Start pilgrimage trail

Here starts Valldalsleia, a pilgrimage trail that follows in the footsteps of King Olav Haraldsson, later known as Saint Olav. King Olav Haraldsson ruled Norway from 1015, but had to fight to maintain his kingdom. After the murder of Earl Erling Skjalgsson, the situation became critical. Erling's sons gathered a large fleet and at Christmas time in 1028, Olav had to flee north along the west coast. In Trøndelag, Earl Håkon also gathered a large force and sailed south. It was in this struggle between two powerful fleets that King Olav came to Sunnmøre and fled with his ships and men into Storfjorden. King Olav and his men landed in Valldal and fled up the valley, over the mountain to Lesja, and towards Sweden and Russia. Valldal pilgrimage trail goes from Valldal to Dovre, and from there you can follow the Gudbrandsdal pilgrimage trail to Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral. Valldal pilgrimage trail is divided into 9 day stages. For planning your trip, you can read more in the "Guidebook for Valldalsleia" or visit the website https://pilegrimsleden.no/en/trails/valldalsleden