The Fjord Pilgrim Route – from Viking to pilgrim

Several roads led to Nidaros. One of the most important and perhaps the most travelled road to Nidaros Cathedral ran along the coast and is known as the Fjord Pilgrim Route. The Fjord Pilgrim Route from Rogaland to Nidaros has historical roots that go back a thousand years to when Christianity came to Norway. Thousands of pilgrims embarked on the dangerous journey to Nidaros Cathedral where the relics of St. Olav were buried, and we still find monastery ruins and stone crosses built by the first Christians who settled along the coast. Today, visitors on the pilgrim route also come to see the magnificent and raw scenery, cultural experiences and the tranquillity that can be found in the small communities the people of Western Norway made their home, long before the arrival of the pilgrims. The route from Egersund to Trondheim can be carried out partly on foot, as a continuous journey or in stages.

The coast is ideal for seafaring as the waters are well protected. The Fjord Pilgrim Route is a memorable journey along the coast of Western Norway, where you can experience both the coastal landscape, coastal culture and the pilgrimage sites along the coast. Pilgrimages to St. Olav’s grave started just after 1030, and the cult of St. Olav expanded quickly throughout Northern Europe, bringing a wave of pilgrims from Norway and abroad to Nidaros. Olav was himself an experienced seafarer after years of Viking raids, and along the entire coast, we find phenomena that people have explained through the saintly king’s presence and actions. 

One of the most important and perhaps the most famous pilgrimage destination along the coast was Selja near Stad, which is located in the middle of the sea route between Trondheim and Bergen. By the mountain on Selja, we find a stone terrace from the 12th century, which is probably the remains of the liturgical gathering site for pilgrims who visited the island. Selja was also a natural harbour for those waiting for suitable weather to round Stad. The island was also one of the departure and arrival points for journeys to and from the west. 

The Gulating assembly was established in the early tenth century and was an element in the king’s attempt to consolidate power and Christianity in Western Norway. The exact location of the Gulating is unknown, but Eivindvik is one potential location. Two stone crosses have been erected here, both made at the millstone quarries in Hyllestad. 

Below you can see the Fjord Pilgrim Route divided into three stages – each with its own unique characteristics – from Egersund in the south all the way to Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral. The different stages can be taken as different journeys or as one continuous journey along the beautiful coast of Western Norway. 
 

Stage 1: from Stavanger to Bergen

On this leg from Stavanger to Egersund and Bergen you will experience historical landmarks and beautiful coastal landscape. The forces of sea and wind have created a varied hiking terrain of long-stretched beaches, fertile green pastures and rolling hills. You can complete the entire part of the route by public transport and add hiking experiences along the way. 

Stage 2: from Bergen to Kristiansund

The untouched Fjord Coast between Bergen and Kristiansund is where small communities spread out across archipelagos and fjord banks, connected by bridges, tunnels and boat traffic. You can explore this coastal paradise all year round and add a cruise with the Hurtigruten coastal steamer to Måløy, Florø or Ålesund if you wish. In the summer you can also visit the emerald-green islands of Kinn and Selja, where ancient monastery ruins lie surrounded by mystery and sagas. This roundtrip suggestions shows you the transport routes between the principal towns, but there are plenty hidden gems worth adding an extra day. 

Stage 3: from Kristiansund to Trondheim

From Kristiansund to Trondheim, the final part of the Fjord Pilgrim route is an island-hopping adventure. The archipelago where you will travel mainly by express boat consists of thousands of big and small islands and skerries, with thriving port towns and villages next to untouched nature.