In August I walked the St. Olav Waterway in two weeks across the Turku archipelago and across Åland. I really enjoyed the silence, the ferry trips and the beautiful nature. This hike was my first multi-day hike, but it certainly won’t be my last. The St. Olav Waterway has further fueled my love for nature and walking, so this hike is the start of many future hiking adventures.
Through the book ‘Onderweg’ by Francine Postma about the St. Olavsleden I came across Nordic Pilgrim. On the Nordic Pilgrim website I saw that in addition to the St. Olavsleden there was also a hike through Finland and across Åland; the St. Olav Waterway. I have a special bond with Finland, so I was immediately enthusiastic and it didn’t take long before I contacted Nordic Pilgrim to book my trip.
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. After many examinations there, I finally recovered after one and a half year. During this time, in which I literally could not walk, my dream of making a long-distance walk arose. With the St. Olav Waterway on the schedule, the circle was complete; fulfilling my walking dream in the country where my Finnish dream collapsed.
During my walk I enjoyed almost every step. Especially because my body was working again, but also because I was in my favorite country and surrounded by beautiful nature. I was there just after the high season, so I did not meet any other pilgrims along the way. It was wonderful to be alone in nature and to walk through the forest and picnic in the most beautiful places along the way. Almost daily I spotted deer in the wild, swam in the sea and ate my lunch at a lake or in the forest.
My intention was to book the entire trip myself, but I soon found out that this was quite difficult with all the ferry crossings. In addition, there are a limited number of places where you can stay overnight. In the end, I am very happy that I asked Ruben from Nordic Pilgrim for help. The overnight stays that Ruben arranged were fantastic. With most overnight stays I received a delicious breakfast, packed lunch and an evening meal. As a vegan, I have mixed experiences with vegan food abroad and especially in rural areas. Ruben told me that he is vegan himself and that he would make sure that I could eat vegan everywhere. And he did not promise too much: Finland and Åland are both very vegan friendly and I had a delicious meals there.
The St. Olav Waterway is the perfect hike for anyone who loves peace and nature. And be quick; it’s not that popular yet, so if you go now you’ll still have the path to yourself.
On @roosglows on Instagram you can find a report of my hike.