Returning as a Volunteer
Mireille from Belgium walked the St. Olav’s Trail from Sweden to Norway in 2023. She loved one of the accommodations she stayed at so much that she returned a year later — this time as a volunteer.
"In August 2023, I walked from Östersund to Trondheim. The trip exceeded all my expectations. I had always wanted to travel to Norway and Sweden, and I also wanted to experience a pilgrimage route. S:t Olavsleden turned out to be the perfect combination of both!
Together with two American pilgrims, two Germans, and one Dutch pilgrim, I arrived at Hållandsgården — near Åre, Sweden — after a few days of walking. We received a warm welcome from our hostess, Sara, and I immediately found the atmosphere in the guesthouse cozy and inviting.
It happened to be the evening before Storm Hans, which would soon hit both Norway and Sweden hard. The next day we were supposed to continue towards Åre, but we were advised not to go. So we stayed longer at Hållandsgården. One afternoon, I was sitting by the fireplace reading next to one of the American pilgrims — it was wonderful. A moment I’ll never forget.
This year, I really wanted to return to Sweden, and especially to the province of Jämtland. I thought about offering to volunteer at Hållandsgården — and my offer was accepted right away! I spent almost four weeks there last summer, in one of the most amazing places in the world for me.
It was such a joy to talk with pilgrims again. Their enthusiasm and energy immediately rekindled my own love for the trail. I could encourage hikers by telling them that many beautiful stages still lay ahead. Sometimes, our conversations lasted for hours. The Dutch-speaking pilgrims were also happy to chat in their own language. And whenever a pilgrim was about to leave, I tried to be there to wave them goodbye.
Here are some of the tips I shared with pilgrims — and that I’d like to pass on to future ones:
Plan your trip well. Sweden and Norway are much larger than Belgium or the Netherlands, so don’t expect a bus stop or a shop around every corner.
If you want more support or have questions, contact Nordic Pilgrim — it will make your journey much easier.
Train beforehand. Go on a few walks with your backpack and good hiking shoes to get used to the weight. Walking poles are very helpful.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather. It can be warm, but also chilly — especially at night.
And finally: always look both left and right when walking. Once, I looked to the right for too long… and got lost!"
Mireille, Belgium
