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.
ETIAS travel authorization
Starting mid/end 2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. It is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
Two important updates
As you may know, the St. Olav Path splits in two at Munkeby. You can choose between the 'Inner Trail' or the 'Outer Trail' (more info in FAQ). For a long time it was unclear what would happen to both alternatives regarding accommodation (Inner Trail) and the boat transfer to Trondheim (Outer Trail). But now we know what will happen for the 2025 season!
‘The pilgrim experience’
"Years ago, when I lost my job and also heard I had prostate cancer, my life was turned upside down. I had the impression that I hadn't fulfilled my mission in life. It took a long time before I was able to walk among people again. After a test hike along the Baltic Sea in 2005, I decided to walk 2007 the Way of St. James from the Somport Pass to Santiago. (I was inspired to do this by Hape Kerkeling and a good friend, among others). After my return back home, I changed my life. My wife and I moved to another city, to the house of my mother-in-law, who had passed away."
Coastal Pilgrim Path
We are proud to introduce two new packages along the Coastal Pilgrim Route (Kystpilegrimsleia) in Norway: a mixture of beautiful hikes, guided tours and ferry trips.
Winter experience
Discover the magic of winter along the historic St. Olavsleden Pilgrim Trail on this 7-day self-guided tour. Start in Östersund, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and enjoy local cuisine and cozy accommodation.
Walk in the footsteps of Viking King Olav on two short scenic hikes to a Viking Runestone and a stunning frozen waterfall. Ride horseback along the pilgrim route and ski through the peaceful winter landscape.
Explore the Jamtli Museum and the vibrant mountain village of Åre, with optional activities like dogsledding and snowshoeing. The tour includes transport, meals, and all equipment. This journey offers the perfect mix of nature, history, and relaxation.
Guided group tour 2025
We are very proud to introduce a guided group hike from Sweden to Norway in the summer of 2025. Over mountains, through forests and along the Trondheim fjord. Plus: a visit to the annual St. Olav Play in Stiklestad.
My Finnish dream
My special bond with Finland started four years ago. I had been a big fan of the Nordics for over twelve years and that is why I had decided to move to Finland. Once there, I immediately fell in love with the nature and the peace that the country radiates. Unfortunately, after a while I developed severe physical complaints that made it impossible for me to walk or stand on my legs. The Finnish doctors could not help me and I could not take care of myself, because of these physical problems. For that reason, my Finnish dream fell apart and after a year I had to move back to the Netherlands.
Moving to Sweden
Over the years we have met quite a few people who were interested in moving to Sweden, Norway or Finland after completing their hike. Not surprising: there is a lot of space and unspoiled nature, there are a lot of (professional) opportunities and in the countryside houses can be affordable.
Exploring Gudbrandsdalsleden
In August and September 2024, we had the opportunity to explore parts of the Gudbrandsdalsleden - the pilgrim route from Oslo to Trondheim.
Returning as volunteer
Mireille from Belgium walked the St. Olav’s Trail from Sweden to Norway in 2023. She liked one of the accommodations she stayed at so much that she returned a year later as a volunteer.
