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 kilometres, including ferries. However, the distance that you actually have to walk is approximately 215 kilometres.


Nordic Pilgrim offers self-guided hiking trips along the Waterway since 2021. We can provide information, booking of accommodation, food and (luggage) transfer. Would you like to take care of food yourself? You will receive a list showing food shops and dining and cooking facilities along the route. And if you carry your own luggage while walking, traveling can be even more ‘low budget’. Do you just have a short period of time? We will together pick the best option for you.


If you have special requests, for example the rental of bicycles or dietary needs, please let us know. We like to deliver customized solutions. We can also assist with booking extra nights in the starting and ending points of your journey and advice how to get there and away.


Below you can find the target price for the trip. This price include accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner (unless indicated otherwise), maps and information. The price does not include travel to and from Finland/Sweden.


Of course it is possible to add walking days and stages together or split stages up, depending on the time and the number of kilometers you would like to walk. We can provide a realistic schedule and make a quotation for you.


Nordic Pilgrim

  • Offers information

  • Arranges accommodation

  • Arranges food

  • Arranges (luggage) transport if needed

  • Fixes your digital maps

  • Can follow you during your journey with an app on your mobile phone

Possible stages

Mix and match your trip

Panorama picture of Kökar island - click to enlarge

St. Olavsleden was my first full pilgrimage. I walked from Sundsvall to Trondheim in 2019. Before the trip, I was so determined but yet so unsure. I just wanted to walk. I was lucky to find Nordic Pilgrim. With the accommodations and meals settled, I could enjoy the route more carefree. I still had some issues here and there, both physical and mental. Nordic Pilgrim’s online company and support helped a lot. I highly recommend Nordic Pilgrim.

Chin-Yu Lee
Taiwan/Norway

Nordic Pilgrim’s personal approach and handling of practical matters proved more than welcome when I had a silly accident and could not continue due to a broken ankle. I was so very pleased that Nordic Pilgrim was there for me at that moment.

Danielle Koornneef
Netherlands

Nordic Pilgrim helped me with arranging my pilgrimage in the summer 2017 from Sundsvall to Östersund. My experience on the ‘road’ couldn’t be better. I walked on my own and only met nice people, stayed at nice places and enjoyed good food. When I’ll walk the next stage I will not hesitate to ask Nordic Pilgrim for help again. I still think of the pilgrimage with a smile and feel the peace inside me.

Conny Petersen
Denmark

Walking alone on the St. Olavsleden was one of the most intense experiences that I have ever had. Full of unforgettable moments in the beautiful nature of Sweden and wonderful encounters with lovely people. It was one of the best decisions in my life to accept this adventure. Thanks to Nordic Pilgrim for the perfect organization of my trip and the always reliable contact. www.rebeccaswelt.de

Rebecca from 'Rebeccas Welt'
Germany

The first year I had to give walking St. Olavsleden up after a week. The second year my son found Nordic Pilgrim – and their help made all the difference. I had such great experiences along the way each day, and in each of the places where I stayed, I received such a warm welcome. I am so glad my son found you. Nordic Pilgrim made the hike possible that gave me many great memories.

Barb Goode
USA

Nordic Pilgrim did a fantastic job organising the trip from Selånger to Stiklestad. Ruben tailored the daily stages to match out abilities. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. The accommodation was ideal. The luggage was transported from place to place which meant we only had to carry a day pack. I am very happy to recommend Nordic Pilgrim. Photo montage of the trip

David Ross
Northern Ireland

Ruben (Nordic Pilgrim) was my anchor before and during my St Olavsleden. He was always available and didn’t mind me messing up the schedule he’d so carefully constructed for me. Also when I needed a friend to talk to (because a pilgrimage is about more than only walking) he was there. I felt very safe and taken care of during the whole trip. I strongly recommend the luggage-service – it gives you so much more opportunity to relax and enjoy during the walking. Don’t feel guilty about this ‘luxury’; pilgrims are not obliged to suffer and it’s okay to ask for help. Trust Ruben and you’ll have a once in a lifetime experience!

Francine Postma
Netherlands

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