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A Norwegian Pilgrimage
By Linda Tancs
A network of nine pilgrimage routes, St. Olav Ways trace the legacy of St. Olav, king and martyr. Devotion to the saint, a Viking king credited with consolidating Christianity in Norway, began with his death in battle in 1030. The final stage of the trek is Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city. Built over the burial site of St. Olav, the cathedral is Europe’s northernmost medieval cathedral. Of all the routes, many pilgrims choose Gudbrandsdalsleden, a journey spanning nearly 400 miles from the capital of Oslo to Trondheim. Taking around a month to navigate, it’s the longest pilgrim way in the country and was the main road to Nidaros (now Trondheim) during the Middle Ages. Regardless of the route chosen, though, you’ll encounter stunning Nordic landscapes, rich history and deep spiritual tradition.

