Welcome to last stop before the Dovrefjell mountains. Peek into the pilgrim farm Budsjord in Gudbrandsdalen valley, where you can follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims – and sample some local moose tacos!
A walk along the pilgrim route is also a walk through Norwegian history. Along the way, you pass one cultural treasure after another. Budsjord pilgrim farm is one such gem you should not miss.
When architect Erik Langdalen bought Budsjord in 2012, he returned to his childhood paradise. His grandfather grew up just 15 minutes away, and they often passed by the farm for an afternoon coffee break. And the long table in the old kitchen happens to be where Erik and his partner were sitting when he found out that the farm was for sale – but not to just anyone. It had to be someone with a connection to the farm.
Budsjord is a unique farm with many well-preserved houses and buildings.
“The farm was active until 1958”, Erik says. “When we took over Budsjord, it looked practically the same as in the late 1800s, and still had all the equipment that had been used to operate the farm over the centuries. Everything has been well taken care of.”
Comfy accommodation for pilgrims
Just as it was in the old days, the historic farm is the last stop before the tough hike across the Dovrefjell mountain range. The previous owners of Budsjord opened the farm for local events and pilgrim accommodation in 1995.
Erik has restored many of the farm buildings with the help oflocal craftsmen, and there are several accommodation options. Stay in a double room with a ready-made bed or bring your own sleeping bag and sleep in a shared room with other pilgrims.
Good conversations
“A pilgrim is a special type of guest, who often brings a certain calm,” says Erik.
“A pilgrimage tends to put people in a reflective mode, and after a long hike, many people appreciate the things we often take for granted – good food, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed. Pilgrims from different countries and backgrounds often strike up good conversations around the table.”
Concerts and exhibitions
To make sure Budsjord is a lively place for both guests and the locals, Erik hosts exhibitions and concerts. He has also started a major project to photograph and record everything on the farm, with the intention of eventually turning the barn into a museum.
Erik is a professor at the Architecture and Design Academy in Oslo,and often brings his students to Budsjord so that they can learn about the local building traditions.
Gourmet cuisine
Erik collaborates closely with local manufacturers in order to serve dishes with a strong local and traditional flavour.
“Good food is crucial at Budsjord,” Erik says, “whether it’s breakfast, pilgrim soup, or sour cream waffles around the long table in the Sørstuggu building or a party for 25 people in Nordstuggu.”
“Our chef Eva is from Dovreskogen and has a expert knowledge of gastronomic traditions in the village. We also collaborate with chef Håkon Magne Skjøren from Folldal and are happy to offer special menus based on local produce.”
Moose tacos and Tuscan wine
When we visited Budsjord, we were served moose tacos, accompanied by specially imported wine from Tuscany.
“It may sound odd to serve tacos here. But it is, in fact, a typical dish in Dovre, known as Morr,” says Erik with a smile.
Moose tacos are made of moose meat fried with onions and potatoes, rolled into a flatbread called lefse and served with sour cream. Served on elegant blue-patterned plates, it is the best taco we’ve ever had.
Take a pilgrimage
Walk alone or in a group. Find everything you need on the official St. Olav Ways website.
Hikes for everyone
You don’t have to be an experience hiker to walk in Norway. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, we have the perfect trail for you.
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