The St. Olav Waterway
The St. Olav Waterway starts in Turku (Finland) and ends in Eckerö (Åland). It follows the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on their way to Nidaros. Olav is the patron saint of Åland and there are Olav churches on both the Finnish archipelago and Åland, which means Olav himself may have passed the area on his way from Novgorod to Sweden. The St. Olav Waterway is the first pilgrim trail connecting Finland and Sweden over the sea. This trail combines beautiful hikes with island hopping and takes about two weeks. The total distance is 340 kilometers, including ferries. However, the distance that you actually have to walk is approximately 215 kilometers.
Program
Travel slowly, breathe deeply, and savor the the Nordic Riviera – one island at a time. This part of the St. Olav Waterway starts in Turku (Finland) and ends on the beautiful island of Kökar. It follows part of the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on their way to Nidaros. The schedule that you see below is just a suggestion. You can plan in resting days or combine stages. Ask us for the possibilities.
01. Travel day. Overnight stay in Turku
It is pleasant to take a stroll after a long journey – and Turku is the perfect place for that! Take a look at the cathedral; the place where you can get the first stamp for your pilgrim pass tomorrow. There are several good restaurants in the historic city centre where you can unwind before a good night’s rest.
02. Turku - Kirjala (approx. 23 km)
The first stage is a tough one, but also very enjoyable. You come across all kinds of scenery: urban, forest, rock formations and beautiful sea views. On this long day you pass several spots for a picnic or short stop.
03. Kirjala - Pargas (approx. 8 km)
A short hike today, which gives you time to check in in your new accommodation, relax a bit and visit Pargas’ historical district on Gamla Malmen.
This day can be combined with day two into one hike. You can also hike from Kirjala all the way to the ferry to Pensar (ca. 27 km).
04. Pargas – Pensar (approx. 19 km)
You pass the impressive Pargas mine towards the first ferry. Halfway the trail you can have a drink at a local pub, but the ferry’s schedule is leading, so don’t sit for too long. Pensar Island is peaceful and has a nature path.
05. Pensar – Nagu (approx. 17 km)
With a ferry you cover the first kilometers over sea. You then follow a quiet road towards Nagu. Can you spot the deer? The two bridges you cross offer a nice view, but beware the cars passing you by. Nagu is a cozy town with a harbor, restaurants and supermarkets.
06. Nagu – Korpo (approx. 30 km)
A scenic trail awaits you today. The path winds along old roads and through pretty villages. You won’t find a supermarket along the way and only one summer café, so remember to bring plenty of snacks in addition to your packed lunch. You also get on ferry number three to Korpo.
Attention: you can get a lift for the approx. 10 kilometers.
07. Korpo – Kökar (approx. 9 km)
After only five kilometers you reach the ferry. This boat ride takes longer than the previous ones, so enjoy the view while having a drink aboard. After arriving at Kökar it is an hour’s walk to the accommodation. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the thought that you have a resting day tomorrow.
08. Resting day on Kökar
This historical and remote island is the perfect place to relax a bit. Nordic Pilgrim chose this island for good reasons. What most of all attracts visitors to Kökar today is the stunning nature, composed of barren rocks with pockets of lush forests, wild fields and protected bays for swimming.
09. Travel day
Travel back to Turku or travel on to Mariehamn (Åland), where you can take the boat to Stockholm, Sweden.
9 days of which you walk 7 days, an average of 20 kilometers per day. You can combine certain stages of this hike.
April-October
The route is described as ‘moderate’ which means that if you are a trained walker the route is easy to do. In addition to walking through forests and on gravel, the route also regularly runs on asphalt. We recommend that you bring good hiking equipment – broken-in hiking boots, a comfortable backpack and possibly walking sticks. Planning the entire route requires time, so start planning early and don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions.
You spend the nights B&B’s, hotels and cabins. The accommodations have a higher standard than for example along the Gudbrandsdalsleden. You don’t have to bring your own sleeping bag and don’t have to sleep in dorm rooms.
Meals are included – but not in all accommodations: 6x dinner, 8x breakfast/packed lunch.
Accommodation, meals (as indicated under ‘meals’), bed linen, ferries, bed linen, booking, assistance through app (if needed), STO Guarantee.
Luggage transfer, plane-, bus- and train tickets, lift/taxi to Korpo if needed. We can help you find the trip that suits you best.
Luggage transfer is possible along this route. Ask us for details.
This offer is covered by the STO Garant guarantee. You can find the conditions for this guarantee scheme on STO Garant’s website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).
Contact us for more information: info@nordicpilgrim.com or +31 6 12834782.
The exact price for this entire trip we can give after we have made a personal itinerary. The prices below are an estimate.
- € 1.390 (one person, single room)
- € 1.995 (two persons, double room)
- + € 13 for STO Guarantee
Summary
Self-guided hike along the St. Olav Waterway, from Turku to the island of Kökar
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Available from April to October
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9 days of which you walk 7 days, an average of 20 kilometers per day.
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€ 1.370 (one person, single room)
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€ 1.995 (two persons, double room)
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+ € 13 for STO Guarantee
