Nidaros Cathedral may be the tallest tower in Trondheim, but for weary pilgrims the gray building behind is just as important. Director Ingeborg Collin stands on the stairs and welcomes us. Ingeborg Collin is director of Pilgrimsgården. They are hoping for funds so that they can continue with the initiative towards the anniversary year 2030. Photo: Øivind Olsson / news More people go as pilgrims When the pilgrims arrive in Trondheim, they report to the volunteers at the office at the pilgrimage farm. – This is where they meet. Here they get accommodation, an offer of meals, a stamp in their passports and Olavs letter, explains Collin At the pilgrimage farm, they see an increase in the number of pilgrims. The plan is to focus fully on the 1,000th anniversary in 2030 – and to promote pilgrimage tourism as green and sustainable. – They are pouring in, and we are starting to succeed with the investment we have been making. Nevertheless, the foundation has made a loss, after some tough financial years following the corona pandemic. – Now it’s about survival, says Collin. Most pilgrims have Nidaros Cathedral as their main attraction. Nevertheless, it is at the pilgrimage farm that they can get food and accommodation, and proof that they have completed the trip. Photo: Øivind Olsson / news – It is a critical situation. If Pilgrimsgården does not get the financial support it needs, there will be consequences. – Then we have to shut down, plain and simple, says Collin In 2017, the Minister of Culture commissioned a long-term plan for the pilgrimage initiative. In 2019, the plan came which highlighted the resource needs. – But we have not yet seen any increase in the allocation. This is critical, says Collin. To be able to continue operating, the foundation is dependent on more support. Especially if they are to continue with the investment that is planned. 50,000 to Trondheim Out on the square in front of the pilgrim farm, Mayor Kent Ranum comes and takes Collin by the hand. Not to receive Olav’s letter, but to set a hairy goal. Getting 50,000 pilgrims to Trondheim by 2030. – This year there will be around 2,000 pilgrims, says Collin. A bit taken aback by Ranum’s ambitious goal. Mayor Kent Ranum hopes for funds in both hands for the pilgrimage farm in Trondheim. Photo: Øivind Olsson / news Trondheim’s mayor now hopes that funds will come so that the investment can continue. – I will, of course, go up against my colleagues in Oslo to ensure that the pilgrimage here in Nidaros is included in our alternative budget and towards the program at the next election. But primarily this is a state matter, the government through the Minister of Culture, says Ranum. Going for good thoughts The same day, the pilgrim Mads Holen arrives and registers at the pilgrimage farm – and receives Olav’s letter. – The trip would not have been the same without Olav’s letter, says Holen. – Why are you going as a pilgrim? – It is partly for religious reasons, that it is a sacrifice to God. I also want to test how far I can go and that I can use my body. It is also meditative, you come up with good thoughts while you walk. Mads Holen has moved from Stiklestad to Trondheim. On the trip, he has gone into his own thoughts, but also met new people along the way. Photo: Øivind Olsson / news The Ministry of Culture also sees the pilgrimage route as an important arena for reflection and coping, as well as part of Norwegian cultural history. Gets support, but not enough Every year the regional pilgrimage centers receive government financial support – but for the pilgrimage farm, the current support is not enough. – The pilgrimage work also depends on the commitment and willingness to put in the effort of all promoters, facilitators and supporters – the volunteers, municipalities and county councils, and local and regional actors in tourism and cultural heritage, says political adviser in the Ministry of Culture, Helge Flø Kvamsås. Director Collin at the pilgrimage farm believes the foundation has taken steps to increase its income. – Since 2019, we have had increased commercial activity. We have opened a cafe in the middle of the pandemic, and we have a small hotel. Nevertheless, they are now worried about the future. Director of Nidaros Pilgrim Farm Ingeborg Collin and Mayor Kent Ranum want Trondheim to continue to be an attractive pilgrimage destination. Photo: Øivind Olsson / news – We don’t see that we have that many more options now than getting increased funding from the state to secure the investment going forward. Published 06.08.2024, at 10.52
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Pilgrimsgården in Trondheim risks closure due to lack of funds – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
