Selånger - Bräcke
- 9 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. The St. Olav Path begins in Selånger, near Sundsvall on
Sweden’s east coast. The landscape here has a surprisingly mild, almost Mediterranean character in summer. From there, the trail leads through peaceful forests, along mirror-like lakes and quiet countryside roads. This first part has more asphalt than the other stages of the trail. More experienced hikers may choose to combine some of the shorter stages–ask us for the options.
01. Travel day – Overnight in Selånger or Sundsvall
Welcome in Sweden! You can choose a hotel in Sundsvall or a B&B in Selånger near the official starting point of the trail. Sundsvall is a friendly city, with an almost Mediterranean vibe, to spend some quality hours.
02. Selånger – Matfors (approx. 20 km)
The route starts at the ruins of Selånger Church, where Olav Haraldsson began his journey to Norway. Visit the pilgrim center before you start your hike through rolling farmlands.
03. Matfors – Stöde (approx. 24 km)
On your third day you walk mostly along Lake Stöde with quiet spots to rest or swim. A bit monotonous, perhaps. But your cozy accommodation for tonight makes up for that.
04. Stöde – Viskan (approx. 17 km)
Today is easy walking through green countryside, over gravel and asphalt, towards the geographical centre of Sweden.
05. Viskan – Fränsta (approx. 17 km)
From Viskan you pass through Torpshammar - the actual center of Sweden - towards the village of Fränsta, with its beautiful church, home to a 13th-century statue of St. Olav.
06. Fränsta – Borgsjö (approx. 13 km)
It is a relatively short walk from Fränsta to Borgsjö – known for the legend of St. Olav’s spring and its beautiful church. This gives you time to actually visit these spots before you eat your dinner and head to bed.
07. Borgsjö – Lombäcken (approx. 17 km)
Forest paths and gradual climbs bring you to a tiny cabin in the middle of nowhere. There is no electricity or running water - but water and food will be facilitated.
08. Lombäcken – Bräcke (approx. 26 km)
You start with a hike through fields where the grass can be pretty long – bring some dry socks with you! You continue through woods and villages to Bräcke, a former railway town with a Wild West feel.
09. Travel day
Your accommodation is just a short walk from Bräcke train station, with onward connections to Stockholm.
Summary
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Self-guided hike along the St. Olav Path, from Selånger to Bräcke (Sweden)
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Available from May to September
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9 days, of which you walk 7, with an average of 19 kilometers per day.
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Price: coming soon!
