The Gudbrandsdalsleden, which passes through Oppdal, starts in Oslo and ends at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The Pilgrim Path through Oppdal is a cultural and historical hike where the heritage sites are strung together like pearls on a necklace, connecting several hikes and experiences around Oppdal — 27 in total.
The most important cultural heritage sites and experiences in Oppdal
Kongsvold and Vårstigen
Kongsvold Fjeldstue is a historic hotel with traditions dating back to the 1100s. The oldest buildings on the site are from 1720. Kongsvold has 32 guest rooms, several meeting rooms, cozy lounges and a fireplace lounge, as well as a dining hall where food has been served every year since 1720. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining hall at the mountain lodge.
Vårstigen is one of Norway’s most historic travel routes. The trail is a dramatic and scenic part of the Old King’s Road (Kongevegen) through Drivdalen. Today it is developed as a hiking path, with clear signage and information boards that provide insight into the area’s history and cultural heritage sites. The hike starts 3 km north of Kongsvold Fjeldstue.
Ryphusan in Vinstradalen
Ryphusan is a historic seter (mountain farm) area and a modern pilgrim hostel located at the far end of Vinstradalen. Accommodation is offered in a restored mountain barn, on a “first come, first served” basis.
The cabin is unstaffed, but groceries can be purchased on site using cash, PayPal, or Vipps. It has 8 beds plus 2 extra mattresses. It is important to note that it is reserved for individual hikers, and other organized groups are asked to choose alternative accommodation.
The grave fields at Rise and Vang
The burial ground at Vang is Norway’s largest grave field. In a unique and beautiful cultural landscape, around 900 burial mounds are located between Skjørdøla and the old village road down Prestbakkan. The Vang site contains a particularly large number of Viking Age graves (750–1000 AD). Among the Viking graves are also burials from the Migration Period, several centuries earlier.
The burial ground at Rise is located at Kalvtrøa on Trenga, just south of Risjære. Finds from this site date from around 300 to 1000 AD, providing valuable insight into Iron Age society in the area. The Rise burial ground likely originally contained 200–300 burial mounds, but much of it was destroyed by land cultivation in the 1800s. Today, about 20–30 mounds are still visible.
St. Michael’s Chapel
In the beautiful Vinstradalen valley, which branches off from Drivdalen, you will find St. Michael’s Chapel. The chapel was built and consecrated in 2012. Its original purpose was to give pilgrims a place to rest during a long journey, but it has also become a popular hiking destination for both adults and children.
The chapel is open year-round for hikers and pilgrims. There is a sense of calm and silence at the chapel that most visitors notice and appreciate. In this small chapel, weddings, baptisms, and outdoor church services are also held.
Plassastoggo
Plassastoggo is a small historic cabin that once belonged to a tenant farm and has since been restored. The charming little living room is open for a rest or an overnight stay, whether you are a pilgrim or another traveller.
The cabin is self-service, so visitors must bring their own sleeping bags and food. It accommodates 2 people and is warmly furnished with a beautiful soapstone fireplace, and the interior has been donated by people from nearby farms. The cabin was officially opened on 20 November 2010.
Foto: Hans-Jacob Dahl
Foto: Morgan Frelsøy
Gamle Kongeveg, north of Stølen
Gamle Kongeveg is a historic route of travel and was used as the main road and national highway until 1862. Since then, it has been used as a local road and recreational path. In parts of the route, pedestrian and cycling paths have also been built to make the area safer for walkers and cyclists.
Today, many people use the Old King’s Road for hiking, cycling, and outdoor recreation. The road offers a clear glimpse into how people traveled in the past and serves as a visible reminder of how important Oppdal was as a transport hub between northern and southern Norway.
The different actors
“Pilegrimsbøgda Oppdal” is a collaboration between three actors, all of whom actively work to promote the pilgrim tradition in Oppdal.
The Pilgrim Committee in Oppdal is an organizing committee that each year hosts the Pilgrim Days in Oppdal in mid-July. The committee consists of representatives from the church, the municipality, the music scene, and more, and is led by Ivar Horvli. The Pilgrim Days in Oppdal are part of the Pilgrim Days at Dovrefjell and have their own website for events here.
Pilegrimsfellesskapet St. Olav Oppdal is a “friends association” for anyone interested in pilgrim traditions. The community organizes trips, walks, and pilgrim evenings.
Anyone interested can become a member and take part in shared activities and events, either as a volunteer or as a participant. More information about all the Pilgrim Communities can be found here.
Pilegrimssenter Dovrefjell works to contribute to value creation and positive development along the Pilgrim Path by increasing its use. The centre collaborates with Oppdal municipality to ensure a well-marked trail through the area. More information about the Pilgrim Centre and how to plan a pilgrimage can be found here.
Cultural heritage made more accessible
All the cultural heritage sites mentioned here (and several more) are marked with a signpost and a QR code. In recent years, work has been done to renew the signposts and make the information more accessible, so that all the heritage sites are easier hiking destinations for everyone.
All the cultural heritage sites in and around Oppdal are available on the website here, which is also linked via the QR codes.
Frequently asked questions about Pilgrim Village Oppdal
Which historical sites can you visit along the route?
Along the Pilgrim Path in Oppdal, there are several historical sites that have been important for travelers for hundreds of years. These include Kongsvold Fjeldstue and Vårstigen, St. Michael’s Chapel, the burial ground at Vang, and Gamle Kongeveg.
Can you hike parts of the route as a day trip?
Yes, many people choose to walk shorter sections as day hikes. There are both easy and more demanding parts of the route, and you can start from Oppdal town center or from locations along Dovrefjell. Several providers also offer guided half-day and full-day tours adapted to different skill levels.
Is there accommodation along the Pilgrim Path in Oppdal?
Yes, there are many accommodation options along the route. Pilgrims can choose between mountain lodges, hotels, campsites, and simple pilgrim hostels.
What are the Pilgrim Days at Dovrefjell?
Pilgrim Days at Dovrefjell is an annual cultural and pilgrimage event held in Dovre and Oppdal.
The aim of the event is to show that pilgrimage is not only about history, but also about today’s search for peace, community, and nature experiences. The program combines nature, culture, and spirituality in the historic landscape between Gudbrandsdalen, Dovrefjell, and Oppdal.