The Coastal Pilgrim Route - a pilgrimage along the coast of Western Norway from Egersund to Trondheim

Along the wild and beautiful coast of Western Norway, the Coastal Pilgrim Route winds its way between islets and skerries, across fjords and over mountains. This is one of Norway’s most distinctive and sensorial travel routes.

From Egersund in the south to Trondheim in the north, you follow a historic route of travel by sea and by land, where each stop offers new experiences for both body and soul.

What is the Coastal Pilgrim Route?

The Coastal Pilgrim Route is a historic route of travel by sea and by land along the coast from Egersund to Trondheim. You follow in the wake of medieval pilgrims journeying toward Trondheim, with the sea as a constant companion.

Almost anything is possible along the Coastal Pilgrim Route. Here, you are close to the elements in a landscape of striking contrasts, moving through vibrant local communities, coastal towns, fishing villages, and historic trading posts. This is a journey through nature and culture of a rare kind, with time for stillness, reflection, and powerful experiences.

Travel through coastal culture and local communities

For thousands of years, the coast has been the main artery of travel and the lifeblood of our country. The Coastal Pilgrim Route follows this historic sailing route. Here, people transported goods, went fishing, rowed to church, or set out on pilgrimages. Monasteries, churches, and sacred sites lay strung like pearls along the coast, many of which can still be visited today.

Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims

In the Middle Ages, a pilgrimage was a journey toward a sacred destination, often connected to saints. Saint Sunniva of Selja was the patron saint of all seafarers. Saint Olav’s shrine in Trondheim was one of the five most visited pilgrimage destinations in Europe. Today, the pilgrim defines the goal of the journey for themselves, regardless of faith or worldview.

25 key sites - pilgrim passport and Olav’s Letter

Along the Coastal Pilgrim Route, you will find 25 selected key sites. By visiting these sites, you can collect stamps in a pilgrim passport. The tradition of the pilgrim passport dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served as proof that you were a true pilgrim upon arriving in unfamiliar places.

Using a pilgrim passport today is entirely optional. For many, it becomes a book of memories, and it also provides benefits with partners along the route. When you have collected at least six stamps from different key sites, you qualify to receive an Olav’s Letter at the pilgrim reception centre in Trondheim.

How to travel the Coastal Pilgrim Route - transport, cycling, boating, and walking

The Coastal Pilgrim Route runs both by sea and by land and can be experienced year-round. You choose whether you wish to travel a short stretch or a longer journey. Either way, the route offers unique experiences in a varied and beautiful coastal landscape.

Modern pilgrims and travellers can follow the route by combining different modes of transport.

• Public transport: You can travel collectively and sustainably all the way. Combinations of express boats, local ferries, buses, and trains take you from one key site to the next.
• On foot or by bicycle: Between and around the key sites, you will find numerous marked paths and roads well suited for walking. You can also cycle along charming stretches of coastline between the key sites.
• By your own boat or car: All key sites are accessible by car. You may also choose to be a “car pilgrim” for parts of the journey, preferably combined with shorter walks around the key sites.

This flexibility makes it possible to create your own journey – a weekend, a week, or a longer adventure. It is recommended to use travel planners to find the best transport options.

You can use entur.no to plan travel along the entire route. Individual counties also have their own journey planners:

Kolumbus in Rogaland

SKYSS in Vestland

FRAM in Møre og Romsdal

AtB in Trøndelag

Where to stay along the way - the choice is yours

Along the Coastal Pilgrim Route, you are free to choose how you wish to stay overnight. Some opt for simple pilgrim hostels, historic pilgrim farms, or accommodation close to churches; others prefer hotels, guesthouses, tents, their own boat, or a motorhome. Along the route, you will find options in every form – from earthy and simple to comfortable and modern. This freedom allows you to shape the journey on your own terms, whether you seek silence and simplicity or a soft bed and a warm breakfast before the next stage.

Stages along the Coastal Pilgrim Route from Egersund to Trondheim

Egersund – Stavanger

Egersund, with its narrow streets and colourful wooden houses, is a charming starting point for the Coastal Pilgrim Route. From here, the journey continues north along Jæren. Follow the King’s Road via Obrestad Lighthouse and Hå Old Vicarage, where you come into close contact with both nature and history. The route then leads further north to the key site of Stavanger, home to the cathedral.

Stavanger – Avaldsnes – Bergen

Continuing north, Utstein Monastery and Utstein Pilgrim Farm are the next key sites. The abbey is unique as a medieval monastery, beautifully situated and of great importance to Norway’s cultural heritage. The pilgrim farm offers accommodation and is known for its well-preserved buildings and warm hospitality. From Utstein, the journey continues to the historic Avaldsnes, where you will also find a regional pilgrim centre.

Avaldsnes has long been, and remains, an important stop along the pilgrimage route, with St Olav’s Church serving as a natural place to pause along the way. The centre offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in both local history and pilgrimage traditions, while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

The next key site north of Avaldsnes is Moster Amfi on the island of Bømlo. Here, you can explore the history surrounding the introduction of Christian law in Norway and visit Moster Old Church. Not far from Moster lies the key site of Halsnøy Monastery, on the island of Halsnøy just south of Stord. The monastery was built in the 12th century.

The journey then continues north towards Bergen, with several cultural heritage sites gathered under the key site of Bergen. The southernmost of these is Lyse Abbey, located not far from Halhjem and Os. In central Bergen, you can visit St Mary’s Church, one of the city’s oldest buildings and churches, as well as the Sunniva statue at Bergenhus, commemorating Saint Sunniva.

Bergen - Selje

From Bergen, the route continues north to Lygrefjorden, the Sognefjord, The Fjord Coast and Sunnfjord, and Nordfjord. The express boat service between Bergen and Selje takes you to all the key sites along the way. The first stop northbound by express boat is the key site of Lygra, a former royal farm, particularly known for its coastal heathlands. Not far from Lygra lies the key site of Kongshaugen at Seim.

At the mouth of the Sognefjord lies Gulatinget, one of the oldest and largest assembly sites in the Nordic countries. Directly across the fjord, you will find Hyllestad and the Millstone Park, where large stone crosses were quarried and erected along the coast during the early Christian period. On the islands of Svanøy and Kinn, you can visit the stately Svanøy Manor house and Kinn Church, dating from the 12th century.

Just south of the treacherous waters of Stad lies the sacred island of Selja, Norway’s oldest pilgrimage destination.

According to legend, the Irish king’s daughter Sunniva suffered martyrdom here in the 10th century and became Norway’s first saint. In the 11th century, English Benedictine monks built a monastery on the island, which later became the episcopal seat for all of Western Norway. Between Kinn and Selja, you can walk the Sunniva Trail.

Ålesund – Molde – Kristiansund

From Selje, the journey continues via Herøy to Ålesund. Here, medieval history, Art Nouveau architecture, and sweeping sea views meet in harmonious balance. On the island of Giske, you will find the rare marble church with a kissing cross on the church’s eastern outer wall. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims kissed the cross to seek salvation, healing, or forgiveness.

For the onward journey, follow the pilgrim path over Mount Aksla to Borgund Church and medieval site. The trail begins in central Ålesund and is clearly marked along the entire route.

In Molde, the sacred island of Veøya awaits. If you are unable to reach this magical island, the Romsdal Museum is an excellent alternative. Here, Veøya is well presented, and you can also experience the Middle Ages up close in the museum’s audiovisual rooms. The museum offers a key-site stamp.

The key site of Kvernes is strategically located along the route. Here you will find one of Norway’s youngest stave churches. Richly varied and beautifully decorated, it is visited by thousands each year.

Kristiansund – Smøla – Trondheim

On Smøla lies the final regional centre along the route. Here, you can visit Edøy Old Church and walk a pilgrim path to Norway’s baptismal certificate: the Kuli Stone. Continuing along the pilgrim trail to Rosvollhaugen, you are rewarded with powerful views of sea and mountains.

A gentle, contemplative atmosphere awaits at the medieval site and protected nature and cultural landscape of Hitra. This stands in contrast to the fresh and lively fishing village of Sula on Frøya, where you are in close contact with the open sea. The final stage passes via Ørlandet and Austrått Manor, where you can also experience and learn about nature restoration.

The final key site along the Coastal Pilgrim Route is Indre Fosen. Here, you can wander among the remarkable ruins of the monastery at Rein.

The last stop before reaching Trondheim and Nidaros is the museum of coastal culture and living boatbuilding traditions, Kystens Arv.