The Pilgrims’ Route, or Pilgrimsruta, connects Halden near the Swedish border with Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration identifies it as National Cycle Route 7 and part of EuroVelo 3. Between its two ends, the journey takes in Oslo, the Lake Mjøsa area, valleys and mountain crossings.
From Halden towards Lake Mjøsa
Visit Norway describes a south-to-north journey from Halden through Oslo and onward towards Lake Mjøsa. At Hamar, the ruins of the old cathedral give the pilgrimage theme a historical setting; the northern destination is Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
For a shorter ride around the lake, the Norway-Sweden route guide hosted by Visit Greater Oslo describes a section from Eidsvoll towards Tangen and Atlungstad. Between Minnesund and Tangen, it follows Lake Mjøsa closely in places. Part uses an asphalted former railway alignment away from cars, while the approach to Minnesund includes some traffic.
Beyond Tangen, the same guide describes a wooded stretch towards Ekeberg, followed by the more open agricultural landscape around Stor-Re and Stange. It presents this section as a ride for adults accustomed to cycling.
Valleys and mountain country
SykkelNorge’s description moves between quieter roads near settlements and more demanding sections farther north. The route includes the Gudbrandsdalen valley, the Dovre crossing and Slådalsveien between Dombås and Vågåmo. Its account describes a mostly asphalt surface with some gravel sections.
The cycling organisation cautions that the stretch between Oppdal and Dombås uses the E6 across Dovre for substantial parts, where traffic can be heavy and fast. It also notes shorter E6 sections in Gudbrandsdalen. These are important considerations when choosing which part to ride and whether the road conditions suit your experience.
Planning the journey
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is responsible for the national routes’ alignment and signposting. Its network guidance says signage coverage varies by area. SykkelNorge reproduces an administration description stating that the route is not signposted between Trondheim and Lillehammer, so do not rely on signs alone.
SykkelNorge says its own route mappers have not certified this itinerary and that it lacks sufficient information to recommend it as optimal for safety, signs, ferries, tunnels and other infrastructure. Check the detailed alignment and current local conditions before setting out, especially where the route meets major roads or tunnels.
The administration advises checking bicycle carriage in advance if combining a ride with other transport. Its general guidance also recommends effective front and rear lights and high-visibility clothing on roads with motor traffic. The Lillehammer–Minnesund section, which SykkelNorge says coincides with Mjøstråkk, is one option for a shorter trip.