church Skaun Kirke appears on the horizon.

Accommodation in Skaun

• Skaun Parish House

From Skaun church the path goes up to Husaby - home of the legendary politician and viking Einar Tambarskjelve. Husaby is also known as the home of Erlend in Sigrid Undset's book series about Kristin Lavransdatter, and it was from here that the protagonist Kristin began her first pilgrimage towards Nidaros Cathedral.

Further on, the way passes Skaun village museum and enter the old historical roads towards Trondheim. The path is hilly through the forest and passes several old sæterstøler (shielings) before the landscape opens up, and you can catch a glimpse of the fjord. This is the first time pilgrims have seen the sea since they started in Oslo approx. 30 days earlier. The trail then descends to Buvika and the fjord. After passing Brekka you come to Øysand and Gaulosen, where it is possible to find accommodation. Here it is also possible to use the sundbåten (ferry) to cross the river Gaula.

Accommodation on Øysand:

• Øysand camping
• Strandheimen pilgrim accommodation
• Sundet farm - Offers ferry across the river

If you spend the night on Øysand, the last stage will be somewhat longer. Then you have to walk across Øysand to cross the Udduvoll bridge. If you stayed the night at Sundet gård and used the ferry, you'll get a shorter stage. Nevertheless, you have to climb the hill Skjefstadbakken, the last major effort of the journey. At the top of Skjefstadbakken, you are greeted with an impressive view of Gauldalen, before the st. Olav Way leads you further along the old road over Kastberga. After you have walked through the forest, you will come to Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum with a medieval castle and stave church.

Before starting the last leg of the Gudbrandsdalsleden, you can take a short detour to "Utsikten". Here you get a good overview of Trondheim city, and the pilgrimage destination Nidaros Cathedral becomes visible for the first time on the journey. During the Middle Ages, Utsikten was called Feginsbrekka or "the hill of joy", because the sight of Nidaros Cathedral made the pilgrims certain that they had arrived unscathed.

Remember to visit the pilgrim reception at Nidaros Pilgrimsgård when you arrive at the pilgrimage destination.

Accommodation in Trondheim:

• The Pilgrimage Town of Trondheim
• Nidaros Pilegrimsgård | Pilgrim Center Trondheim

Most people choose to walk with waterproof hiking shoes from Oslo to Trondheim. When the pilgrims begin to approach Trondheim, the climate changes, and it becomes wetter. It is therefore recommended for this "reconmended walk" that you use taller hiking shoes that are more suitable for walking in marshes. Note that mountain shoes tend to have stiff soles, which can be demanding on the feet when walking along roads. High hiking shoes with flexible soles are therefore the optimal choice for this trip. BUT! always choose well-worn shoes over new "optimal" shoes. Read more about preparations here.