Discover Dovre: Pilgrim Trails, Hiking and Crafts

Dovre can be explored in several ways: the medieval Gudbrandsdalsleden, the Kongevegen and the Pilegrimsleden each represent different aspects of the history of the trails. Hike de Dovre crosses the Dovrefjell and offers the option of combining daily stages with musk ox safaris. Practical craft courses at Hjerleid are another option. This raises a specific question for planning your holiday: should the focus be on hiking and historic trails, or would you also like to set aside time for craft courses?

Pilgrim history and trails around Dovre

In the Middle Ages, the Gudbrandsdalsleden was the most important route to Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral. Dovre Church is located along this pilgrimage route. It is clad in large slate slabs; the churchyard is known for its numerous individually designed, locally made grave monuments. Here, the history of pilgrimage, church architecture and local cemetery culture come together in one place.

The Kongevegen also begins at Dovre Church, in the centre of Dovre. From there, it can be walked as a day hike following in the footsteps of kings. From Dovre, the Pilegrimsleden follows the same route as the Kongevegen. If you are interested in the history of the trails, you can factor these connections into your trip planning; the day hike on the Kongevegen also offers a clearly defined focus for a day of hiking.

Hiking across the Dovrefjell

Hike de Dovre follows the Pilegrimsleden and the old Kongevegen across the Dovrefjell. The hike starts at Toftemo Turiststasjon in Dovre. Its daily stages can be combined with musk ox safaris. This sets Hike de Dovre, with its stages across the Dovrefjell, apart from the Kongevegen, which can be walked from Dovre Church as a day hike following in the footsteps of kings.

These different interests can help guide your choice of holiday rental in Dovre: consider whether historic routes, a hike across the Dovrefjell, or combining daily stages with musk ox safaris should shape your stay. This keeps your accommodation search focused on what you want to experience in Dovre, without conflating the different trails into a single offering.

Crafts, railway station and getting your bearings in the centre

Hjerleid offers practical weekend and week-long courses in a wide variety of crafts and techniques throughout the year. Course formats therefore range from weekend courses to courses lasting a week. If you would like your stay to include more than just hiking, you can consider these offerings as a reason for your trip in their own right. The crafts or techniques that interest you may determine whether you include course time in your plans.

Railway history is another specific aspect of Dovre: Dovre station opened in 1913, when the railway line to Dombås opened. In the centre, Jetta Kafeteria is also located on the pilgrim trail, right next to Coop Prix Dovre. These location details provide a reference point for finding your way around the centre, while the station and the pilgrim trail each illustrate different aspects of local history and travel.

If you would like to include more destinations in your trip plans, also discover Dovreskogen, Dombås and Hjerkinn.

For the broader travel overview: Dovre.