Östersund - Åre
- 8 days, self-guided -
OVERVIEW
The St. Olav Path, or S:t Olavsleden, is the world’s northernmost pilgrim path, stretching 580 km from Selånger in Sweden to Trondheim in Norway. The trail leads over mountains, through deep forests and along lakes, passing historic sites connected to the legacy of St. Olav. It is often called Scandinavia’s answer to the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
This stage starts in Östersund, the capital of the Swedish province of Jämtland. From there, the trail crosses the peaceful islands of Frösön and Rödön, offering beautiful views of the Swedish mountains, before continuing through rural countryside toward the ski village of Åre. Rest days or combined stages are possible – ask us for the options
01. Travel day – Overnight in Östersund
Östersund is a lively town with shops, cafés and one of Sweden’s finest attractions: Jamtli Open-Air Museum (Museum of the Year 2013). The city can easily be reached by train or plane.
→ Please note: it is possible to split the next hike
You can split this day in two: Östersund – Frösön (approx. 12 km) and Frösön – Rödön (approx. 11 km). This adds one day to your itinerary.
02. Östersund – Rödön (approx. 23 km)
From Östersund you pass a bridge to Frösön island, passing Sweden’s northernmost rune stone. The Frösö church is really worth a visit – as is the new pilgrim centre at the other side of the road. You follow the road, crossing the brigde to Rödön peninsula.
03. Rödön – Vaplan (approx. 22 km)
A moderately tough day, past farms, hills and St. Olav’s spring at Vikeränget. Sometimes you have incredible views of the mountains.
04. Vaplan – Alsen (approx. 19 km)
Today is relatively easy walking with mountain views on your left hand side. It is mostly asphalt and some nature trails. At the end of the day you pass prehistoric rock carvings at Glösa, where there is also a small open-air museum.
→ Please note: it is possible to split the next hike
It is possible to split this walk into two parts: one of approx. 10 km and one of approx. 15 km. This adds one day to your itinerary.
05. Alsen – Mörsil (approx. 25 km)
A long, demanding day through dense forest and hills with rewarding lake views. There is some ascending and descending involved – but you never really have to climb.
06. Mörsil – Hålland (approx. 20 km)
You follow the Indalsälven River through a valley with views of the Åre mountains. In Hålland you stay at a place that has a model of a Norwegian stave church in the backyard!
07. Hålland – Åre (approx. 21 km)
Today you pass the beautiful Ristafallet waterfall, famous from many films and TV series. At the end of the day you arrive in Åre, Sweden’s ski capital, via forests, meadows and the ‘troll path’.
08. Travel day
You can travel back from Åre by taking the train – to Östersund (where there is a airport), Stockholm or Trondheim.
Optional
You can divide these days into two walks:
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Östersund - Rödön (ca. 23 km) into Östersund - Frösön (ca. 11 km) and Frösön - Rödön (ca. 12 km). This gives you time to visit the Frösö church and pilgrim center.
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Alsen - Mörsil (ca. 25 km) into Alsen - Kluk (ca. 10 km) and Kluk - Mörsil (ca. 15 km).
Summary
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Self-guided hike along the St. Olav Path, from Östersund to Åre (Sweden)
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Available from May to September
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8 days, of which you walk 6, with an average of 22 kilometers per day.
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Price: coming soon!
