Coastal pilgrimage trail

a journey along the coast from Egersund to Nidaros

The Coastal Pilgrimage Trail starts in Egersund and is part of the official Norwegian pilgrimage routes to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. This is a journey that combines beautiful scenery, rich coastal culture, historical traces and space for silence and reflection.

People embark on pilgrimages for many different reasons. Some seek nature experiences and culture, others want peace, reflection or a religious purpose. Many simply want a break from their busy lives. Whatever the motivation, everyone is welcome on the Coastal Pilgrimage Trail - here there is room for both fellowship and personal reflection.

At a time when more and more people feel the need for relaxation and a slower pace, pilgrimages offer a unique opportunity to find balance, new perspectives and closeness to both nature and oneself.

One of Norway's nine pilgrimage routes

Pilegrimsleden is the collective name for the Norwegian pilgrimage routes that lead to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the burial church of St Olav and one of Northern Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations.

There are currently nine official pilgrimage routes in Norway. The routes start in different parts of the country and largely follow old routes that have been used for hundreds of years.

The Coastal Pilgrimage Trail is the only one of these routes that follows the coast.

What is Kystpilegrimsleia?

The Coastal Pilgrimage Trail runs from Egersund in the south to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim in the north. This is a spectacular journey along Norway's coast, where you can combine different ways of travelling:

• boat
• hiking
• bicycle
• buttock
• bus and train

This flexibility makes the route accessible to far more people than traditional walking routes. You can choose short stages or longer distances, and customise your journey according to your time, fitness and preferences.

Along the way, coastal culture, cultural monuments, old trading centres, church history and vibrant local communities are highlighted as an important part of the experience.

At sea and on land

The Coastal Pilgrimage Trail is unique in that it travels both at sea and on land. This results in a very special variety of landscapes and experiences - from open stretches of sea and archipelagos to beaches, cultural landscapes, cities and small towns.

This makes the route particularly flexible compared to other pilgrimage routes in Norway, and gives you the freedom to choose how you want to complete your journey.

Key locations along the Coastal Pilgrimage Trail

Along the entire route there are 25 approved key sites of great historical and cultural value. These are key stops on the journey, and here you can also get your pilgrim passport stamped if you have one.

The key locations link history, faith, trade, coastal life and local culture - giving your journey both depth and context.

Stages on the Coastal Pilgrimage Trail in Rogaland

In Rogaland, the Coastal Pilgrimage Trail runs from Egersund in the south to Haugesund in the north. Here you'll find varied landscapes, long beaches, open seas and historical sites closely linked to the development of the coast.

Stage 1: Egersund - Jæren

This stage is particularly suitable for walking and cycling and can easily be combined with trains and buses.

Here's how to complete the stage:
Daily stages on foot or by bike. Some stretches can also be travelled by public transport.

Time spent:
1-2 days

Key locations:

• Egersund
• The beaches of Jæren
• Obrestad lighthouse
• Hå old vicarage

Here you'll encounter the open landscape of Jæren, long sandy beaches and powerful nature experiences in the Magma Unesco Geopark - a worthy and evocative starting point for your pilgrimage along the coast.

Welcome to start your journey in Egersund

As the starting point for the Coastal Pilgrimage Trail, Egersund welcomes pilgrims, hikers and travellers - whether you're walking one stage or all the way to Trondheim.

This is where the journey northwards along the coast begins, with the sea as a companion and history as a backdrop.

Whether you're looking for tranquillity, adventure, culture or reflection, the Coastal Pilgrimage Trail has it all.

Welcome to Egersund, and happy pilgrimage.