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 a new travel guide for cyclists coming in 2025, 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, who cycled the route in June 2024.
How did you come up with the idea of doing the St. Olav path by bike?
We had read something about Francine Postma and the St. Olav Path in a magazine and later also read her book Onderweg. We found that book and how she described the path very beautiful and interesting. We love Sweden and Norway and because we like cycling more than walking, we decided to cycle the route.
How did you prepare?
We prepared by buying the St. Olav Path hiking guide and reading it, buying a cycling map of Northern Sweden and consulting with Nordic Pelgrim, who arranged the overnight stays. We wanted to bring our own bikes, because we have not had such good experiences with rental bikes on cycling trips that we have made in Spain and France. We also liked driving to Selånger with our own car with the bikes on it. That went well and we did it in two days.
How is the route, which is mainly known as a walking route, for cyclists?
The route is very well signposted, also for cyclists, and there are good maps available. Because we have e-bikes, we noticed that the trail through the forest were especially difficult for us when they were steep. E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes and we cycled with luggage for fourteen days. Every now and then we deviated from the bike route and looked at the map for a detour. That did not happen very often and only for short distances.
We found cycling in Norway a bit more difficult because the hills and mountains are steeper. Cycling in Sweden is easy to do. We also almost always managed to charge the batteries. Distances of 40-50 km are fine. Suze never had to charge in between. Ton twice: once in a supermarket in Kluk and once in Munkeby in the pilgrim hostel.
We were away for exactly three weeks. Fourteen cycling days, two rest days, one day for the train journey back from Trondheim to Sundsvall and four days for the journey to and from the Netherlands. At all overnight addresses we could store our bikes well inside or in a safe place outside.
Was the return journey with the bike on the train easy to arrange?
In itself the train journey was easy to book, but there was some confusion about taking the bikes with you. The Norrtåg website stated that there is only room for three bikes and that you can not make a reservation for the bike. We were a bit anxious about that, but it all turned out fine. In Trondheim it was a bit difficult to get the bikes on the train, because it was a narrow entrance with a staircase of three steps. The conductor was very nice and helped us getting on – he thought it was great that we had cycled the St. Olav Path with the e-bikes and we didn’t have to pay anything for the bikes. The bikes had to be upright in those brackets, but that didn’t work. However, the conductor didn’t mind. The transfer in Storlien also went well. Fellow passengers helped to lift the bikes out of the train and the train to Sweden had a very easy entrance and a more spacious place for bikes. Actually, the bikes had to hang upright in hooks there too, but that didn’t work so we just put them in the place for the bikes. There was also room for two strollers next to it. The conductor of the Norwegian train came on the Swedish train to check if everything had worked out.
The return journey was also nice because in Sweden we passed many places where we had also cycled. When we arrived in Sundsvall, we cycled back to Selånger where our car was parked. For a small fee, the car could be parked at the Pilgrim Center for fourteen days.
Thinking back, the beautiful nature comes to mind again. We found Sweden especially beautiful and unspoiled. Most of all the part from Medstugan to Sul. Even though we did not take the path for hikers, this part of the route was also very scenic.
What we also found very beautiful was the special service for pilgrims in the chapel next to the cathedral. We were there with two Belgian ladies who we had also met in Skalstugan and a gentleman who worked in the Pilgrim Center. The female pastor did everything in English so it was easy to follow.
We have warm memories of the incredibly friendly and helpful people. Our hosts from the overnight addresses, but also people we met along the way and the other pilgrims.

Important dates
4 February 2025
Every season has a few dates when people (and we as well) have trouble finding accommodation in certain places. Music festivals, cultural happenings and other events make that hotels, B&B's and even tiny little cabins have been booked a long time ago.
The Waterway by bicycle
23 January 2025
Nordic Pilgrim launches its first official bicycle package: along the St. Olav Waterway in Finland - 10 days, from Turku to Mariehamn (Åland).
Feel free, breathe deeply, and savor the the Nordic Riviera – one island at a time. By bicycling instead of walking, you have the possibility to really explore the Finnish archipelago. To visit places that are often just out of reach for hikers. This trip lends itself to explore the archipelago – off the beaten track.
ETIAS travel authorization
7 January 2025
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
6 January 2025
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’
16 December 2024
"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
7 November 2024
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
15 October 2024
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
8 October 2024
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
5 October 2024
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
2 October 2024
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.