Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to St. Olav’s Way- Norway

"On this journey, the horizon is the goal."

VOYAGE TYPE

Classic Pilgrimage
Outdoor Adventure
Walking Pilgrimage

In Norway, you breathe in beauty. For a first-time visitor, a few days in Norway eases the soul. Her laid-back locals encourage you to take a cultural deep dive and her Viking heritage that evokes dreams of long houses filled with singing warriors. Norway is a country of jaw-dropping natural wonders that erupt in the seaside fjords, with one of the finest short-summer seasons on the planet. As the Norwegian proverb says, “Do not look at the ground for your next step; greatness lies with those who look toward the horizon.” On this journey, the horizon is the goal.

For a thousand years, pilgrims across Scandinavia have followed a network of historic trails through awe-inspiring landscapes, culturally rich villages, and historic church sites. St. Olav’s Way celebrates the Viking King who brought the message of Christ to his people and transformed warriors of plunder into followers of Christ. You end your journey (100 KM) at St. Olav’s burial place, Nidaros Cathedral, in Trondheim. The medieval tradition of pilgrimage has once again become popular .

Overview

Follow the 1000-year trail to Nidaros Cathedral.
Stamp your passport along the journey for your St. Olav letter.
Stretch muscles beyond what you thought possible.
Breathe in Norse history at a steady pace.
Sit around a warm fire at night, sharing your moments of wonder.

Itinerary

Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.

Day 1- A Norse Walk
Welcome to one of the most beautiful countries on earth: Norway. You will discover impressive fjords, breathtaking mountains, and a unique culture from ancient Viking kingdoms that spread worldwide. You are here for a specific quest: to walk in the footsteps of St. Olav. Ready the soles of your feet and the soul within as we pilgrimage the ancient paths of Norse Christians on the way to Trondheim.
Day 2- St Olav’s Way
St. Olav Ways is a network of historical trails through beautiful nature, cultural landscapes, and historical sites. The trails come from all directions to St. Olav’s burial place, Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost pilgrimage destination for Christianity throughout the Middle Ages. Our first day will take us from Berkak to Voll. Our question for the day: Why do we make pilgrimages?
Day 3 – Mountains and Waterfalls
The St. Olav pilgrim path winds through villages and towns, crosses mountains and waterfalls, and winds along the ancient paths in the face of history, culture, and local traditions. People who live along the path can tell stories about old houses, churches, and landscapes. Today, we go from Voll to Meldal. Since we’re still not hitting a significant climb, we will hike 13 miles as we ponder the question of the day: What has your faith path looked like?
Day 4 – Motivation
Most pilgrims were religiously motivated in the Middle Ages, although some were out for adventure. Today, there are many different motivations for embarking on a pilgrimage. Exciting landscapes, unspoiled nature, and good hiking trails tempt many who set out on the Pilgrim Paths. We’ll go with a shorter day for the new hikers. This will allow us to get used to walking through the steeper hills. Question of the day: What is your motivation for this pilgrimage?
Day 5 – Civilization Behind
In addition to all the experiences that characterize the outer walk, the pilgrim path offers an inner walk. Pilgrimage does something to a person, regardless of faith and religious background; few do not change this trip. Wonder is everywhere. This will probably be the day we look back on as the hardest. It is also the most beautiful day as we leave civilization behind. What are you willing to walk away from to pursue faith?
Day 6 – Growing Close
More than 500 km of trails through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have been marked with the pilgrim logo. The logo along the Pilgrim Trail is easy to recognize. It combines the landmark symbol, a wale knot, with the Olav cross. Downhill can be more difficult than uphill, but after a few days of walking through hills, having a downhill section will likely lift spirits as we get closer to our destination. Today’s question: How would you symbolize your faith journey?
Day 7 – The Cathedral
Walking in the footsteps of people who have walked this path for hundreds of years affects those who walk the same path. Reaching the mighty Nidaros Cathedral is a powerful and unforgettable experience that the pilgrims carry with them through life. This is a challenging final stage, but the adrenaline of the last day will fuel us. In the afternoon, we explore Trondheim before our Celebration Dinner.
Day 8 – Et Pilgrimshjerte
St. Olav’s Way has endured a millennium, but your journey along sublime natural wonders to the final resting place of St. Olav was yours to discover individually and as a community. Following in the footsteps of a thousand years pilgrimage to Nidaros has been the experience of a lifetime. “Almighty, eternal God, we know that your blessed martyr, Olaf, intercedes for us before your face. We praise your greatness in his death and pray you give us the crown of life that you have promised those who love you. Amen.”