So you are going on a trip through the Nordic countries and you would like to understand the locals. What is the best way to learn basic language skills?
There are real language courses you can follow, of course. Some bigger cities offer real, physical classes. If you want to learn digitally, you could use learning apps, like Duolingo and Babbel. If you are too busy (or lazy) to learn, you could always use the Google Translate app to translate in real time by using the microphone on your telephone.
We always recommend people watching Scandinavian movies or tv-series. They really help you to get used to the sounds and melodies of the different languages.
Some other tips for you, that we find really helpful:
Swedish
Slow Swedish with Katrin. You can check her website for comprehensive lessons or follow her on Instagram for sloooow, well pronounced, subtitled and fun Swedish lessons.
Norwegian
Norsk for Beginners with Marius Stangeland. Learn about Norway and its history while learning the language. In this podcast host Marius first tells a story in slow Norwegian, then in English, then faster in Norwegian.
Finnish
FinnishPod101 is a website, a podcast, a YouTube-channel, PDF cheat sheets and much more. We don’t speak Finnish ourselves, and the Nordic Pilgrim routes go through areas where the locals often also speak Swedish, but it is always fun to delve into a new language – even if it is as strange and different as Finnish.
Another, more entertaining tip: Very Finnish Problems. Follow them on Instagram, X or Facebook.
St. Olavsleden on bicycle
The St. Olavsleden (St. Olav path) is mainly known as a hiking trail, but cyclists can also follow in the footsteps/tire tracks of Olav. And with the arrival of a new travel guide (link) for cyclists at the end of 2024, more will soon follow. But how do you approach something like this, a pilgrimage route by bike? We asked Suze and Ton from the Netherlands.
Happy hikers
In the commotion of the coming hiking season, we almost forgot our own anniversary: Nordic Pilgrim has been around for ten years! In 2013, founder Ruben was asked by the Swedish St. Olavsleden project to ‘test’ this route
10 years of Nordic Pilgrim
In the commotion of the coming hiking season, we almost forgot our own anniversary: Nordic Pilgrim has been around for ten years! In 2013, founder Ruben was asked by the Swedish St. Olavsleden project to ‘test’ this route
What are the Inner and Outer Route?
We receive a lot of questions about the Inner and Outer Route. Here follows a short explanation. The St. Olavsleden (from Selånger to Trondheim) splits into two for the last part in Norway: at Munkeby you can choose to take the Inner or the Outer road to Trondheim. What are the differences between these two routes?
Some important dates
Every season there are some dates on which it might be difficult to find lodging along certain trails. Something to keep in mind when planning your trip. Here are some of these dates.
Happy 2024
With 2024 right around the corner, we would like to reflect on 2023 for just a moment. It has been an exciting year. Personally: rebuilding a home that was destroyed by fire three years ago and finally moving in, just before Christmas.
Coastal pilgrimage route
Nordic Pilgrim is researching ways to package (parts of) the Coastal Route for hikers. We are not sure yet if it will be for the 2024 season - but we will keep you poste. Watch this space. But first: watch this short video that we made of the Coastal Route.
Assistance coupon
Nordic Pilgrim offers free advice to anyone. But if you arrange your own trip and still need some extra security, you can order a Nordic Pilgrim help coupon! We can assist you with last minute bookings, help in case of emergencies, make reservations or even help with translations. See the examples below. Order a coupon to formalize your pilgrim helpline! Contact us for more info.
