The Coastal Pilgrim Route is one of nine Norwegian pilgrim routes. Pilgrimsleden is the name given to the Norwegian pilgrim routes that lead to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The routes start in different parts of the country and mainly follow old, historic thoroughfares.
The Coastal Pilgrim Route starts in Egersund and ends at the Nidarosdomen Cathedral in Trondheim. It is a spectacular journey along the coast where you can combine public transport with car, bus, boat, bicycle or hiking. The route highlights coastal culture, cultural heritage and church history.
This makes the Coastal Pilgrim Route particularly flexible compared to other pilgrim routes in Norway.
The route has 25 approved key locations that are of great historical and cultural value. These are the places you travel between along the route, and you can have your pilgrim passport stamped at these locations if you have one. All 25 key locations along the Coastal Pilgrim Route can be found here.
Here you can explore the stages in Rogaland, from Egersund in the south to Haugesund in the north.
This stage is best suited for hiking and cycling, and can easily be combined with train travel.
a. How to complete the stage: daily stages on foot or by bicycle. Some distances can also be covered by train or bus.
b. How long does the stage take? 1-2 days
c. Key locations: Egersund, the Jæren beaches with Obrestad lighthouse and Hå old vicarage
Read more about these highlighted places and attractions in The Stavanger region.
a. How to complete the stage: Cycling works well, some day stages can also be done on foot, and you can take the train from several places in Jæren to Stavanger. Buses are also an option.
b. How long does the stage take? 1 day
c. Key locations: Stavanger Cathedral
a. How to complete the stage: The first part is by bus via an undersea tunnel, then on foot from the bus stop to the monastery. It is also possible to use your own leisure boat.
b. How long does the stage take? Half a day to a full day
c. Key locations: Utstein Monastery and Utstein Pilgrim Centre
Read more about these highlighted places and attractions in The Stavanger region.
a. How to complete the stage: Boats are the most traditional and pilgrim-like way to travel, but you can combine bus, car and boat.
b. How long does the stage take? 1-2 days
c. Key places: The regional Pilgrim Centre at Avaldsnes with Olavskirken and Nordvegen History Centre
Avaldsnes is a regional pilgrim centre and an important stop along the Coastal Pilgrim Route. Find out more about the places and attractions in Avaldsnes.
Olavskirken, built around 1250 by King Håkon Håkonsen, shows just how important the place was in the Middle Ages. These days, you can get info and have your pilgrim passports stamped at the Nordvegen History Centre, experience a historical walk and follow pilgrim posts in beautiful surroundings.
Here you will find several articles about pilgrimages and tips on how to best plan your route.
Historically, a pilgrim was a person who embarked on a journey with spiritual content or towards a holy destination. Many hoped to be cured of illness, and others set out on the journey to atone for their misdeeds. Still others travelled purely for the sake of travel or adventure.
Modern pilgrimages can hardly be called penance. They can be journeys to seek new values, improve the quality of life and gain new inspiration. There is great interest in pilgrimages today.
