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.
In August 2023, I walked from Östersund and Trondheim. The trip exceeded my expectations. I always wanted to travel to Norway and Sweden. I also wanted to walk a pilgrimage route. S:t Olavsleden was the perfect combination!
Together with two American, two German and a Dutch pilgrim, I arrived in Hållandsgården – near Åre, Sweden – after a few days of walking. We received a warm welcome from hostess Sara and I found the atmosphere in the hotel cozy. It was the evening before Storm Hans, which would hit both Norway and Sweden hard. The next day we were supposed to continue towards Åre, but we were advised against it. That’s why we stayed longer in Hållandsgården. At one point I was sitting next to a fireplace reading with an American pilgrim. Wonderful! A moment I will never forget.
This year I really wanted to go back to Sweden and especially the province of Jämtland. I thought of offering myself as a volunteer at Hållandsgården. And that offer was accepted immediately. For almost four weeks last summer I was in one of the coolest places in the world for me!
It was great fun to chat with pilgrims. Their enthusiasm, their energy – my enthusiasm for the path was back immediately! I could tell hikers that there were still many beautiful stages to come. Sometimes these conversations lasted for hours. The Dutch-speaking pilgrims were also happy to speak in their native language. Before a pilgrim left, I tried to be there to wave goodbye.
My tips that I gave pilgrims and that I also want to give future pilgrims: plan your trip well. Sweden and Norway are bigger than Belgium and the Netherlands, so there is not always a bus or a shop on every street corner. If you want more support or have questions, contact Nordic Pilgrim and your journey will be a lot easier.
And also: walk a few times before your trip with your backpack and good walking shoes. Walking poles are useful. And remember: the weather is unpredictable. It can be warm, but also chilly. The nights are often chilly. Also look carefully to the left AND to the right. Once I looked to the right for too long and got lost.
