28 July – 3 August 2023

Little Amal Walks Trondheim 

Little Amal is the 12 foot puppet of  a 10 year old Syrian refugee child at the heart of The Walk.  She has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees.

From 28 July to 3 August 2023, Olavsfest  welcomed Little Amal to Trondheim, Norway, her first visit to Scandinavia.

A mother's song

Nidaros Pilgrim Centre

Trondheim, Norway

Amal awakens to the soothing voice of Marja Mortensson, a nurturing mother figure from the Sami Community. The familiar melody of a traditional Joik song guides Amal across the river towards a gathering of pilgrims. Together they walk through the gardens of Nidaros Cathedral to the opening of Olavsfest.

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

Lost in the unknown

Trondheim, Norway

Amal ventured into the unfamiliar surroundings of the centre of Trondheim. Eager to reconnect with a sense of belonging, she embarked on a search for the familiar and discovered community among strangers.

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

Surprise!

Borggården Courtyard

Trondheim, Norway

The residents of Trondheim have been meticulously organising a surprise celebration for Amal, crafting presents, rehearsing songs and practicing dances. Everyone hides together in the Borggården Courtyard at the Archbishop’s Palace, ready to give Amal a surprise…

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

The Plastic Sun

Sula, Norway

Amal arrives by boat to the faraway island of Sula. She walks through the village with communities from Sula and the surrounding islands who have all come together to welcome Amal.

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

Feeling lonely, have a dance

Trondheim Mottakssenter

Tiller, Norway

In a place just outside Trondheim’s city centre Amal feels overwhelmed in an unfamiliar land. She meets young people with similar stories to her own and finds comfort as they dance and play together.

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

Me and my new friends

Trondheim Marinen

Trondheim, Norway

Amal arrives by the river Nidelven, greeted by school children who have made over 1000 handmade flowers, fish, butterflies and birds. Amazed at the natural world around her, she opens a magical music box and its melodies fill the air…

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

A golden harvest

Ravnkloa

Trondheim, Norway

Amal can see boats in the distance, filled with the farmers of Trondheim surroundings and their beautiful harvest food. Together, Amal and the farmers parade towards the Royal Residence in the centre of Trondheim.

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

When it's time to go

Town Hall of Trondheim

Trondheim, Norway

With a heavy heart, Amal bids goodbye to Trondheim. She boards a boat, but not before strolling through a vibrant food festival. The farmers from across the Trondheim region gift her baskets filled with nourishing food to sustain her on next long journey…

It is always free to walk with Amal. We ask you to donate what you can.

Read more about this event HERE.

A festival of  human rights and values

“The refugees who come to our country are a positive resource. How do we want to welcome the refugees who come to the country and how do we do it in practice? This year’s theme for Olavsfest is “trust”. The fact that Little Amal visits us gives us unique opportunities to reflect on this question and to collaborate, both between different participants in our own city and region, but also with participants in the rest of the country and across national borders.

Olavsfest is an international festival and arena for reflection on human rights and values. By having Little Amal visit us, we raise this perspective even further.” – Steinar Larsen, Olavsfest Director 

Our Partners and Supporters

Learn more about the partners and supporters who are welcoming Amal to Trondheim.

Olavsfest

Olavsfest is a values-based cultural festival taking place in Trondheim, Norway every summer.

https://olavsfest.no/en/

Cultural Department, Trondheim Municipality

Brobyggerne

BUL

DansiT

Foraas Omradesikring

Frode Fjellheim

Galleri Hanna

Ingeborg Dugstad Sanders

Kirkens bymisjon

Knut Størdal

Marja Mortensson

Mette Grindstad Fyen og Thomas Grindstad Fyen

Nidaros Cathedral

NRK Super

Propellen Theatre

Rasmus Rohde

Save the Children Norway

SKRUK

SpareBank

The Flying Seagulls

Tone Erlien

Trøndelag Food Festival

Trondheim Art Society

Trondheim Mottakssenter

Sveinung Lillebjerka

Zena Edwards

Eva Kristensen