Røyse: Pilgrim Trail, Cultural Heritage and Landscape

Røyse brings together a section of the Gudbrandsdalsleden with medieval and Iron Age heritage, as well as sweeping views across Tyrifjord. When planning, it is useful to distinguish the scale of the pilgrim route from that of individual sites: the trail leads to Gjøvik, while the church and burial ground each offer their own historical focus. This can help you decide whether a walking stage, cultural heritage, or both will shape your stay.

Walking the Gudbrandsdalsleden

The pilgrim trail through Ringerike is part of the Gudbrandsdalsleden. It runs from Bønsnes in Røyse through Ringerike, Hadeland and Toten to Gjøvik. For a more specific sense of distance between two churches, the shorter stretch between Bønsnes Church and Hole Church is also relevant: it is about 6 km long. Nordre Ullern is a natural stopping point for pilgrims and others who want to experience Røyse on foot. The long-distance route and this roughly 6 km stretch offer different scales for planning.

Bønsnes Church: Medieval History and Views

Bønsnes Church is located in Bønsnes at the far end of the Røyse Peninsula. It sits on elevated ground among fertile fields, with sweeping views south across Tyrifjord. The church is one of Norway’s oldest medieval churches and one of the two surviving medieval stone churches in Hole. Inside, it houses a wooden sculpture of the Madonna dating from around 1250, as well as a 15th-century crucifix. The church thus combines a striking setting in the landscape with architectural and artistic history from different periods of the Middle Ages.

The Frøyshov Burial Ground

At Frøyshov, a burial ground from the Early Iron Age lies on a farm. It consists of at least 20 round burial mounds and is situated on elevated, open ground. From here, there are far-reaching views across Tyrifjord and the old cultural landscape. Compared with Bønsnes Church, the historical focus shifts to a much earlier burial history; at the same time, the views make the landscape an important part of the site. Røyse therefore offers different points of interest for travellers interested in both religious architecture and archaeological traces.

Practical Information About the Pilgrim Trail

The old red-painted Skomakerstua is located by the pilgrim trail at Frøyshov. It is a simple, self-service rest area with electricity, water and a dry toilet. There are two to three sleeping places in a common room, and benches outside for a break. If you depend on access or these facilities, check their availability before your trip. Nordre Ullern is another landmark for pilgrims and others who want to explore Røyse on foot.

In the Wider Destination of Hole

In the wider destination of Hole, Halvdanshaugen is a burial mound on the grounds of the old royal estate of Stein. Jørgen Moe was born and grew up at the Mo farm in Steinsfjerdingen in Hole. The Krokskogstupene in Hole offer another perspective on the landscape: the protected area covers 3,737 dekar and is characterised by steep slopes and cliffs descending towards Holsfjorden. It contains old coniferous forest, deciduous forest and mixed forest, as well as six red-listed habitat types. These examples add to the picture of Hole; they are distinct regional themes alongside the sites and trail sections in Røyse.

Discover more destinations: Krokkleiva, Kroksund, Grøndokka.

Back to the wider travel overview: Hole.