Bergen - Selje
- 12 days, self-guided -

OVERVIEW

The Coastal Pilgrim Path is a beautiful and spectacular journey along Norway's most important pilgrim route. The trail starts in Egersund and ends at the national sanctuary of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Both Norwegian and foreign pilgrims traveled this coastal route to Nidaros, the most important pilgrimage destination in Northern Europe until the Reformation in 1537. Traveling by boat was generally faster than over land. The Coastal Pilgrim Route is mentioned in written sources as early as the late 1000s. Unlike other pilgrim paths to Trondheim, it is not one continuous hike from start to finish: it is a journey largely by boat, with key places to visit,

each offering local hikes and sights. This trip begins in Bergen and ends in Selje before returning to Bergen. It is a combination of boat trips and hikes, mostly in the vicinity of key locations. There is no single continuous hike along the coast. These local hikes are signposted near key places or accommodations and can be done spontaneously and individually.

We recommend adding days – depending on your available time. The Coastal Pilgrim Route is very enjoyable when taken slowly and when you don't have to take the ferry every day.

01. Travel day – Overnight in Bergen

You can choose from several accommodations, ranging from hotels to B&Bs.

02. Day in Bergen

Explore Norway’s second-largest city. Hike Mount Ulriken, one of Bergen’s most popular hikes, offering panoramic views of the city and surroundings. The walk is steep but rewarding; you can take the Ulriken Cable Car down if you prefer. Also recommended: a visit to Mariakirken (St. Mary’s Church) and Bryggens Museum.

03. Bergen – Eivindvik/Gulatinget

Take the ferry from Bergen to Sollibotn, then a few kilometers to your accommodation. From there, it is approximately 4 km to Gulatinget, Norway’s first and largest parliament and court (900–1300 AD). Explore Eivindvik’s stone crosses from the 10th and 11th centuries and Herresalen, the former home of Dean Dahl. Cultural walking trails and a guided mobile tour are available.

04. Eivindvik/Gulatinget – Leirvik/Hyllestad

A second ferry ride brings you to Leirvik. Nearby, the Millstone Park is an outdoor museum in the largest stone quarry landscape from the Viking period in Northern Europe. Several hikes start near the hotel.

Optional: Viking Footprints offers a historically themed afternoon including Millstone Park and Viking-age life (July–September only).

05. Leirvik/Hyllestad – Florø

Next, take a ferry to Florø, the westernmost town on the Norwegian mainland. Visit the Coastal Heritage Museum to learn about local boats and coastal culture, or take the ferry to the nearby island of Svanøy, an important coastal hub since the Viking Age. Explore Svanøy hovedgård and the surrounding landscapes; bikes are available for rent.

06. Florø – Kinn

From Florø, take a ferry to the remote island of Kinn – perhaps the highlight of this trip. You will have a whole house to yourself. Meals are not included, but a basket of ingredients is provided. There are no shops on Kinn.

07. Day on Kinn

Enjoy a guided tour of this incredible and remote island. Walk further around Kinn (highly recommended) and participate in a pilgrim service at the small church. On Kinn, you encounter the Sunnivaleia (Sunniva Path), a pilgrim path to Selja dedicated to Saint Sunniva.

08.Kinn – Smørhamn/Kalvåg

Take the ferry back to Florø and onward to Smørhamn, then a short distance to Kalvåg. Kalvåg, one of Norway’s best-preserved fishing villages, sits on the island of Frøya in Bremanger municipality. Enjoy fishing, cycling, kayaking, mountain hikes, a spa, or an art gallery – suitable for both active visitors and those seeking peace and tranquillity.

09. Kalvåg – Selje

Another ferry takes you from Smørhamn to Selje – a spectacular coastal trip along Norway's highest fjords.

10. Day in Selje

Visit the Selje Regional Pilgrim Centre and take a short boat trip to the sacred island of Selja with the ‘klosterbåten’ (monastery boat), which includes a guided tour. Selja became Norway’s first pilgrim destination when Olav Tryggvason discovered relics in 996. According to legend, the relics belonged to Princess Sunniva, Norway’s first female saint.

11. Selje – Bergen

A fast ferry takes you back to Bergen, where you can relax before traveling home or onwards.

12. Travel day

Travel back from Bergen by train or plane.

Optional

Our partners of Viking Footprints will pick you up at the ferry in Hyllestad for a historically themed afternoon, including a visit to the famous Millstone Park and an introduction to life during the Viking age. Only available from July to September.

Summary

Self-guided hike along the Coastal Pilgrim Path, from Bergen to Selje and back (Norway)
Available from May to September
14 days, a combination of boat trips and local hikes
€1,995 (one person, single room)
€2,295 (two persons, double room)