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.
ETIAS travel authorization
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
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’
"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
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
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
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
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
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.
Exploring Gudbrandsdalsleden
In August and September 2024, we had the opportunity to explore parts of the Gudbrandsdalsleden - the pilgrim route from Oslo to Trondheim.
St. Olavsleden on bicycle
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 the arrival of a new travel guide (link) for cyclists at the end of 2024, 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.
