What is the St. Olav Waterway?

The St. Olav Waterway is a pilgrimage route from the Middle Ages from the Turku in Finland to the village of Eckerö on Åland. It has been reopened in 2019. More information can be found on the page 'About St. Olav' and on the official website of the route, https://stolavwaterway.com/en/.

 

How long is the St. Olav Waterway?

The total distance is 340 kilometres, including ferries. However, the distance that you actually have to walk is approximately 215 kilometres.

 

Is walking the St. Olav Waterway difficult?

On the St. Olav Waterway you walk on paved and unpaved roads and forest trails. The route also include some island hopping by taking ferries - most of which are free, but sometimes need booking. Good equipment and planning are required and you should be in good physical shape. But the route is doable for most hikers!



Are there many height differences?

No, not really.

 

When is the best time to walk the St. Olav Waterway?

The St. Olav Waterway is accessible from April to October. During other periods the temperatures are not optimal and the weather too unpredictable.


Can I walk the St. Olav Waterway without help?

No need for assistance? Do you want to plan everything yourself? That is possible. You can find information on the website of the St. Olav Waterway. But if you need help with planning or booking, or need general info, please contact us.


Travel advice

You will have to book the journey to/and from Finland/Sweden yourself. These costs are not included in our prices.

There are several possibilities to travel to Finland, but we recommend flying to Helsinki and then taking the train or bus to Turku. For your return trip you can take the ferry to Grisslehamn (Sweden) and from there the bus to Stockholm. You can also take a direct ferry from Mariehamn to Stockholm or a night ferry back to Turku. It can be a puzzle to find the best or cheapest trip. We are happy to help you find the best option.

You can also start your own puzzle by visiting these websites:

Can you cycle the St. Olav Waterway?

Yes, but this is not something Nordic Pilgrim offers at the moment.



Can I bring my dog?

Many pilgrims choose to travel with their best four-legged friend: their dog. This is possible: most accommodations accept dogs - just be sure to check beforehand. On ferries dogs are allowed in the passenger salons. However: special rules apply for entering Finland with your dog. More information: https://www.norden.org/en/info-norden/travelling-finland-dogs-or-cats



What kind of accommodation is there along the St. Olav Waterway?

The accommodation along the route varies from rooms to cabins and small hostels and hotels. Nordic Pilgrim chooses all accommodation with care. However, the standard varies per accommodation – this is because there is not yet much available, as the route is relatively new.

 

What should I take with me on my trip?

Sleeping bag and/or bed linen; thermos/water bottle; backpack; rain gear; (warm) clothing and equipment; good walking shoes (preferably waterproof); lighter shoes for relaxing; first aid supplies and blister plasters; insect spray; passport. Trekking poles can be a great tool. Also make sure you are insured.


Why is the St. Olav Waterway more expensive than the St. Olavsleden?

When you visit the Nordic Pilgrim website, you quickly notice one hike is much more expensive than the other. Why is that? Mainly because life in the Finnish archipelago is simply more expensive. Another reason is that most accommodations along the Waterway - of which there are not many (yet) - are of a higher standard than along the St. Olavsleden.

Who is Nordic Pilgrim?

Nordic Pilgrim is run by Ruben Heijloo and Sacha Kraan. Ruben lived in Sweden from 2011 to 2018 and is involved in the development of St. Olavsleden. He is responsible for the route from Sundsvall to Trondheim. New to the team is Sacha Kraan. Sacha has walked the St. Olav Waterway in the summer of 2021 and is your contact for this route.

In Sweden Nordic Pilgrim is being assisted by Jack Shepherd, who lives and works in Östersund. Jack fixes transport and helps pilgrims who need assistance.


KvK: 72925558 / BTW: NL143714053B01

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