On 18 March 2021, the National Pilgrim’s Centre Norway held an online pilgrimage conference about current topics and developments in the field of cultural tourism and the challenges and opportunities of the new circumstances brought upon by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The conference was opened by the Norwegian Minister of Culture Mr Abid RAJA. The Norwegian director of Tourism Mrs Bente BRATLAND HOLM presented on the changes brought upon by the pandemic and the expectations for 2021, followed by an intervention on current trends as well as Covid-19 challenges and opportunities for the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe by  Ms. Carolina CLARK, Project Manager at the European Institute of Cultural Routes. Other topics addressed during the conference were pilgrimage as an inspiration for art and culture, today’s approach and role of spirituality, and the benefits of volunteering.

During the conference pilgrim music was performed by Gjermund LARSEN and the Trondheim Soloists. Furthermore, some planned activities for this year’s pilgrim festival Olavsfest were announced.

National Pilgrim’s Centre Norway is an important member of the certified Cultural Route of Saint Olav Ways. The myth of Saint Olav leads pilgrims to travel for across the European continent to the Saint’s burial place Trondheim, Norway. There are dozens of different routes to take, from short one-day trips to journeys lasting several weeks. Find out more about the route at their official website.