Coastal Pilgrims of yesterday and today

Whilst you are in Bondevika imagine that you are in the Middle Ages. On the beach, a small group of people come strolling towards you at a slow pace. They have rowed for many hours and are exhausted. They have set anchor at Veøya to rest their tired limbs, have something to eat and get a good night’s sleep. They are coastal pilgrims on their way to Nidaros Cathederal. What is depicted here, occurred on Veøya during the Middle Ages. The pilgrims went on foot, but many also travelled by boat along the coast on their way to Norway’s main pilgrimage destination. The pilgrimage tradition is still alive. Today there is an established coastal pilgrim path that begins in Egersund and extends up the West coast right the way to Trondheim. Veøya is one of many key points along this route. Today Veøya stands out as a beautiful and lush island. There are green fields which are reminiscent of psalm number 23 in the Old Testament. On many of the gravestones outside the church you will also find a butterfly. Butterflies are a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and carry a message of hope. Both psalm 23 and the hope of Christ’s resurrection can be found in the pilgrim’s prayer that is used on Veøya. There is also a pilgrimage route on the island. It starts in Bondevika and ends at the church with several stops on the way. A simple pilgrimage guide is available for use during the walk. The Romsdal Museum and church wish you a good pilgrim’s walk through this ancient cultural landscape!