The cool Camino is drawing more attention as hikers from around the world turn to Norway’s St Olav Ways instead of Spain’s traditional Camino de Santiago. With rising temperatures across Europe many pilgrims are looking north for a cooler and quieter alternative.
The Gudbrandsdalen path is one of the most popular routes leading to Trondheim where St Olav is buried. Walking here feels different from Spain. The trails pass through forests rivers and Viking age landmarks with moss covered stones and silence broken only by birdsong. It is not only about faith but also about nature culture and peace.
While Spain’s Camino faced dangerous heat waves this summer reaching up to 45C and even forcing closures Norway offered 13C in August making it perfect for long hikes. Pilgrims say the cooler weather is a big reason they choose Norway as walking for hours under extreme heat in Spain has become harder every year.
Last year almost half a million people walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain while fewer than a thousand completed the last stretch of the St Olav Ways in Norway. Yet the numbers are growing as word spreads about this northern route.
Pilgrims here find stave churches medieval ruins and untouched landscapes instead of crowded hostels and tourist packed towns. The journey is tougher in some ways with fewer accommodations but it rewards hikers with fresh air mountains rivers and the chance to walk in harmony with nature.
For many the cool Camino is more than just a hike. It is a way to slow down reflect and experience a pilgrimage rooted in history yet perfectly suited for today’s climate challenges.
