What’s included in the Lotus Eaters Travel Planning Service?
🚶🏼♀️Bespoke self-guided itinerary for your requirements – including daily stages, accommodation recommendations and route information
🏋️Advice on training for the St Olav’s Way
📖An eBook to help you prepare for your adventure
🎒Bespoke advice on packing for St Olav’s Way
🏨Optional upgrade to have us arrange all of your accommodation for you
What is Olav’s Way?
The St Olav’s Ways are a series of long-distance hiking paths in Norway. There are actually nine different paths that make up the “St Olav’s Ways”. Most of the paths lead to Trondheim, but others end in different areas of Norway.
The paths have historical significance for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are the Northern most pilgrimage routes. Secondly, the paths (or many of them) lead to Trondheim. It is in Trondheim that St Olav’s remains are buried within the famous Nidaros cathedral. This has made the route an important Christian pilgrimage for many years.
Gudbrandsdalen is the route from Oslo to Trondheim that makes up one of the St Olav’s Way paths. This is the most popular route and named after the valley in Norway that it travels through. It takes is 643km long and takes 32 days on average to complete, or less if you’re a faster walker.
We refer to this route as “St Olavs” because Gudbrandsdalen is a bit of a mouthful for any non-native Norwegian speakers.
What pick St Olav’s Way for your walking adventure?
The St Olav’s Way from Oslo to Trondheim is one of our favourite long-distance walking trails in Europe. As a pilgrimage and hike, it is not as popular or as well known as others, such as the Camino de Santiago.
We recommend picking St Olav’s Way if you truly want to get off the beaten track and take yourself out of your comfort zone.
We would also recommend this trail to anyone who likes solitary walking and is searching for tranquility. This is a peaceful and quiet walk, perfect to escape every day life.
Finally, the scenery and walking is particularly breathtaking – picture lush green valleys, rivers and spectacular lakes.
Key Information about the route from Oslo to Trondheim
DURATION
The entire walk from Oslo to Trondheim is a 643km (400miles). We recommend that walkers allow approximately 32 nights for this.
It is possible to walk smaller sections. We can help you find the perfect walk to suit the time you have.
ACCOMMODATION
One of our favourite things about this route is the array of accommodation. Accommodation can include farm stays/ home stays – these are really special experiences, unique to Norway.
There are also pilgrim hostels and cabins, which tend to be quite rustic but charming. On some sections and in cities, you can also find hotels.
It is also possible to camp, and we could help you to locate camp sites if this is what you would like to do.
We can help you to find the best accommodation for you.
TERRAIN
This is a challenging route. There are rarely days when you won’t tackle at least one hill climb. Certain sections are harder than others, but in general it is not a route to take lightly.
You can expect to walk an average pace of 2-3km per hour.
The route is fairly well marked and easy to navigate.
It involves some road walking, but is mostly on trails.
Where could your walk in Norway take you?
Here are some of the most popular sections of this route that we could organise for you.
Oslo to Trondheim
DISTANCE: 640km
DURATION: Approximately 32 nights (potentially less for some walkers)
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
ACCOMMODATION: Hostels, cabins, farm stays and hotels. Camping also available
WHEN TO GO: June to September
This route starts in the vibrant city of Oslo before quickly entering the Norwegian countryside.
Stage one, the first 200km, will take you to Lillehammer and alongside majestic Lake Mjøsa. The next stage will take you to Dovre, through Gudbrandsdalen – the famous green valley.
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Next, you will tackle the third section – Dovrefjell national park. A fantastic but challenging experience.
Once in Trondheim, you will arrive to visit the famous Nidaros Cathedral. Be sure to follow the pilgrim tradition of walking around the building three times before you enter.
Ready to start your adventure?
Oslo to Lillehammer
DISTANCE: 190km
DURATION: 9 – 10 nights
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
ACCOMMODATION: Hostels, cabins, farm stays and hotels. Camping also available
WHEN TO GO: June to September
The route from Oslo to Trondheim will allow you to experience the magic of this Norwegian walking route, without committing to the whole thing. You are guaranteed to want to come back for more.
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After leaving the buzzing city of Oslo, you will soon be in the heart of Norwegian countryside. The walk is idyllic and follows Lake Mjøsa. The largest lake in Norway.
You will visit historic towns like Hamar, and have the chance to stay in cabins and farm stays before reaching the quirky city of Lillehammer.
Ready to start your adventure?
Our Itinerary Planning Service
We can help you decide which long distance trail in Europe is right for you. And if so, how long to walk each day and where to visit on the way. Whether you want to walk 7 or 14 days, we can tailor your unique itinerary just for you.
What we offer
There are two package options:
Essentials Package:
- Bespoke itinerary for your chosen route – tailored to your exact requirements;
- Recommendations for accommodation;
- Packing Lists;
- Tailored advice to help you prepare for departure.
Platinum Package:
Everything in Essentials Package plus:
- More detailed daily stages guide with information on amenities on route;
- Information on cultural landmarks;
- Recommended culinary highlights on route;
- A eBook to help you to prepare for your chosen route.
What it costs
Our Essentials Package costs between $99 and $139. The Platinum Package costs between $199 and $399.
Our prices depend on how many days you intend to walk.
Want to chat first? Book a 30-minute consultation call to ask any questions and get tailored advice. If you go on to book a package, we’ll give you $20 off your total.
Why choose us
We fell in love with long distance hiking after our first walk—the Camino del Norte – and it changed everything. Our goal now is to help others experience the magic of long-distance walking without the overwhelm of planning.
We’re a small, passionate team of two. We don’t use templates or generic advice. Instead, we offer genuinely tailored support, crafted from experience and a deep love for long-distance hiking in Europe.
Next steps
Get in touch today using our enquiry form.
